ARTICLES

Parashat Devarim (דְּבָרִים) “Words”

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22). Read on Shabbat, July 18, 2026 / 4 Av 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“See, I have set the land before you. Go in and possess the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and their offspring after them” (Deuteronomy 1:8).

As Moses begins his final address to Israel, he looks back before calling the people forward. He recounts their journey through the wilderness, reminding them of both God’s faithfulness and their own failures. The generation standing before him is not the same one that left Egypt, yet they must learn from the past if they are to walk faithfully into the future. God’s promises remain certain, but His people must respond with trust and obedience.

The opening chapters of Deuteronomy reveal that remembering is a spiritual discipline. Moses recalls missed opportunities, seasons of rebellion, and moments when fear kept Israel from embracing God’s promises. Yet he also reminds them that the Lord never abandoned them. He guided them through the wilderness, provided for their needs, defeated their enemies, and brought them to the threshold of the inheritance He had prepared from the beginning.

The same pattern is often true in our own lives. Looking back is valuable when it strengthens our confidence in God’s faithfulness rather than trapping us in regret. Past disappointments can become teachers instead of prisons. God’s grace enables us to acknowledge where we have fallen short while continuing to move toward the future He has prepared for us.

Every believer eventually stands at a place where faith requires action. There are times to remember and times to move forward. Fear often magnifies the obstacles before us, but faith remembers the God who has already carried us through countless challenges. The One who was faithful yesterday remains faithful today and will continue to be faithful tomorrow.

As you reflect during this Shabbat, consider the ways God has led you through previous seasons. Thank Him for His patience, His provision, and His mercy. Then ask Him for the courage to step confidently into whatever lies ahead. Like Israel standing on the edge of the Promised Land, we are invited to trust the God who always fulfills His word and faithfully leads His people forward.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness throughout every season of my life. Help me learn from the past without being held captive by it. Give me courage to trust Your promises, walk in obedience, and follow wherever You lead. Amen.

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While I Breathe, I Hope: Remembering Senator Lindsey Graham

The sudden homegoing of Senator Lindsey Graham on July 11, 2026, has prompted an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from across America and around the world. Leaders, colleagues, and ordinary citizens are remembering a man whose life reflected the enduring motto of his beloved South Carolina: “While I Breathe, I Hope.”

That hope was not merely a slogan. It was the defining theme of Graham’s life.

While attending the University of South Carolina, Graham experienced unimaginable loss when both of his parents died within a short period of time. His younger sister, Darline, was only twelve years old. After graduating from law school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and became her legal guardian, assuming the responsibilities of both brother and parent. That decision revealed the character that would define his life: faithfulness, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to others.

As a native South Carolinian who lived in the Palmetto State on and off for forty years, I am still processing the shock of his passing. Like so many others, I have admired his remarkable journey from personal tragedy to a lifetime of public service.

Graham’s career reflected both his love for his country and his determination to defend it. He served in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, the South Carolina Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Colonel after eighteen years of military service. He later served in the South Carolina House of Representatives before representing the state’s Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2003, he was elected to the United States Senate, where he would serve for more than two decades.

His intelligence, wit, humility, and command of complex policy issues earned the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Throughout his career, Graham became one of America’s most influential voices on national security, foreign policy, judicial affairs, support for Israel, and the protection of unborn life.

Even during his final days, he remained fully engaged in public service.

Just before his passing, Senator Graham traveled to Ukraine, where leaders expressed deep appreciation for his steadfast advocacy. While there, he celebrated his seventy-first birthday and announced an agreement with the White House on new sanctions against Russia backed by President Trump. After returning to Washington, D.C., he spoke with the President before passing away later that night. In the days that followed, members of both political parties rallied behind the bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act, viewing its passage as one way to honor his enduring legacy.

Yet Graham’s influence reached far beyond a single piece of legislation.

His public life consistently reflected South Carolina’s motto by offering hope through principled leadership. He stood firmly with the world’s only Jewish state, opposed Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons, advocated for the freedom of the Iranian people, defended unborn children, and championed the rights of the Catawba Indian Nation. Whether addressing international crises or serving constituents at home, he sought to strengthen the principles of freedom, justice, and human dignity.

I had the privilege of witnessing part of that legacy firsthand.

