Forgiveness 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 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 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 5, 2026

August 5, 2026

Burning Coals of Shame

“If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. If they are thirsty, give them some water. This will make them feel the burning pain of shame, and the Lord will reward you for being good to them.” Proverbs 25:21-22 (ERV) Isn’t that something? When you show grace and mercy to your enemies, they will feel the burning pain of shame. Ouch! Other translations say, “You heap burning coals on their head.” When you show your enemies love, they will feel ashamed for how they have treated you. I know very well what that means. I learned this lesson […]

August 4, 2026

August 4, 2026

We Are Not Home Yet

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV) A few years ago, I endured some bullying in the workplace, and it really hurt me. One day, yet another incident like that had happened, and I went into a room to cry and pray. Almost instantly the words to an old Jim Reeves song popped into my head, a song I barely knew: “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through, My treasures are laid […]

August 3, 2026

August 3, 2026

Whiter Than Snow

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…” Isaiah 1:13 (NIV) Many years ago, I remember feeling honored that our family was invited to visit her home. It was a home with walls filled with pictures of her loved ones — and that day her house was overflowing with family members and friends. We all waited as she sat in her chair and told us she had something to share. We quietly listened as this wise Cree grandma spoke. She said, “My family had been out hunting and, as they butchered the animal, it made […]

July 26, 2026

July 26, 2026

Be at Peace

“Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Romans 12:17-19 (ESV) A good word about revenge: the message here is, “Do not seek retribution.” That is the way of the world. How many of the world’s wars would cease if people forgave each other? No forgiveness — no peace. In every […]

July 25, 2026

July 25, 2026

He Remembers It No More

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm103:11,12 (NKJV) One Sunday our former pastor, Bill Jackson, was the guest speaker at Kikino Bible Church. It was Thanksgiving Sunday and he shared a good message. One thing he said especially caused me to think. It was something that we as Christians know, but I wasn’t aware that I needed to be reminded of it. God, in His abundant love, sent Pastor […]

July 19, 2026

July 19, 2026

Honor Your Parents

“Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long upon the land.” Exodus 20:12 (NKJV) Rita dials. The telephone rings . . . and rings. She is about to hang up when Sandy, her sister, answers. “Rita, if it’s about Mama, I’m on my way to the mall.” “I have a doctor’s appointment,” replies Rita, “and I can’t leave Mama by herself that long.” “Then, get a sitter,” says Sandy. “I couldn’t find anybody. She’s our mama, Sandy!” “And was never a good one,” Sandy replies. “Remember all those peas and rice dinners we were raised on? […]