ARTICLES

By Stephen Faircloth

High above the northwest shores of the Sea of Galilee rise the cliffs of Arbel, a dramatic ridge of limestone that overlooks the fertile plain of Gennesar. From this vantage point, the view is breathtaking. The waters of the lake stretch out below, and the surrounding hills frame the very region where much of Jesus’ ministry unfolded. Standing here, one can take in the landscape where He taught, healed, and called His disciples.

Arbel is more than a scenic overlook. It is a place layered with history, faith, and human struggle. The settlement that developed here dates back to the second century B.C., likely part of a wave of Jewish life returning to the Galilee. Over time, it became a thriving village, known for its agriculture. The fertile valley below produced grain, while the people of Arbel cultivated flax and crafted linen, sustaining both their community and local trade.

Life here, however, was not always peaceful. The cliffs that now inspire awe once served as places of refuge and resistance. Caves carved into the rock provided hiding places during times of conflict. Armies clashed in this region, and those seeking escape would retreat into these natural strongholds. The history of Arbel includes moments of courage, desperation, and survival.

Yet as we reflect on Arbel today, our focus naturally shifts to what lies below. The shores of the Sea of Galilee hold the story of Jesus’ ministry. From these heights, we are reminded that the message of Christ was lived out in real places, among real people, in the midst of both ordinary life and great tension.

Imagine standing on these cliffs during the first century. Below, fishermen cast their nets. Villages buzzed with activity. Crowds gathered to hear a teacher whose words carried authority and grace. From places like this, one can better appreciate how close everything was, how interconnected the towns and landscapes were in the life of Jesus.

Arbel invites us to pause and gain perspective. From above, the details of life come into focus differently. What seems overwhelming up close can appear clearer from a higher vantage point. In the same way, God often invites us to step back and see our lives from His perspective. The challenges we face, the uncertainties we carry, and the paths we walk are all held within His greater view.

This place also reminds us that faith is lived out in the midst of real life. The people who once lived here worked the land, raised families, faced hardship, and sought God in their daily routines. Their lives were not removed from struggle, yet they were part of God’s unfolding story.

As we consider Arbel, we are encouraged to lift our eyes. To remember that God is at work not only in the dramatic moments, but in the ordinary rhythms of life. He meets us where we are, just as He did along the shores below. From the heights of Arbel, we are reminded that while our view is limited, His is not. And we can trust Him with every step we take.

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.

“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions” (Matthew 6:14-15).

At the heart of Jesus’ teaching is a simple but deeply challenging truth: those who have been forgiven are called to forgive. When He taught His disciples how to pray, He included these words, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Forgiveness is not just something we receive from God. It is something we are meant to give.

This is where the message becomes personal. Each of us stands in need of grace. Through Christ, we have been offered complete forgiveness, not because we earned it, but because of God’s love. When we begin to grasp the depth of that mercy, it changes how we see others. The offenses we carry are held in the light of the forgiveness we ourselves have received.

Jesus reinforced this principle again and again. “Blessed are the merciful,” He said, “for they will be shown mercy.” The measure we use with others often reflects the posture of our own hearts. When we choose mercy, we align ourselves with the heart of God.

Yet forgiveness is not easy. It is not pretending the hurt did not happen. It is not excusing wrongdoing. It is a decision to release the debt, to let go of the right to repay hurt with hurt. It is choosing to surrender our desire for control and entrust justice to God.

This kind of forgiveness does not come naturally. It flows from a transformed heart. Scripture reminds us that God’s love has been poured into our hearts. That means we are not left to forgive in our own strength. We draw from what God has already given us.

When we refuse to forgive, we often carry the burden ourselves. Bitterness takes root, and it shapes how we see people and situations. But when we choose forgiveness, even when it is difficult, we step into freedom. We reflect the very grace we have received.

Imagine the impact if we lived this way daily. Relationships would begin to heal. Communities would grow stronger. Families would experience restoration. Forgiveness has the power to change not only individual hearts, but entire environments.

Jesus calls us to live differently. Because we have been forgiven much, we are invited to forgive much. Who is God asking you to forgive today?

PRAYER

Father, thank You for the forgiveness You have given me. Help me extend that same mercy to others. Soften my heart, release any bitterness, and teach me to walk in grace and freedom. Amen.

At just 13 years old, Natalia’s childhood was shattered by war. Forced to flee her home in Ukraine as the Nazis advanced, she survived World War II by working in a factory tied to the war effort. Against overwhelming odds, she lived through one of history’s darkest chapters and eventually returned to rebuild her life.

Decades later, war once again invaded her world. As missiles struck Ukrainian cities and entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble, Natalia found herself reliving memories she had spent a lifetime trying to overcome. “A rocket hit our neighborhood in the middle of the night,” she recalled. “More than 30 people in my community were killed.”