From 2007 until my retirement in 2016, I served as the Southeast Regional Christian Outreach Director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). During those years, I observed Senator Graham’s unwavering commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Following his passing, AIPAC released a moving tribute:

“We mourn the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, a great friend and true champion of the U.S.-Israel relationship. His many visits to Israel and his love for the Israeli people reflected not just a policy position, but a deep personal connection to the Jewish state and its citizens. Senator Graham played a vital role in leading the fight to impose sanctions that hold Iran and its proxies accountable.”

That tribute reflects what many of us witnessed over the years.

Senator Graham consistently worked to strengthen bipartisan support for Israel’s security and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also understood the importance of organizations like AIPAC, recognizing that its millions of members and supporters are American citizens who advocate for the U.S.-Israel alliance.

His legislative record reflected that commitment.

Highlights of Senator Graham’s Legislative Legacy

Support for Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital
From the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 through the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, Graham consistently supported recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s undivided capital.

Opposition to the BDS Movement
Graham strongly backed the Israel Anti-Boycott Act and the Combating BDS Act, opposing efforts to isolate Israel through economic boycotts. South Carolina became the first state to enact anti-BDS legislation, encouraging many others to follow.

The Taylor Force Act
Named after West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran Taylor Force, who was murdered by a Palestinian terrorist while visiting Israel in 2016, this law halted certain U.S. funding to the Palestinian Authority while its “pay-to-slay” program continued rewarding acts of terrorism.

Iran Sanctions and Opposition to the JCPOA
Graham remained one of Congress’s strongest advocates for sanctions against Iran and one of the most outspoken opponents of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, arguing that it failed to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Pro-Life Leadership
Throughout his Senate career, Graham repeatedly introduced the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. His convictions reflected both his Christian faith and his belief that every human life possesses inherent dignity. As he once observed, “The United States should not be in that club” of nations permitting late-term abortions.

As tributes continued pouring in, President Trump called Graham “one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known…a true American patriot,” ordering American flags flown at half-staff in his honor.

My dear friend Marziyeh Amirizadeh, who endured imprisonment under Iran’s Islamic regime before immigrating to America, also shared a moving reflection:

“As an Iranian who survived persecution under the Islamic regime, I was deeply grateful for his unwavering support in our fight for freedom. Millions of Iranians loved and respected him, affectionately calling him ‘Uncle Lindsey.’ He understood the suffering of my people and never hesitated to speak out against tyranny.”

Israel likewise mourned the loss of one of its most faithful friends.

During Senator Graham’s January 2024 visit to Kibbutz Kfar Aza following the October 7 Hamas massacre, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana thanked him for his steadfast support. Graham responded with characteristic moral clarity:

“The brutality here was so strong and so visible, making it impossible for Israel not to respond. The destruction of Hamas is non-negotiable.”

Those words reflected the consistency that marked his public life.

One truth stands above all others: Senator Lindsey Graham lived with courage, conviction, and a profound sense of duty. He defended America’s security, stood shoulder to shoulder with Israel, advocated for unborn children, supported oppressed peoples seeking freedom, and remained guided by deeply held convictions rather than political convenience.

His legacy will be measured not only by legislation passed or speeches delivered, but by lives strengthened, alliances reinforced, and freedoms defended.

Following his passing, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve as interim United States Senator, a tribute President Trump described as “a fabulous honor to Lindsey, who loved her dearly.”

It seems especially fitting that the sister he sacrificially cared for as a young man now carries forward a portion of his life’s work in public service.

South Carolina’s motto declares, “While I Breathe, I Hope.”

Senator Lindsey Graham spent his life doing exactly that.

Now that his earthly race is complete, I imagine him reunited with his parents and hearing the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant…Come and share your Master’s happiness.”

Our CBN Israel team invites you to join us in prayer as we remember Senator Graham’s life and legacy.

Prayer Points

  • Pray for God’s comfort and peace for Senator Graham’s sister, Darline, and their entire family.
  • Pray for strength and encouragement for his devoted staff in Washington and South Carolina as they mourn his loss.
  • Pray for Senator Tim Scott, Trey Gowdy, and Senator Graham’s many friends and colleagues as they continue the work they shared together.
  • Pray for wisdom, discernment, and strength for Darline Graham Nordone as she serves South Carolina during this season of transition. 

