ARTICLES

On October 7, 2023, life changed forever for dozens of Israeli families. When Hamas terrorists invaded southern Israel and abducted innocent civilians, parents, spouses, and children were thrust into a nightmare of uncertainty. The days that followed were filled with anguish, unanswered questions, and desperate prayers for their loved ones’ return.

Some families later received devastating confirmation that those they cherished had been killed. Others experienced the emotional homecoming of relatives released from captivity. Yet even in moments of reunion, the trauma did not simply fade away. The scars of captivity, fear, and loss remain deeply etched in their hearts.

Today, many of these families continue walking a difficult road toward healing. Sleepless nights, anxiety, and overwhelming grief have become part of daily life. But in the midst of this struggle, compassionate friends are helping to make restoration possible.

Through the faithful support of donors, CBN Israel and trusted local partners are providing therapeutic retreats designed specifically for former hostages and their families. In the peaceful surroundings of Eilat, nestled between desert mountains and the Red Sea, participants are welcomed into a safe and caring environment. Professional therapists, trauma counselors, and social workers guide small groups through conversations, reflection, and personalized care.

These retreats also offer practical assistance such as legal guidance, financial counseling, and career support. By addressing both emotional and real-world challenges, this comprehensive approach helps families regain stability and hope.

One father, speaking through tears, shared, “This retreat has meant more than I can say. I am so thankful to everyone who made it possible.”

Because of your generosity, survivors and their loved ones are discovering that healing is possible. Thank you for standing with Israel’s families during their darkest hours and helping them move toward a future filled with renewed strength and hope.

Please join us today in bringing healing, help, and hope to those who need it most.

GIVE TODAY

By Stephen Faircloth

Beth Shean sits at one of the most strategic locations in the land of Israel. Positioned where major roads intersected, it connected the Jezreel and Harod Valleys with the Jordan River Valley and the regions beyond. Because of this, people, armies, and ideas continually passed through it. Its location made it a place of influence, but also a place of constant change.

For thousands of years, Beth Shean was inhabited. Empires recognized its importance. Egypt once ruled from here, establishing it as an administrative center. Later, during the Greek and Roman periods, it became a thriving city known as Scythopolis. Its story reflects the rise and fall of kingdoms, each leaving its mark on the land.

Yet Beth Shean also carries a sobering place in the biblical story.

Although it was allotted to the tribe of Manasseh, the Israelites were never able to fully take control of the city. Its inhabitants, equipped with advanced military strength, held their ground. This detail reminds us that not every promise was immediately realized, especially when fear or limitation stood in the way.

One of the most haunting moments connected to Beth Shean comes after the death of King Saul. Following his defeat on Mount Gilboa, the Philistines displayed the bodies of Saul and his sons on the walls of the city. It was a moment of deep humiliation and grief for Israel. Yet even in that dark moment, men from Jabesh Gilead acted with courage, retrieving the bodies and giving them a proper burial.

Beth Shean, therefore, becomes a place where we see both defeat and devotion, loss and loyalty.

By the time of Jesus, the city was largely Gentile, and the Gospels do not record Him ministering there directly. Yet the region still formed part of the landscape He moved through. As He journeyed toward Jerusalem, He passed near areas shaped by the same roads and valleys that gave Beth Shean its importance.

Today, visitors to Beth Shean see the remains of a grand Roman city, with theaters, bathhouses, and colonnaded streets. But above it rises the ancient mound, the tel, where earlier civilizations once stood. The layers of the site tell a story of time, transition, and human ambition.

Beth Shean invites us to reflect on our own lives.

Like this city, we often find ourselves at crossroads. Places of decision. Moments where paths intersect and choices must be made. Sometimes those places bring opportunity. Other times they reveal our limitations or remind us of past failures.

Yet God is present in every season.

The story of Beth Shean reminds us that even in places marked by defeat, God’s purposes are not undone. Even in moments of loss, there are acts of faithfulness that matter. And even when we stand at uncertain crossroads, God continues to guide those who trust Him.

Where are you standing today? At a place of decision? A place of uncertainty? Or perhaps a place marked by past struggles?

