ARTICLES

“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.

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!

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“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.

Marina never imagined she would have to flee her home to protect her children. A Christian, she had moved to Israel from Belarus with her Jewish husband. But after enduring years of abuse in her marriage, the situation became unbearable. That’s when she made the courageous decision to leave with her two children and seek safety.

Their first refuge was a women’s shelter. Although it offered protection, Marina remembers how difficult and depressing that season was. The shelter was a reminder of the trauma they had escaped. “I wouldn’t have made it without God,” she shared, recalling how her faith carried her through moments when she felt ready to give up.

Eventually, Marina and her children were able to rent a small apartment in Bat Yam, a city near Tel Aviv. They were deeply grateful to have their own place, but it was completely empty except for two mattresses. The rooms felt cold and unfinished, and the family had no savings to purchase beds, tables, and other items. “Furniture is a basic necessity,” Marina commented. “Without it, life feels unstable.”

Despite the emptiness around them, Marina and her children continued to pray, trusting that they would not be forgotten.

After hearing about CBN Israel through her church, Marina reached out for help. Because of compassionate friends like you, CBN Israel responded quickly. Caring donors provided essential furniture, transforming the empty apartment into a cozy home. When the new furnishings arrived, her children were filled with joy, and Marina said it felt like a holiday.

Today, what was once a bare space has been filled with warmth and color. Your gifts to CBN Israel can help restore dignity and stability to single mothers, refugees, and vulnerable families across Israel.

Please join us in helping to create safe, hopeful futures for those rebuilding their lives.

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89). Read on Shabbat, May 23, 2026 / 13 Sivan 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His face upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).

Parashat Naso is the longest portion in the Torah, filled with instructions, offerings, and acts of dedication. In the midst of these details appears one of the most beloved passages in Scripture: the priestly blessing. God commands Aaron and his sons to speak words of blessing over the people, placing His name upon them. This moment reveals the heart of God toward His people. He desires not only obedience and worship, but also closeness, protection, grace, and peace.

The blessing unfolds in stages. First comes God’s protection and care. Then comes the shining of His face, a picture of favor and graciousness. Finally comes peace, the deep wholeness that flows from living in harmony with God. These are not empty words or distant hopes. They are covenant promises spoken over a people journeying through uncertainty in the wilderness.

Naso also emphasizes the value of each individual contribution. The tribal leaders bring offerings for the dedication of the altar, each one presented separately and recorded in detail. Though the gifts are identical, each is honored individually before God. This reminds us that God sees every act of faithfulness. What may appear repetitive or unnoticed to others is remembered and valued by Him.

The portion invites reflection on how we receive and extend blessing. Many people move through life carrying anxiety, striving, or discouragement, forgetting that God’s desire is to sustain and guide them. Others may underestimate the importance of their daily acts of obedience and generosity. Naso reminds us that both God’s blessing and our faithfulness matter deeply.

There are seasons when peace feels distant and the future uncertain. In such moments, the priestly blessing becomes a steady reminder that God watches over His people with compassion and care. There are also seasons of abundance and joy, when gratitude should overflow into blessing others through kindness, encouragement, and generosity.

As this Shabbat arrives, take time to meditate on the words of the priestly blessing. Speak them slowly and receive them personally. Consider one way you can become a source of peace and encouragement to someone around you this week. Let your life reflect the gracious face of God toward others.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your blessing, protection, and peace. Help me live each day aware of Your presence and grace. May I reflect Your kindness to others and become a source of encouragement and peace wherever I go. Amen.

When Iranian missiles struck central Israel last summer, neighborhoods in and around Tel Aviv were shaken to their core. Families had only seconds to react as sirens wailed. Residents of one apartment complex rushed toward their shared bomb shelter, expecting protection. Instead, they found darkness, crumbling stairs, mold-filled air, and broken lighting.

The building houses dozens of families, including elderly residents who struggled to descend the damaged steps. In the middle of a missile barrage, they were left without reliable protection. Though there is currently a pause in direct fighting with Iran, communities across central Israel know how quickly that can change. After months and years of war with Iran and its terror proxies, preparedness remains essential.