Arlene Bridges Samuels is the weekly feature columnist for CBN Israel since 2020. Working on the staff of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as their SE Regional Outreach Director for nine years, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA engaged her as the Leadership Outreach Director part-time for their project American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI). Arlene is an author at The Blogs-Times of Israel, is published at AllIsrael.com and The Jerusalem Connection. Her devotionals and articles also appear on her Substack, The Eclectic Evangelical. She serves on the Advisory Board of NewPersia.org and on the advisory committee of RootAndBranchIsrael.com. Having traveled to Israel regularly since 1990, Arlene participates in Israel’s Government Press Office Christian Media Summits alongside members of Christian media from around the world. In 2024, Arlene and her husband Paul co-authored Mental Health Meltdown: Illuminating the Voices of Bipolar and Other Mental Illnesses. In May 2026, The White Rose Society honored Arlene as a non-Jewish individual who stands with the Jewish people.

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A Mother’s Hope: Naomi’s Story

Naomi’s life in Jerusalem is filled with responsibility and sacrifice. As a single mother of three, she works tirelessly to provide not only for her children, but also for her disabled mother who fled the war in Ukraine. As Israel faced an intense war with Iran and daily missile sirens disrupted normal life, Naomi’s fragile stability was shaken once again. Every day felt like a balancing act between survival and exhaustion.

The family of five lives in a tiny two-bedroom apartment. “My mother has one bedroom, and my daughters share the other,” Naomi explained. “My son and I sleep on the couch in the living room.” When sirens sounded, they had to rush together to safety, crowding into the safest space they could find. “We need more space, but it is hard to find something we can afford, especially because my mom is disabled.”

Despite working multiple jobs, Naomi could barely keep up with expenses. With schools interrupted and work hours reduced because of the security situation, the pressure has only grown. “We live from paycheck to paycheck,” she admitted. “Sometimes the budget is very tight or just not enough.” The constant uncertainty has weighed heavily on her as she tries to shield her children from fear.

For years, Naomi carried this burden alone, unsure where to turn for help. Then someone referred her to CBN Israel.

Because of caring friends like you, CBN Israel was able to step in quickly. Donors provided food for the family, covered overdue bills, and eased the immediate pressure. Partner support also made it possible to invest in Naomi’s future by paying for professional training that will prepare her for a stable and well-paying career.

Today, Naomi sees a path forward. Your gifts to CBN Israel can restore hope to families facing hardship and uncertainty across the Holy Land.

Please join us in lifting heavy burdens in a time of war.

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Hidden in the Caves: Qumran and the Treasure of the Word

By Stephen Faircloth

Tucked into the rugged cliffs on the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea, the ruins of Qumran overlook a landscape that seems barren and forgotten. But beneath its dusty surface, this region once held one of the most extraordinary archaeological treasures in biblical history: the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Discovered by Bedouin shepherds in 1947, the first scrolls were found in a cave near Qumran, launching a discovery that would eventually yield fragments from over 1,000 ancient manuscripts in eleven nearby caves. These scrolls included portions of nearly every book of the Old Testament, every one except Esther, as well as other ancient Jewish writings that shed light on faith and life in the time of Jesus.

The Qumran community, widely believed to have been a sect called the Essenes, lived intentionally and communally in this dry, remote place. Their lives centered on Scripture, purity, discipline, and spiritual devotion. They carefully copied sacred texts in a scriptorium, gathered daily in a long dining hall, and ritually immersed themselves in specially constructed mikva’ot (ritual baths). Even in the wilderness, they were determined to preserve the Word of God and live according to it.

What makes Qumran so compelling isn’t just the incredible preservation of the scrolls, but the example of a people who valued God’s Word above all else. They understood that the Scriptures were not just texts, they were life, identity, and covenant. And so, in the harshest of environments, they chose to live faithfully and preserve truth for future generations.

Centuries later, their devotion still bears fruit. The scrolls discovered in these desert caves have deepened our confidence in the reliability of the Old Testament and opened a window into the spiritual world of first-century Judaism—the same world into which Jesus was born.

As we reflect on Qumran, we’re reminded that God often hides His greatest treasures in unexpected places. He honors those who hunger for His Word, even in the wilderness. The Essenes may never have imagined that their quiet labor would bless millions, but their faithfulness was not in vain.