Beth Shean reminds us that history does not define our future. God does. And at every crossroads, He invites us to trust Him and walk forward in faith.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

“How blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 119:1-2).

Psalm 119 opens with a beautiful picture of what it means to live a life that is truly blessed. The psalmist describes a “blameless” way, but he quickly explains what that means. It is not a life of perfection or flawlessness. It is a life shaped by walking in God’s instruction.

In the language of the psalm, to be blameless is to live with direction and purpose, aligning one’s steps with the ways of the Lord. It is a life that continually turns toward God, seeking to follow Him even in the midst of weakness and imperfection.

The psalmist reinforces this idea through repetition, a common feature in Hebrew writing. He speaks again of those who “observe His testimonies” and then explains further, “who seek Him with all their heart.” In other words, obedience and seeking God are not separate ideas. They are deeply connected.

To seek God is not only to desire Him in our hearts, but to pursue His ways in our lives.

This challenges how we often think about faith. It is easy to separate devotion from daily living, to believe that seeking God is something we do in quiet moments while living the rest of life on our own terms. But the psalmist shows us a different picture. A wholehearted pursuit of God shapes how we live, decide, speak, and act.

Blessing, then, is not random. It flows from a life that is oriented toward God.

This does not mean life will always be easy or free from difficulty. Rather, it means that there is a deep sense of purpose, peace, and direction that comes from walking closely with Him. A blameless way is a steady path, one that is anchored in God’s truth.

The invitation of this psalm is simple but profound. Align your life with God’s instruction. Seek Him fully. Let His Word guide your steps.

As we do, we discover that the “blessed life” is not found in perfection, but in faithful pursuit.

Each day becomes an opportunity to walk more closely with Him, to adjust our steps, and to seek Him with greater sincerity. Over time, that consistent pursuit shapes a life that reflects His heart.

PRAYER

Father, help us walk in Your ways each day. Teach us to seek You with all our hearts and to align our lives with Your truth. Guide our steps so that our lives reflect Your goodness and lead us into the blessing of walking with You. Amen.

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Sh’lach (Numbers 13:1-15:41). Read on Shabbat, June 6, 2026 / 27 Sivan 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it’” (Numbers 13:30).

Parashat Sh’lach recounts one of the most pivotal moments in Israel’s wilderness journey. Twelve spies are sent into the Promised Land to survey what lies ahead. After forty days they return carrying evidence of the land’s abundance. The fruit is extraordinary, the land is fruitful, and God’s promise is confirmed. Yet alongside the good report comes fear. Ten of the spies focus on the strength of the inhabitants and the size of the obstacles before them. What should have inspired confidence instead becomes a source of discouragement.

Only Caleb and Joshua see the situation differently. They do not deny the challenges. They acknowledge the fortified cities and powerful enemies. Yet their perspective is shaped by God’s faithfulness rather than human limitations. While others measure the future by their own strength, Caleb and Joshua measure it by God’s promises. Their faith allows them to see opportunity where others see only danger.

The tragedy of this portion is not that the land was unattainable. It is that fear overshadowed trust. The people forget the miracles they have witnessed and begin to believe that the obstacles are greater than the God who delivered them from Egypt. As a result, an entire generation misses the blessing that stood before them. The greatest barrier was not the giants in the land but the doubt within their hearts.

Sh’lach speaks powerfully to anyone facing uncertainty. There are moments when God places opportunities before us that require courage. The path forward may appear intimidating, and the risks may seem significant. Fear often magnifies problems until they appear impossible. Faith does not ignore reality, but it refuses to let circumstances have the final word. It remembers that God remains present and faithful even when the challenge is great.

Some may be standing before a new opportunity, a difficult decision, or an unknown future. This portion encourages looking beyond immediate obstacles and remembering God’s past faithfulness. Others may be wrestling with disappointment or hesitation after previous setbacks. Caleb’s example reminds us that trust in God is not based on favorable conditions but on His unchanging character.

As this Shabbat arrives, consider where fear may be influencing your perspective. Bring those concerns before the Lord and ask Him to strengthen your faith. Reflect on the ways He has guided and sustained you in the past. Then take one step forward in obedience, trusting that the God who calls you is greater than any obstacle before you.