Because of compassionate friends like you, CBN Israel acted swiftly. Partnering with Tenufa baKehila, also known as Building Hope, urgent repairs began. Under the leadership of Gabi Nachmani, the team rebuilt the stairs, installed proper lighting, reinforced railings, and cleared dangerous mold from the shelter. What was once unsafe is now a clean, secure refuge where families can gather with confidence if sirens sound again.

“We want every person to feel safe,” Gabi shared. “Families should be able to enter a shelter and know they are protected.”

One daughter of an elderly resident expressed her gratitude. “My father could not get into the shelter before. Now with the safe steps and railing, he can reach it without fear. Thank you for caring so much.”

Even during a temporary lull in fighting, your generosity ensures communities are ready should attacks resume. Thank you for helping strengthen neighborhoods in central Israel and restore peace of mind to families who have endured so much.

Please join us today in making a difference at this critical time!

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This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20). Read on Shabbat, May 16, 2026 / 6 Sivan 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“The LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting” (Numbers 1:1).

Parashat Bamidbar opens with a census of the people of Israel as they prepare to journey through the wilderness. Each tribe is counted, each family recognized, and every individual given a place within the community. This careful ordering reveals that God is attentive not only to the nation as a whole but to each person within it. No one is overlooked. Each life carries purpose and belonging.

The arrangement of the camp reflects both structure and relationship. The tribes are positioned around the Tabernacle, placing God’s presence at the center. This design teaches that identity and direction flow from nearness to Him. The people do not move randomly through the wilderness. They travel with intention, guided by God’s presence and anchored in His order.

Bamidbar reminds us that the wilderness is not a place of abandonment but a place of formation. Though it may appear uncertain and unstructured, God is actively shaping His people there. He organizes, assigns roles, and provides direction. The wilderness becomes a setting where dependence on God deepens and trust is refined.

Many experience seasons that feel like wilderness moments. Plans may be unclear, and the path forward may seem uncertain. This portion offers reassurance that God still speaks in such places. He sees each individual, knows their place, and provides guidance even when the journey is not fully understood.

There are also times when life feels structured and settled. Bamidbar invites reflection on what stands at the center. When God remains central, order brings peace and purpose. When He is pushed aside, even well-planned structures can lose their meaning.

As this Shabbat arrives, consider where God is calling you to recognize His presence more clearly. Reflect on your place within His greater purpose and the ways He has ordered your life. Trust that whether in clarity or uncertainty, He is guiding your steps and shaping your journey.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for seeing me and calling me by name. Help me trust You in every season, especially when the path is unclear. Keep Your presence at the center of my life and guide me in the way I should go. Amen.

Before the war with Iran and its terror proxies in the region, more than 20 percent of Israelis lived below the poverty line. Since then, that number has more than doubled as families have been pushed into financial crisis.

Today, hundreds of citizens remain displaced across Israel. Many have lost jobs or been forced to close their businesses. Some are living in temporary housing without a way to cook a hot meal, while others struggle daily against rising prices that make survival even harder. Local charities now report a 60 percent increase in families asking for help since October 7.

The need is staggering. According to Israel’s alternative poverty report, more than 22 percent of families now live in poverty and nearly 40 percent of them are children. Over 10 percent of households face severe food insecurity, not knowing where their next meal will come from. And during holidays, when families should be celebrating around a full table, many experience the pain of empty cupboards and loneliness instead.

In the face of this crisis, CBN Israel and its partners are working every day to bring relief. With the help of generous supporters, monthly food packages, fresh groceries, and hygiene items are being delivered to tens of thousands of families. These efforts reach Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Bedouin households alike, ensuring that no one is forgotten.

Supporters are also making possible large-scale food rescue initiatives, where surplus food from manufacturers and retailers is salvaged and redirected from waste into the hands of those in need. Families are receiving shelf-stable and fresh items, poultry, and other proteins that provide balanced nutrition and restore dignity.

One local partner shared heartfelt thanks, saying, “You made us feel we are not alone in a very lonely and scary time.”

The generosity of CBN Israel’s friends is already answering the cry of the hungry. But the need continues to grow, and there is room for you to join in this vital mission. By standing with Israel’s most vulnerable, you can help bring food to empty tables, relief to displaced families, and encouragement to those who feel forgotten during one of the hardest seasons in Israel’s history.

Your gifts to CBN Israel can give hope and aid to so many in need who feel alone. You can offer them hot meals, safe lodging, financial help, and more.

Please consider a special gift to bless others today!

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