Council Fire
Religion & Spirituality
About
Council Fire is a podcast and book set of daily devotionals written by Indigenous followers of Jesus across North America. It's a year long journey through Scripture and story. Council Fire is a collaborative project between Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
Episodes
- Runt of the Litter
This episode uses the story of a rescued puppy, the "runt of the litter," to illustrate how God loves, cares for, and considers individuals special, mirroring the puppy's transformation from neglect to being cherished.
- Hope Through the Tears
This episode discusses the common experience of grief and loss, sharing a personal story of losing a grandfather. It explores how faith and biblical passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:13 and Philippians 1:6 can provide hope and comfort during…
- Hope
This episode of Council Fire discusses hope, drawing from biblical verses like Psalm 39:7 and John 3:16. It highlights Jesus Christ as the sole source of true and lasting hope, emphasizing His sacrifice for salvation and the importance of…
- What Time Is It?
The episode
- Potential
The episode recounts the story of Ed Wood, who embodied the belief in realizing potential, exemplified by a long road trip to support his daughter. It concludes with a message about recognizing one's God-given potential.
- In The Pasture
This episode of Council Fire, titled "In The Pasture," examines the biblical account of David's anointing. It focuses on the period David spent tending sheep after his anointing, highlighting this as a time of preparation and skill develop…
- A Joy Thief
This episode discusses overcoming spiritual challenges to maintain joy, relating it to a personal experience of theft. It emphasizes focusing on faith and resilience in difficult times.
- Kiyâm — Let it Be, It’s Alright
This episode from Council Fire explores the concept of 'Kiyâm,' a Cree word meaning 'let it be, it's alright.' It discusses finding peace and focusing on faith during difficult times.
- Hooked on a Hook
This episode of Council Fire discusses temptation, sin, and finding victory in Christian life. It uses the analogy of a dog getting a fishing lure stuck in its mouth to illustrate how temptation can lead to difficulties. The episode emphas…
- A Child of the King
This episode explores the concept of being a "child of the King" and navigating life's difficulties with faith. It emphasizes themes of perseverance, divine training, and living a life rooted in biblical principles of kindness, truth, and…
- Why Me, Lord?
This episode of Council Fire focuses on themes of faith and perseverance during challenging periods. It explores how to trust in divine plans, even when facing distress or uncertainty.
- The Real McCoy
This episode of Council Fire explores the importance of verifying spiritual teachings. It uses an anecdote about a hunting trip to illustrate how things may appear real but are not.
- A New Creation
Ken Mitsuing discusses his experience as a Cree person finding a new life through faith, referencing biblical scripture. The episode explores the concept of a "new creation" and sanctification through faith in Jesus Christ.
- East and West, North and South
This episode, titled "East and West, North and South," explores life's paths, using directional metaphors to discuss spiritual journeys. It references biblical verses such as Proverbs 14:12 and John 14:6.
- Giving Over to God
This episode of Council Fire examines the story of Abraham sacrificing his son, relating it to the experience of entrusting family and personal concerns to God. The presenter shares personal experiences of faith and trust, reflecting on th…
- Biblical Advice for Grief
This episode of Council Fire explores biblical advice for grief, noting that grieving is a normal process. It highlights the importance of faith and community in finding comfort during times of loss.
- Mountain Rock—God’s Reminder
This episode of Council Fire explores a mountain rock as a symbol of God. The discussion references biblical passages from Psalms and Ephesians to illustrate God's unchanging nature and power.
- This Side of Heaven
This episode discusses trusting God during difficult times, including personal loss and grief. The speaker shares an experience of finding God's peace and a renewed purpose after her husband's passing.
- Be Ready
This episode of Council Fire emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparedness for the Lord's return, likening it to Indigenous peoples' historical readiness for seasonal changes and community needs.