PRAYER
Lord, help me see challenges through the lens of Your faithfulness rather than my fears. Strengthen my trust when the path ahead seems uncertain. Give me the courage of Caleb and Joshua to follow You wholeheartedly and to believe that Your promises are true. Amen.

At 101 years old, Giulia has witnessed a lifetime of upheaval. Born in Tripoli, Libya, she still carries the memories of being forced from her childhood home during a time of violent political unrest. In the 1970s, she immigrated to Israel determined to rebuild her life. Though she now lives with dementia, the echoes of those early trials remain clear in her heart.

Giulia made her home in Bat Yam, settling into a modest top-floor apartment near the sea. But during the recent missile attacks targeting central Israel, her quiet neighborhood was shaken once again. One explosion detonated just hundreds of yards from her building, shattering windows and damaging her kitchen. Without a reinforced safe room in her apartment and unable to quickly reach the shelter below, Giulia was left frightened and exposed.

In that critical moment, caring friends like you stepped in.

Through the support of generous donors, CBN Israel quickly arranged for Giulia to be evacuated to a safer location. She received nourishing meals, groceries, and essential repairs to restore her damaged home. During her temporary relocation, Giulia found unexpected comfort. “It was difficult to leave my home,” she said, “but I loved seeing the beach every day. I don’t usually have that joy.”

Thanks to compassionate supporters, Giulia was soon able to return home with restored safety and renewed peace of mind.

Reflecting on the help she received, she shared, “The destruction in the city reminds us of what our country is facing. I’m so thankful for your help, especially coming from Christians far away. It is truly a blessing, and we send our blessings back to you.”

Through CBN Israel, you can help bring comfort and protection to elderly widows, Holocaust survivors, terror victims, and displaced families. Together, we can stand with Israel’s most vulnerable and provide hope in uncertain times.

Please join us in standing with the people of Israel in their time of need!

GIVE TODAY

By Stephen Faircloth

The Dead Sea is one of the most striking places in the land of Israel. Sitting more than 1,300 feet below sea level, it is the lowest point on earth. Fed by the Jordan River, its waters collect in a basin where nothing flows out. Under the heat of the desert sun, the water evaporates, leaving behind a heavy concentration of salt and minerals.

The Bible refers to it not as the Dead Sea, but as the Salt Sea or the Sea of the Arabah. These names reflect its defining characteristic. With salt levels far higher than any ocean, its waters cannot sustain normal life. Fish cannot survive there. Vegetation does not grow in its depths. It is a place marked by stillness and barrenness.

And yet, even here, life is not entirely absent.

Along its shores, fresh-water springs give rise to oases like En Gedi. In the midst of the harsh, dry landscape, palm trees grow, vegetation flourishes, and animals find refuge. Where fresh water touches the land, life appears. The contrast is powerful. Just steps away from lifeless waters, there is beauty and growth.

The Dead Sea also held value in the ancient world. Its salt was a precious resource, and bitumen rising to the surface was used for various purposes. Even in a place known for its barrenness, there was provision.

Scripture often uses this region as a picture. The surrounding wilderness, with its dry and desolate terrain, became a symbol of judgment, emptiness, and distance from God. Yet the prophets also spoke of transformation. Ezekiel envisioned a day when living water would flow, turning the salty sea fresh and bringing life where there had been none.

This is not just a vision of the land. It is a picture of what God does in our lives.

There are seasons when we feel like the Dead Sea. Dry. Stagnant. Overwhelmed by circumstances that seem to drain life rather than give it. We may feel as though nothing can grow; nothing can change.

But God specializes in bringing life to lifeless places.

Just as fresh water transforms the land around the Dead Sea, His presence brings renewal to our hearts. Where He flows, life follows. What seems beyond hope can be restored.

The Dead Sea reminds us that no place is too low, no condition too barren for God to work. Even in the lowest places, He is able to bring renewal and purpose.

The question is not whether God can bring life, but whether we will allow His living water to flow into the dry places of our lives.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

“The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3).