Are you treasuring God’s Word in your own life? Are there “desert places” where He is calling you to be faithful, even when the fruit is not yet visible?

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.

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When Your Heart Cries Out to God

“How long, LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1).

One of the most striking things about Scripture is its honesty. It does not hide the struggles of faith or present a polished version of spiritual life. Instead, it gives us real voices, real emotions, and real questions. Psalm 13 is one of those moments. 

The psalmist does not begin with calm assurance or quiet confidence. He begins with a cry. “How long?” It is the question of someone who feels forgotten, overwhelmed, and worn down by the weight of waiting. His thoughts are filled with anxiety. His heart carries daily sorrow. His circumstances seem unchanged, and God feels distant.

Many of us know that feeling. There are seasons when God seems silent. Prayers go unanswered. Circumstances linger longer than we expected. We begin to wonder if He sees, if He cares, or if He will act. In those moments, it can feel easier to hide our emotions than to bring them honestly before Him.

But the Bible teaches us something different. It invites us to speak. The psalms are filled with laments, expressions of sorrow, frustration, and even confusion directed toward God. This is not a lack of faith. It is a form of faith. It is choosing to bring our honest emotions to God rather than turning away from Him.

The psalmist models this for us. He addresses God directly. He names his pain without filtering it. He asks for help, pleading for God to act. There is no pretense, no attempt to sound more spiritual than he feels. And yet, he does not stay there. Something shifts.

After pouring out his complaint, the psalmist makes a choice. “But I have trusted in Your faithful love.” His circumstances have not changed. The tension is still present. But he anchors himself in what he knows to be true about God.

This is the heart of biblical lament. It allows space for honesty, but it leads us back to trust. Faith is not pretending everything is fine. It is bringing everything to God, even the things we do not understand. It is trusting His character when His presence feels hidden. It is remembering His past faithfulness and holding onto hope for what He will do.

When we learn to pray this way, something begins to change within us. We are no longer carrying our burdens alone. We are placing them in the hands of a God who listens, who cares, and who is still at work, even when we cannot see it.

Do you allow yourself to speak honestly with God? Do you bring your frustrations, your fears, and your questions before Him? You do not need perfect words. You need a willing heart.

God invites you to come as you are, to speak freely, and to trust Him fully. Even when the answer has not yet come, He is still faithful.

PRAYER

Father, You see the burdens we carry and the questions in our hearts. Help us to bring our honest emotions to You without fear. Teach us to trust in Your faithful love, even when we do not understand. Strengthen our hearts as we wait on You. Amen.

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Parashat Matot-Masei (מַּטּוֹת־מַסְעֵי) “Tribes and Journeys”

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Matot-Masei (Numbers 30:2-36:13). Read on Shabbat, July 11, 2026 / 26 Tamuz 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“Your word shall be binding on you; you shall do according to all that has gone out of your mouth” (Numbers 30:2).

As the book of Numbers draws to a close, Moses prepares Israel for life in the Promised Land. He begins by reminding the people that their words matter. Promises made before God are not empty expressions but sacred commitments. Faithfulness is measured not only by what we believe but also by whether our actions align with the words we speak. Integrity has always been a distinguishing mark of those who belong to the Lord.

The reading then recounts Israel’s wilderness journey, listing each place where God led His people over the course of forty years. Some locations were marked by victory, others by failure, waiting, or grief. Yet every stop became part of God’s greater purpose. Even the difficult places were not wasted. They prepared Israel for the inheritance that lay ahead and testified to God’s unwavering presence throughout the journey.

Matot-Masei reminds us that our lives are shaped both by the promises we keep and by the paths we travel. We often wish to skip seasons of hardship, uncertainty, or delay. Yet God frequently uses those very seasons to deepen our faith, refine our character, and teach us greater dependence upon Him. Looking back, we often discover that His guidance was present even when we could not clearly see it.

There are moments when we must ask whether our words reflect the character of Christ. Are we people whose commitments can be trusted? Do our families, friends, and neighbors see consistency between what we profess and how we live? At the same time, we can remember that every chapter of our journey, including the painful ones, is held securely in God’s hands. He continues to lead His people with wisdom and purpose.