At 95 years old, Natalia made the difficult journey to Israel, seeking safety and a new beginning. But arriving as a frail senior with limited mobility brought new challenges. Confined to a wheelchair, she needed an apartment with elevator access. She had no proper furniture, limited resources, and struggled to secure enough food. In a new country, far from everything familiar, she faced her later years alone.

That is when compassionate friends stepped in.

Through CBN Israel, caring supporters began delivering regular food packages and essential groceries. More than nourishment, those visits brought comfort and connection. Donors also provided a special bed and basic furniture, transforming her empty apartment into a place of dignity and rest.

“Thank you so much for your generous help,” Natalia shared. “I am overjoyed to receive the food and groceries, and so grateful for the furniture. Your kindness means more than you know.”

Because of faithful friends like you, Holocaust survivors, refugees, and vulnerable seniors in Israel are not forgotten. Your compassion provides meals, shelter, and hope to those rebuilding their lives after unimaginable loss.

Thank you for standing with Israel’s survivors and bringing light into their darkest moments!

GIVE TODAY

By Stephen Faircloth

Ein Gedi, which means “spring of the young goat,” is a place of life in the midst of barrenness. Located along the western shore of the Dead Sea, it is the largest oasis in the region, surrounded by dry, rugged wilderness. Yet from its rocky hills flow fresh springs that never cease, turning desert into a place of beauty and provision.

Four main springs supply water year-round, feeding streams that run through the valleys of Nahal David and Nahal Arugot. In a land where water is scarce, Ein Gedi stands as a reminder that God can bring abundance where none seems possible.

For thousands of years, people have been drawn to this oasis. Its history stretches back to ancient times, but for many readers of Scripture, Ein Gedi is most closely associated with David. When he fled from King Saul, it was here, among the caves and cliffs, that he found refuge (1 Samuel 24). Surrounded by danger, David hid in the wilderness, yet he also experienced God’s protection and provision.

Ein Gedi was more than a hiding place. It was a place of decision. In one of its caves, David had the opportunity to take Saul’s life and end his suffering. Instead, he chose restraint. He trusted God’s timing rather than forcing his own outcome. In that moment, the quiet streams and rugged hills of Ein Gedi became a setting for faith, patience, and obedience.

The oasis itself supported life in remarkable ways. Its steady water supply allowed for the growth of date palms and rare plants used in perfumes. Even in an arid environment, it became a place of fruitfulness and trade. What looked like wilderness from a distance held hidden resources that sustained many.

That truth speaks to our lives as well. There are seasons when we feel like we are walking through a desert. Circumstances may seem dry, uncertain, or even threatening. Like David, we may find ourselves in places we did not choose, waiting for God to act.

Yet Ein Gedi reminds us that even in the wilderness, God provides springs. He meets us in hidden places. He sustains us when resources seem scarce. And sometimes, He uses those very seasons to shape our character, teaching us to trust Him more deeply.

David did not remain in hiding forever. The same God who sustained him in the caves eventually brought him into his calling. But it was in places like Ein Gedi that his faith was refined.

When we find ourselves in our own wilderness seasons, we can take heart. God has not abandoned us. He is present, providing what we need, even if it comes in unexpected ways. In the desert, there are still streams.

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.

“He sought God throughout the lifetime of Zechariah, the teacher of the fear of God. During the time that he sought the Lord, God gave him success” (2 Chronicles 26:5).

King Uzziah began his life with great promise. Early in his reign, he made a deliberate choice to seek God. He surrounded himself with wise counsel, listened to instruction, and walked in reverence before the Lord. And as long as he continued on that path, his life flourished.

But his story does not end the way it began. Over time, Uzziah drifted. Success led to pride, and pride led to disobedience. The king who once sought God began to rely on himself. What started as a life marked by faithfulness ended in tragedy. His life stands as both an encouragement and a warning.

What does it really mean to seek God? Scripture makes it clear that seeking God is not merely an emotional experience. It is not defined by feelings or fleeting moments of inspiration. To seek God is to walk in reverence before Him, and that reverence is expressed through obedience. It is choosing His ways daily, even in small and unseen decisions. Yet the danger comes when we begin well but fail to continue.

It is possible to start with sincere devotion and slowly shift our focus. We may still speak about God, still identify as people of faith, yet our actions reveal that something else has taken His place. Pride can quietly replace dependence. Self-confidence can overshadow trust.

Seeking God is not a one-time decision. It is a daily posture. Each day presents us with the opportunity to choose again. Will we listen? Will we obey? Will we walk in humility before Him?

The life of Uzziah reminds us that consistency matters. Finishing well is just as important as starting well. God is not looking for occasional moments of devotion, but for hearts that remain turned toward Him over time.