We live in a world where words flow constantly. With a few taps or a quick response, we can share our thoughts instantly and widely. Opinions are expressed without hesitation, and reactions often come faster than reflection. In such an environment, it becomes easy to speak quickly and consider the consequences later Yet Scripture calls us to something different.

The Bible consistently reminds us that our words carry weight. They are not empty or insignificant. They have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or wound, to bring clarity or confusion. The book of Proverbs paints a clear contrast: the one who guards their mouth walks in wisdom, while the one who speaks carelessly invites trouble.

This is not simply about avoiding harm. It is about recognizing the responsibility we carry every time we speak. James offers a vivid picture when he describes the tongue as something small, yet capable of great impact. Like a spark that can ignite a fire, our words can set the course of relationships, shape environments, and influence lives. Once spoken, they cannot be taken back.

And still, how often do we use words without restraint?

Even those who desire to follow God can fall into patterns of careless speech. We may justify harsh words, cloak criticism in righteousness, or speak without considering how deeply our words may affect others. In doing so, we forget that our speech reflects the condition of our hearts.

To guard our mouths is not to remain silent in every situation. It is to speak with intention. It is choosing words that reflect truth, grace, and love. It is knowing when to speak and when to remain quiet. It is allowing God to shape not only what we say, but how and why we say it.

This kind of discipline requires surrender. It means inviting God into our daily conversations, our reactions, and even our thoughts before they become words. It means slowing down, listening more, and seeking to reflect Christ in every interaction.

Our relationship with God is not separate from how we speak to others. It is revealed through it. So the question is worth asking: are our words bringing life, or are they causing harm? Are we guarding what we say, or speaking without thought?

When we allow God to guide our speech, our words become instruments of life. They encourage, strengthen, and reflect His character to those around us. A guarded mouth is not a limitation. It is a pathway to wisdom and life.

PRAYER

Father, help us to guard our mouths and words. May we speak only life into the lives of others and our world. Amen.

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Beha’alotecha (Numbers 8:1-12:16). Read on Shabbat, May 29, 2026 / 20 Sivan 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud lingered over the tabernacle, the Israelites remained in camp and did not set out; but when it lifted, they set out” (Numbers 9:22).

Parashat Beha’alotecha begins with the lighting of the menorah and continues with preparations for Israel’s journey through the wilderness. At the center of the portion stands a powerful image: the cloud of God’s presence resting over the Tabernacle. When the cloud remained, the people stayed where they were. When it moved, they followed. Their journey was not governed by personal preference or human timing but by attentiveness to God’s direction.

This dependence required patience. Sometimes the cloud remained only a short time. At other times it lingered for weeks, months, or even longer. The people could not predict when the next movement would come. They were called to trust that God’s timing was wiser than their own. The challenge was not merely to follow when God moved, but also to remain still when He did not.

The portion goes on to reveal how difficult this trust could be. Complaints arise among the people. Dissatisfaction grows. Instead of focusing on God’s provision, many begin longing for what they left behind in Egypt. Their hearts become restless even while God faithfully guides them. The contrast is striking. God’s presence remains constant, yet human contentment wavers.

The same struggle often appears in our own lives. We may eagerly seek God’s guidance when facing a decision but waiting can feel far more difficult than moving forward. When answers seem delayed or circumstances remain unchanged, frustration can take root. Beha’alotecha reminds us that God’s presence is not measured by activity. He is just as present in seasons of waiting as He is in seasons of change.

For some, this may be a time of transition. Doors are opening, opportunities are emerging, and God appears to be leading in a new direction. For others, the cloud seems to be standing still. Plans remain uncertain and prayers appear unanswered. Both situations require trust. Faith is found not only in stepping forward but also in remaining where God has placed us until He says otherwise.

As this Shabbat arrives, consider where God may be asking you to trust His timing. Resist the temptation to rush ahead or to grow discouraged in waiting. Instead, seek His presence above all else. The same God who guided Israel through the wilderness continues to lead His people today. When He moves, follow. When He asks you to wait, trust that He is still at work.

PRAYER
Lord, teach me to trust Your timing and follow Your leading. Give me patience when You call me to wait and courage when You call me to move. Help me rest in the assurance that Your presence is with me in every season. Amen.