Whether you are beginning a new season or reflecting on one that has ended, take time to recognize God’s faithfulness along the way. Give thanks for the victories, learn from the disappointments, and trust Him with the road that still lies ahead. As Israel prepared to cross into the land of promise, they looked back and saw that God had never abandoned them. The same faithful God continues to lead His people today.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to be faithful in both my words and my walk. Teach me to honor the commitments I make and to trust You through every stage of life’s journey. Thank You for guiding me with wisdom, strengthening me through every season, and leading me according to Your perfect purposes. Amen.

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Freedom on Display: America, Israel, and the World Cup

By Arlene Bridges Samuels

A world of striking contrasts unfolds before us every day. Through instant global news and social media, people witness both inspiring acts of freedom and troubling ideologies almost simultaneously. As millions of international visitors experience the United States during the FIFA World Cup and America 250 celebrations, they are discovering a nation that often looks very different from the one portrayed in much of today’s media.

When the FIFA World Cup concludes on July 19, more than three million fans from over 200 nations will return home carrying memories of American hospitality, generosity, and freedom. Many will become unofficial ambassadors, sharing firsthand experiences that challenge the overwhelmingly negative narratives so often presented about the United States.

That same media environment frequently portrays America’s closest ally, Israel, through a similarly distorted lens. Yet on July 5, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu summarized the enduring partnership between the two democracies with these words:

“When America and Israel stand together, freedom stands stronger. Together we defend freedom. Together we defend our common civilization. Together, with God’s help, freedom will triumph over tyranny. Happy birthday, happy Independence Day, America.”

America’s 250th anniversary did not begin this year. Congress established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 to prepare for this historic milestone, while President Trump strongly supported America’s successful effort to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Long before the tournament began, however, anti-Israel activists sought to politicize the event. Palestinian organizations and several United Nations human rights experts urged FIFA to ban Israel from international competition. The U.S. State Department made clear that it opposed such efforts, and FIFA rightly rejected those demands.

Ironically, Israel is not competing in this year’s World Cup simply because it did not qualify during the 2025 playoff rounds. Even so, controversy emerged when security personnel confiscated an Israeli flag displayed by a spectator during the Iran-New Zealand match in Los Angeles while allowing Palestinian flags to remain. The fan described the action as antisemitic and an example of uneven enforcement. The incident sparked widespread criticism, particularly because Israel was not even participating in the tournament.

Despite these controversies, FIFA continues promoting its vision of football as “a force for unity, peace and hope.”

Beyond the headlines, millions of visitors are experiencing a different America than they expected.

At Kansas City International Airport, approximately 500 residents welcomed Algeria’s national team with enthusiastic cheers while a local high school band performed Algeria’s national anthem. A British visitor posted a lighthearted video marveling that he could buy car parts, a flat-screen television, and a hunting rifle under one roof at Walmart. A Scottish visitor admitted she had arrived expecting tension after watching news coverage about America’s political climate and immigration enforcement. Instead, she discovered warm hospitality and concluded that her experience could not have been more different from what she had anticipated.

America’s 250th anniversary celebrations likewise created unforgettable memories.

Although severe thunderstorms delayed the Independence Day festivities on the National Mall and required thousands of visitors to shelter inside nearby federal buildings and museums, the weather did little to dampen the celebration. If anything, it strengthened the sense of community. Veterans, musicians, journalists, and visitors spontaneously gathered together, while hundreds inside the Department of Agriculture building joined in an impromptu rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

President Trump reassured the nation on Truth Social, writing, “Storms bring luck to whatever the occasion. They also make events a little bit more exciting!”

When the skies finally cleared, spectacular fireworks illuminated the nation’s capital.

During his remarks, President Trump highlighted several historic American flags displayed on stage, including an original 1777 flag and the flag that draped President Abraham Lincoln’s coffin. He invited Medal of Honor recipients and distinguished veterans to stand beside these treasured symbols of American history.

Among the most moving moments was the presentation of a remarkable American flag sewn together in 1944 by a Belgian mother and daughter during the Nazi occupation. Hidden from German forces until Allied troops liberated Belgium, the handmade flag was presented to Private First-Class William Key by grateful Belgian citizens.