When we truly seek Him, it shows in how we live. Our priorities shift. Our decisions reflect His truth. Our lives begin to align with His will. And in that place, we find what we are truly searching for.

PRAYER

Father, help us seek You not just in words, but in how we live each day. Guard our hearts from pride and self-reliance. Teach us to walk in humility and obedience, so that our lives remain anchored in You. Amen.

By Stephen Faircloth

Just a few miles north of Nazareth, across the Beit Netofa Valley, lie the remains of the ancient village of Yodfat. In the time of Jesus, it would have been an easy day’s walk from His hometown. Nestled among the hills of Galilee, Yodfat was a working village where daily life revolved around simple but essential tasks. Families raised sheep and goats, spun wool into thread, and wove it into cloth. The discovery of loom weights and pottery fragments reveals a community shaped by labor, creativity, and trade.

Yodfat gives us a glimpse into the kind of places where Jesus lived and ministered. These were not grand cities or centers of power, but ordinary villages filled with people trying to provide for their families and remain faithful to God. In places like this, Jesus taught, healed, and shared the message of the kingdom.

The village also carries a sobering history. During the First Jewish Revolt, it became a fortified stronghold. The Roman army eventually surrounded it, building a ramp to breach its defenses. The historian Josephus, who was present during the siege, described the desperation of those final days. In the end, the village was destroyed and never rebuilt, leaving behind a silent testimony to both human struggle and the passing nature of earthly life.

Yet even in its ruins, Yodfat speaks. Archaeological findings reveal a community marked by both diversity and devotion. Some homes show signs of wealth, with decorative elements similar to those found in Jerusalem. Others reflect the lives of artisans and laborers. There were merchants, craftsmen, and undoubtedly the poor, all living side by side.

More importantly, the remains point to a people committed to their faith. Ritual immersion pools and stone vessels indicate careful attention to purity laws. The absence of certain animal remains reflects adherence to dietary practices found in the Torah. This was a community seeking to honor God in the rhythms of everyday life.

These were the kinds of people who heard Jesus’ voice. When we consider Yodfat, we are reminded that God’s work often unfolds in ordinary places. Jesus did not limit His ministry to prominent cities or influential leaders. He walked through villages like this one, meeting people in their homes, their fields, and their places of work.

Yodfat also reminds us of how quickly circumstances can change. A thriving village became a ruin within a generation. What once felt stable disappeared. Yet God’s purposes continued. The message Jesus proclaimed in those hills did not end with the destruction of a village. It carried forward, reaching far beyond Galilee.

As we reflect on Yodfat, we are invited to consider our own lives. We may not live in ancient villages, but our daily routines are not so different. We work, we provide, we navigate challenges, and we seek meaning in the midst of it all.

God meets us there. He meets us in the ordinary, in the familiar places where life unfolds day by day. Just as Jesus walked the hills of Galilee, He walks with us now, calling us to live faithfully in our own time and place.

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.

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ… standing firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

What does your life communicate about your faith? Not just in words, but in daily choices, attitudes, and responses. Paul’s encouragement to the believers in Philippi invites us to consider not only how we live, but why it matters.

Paul wrote this letter with deep joy. Though he had faced hardship and opposition in Philippi, he later heard that the believers there were growing strong in their faith. They had not given up. They were standing firm despite pressure. That news filled him with gratitude, but also with purpose. He urged them to continue living in a way that reflected the gospel they believed.

At first glance, his instruction sounds personal: live a life worthy of the gospel. But Paul quickly widens the focus. He speaks of standing firm “in one Spirit” and striving “together as one.” In other words, the way each person lives affects the strength of the whole community.

This challenges the way we often think. Faith can feel like a private matter, something between us and God alone. But Scripture consistently points us toward something bigger. Our walk with Christ is personal, but it is never meant to be isolated. We belong to a larger body, a people, a shared witness.

Every act of faithfulness strengthens that witness. Every compromise weakens it. When we choose integrity, we encourage others to stand firm. When we pursue humility, we help create unity. When we remain steady in difficult moments, we give courage to those around us. Our lives become threads woven into something greater than ourselves.

Paul also reminds the Philippians not to be intimidated by opposition. Living for Christ will not always be easy. There will be resistance, misunderstanding, and pressure to conform. But when believers stand together, rooted in the same Spirit, they find strength that goes beyond what any individual could carry alone.

So, the question becomes more than “How am I living?” It becomes, “How is my life shaping the community God has placed me in?”

A life worthy of the gospel is not about perfection. It is about alignment. It is about allowing the truth of Christ to shape how we think, act, and relate to others. And as we do, we become part of a community that reflects His character to the world.

Your faith matters. Not only for you, but for those walking beside you.

PRAYER

Father, help us live in a way that reflects Your gospel each day. Shape our lives so that we strengthen and encourage those around us. Unite us in Your Spirit and make us a community that honors You. Amen.