“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being

understood from what has been made.” Romans 1:20a. (NIV)

Do you ever regret the choices you’ve made? Do you wonder if God exists and, if so, why you are in such a mess? Has a self-proclaimed

Christian ever wounded you or led you astray?

My faith turned to rubble in 1990. I sifted through broken dreams and shattered trust, trying to find a solid foothold, but I kept slipping on

fear, anger, confusion and shame. I lay on the floor crying out to God. I felt like I had a spiritual flu; I felt too heartsick to get up and function.

I had always tried to perform well and be a good Christian—only to discover how miserably I had been deceived and how terribly I had

failed God and my family. Then, God gave me a different focus. I heard His gentle voice say, “Look at who I am.”

I remembered Romans 1:20 and wanted to see Christ’s nature and character. I began with the spectacular northern lights. The bush

around me felt like a comforting blanket. I watched the beaver, birds, squirrels, and the occasional bear. I baked cookies and thought of all the foods, herbs and spices God gave us to enjoy.

He is artistic, generous, imaginative, and has a funny sense of humor. He created laughter and romance. If you are ever discouraged,

look around and realize that He did not have to give us any of what you see. Even if you are in an unpleasant place, look at yourself with your beating heart and know that He has an amazing plan for you.

Lord, help each of us to look at who You are through what You have made. You are greater than any failure or any wound.

– Sue Carlisle

 

Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.

Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Fear not, for I am with you.” Isaiah 41:10a (NKJV)

The phrase “Fear not” appears in the Bible many times, more than any other phrase.

It is strange that God has to remind us constantly not to be afraid. The Almighty God of the Universe loves us, and yet we are constantly

afraid of a thousand things that might or might not happen. We need constant assurance that God loves us and is watching over us.

When my children were small, I would often hold them on my lap and read the Bible to them. We lived on a farm in Oklahoma and there

were thunderstorms and tornadoes. One stormy night I was reading the Bible to my children and read, “Behold, I stand at the door and

knock...” At that very moment there was a blinding flash of lightning and thunder shook the whole house.

My four-year-old son said, “Mom, I think Jesus is knocking on our door and you’d better let Him come in because He sounds mad!”

There is a lot to fear in the world—fires and floods, earthquakes, crime, tornadoes and hurricanes, disease and car accidents. The world

can be a dangerous place. Every time we walk out the door, we risk not returning. We have plenty of reasons to be fearful, and one reason not to be fearful. God.

God holds us in the hollow of His hand. He loves us. He doesn’t want us to be fearful or worried. He wants us to rest in Him, trust Him,

and enjoy life. “The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid” Psalm 118:6a (NIV). “The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not

therefore” (Luke 12:7a, KJV). “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27b (NIV).

God, forgive me when I worry about small things. Forgive me for not trusting You to take care of me.

– Crying Wind

 

Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.

Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling, there shall be no evil befall you, neither shall

any plague come near your tent.” Psalm 91:9-10 (MEV)

Because of my early life experiences, I carried fear into my adult life. As a young Christian, I did not realize that the enemy would use these fears against me. Often when alone, I would hear someone walking in the other room and, at night, I would see ugly faces in the

windows. However, it was the evil presence I could feel around me that scared me the most.

A young summer missionary was living in our home at the time and noticed that I was struggling. He asked me if he could share my

problem with the pastor and ask his advice. I said, “Sure.” A few nights later the pastor and my sister and her husband came over to pray with me. God delivered me from the influence of the enemy that night.

The pastor encouraged me to fast, pray and commit scripture to memory. I chose Psalm 91. I was intrigued by the first verse: “I live

within the shadow of the Almighty.” God was standing over me, and I stood safe in His presence. Every verse in this psalm made me feel

more secure in God’s care.

However, verses 9 and 10 held a special promise for me after I learned that “The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for

someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV). This experience taught me that I need to know God’s Word and become familiar with His promises

to be ready for my fight with “unseen forces in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

Dear God, help me to remember that You are always with me and I do not have to face the enemy alone. Help me to remember that

our enemy is an ever-present threat who comes to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10).

– Theresa Bose

 

Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.

Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (NIV)

Sending us to Sunday school that first year prompted my mom to celebrate Christmas—something I didn’t remember doing before.

As she decorated the small tree, I asked her who God is. Her reply was simple, and something I have never forgotten. “God is someone who will never let you down. He will always be there for you.”

She had been raised in the Catholic faith and sent to residential school. For her to know that and trust God was truly a gift for me and

my siblings. It reminds me of Jesus’ promise to never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8).

I remember hearing the account of the angel appearing to the shepherds. The Bible says the glory of the Lord shone around them and

they were terrified. The angel told them the good news about Jesus being born in the city of David, how they would find him in a manger. Then heavenly hosts appeared and praised God, giving Him glory, and saying peace on earth for men.

The Christmas songs described a beautiful scene and powerful words about Jesus being born. The star over Bethlehem, leading the

three wise men to Him—all these vivid descriptions thrilled my young heart! The fact that our Lord and Savior was born in a stable gave

me a humble heart and love toward Him. I really believe it also laid the foundation of how I would always want to celebrate Christmas,

remembering it as the recognition of Jesus’s birth. I love to sing the Christmas hymns.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for your gift of life through Your Son Jesus.

– Loretta Oppenheim

 

Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.

Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement.” Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)

I’m saying “good-bye” to a gospel musician friend of mine today. We’ll be singing a few songs at his wake, and then the funeral is tomorrow. I’m really going to miss the guy! I’ll remember him as one who lived his life victoriously.

Attending a funeral brings to mind our own mortality—something that most of us try to avoid thinking about until the harsh reality of it

slaps us in the face. Like the milk carton in your fridge, you and I have an “expiry date.” The biggest difference is that we usually don’t know when that date is. All we can be sure of is what God’s Word tells us in the above scripture. In other words, in this limited earthly timeframe, we are accountable for how we live our lives.

It kind of puts life in perspective when we look at things that way. Unlike your milk carton with an expiry date, we might not know when

our time is done here, but we need to make sure that we are ready to meet God after that. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (NKJV) Settling things with God is something we need to look after in our time here on earth, not just “hope for the best” after our life here is over. God is so good!

– Kene Jackson

 

Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.

Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and

patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

The bell had just rung at the elementary school. Recess was over, and it was time to go in. As I was one of the supervisors on duty, I assisted and followed the students going in, chattering playfully, and continuing to visit with their little friends. Except for two little girls.

I noticed there was an issue, so I went over and knelt down to speak with them to find out the problem. They both eagerly spoke at the same time almost in tears, as one was not wanting to be a friend anymore.

After a very brief intervention on my part, as we didn’t have much time, I watched as both girls walked away hand in hand—no more

tears, just in total friendship again, giggling happily as they rushed to their classroom.

Not only did this quick change of heart surprise me, but I realized that we as adults can learn a lot from children. Wouldn’t it be nice if

we could forgive as easily, and continue to love one another as God’s Word has commanded?

I have learned that forgiving is a gift to myself and allows peace of mind. It is so much easier to let go and let God.

Father in heaven, help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me.

– Hazel Patenaude

 

Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.

Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Proverbs 31:28 (KJV)

My memories of my mother are good ones that I will treasure forever! I remember how us kids were the apple of her eye. Everything

she did revolved around her family.

She always looked forward to Christmas and other holidays when the kids and grandkids would come home. She’d orchestrate huge

meals, and nobody ever went hungry at her place! She’d cry for happiness when we came, and she’d cry again out of loneliness when we left (she’d start missing us a day before we were ready to leave!).

When Mom came to Jesus, it was also the start of a spiritual journey for each of us in the family. She passed her life teaching and being

an example of faith to all of us kids. She loved the Lord so much and she never turned back from following Him.

Mom was real hard of hearing and, when it was time for devotions, she’d take her hearing aids out and tune out everything. She would

read her Bible in peace while the whole house listened to her reading. I sure miss hearing that!

God really blessed Mom in her faithfulness to Him. She was a beautiful godly lady who drew respect from everyone who knew her. I know this sounds like a eulogy, but these are my memories of a lady that truly knew what it meant to live a life for Jesus. We sure miss

you, Mom!