This Independence Day, Army Major Kyle Key, William Key’s grandson, carried that same eighty-two-year-old flag onto the National Mall stage. His family’s story also carries another remarkable connection to American history. Their ancestor, Francis Scott Key, penned the poem that eventually became “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

In one unforgettable moment, Major Key’s salute connected generations of sacrifice, liberty, and courage stretching from the American Revolution to World War II and into the present day. His family’s story reminds us that freedom is never merely inherited. It is defended, preserved, and passed from one generation to the next.

The closing words of our national anthem continue to capture that enduring truth:

“O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

America’s freedoms also include the constitutional right to peaceful protest. Throughout the America 250 celebrations, numerous demonstrations and public gatherings took place across the country, reflecting the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution. The ability to express differing viewpoints peacefully remains one of the defining characteristics of a free society.

As followers of Christ, our ultimate confidence does not rest in governments or public opinion but in the Lord Himself.

Psalm 100:5 reminds us: “For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Our CBN Israel team welcomes you to join us in prayer this week.

Prayer Points

  • Pray with gratitude for the hospitality Americans have shown to international visitors.
  • Pray that millions of World Cup fans will return home with a deeper appreciation for America’s freedoms and values.
  • Pray for President Trump, his administration, and the America 250 leadership as they continue commemorating this historic anniversary.
  • Pray for wisdom, strength, and continued cooperation between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu as they work together to defend freedom and strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance.

Arlene Bridges Samuels is the weekly feature columnist for CBN Israel since 2020. Working on the staff of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as their SE Regional Outreach Director for nine years, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA engaged her as the Leadership Outreach Director part-time for their project American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI). Arlene is an author at The Blogs-Times of Israel, is published at AllIsrael.com and The Jerusalem Connection. Her devotionals and articles also appear on her Substack, The Eclectic Evangelical. She serves on the Advisory Board of NewPersia.org and on the advisory committee of RootAndBranchIsrael.com. Having traveled to Israel regularly since 1990, Arlene participates in Israel’s Government Press Office Christian Media Summits alongside members of Christian media from around the world. In 2024, Arlene and her husband Paul co-authored Mental Health Meltdown: Illuminating the Voices of Bipolar and Other Mental Illnesses. In May 2026, The White Rose Society honored Arlene as a non-Jewish individual who stands with the Jewish people.

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Chorazin: A Warning in the Ruins

By Stephen Faircloth

Perched in the hills just north of Capernaum, the ruins of Chorazin overlook the Sea of Galilee. Though this ancient village is mentioned only briefly in the Gospels, it holds a sobering place in the story of Jesus.

Jesus once pronounced a severe rebuke over Chorazin, along with Bethsaida and Capernaum, because despite witnessing His mighty works, the people refused to repent (Matthew 11:21-24; Luke 10:13-16). It is a reminder that spiritual privilege does not guarantee spiritual transformation. The land between these villages formed the heart of Jesus’ Galilean ministry, where miracles and teachings unfolded almost daily. Yet familiarity bred indifference.

Unlike Capernaum and Bethsaida, Chorazin sat back from the shoreline. While it was removed from the fishing trade of the lake, it was renowned for producing exceptional wheat—a detail preserved in ancient rabbinic writings. Archaeological discoveries confirm that Chorazin was a vibrant Jewish community, beginning in the first century A.D.

Most of the ruins visitors see today date to later centuries. The basalt synagogue at the village center, possibly constructed by the third century, reflects the classic Galilean synagogue style seen in places like Capernaum. Worshippers would ascend a broad southern staircase, facing Jerusalem, to enter the hall. Inside, benches formed a U-shape around the room. Carved basalt stones, though difficult to shape, were decorated with symbolic motifs.

Among the most striking finds is a basalt chair called the “Seat of Moses.” According to tradition, this was where teachers of the Law would sit to instruct the people (see Matthew 23:1-2). The chair bears an Aramaic inscription honoring the benefactor who donated it and praying that he would have a share among the righteous. Beneath the later synagogue floor, archaeologists have uncovered signs of an earlier public building—perhaps the synagogue where Jesus Himself taught.

In homes nearby, excavators have found ritual baths, stone vessels, and other artifacts that reveal a community concerned with purity and devotion. And yet, Chorazin still fell under Jesus’ judgment. The people saw, heard, and experienced much, but their hearts remained unchanged.