- God at Work
This episode explores the concept of God working for good in challenging life events, drawing inspiration from Romans 8:28. The host shares a personal story about finding faith during a difficult family tragedy and how God's purpose is rev…
- Praying in Jesus’ Name
This episode of Council Fire focuses on the power of prayer in Jesus' name, with a story shared by Liz Genaille. The narrative emphasizes the authority given to followers of Jesus in their spiritual battles, drawing from scriptures such as…
- Getting Past Anxiety and Worry
This episode of Council Fire focuses on the topic of getting past anxiety and worry. The speaker shares personal experiences with anxiety and discusses finding peace through faith, referencing biblical passages such as Philippians 4:6-7 an…
- Hiding God’s Word
This episode of Council Fire focuses on the practice of memorizing scripture and its significance. The speaker shares personal experiences with verses such as Psalm 119:11 and Psalm 23, highlighting how these scriptures have provided guida…
- When Next Door Neighbor Knows Best
This episode discusses the importance of teaching children right from wrong, using a story about a child throwing rocks at a cat. A neighbor offers guidance on how to address the child's behavior and teaches him to regard the lives of anim…
- Clocks and Watches
This episode, "Clocks and Watches," from the podcast Council Fire, explores the importance of daily spiritual devotion, likening it to the winding of a spring-driven clock. It emphasizes the need for believers to renew their spirits daily…
- Flight
This episode of Council Fire explores the concept of faith, drawing parallels between trusting in God and the marvel of flight. It discusses how to rely on God's guidance even when things are not fully understood, highlighting His comforti…
- He Knows Your Needs
This episode of Council Fire discusses trusting in God for needs, featuring a personal story about a miraculous provision for new glasses while attending Bible institute. It highlights the belief that God knows and provides for individual…
- Realizing Potential
This episode of Council Fire discusses the concept of realizing potential, drawing inspiration from Romans 12:2. The host uses the analogy of an old school bus to illustrate how potential can remain dormant until acted upon, suggesting tha…
- An Undivided Heart
This episode of Council Fire, "An Undivided Heart," explores Ezekiel 11:19-20, emphasizing the importance of an undivided heart and allowing God to guide one's focus. It includes a personal narrative about returning to faith after life cir…
- Going Through It with Me
This episode of Council Fire explores how Jesus, as the merciful and faithful high priest, experienced human suffering and emotions to understand and sympathize with people. It references biblical passages such as Hebrews 2:17 and Philippi…
- Be With Him
This episode emphasizes the importance of spending time with Jesus daily, drawing parallels from Mark 3:13-14a. It highlights that consistent engagement with faith through prayer and scripture is key to overcoming life's challenges and ach…
- Compassion One For Another
This episode of Council Fire explores themes of divine love and support, referencing biblical passages such as John 3:16. It discusses how God loves all people and provides care, even using difficult times to strengthen individuals.
- Ungratefulness—A Hard Pill to Swallow
This episode of Council Fire discusses the topic of ungratefulness, using biblical narratives to highlight the importance of gratitude. It shares examples from the Old and New Testaments to illustrate the consequences of ungratefulness and…
- God is True to His Word
This episode of Council Fire focuses on the theme of God's faithfulness and trustworthiness. It explores biblical perspectives on God's nature and offers personal reflections on trusting in His plan, even in difficult circumstances.
- Maskepetoon—Peacemaker
This episode of Council Fire tells the story of Maskepetoon, a Rocky Mountain Cree chief from the mid-1800s. He was a warrior who became a peacemaker after coming to faith, offering forgiveness to those who wronged him. His pursuit of peac…
- Is Any Sick Among You?
This episode of Council Fire focuses on faith and healing, drawing from James 5:14-15. The speaker shares a personal account of being healed through prayer and anointing with oil by church elders.
- Faithful Servants
This episode explores the concept of faithful service and the impact of early Christian education, drawing on personal recollections of attending Sunday school and its role in learning about faith.
- Prayers Not Answered
This Council Fire episode explores the topic of unanswered prayers, using John 3:19-21 to discuss divine intervention and individual free will. The discussion centers on individuals who may not be ready to embrace a different path despite…
- Pride and its Consequences
This episode of Council Fire discusses the theme of pride and its potential downfall, referencing Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Peter 5:6. It features a story about a student named Jack who faced negative consequences due to his overconfidence.
- Gifts from Above
This episode of Council Fire, titled "Gifts from Above," discusses finding peace and trusting in God during difficult experiences. The speaker shares personal reflections on illness and a journey to renewed faith, referencing the scripture…
- Using Our Gifts
This episode explores the concept of using individual gifts to serve others, inspired by 1 Peter 4:10. The host shares a personal reflection on discovering and utilizing her spiritual gift of helps to encourage others.
- Never Alone
This episode of Council Fire, titled "Never Alone," shares a personal reflection on finding strength and comfort in God's presence after the loss of a loved one. The discussion references Isaiah 41:10 and emphasizes that faith can provide…
- Resurrection Sunday
This episode of Council Fire focuses on Resurrection Sunday. The discussion centers on the belief that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and its significance.
- Casting It All
This episode of Council Fire explores the meaning of 1 Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." It uses the analogy of fishermen casting nets to illustrate how to cast worries onto God.
- Feisty
This episode, titled "Feisty," describes a squirrel and its interactions with bird feeders, drawing parallels to biblical verses like Matthew 6:26 and Luke 12:25. The narrative reflects on trusting divine guidance over personal striving, i…
- Grandma Without Fear
This episode recounts a personal story about an encounter with a bear and a grandmother who remained calm. It explores themes of faith, fear, and divine protection, drawing parallels between the grandmother's actions and biblical scripture.
- Why Should I Be Afraid?
This episode of Council Fire explores a personal journey of faith, highlighting the realization of God's close involvement in individual lives. The narrative uses Luke 12:7 to illustrate the concept that God is not distant but deeply perso…
- Doors
This episode of Council Fire explores the concept of open and closed doors as metaphors for opportunities and obstacles in life. It discusses how spiritual guidance can help individuals discern the meaning of these "doors."
- In the Blink of an Eye
This episode of Council Fire explores the theme of Jesus Christ's return, drawing inspiration from a conversation with a young grandson. The discussion emphasizes the importance of vigilance and maintaining faith while awaiting the Lord's…
- Many Ways to Steal
This episode of Council Fire explores the concept of stealing in its various forms. It examines scenarios like tax evasion, theft from family, and other dishonest acts based on biblical principles.