Dear Lord, thank You for my mother! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

– Milly Jackson

 

Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.

Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon

in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Matthew 6:28-29

There are about 23,000 varieties of orchids. God must have been smiling while He designed these flowers. Some look like butterflies and others like braying donkeys with big ears. The flying duck orchid entices an insect to land on its scented head and then flips the visitor onto its back so that it picks up the pollen before moving on. The Lilliputian orchid is smaller than a pin, while a Cattleya species grows in huge clumps high up in the trees of Venezuela.

Some orchids look like a bushy-bearded hillbilly, and caterpillars like to crawl through the beard to pick up pollen for the next flower.

Hummingbirds pollinate a little orange gnome looking character with a big hat. They find the nectar in the flower’s mouth. An ugly black orchid that looks and smells like a female wasp is pollinated by a male wasp.

Madagascar has a white orchid that holds its nectar at the end of a foot-long spur. Scientists looked for years to find out what bird or

insect could pollinate such a flower. They finally saw a huge moth with a foot-long proboscis that could unroll to drink the nectar.

The Peruvian bucket orchid doesn’t look pretty, but it has an ingenious design. The insect lands on the scented, waxy lip; it then slips off

into a bowl of liquid. Unable to fly out, it swims down to a little trap door and, as it wiggles through, it picks up a bead of pollen for the next flower. Isn’t God amazing?

Dearest Lord, what a wonder You are! Thank You for displaying Your handiwork all around us so that we can better see who You are.

Open our eyes so that we can better see You.

– Sue Carlisle

 

Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.

Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.” Psalm 145:13B (NIV)

We need to be spending time in God’s Word every day, claiming all these promises. It’s a gold mine, and they are there for us to claim! Sometimes we tend to get discouraged and, for some reason, we choose to stay there. But if we get into the Word, it becomes hard to

stay discouraged!

I remember there was a time when I was so hurt and discouraged that I found it next to impossible to read and pray, until I realized that

I was just hurting myself more, and not having peace and forgiveness in my heart. I was letting the enemy win! So, I didn’t stay in that rut. I climbed out, with the Lord’s help, of course.

Sometimes when we pray, we wonder, “Does He even hear me?” or “Why doesn’t He answer my prayers?” That’s when we need to find

the promises in the Word that pertain to what we are going through and make them ours. Keep praying and keep trusting!

As we get into the Word, it makes us better equipped to do His will, and better able to stand against what the enemy might throw at us. It helps us to be better able to help our children and to help others. Sometimes what we go through can be a real help to others. Usually, we think we’re the only ones going through this hard time, but that is truly not so.

I would encourage you to read through the Bible in a year. As you read, at times the words just pop out to you, and it seems just what you need at that time. When these words and promises jump out at you, write them down, believe them and use them in your everyday walk. My main point is to read God’s Word . . . so you can claim the promises! It’s God’s love letter to you!

– Pat Hall

 

Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.

Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org

“And they shall call His name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23b (KJV)

“And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall

rule my people Israel.” Matthew 2:6 (KJV)

Many years before Christ came into the world as a baby, God had promised through the prophets that He would send a Messiah—a

Savior—for the people, because they needed a way to get right with God. He told them that He would be born in Bethlehem, which was — at that time—a small town about six miles from Jerusalem.

There must have been many who knew what the Scriptures said, and some were actually waiting for Christ to come. But for the most

part they were not concerned about it, as we see in the case of the priests and scribes that Herod spoke to. Even though they were told about a King being born in Bethlehem, the Scriptures do not tell us that any were concerned or excited about it. The Bible doesn’t tell us that any of them were interested in making a short trip to find out if this was the One that their forefathers had been waiting for over the years. It did not seem to cause any excitement in the community at all.

However, it was different with the people who asked Herod where Messiah was to be born. These men had come many miles from the

East in a caravan to worship Christ.

We can understand unbelief—as we see many in our day that are not concerned about the second coming of Christ, even though they

have heard that He is coming again.

Lord, we pray that we will all take Your coming back seriously and be ready to meet You.

– Bill Jackson

 

Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.

Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org