Chorazin warns us that it is possible to be surrounded by spiritual opportunity and still drift into complacency. It challenges us to consider: Are we responding to what God has shown us, or merely observing it from a safe distance?

Where has God been at work in your life? Have you grown familiar with His blessings without letting them transform you? What would it look like to respond with repentance and renewed faith today?

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.

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More Than Just A Meal

Across Israel, hunger threatens thousands of people—families with children, refugees, elderly Holocaust survivors, and in recent years, Gaza war victims. So how can anyone feed such large numbers of vulnerable Israelis? 

Thankfully, friends like you have been part of the solution. Through the support of caring donors, CBN Israel has forged a vital partnership with Leket—a food rescue organization that combats food waste, and delivers nutritious meals nationwide to those in need. Donors even supplied them with a 15-ton truck—capable of transporting over seven tons of food daily, five days a week, to feed multitudes in Israel.

Leket Israel was founded over 20 years ago, and has grown into an amazing outreach. CEO Gidi Kroch shares, “Over 160 people work with us, and we rescue about 35,000 tons annually of food—most of it fresh produce, with about 3,000 tons being meals we rescue. We work with 800 farmers and farms all over Israel, and we have 120 suppliers or donors of food, including catering services.”

Even during the war, volunteers have helped with harvesting on farms, giving them a new appreciation of the land. Kroch adds, “The statistics are staggering—we’ve had 100,000 volunteers, especially in these last years of the war, with many up in the North.”

The concept behind Leket is an ancient biblical one of gleaning. God commanded His people to leave a small part of their fields to be picked by those who were poor. Today, farmers may have produce that is perfectly healthy, but not the right size or shape for what their buyers want. Instead of discarding it, they can donate it to Leket and feed hungry families.

Kroch concludes, “We’re so pleased and happy to be able to do this with CBN support… thank you!” And your gifts to CBN Israel can also provide safe housing, financial assistance, and other essentials to those in crisis.

Will you join us today in this important mission?

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A Heart That Learns and Follows

“Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name” (Psalm 86:11).

To be a disciple is to be a student or learner. It is more than simply believing in God. It is choosing, day after day, to be taught by Him. The psalmist captures this desire beautifully with a simple prayer: “Teach me Your way.”

This is where true discipleship begins. Many of us desire guidance from God, especially in difficult moments. But discipleship is not limited to those times. It is a daily posture of humility, a willingness to sit before God and say, “I still have more to learn.” It is recognizing that His ways are higher than ours and that walking in His truth requires ongoing growth.

In the language of Scripture, a disciple is a student. Jesus did not call His followers to simply admire Him, but to learn from Him. When He sent them out to make disciples, He was calling them to help others become learners as well. A disciple produces other disciples by first being one.

The example of Ezra gives us a clear picture of what this looks like. He set his heart to study God’s Word, to live it out, and then to teach it to others. This pattern remains essential. Learning is not complete until it shapes how we live. And living what we learn becomes the foundation for helping others grow.

But the psalmist adds something deeper: “Unite my heart to fear Your name.” This reveals that learning from God is not merely intellectual. It is deeply personal and emotional. A divided heart cannot fully follow Him. When our desires are pulled in different directions, obedience becomes difficult. We may know what is right, but struggle to live it out.

That is why the psalmist prays for a united heart. To truly learn God’s way, our hearts must be aligned with Him. We must desire His truth above our own preferences. We must seek Him with sincerity, allowing His Word to shape not only our thoughts, but our actions and attitudes.

This kind of discipleship is not casual. It is intentional. It means opening His Word regularly. It means listening for His voice. It means choosing obedience even when it is uncomfortable. And it means sharing what we are learning with others, not as experts, but as fellow students on the journey.

So, the question is worth asking: what kind of disciple are you? Are you still learning? Are you allowing God to teach you daily? Is your heart fully aligned with Him, or divided by competing desires?

God invites each of us into a deeper walk with Him. A life where we continue to grow, to obey, and to help others do the same. A disciple is not someone who has arrived. It is someone who keeps following.

PRAYER

Father, teach us Your way each day. Help us walk in Your truth with an undivided heart. Shape our lives through Your Word, and use us to help others grow as faithful disciples. Amen.

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