Faith Archives | Council Fire

August 16, 2026

August 16, 2026

Seek the True King

“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore, I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (ESV) Hannah, in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, was a woman who endured hardship. She was ridiculed in her home, but she also carried the burden of barrenness. She didn’t have peace or security. In the Ancient Near East, it was seen as a shameful thing if a woman couldn’t bear children. Some would have seen Hannah’s condition […]

August 15, 2026

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August 15, 2026

Every Word of God Proves True

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5 (ESV) When I was just a boy, my dad would say to me, “Son, this book is not just words on paper. It’s not just black on white. Every time you open God’s Book, you are literally opening the mouth of God. You are hearing the voice and words of God.” He went on to say, “Son, I want you to go to your room and have a conversation with God (prayer). Then, let God speak to you through His Word, […]

August 14, 2026

August 14, 2026

Your Place on the Team

“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:5 (NIV) Teamwork is something that I have come to appreciate. It speaks to the functions and roles that each of us as believers have been assigned to. We all have different skill sets, different strength areas, and different ways of looking at life. We all have our place in God’s Kingdom plan. It is important that we find that place of effectiveness. In my short and unremarkable hockey career, I knew that I was not a goal scorer, goalie, or play-maker, but I kind of liked the […]

August 13, 2026

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August 13, 2026

Who’ s in the Driver’s Seat?

“The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:8 (NIV) As a young girl learning to drive, I can remember the fear, exhilaration, and freedom that I experienced when behind the steering wheel. What a sense of responsibility to be out on the “open road.” I felt fairly confident that I could get myself and passengers safely to our destination. (Even though I could see the look of caution on their faces, I chose to ignore that!) Years later, my dad wanted to teach me how to drive our motor home. I said with […]

August 12, 2026

August 12, 2026

Why Seeds?

“Then God said, ‘Let the land produce vegetation: seed bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it.’” Genesis 1:11 (NIV, bold emphasis mine) Seeds are another miracle that we have seen since childhood, so we tend to take them for granted. But what if we had never seen a seed? Let’s pretend that we are visiting earth for the first time. We have come from another star system. We find Earthlings friendly, but they have the oddest thing to show us. One gave us a tiny brown oval and tried to convince us that […]

August 11, 2026

August 11, 2026

The Lost Sheep

“Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.” Luke 15:6b (NKJV) One of my favorite Bible stories is about the “Lost Sheep,” and one of my favorite hymns is “The Ninety and Nine,” about the Lost Sheep. It wasn’t until I went to a church and saw a picture of Jesus carrying a lamb on his shoulders with the title, “The Lost Sheep,” that my heart was touched and I thought, “That’s me! That’s me!” I was the lost lamb that no one ever missed or searched for, but now I saw a picture of Jesus […]

August 10, 2026

August 10, 2026

The Rush for Riches

“If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” Psalm 62:10; “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV) A number of years ago we visited Barkerville, BC, which is a replica of the main boomtown during the Cariboo Gold Rush in the 1880s. In history, the words “gold rush” were used, implying people on the move in a hurry because of the “promise” of worldly riches that they had heard about. It is incredible […]

August 9, 2026

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August 9, 2026

Keep Your Promises to God

“Pay what you have vowed. Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.” Ecclesiastes 5:4,5 (NKJV) Janis was tired of her job flipping burgers. Now an office clerk, she is welcomed into the women’s office clique! Kandace, her new coworker, sings, “Remember it’s Friday. We’re meeting at Jambo’s this time!” “See you there!” Janis replies. But she remembers when Friday nights were when she and her church’s “band of sisters” visited the sick, prayed for them and helped with needs. Yet, having fun-loving office friends feels so good! But after dressing, applying makeup, and heading for Jambo’s, a […]

August 8, 2026

August 8, 2026

Single or Married

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 (NLT) This Bible verse is commonly used to speak about trusting in the Lord, and it would come to my mind as I would seek God’s will about certain matters. One particular matter I did ask about when I first became a follower of Jesus was if marriage was in store for me or not? I was 20 years of age when I first asked God about marriage. Then I turned 30 years old and was still single. Then as I approached 40 […]