Forgiveness Archives | Council Fire

April 13, 2026

April 13, 2026

Going Through It with Me

“Therefore, it was necessary for Him to be made in every respect like us, His brothers and sisters, so that He could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God.” Hebrews 2:17 (NLT) The High Priest mentioned in this verse is Jesus! In Philippians 2:6-7 it says, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up His divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form . . .” (NLT) God humbled Himself […]

April 9, 2026

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April 9, 2026

God is True to His Word

“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) Isaiah 55:8, 9 has stuck out to me throughout the years. It really helps me put in perspective how great and wonderful and all-knowing God is. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (NASB) These verses have taught me not to question […]

April 8, 2026

Maskepetoon—Peacemaker

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV) I’ve been intrigued by the story of a Rocky Mountain Cree of the mid-1800’s, a chief named Maskepetoon. Told by many, it has become a mix of myth, legend, and truth. However, all sources mark the man with the common denominator that follows the common thread of “Peacemaker.” Maskepetoon, a renowned warrior who came to faith in Jesus, found out that personal peace could only […]

March 31, 2026

March 31, 2026

Resurrection Sunday

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.’” John 11:25 (NIV) A couple years back, about a week before Easter, a fellow musician shared with me this viewpoint on Easter Sunday. I’d like to pass it on to you. Read on . . . he said, “I don’t call it Easter Sunday anymore. I call it Resurrection Sunday. Why? Because every time I say that I’m telling whoever’s listening that Jesus is Risen—that He’s Alive!” Just by naming the day in that manner, he was […]

March 12, 2026

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March 12, 2026

Lord, Use Me for Your Glory

“Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood.” 1 Peter 1:2 (NIV) When the Lord first called me to His work, I was so excited and ready to go about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. But then things happened to destroy all that. I felt shame. There were people relying on me, but I had come up way short of everyone’s expectations— most of all Jesus, who gave up all things for me. I felt like […]

March 7, 2026

March 7, 2026

Look at Who I Am

“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 […]

March 2, 2026

March 2, 2026

Let Go and Let God

“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 […]

February 22, 2026

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February 22, 2026

When Forgiveness Seems Too Hard

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25 (NKJV) She (we’ll call her Sarah) and her friend Maya have been close chums since elementary school. They were more like sisters than friends. Then Sarah finds out that Maya has ditched her for a new crowd. Sarah is hurt. Angry. And vows to spread nasty rumors about her “friend” to avenge the betrayal! Sarah’s inner voice—which is the way God sometimes speaks to us—tells her to open her Bible. Sarah searches the concordance […]

February 20, 2026

February 20, 2026

No Condemnation

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) These verses are meaningful to me as a follower of Christ because, when I sin, not only does Jesus forgive me when I ask Him, but I also belong to Him! Although this does not give me permission to keep on deliberately sinning, He has freed me from the power of sin because of His Spirit in me. His Spirit […]