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.

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Behar-Bechukotai (Leviticus 25:1-27:34). Read on Shabbat, May 9, 2026 / 28 Iyar 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit” (Leviticus 26:3-4).

Parashat Behar begins with the command of the sabbatical year, when the land itself is given rest. Every seventh year, the people are to step back from planting and harvesting, trusting that God will provide. This rhythm teaches that the land does not ultimately belong to them. It belongs to God. The people are stewards, called to live with humility and trust rather than control.

The portion continues with the Year of Jubilee, a time of release and restoration. Debts are forgiven, land is returned, and those who have fallen into hardship are given a new beginning. These commands reveal a vision of society shaped by mercy and justice. God’s desire is not for permanent inequality or endless burden, but for restoration that reflects His compassion.

Bechukotai then sets before the people a clear choice. Blessing follows obedience, while distance from God leads to hardship. Yet even within the warnings, there is a thread of hope. God promises that if the people turn back to Him, He will remember His covenant. His faithfulness remains, even when human faithfulness falters.

These chapters remind us that trust in God is expressed not only in belief but in how we live. Resting when it seems risky, giving when it feels costly, and obeying when it is difficult all reveal where our confidence lies. God invites His people to live differently, reflecting His character in their choices and priorities.

Some may be striving to hold everything together, hesitant to release control. Behar encourages a posture of trust, remembering that God is the true provider. Others may feel the weight of past mistakes or ongoing struggles. Bechukotai offers reassurance that turning back to God opens the door to restoration and renewed relationship.

As this Shabbat arrives, reflect on areas where God may be calling you to trust Him more deeply. Consider one way you can practice rest, generosity, or obedience this week. Let your actions declare that your security rests not in what you control, but in the faithfulness of God who provides and restores.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and provision. Teach me to trust You with my resources, my time, and my future. Help me walk in Your ways and rest in Your promises. May my life reflect confidence in Your goodness and care. 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!

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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.

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23). Read on Shabbat, May 9, 2026 / 21 Iyar 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“These are the appointed feasts of the LORD, the holy convocations, which you shall proclaim at the time appointed for them” (Leviticus 23:4).

Parashat Emor highlights the sacred rhythm of time. God appoints seasons and gatherings that shape the life of His people. These appointed times are not random observances. They are invitations to pause, to remember, and to realign the heart with God’s purposes. Each festival carries meaning, pointing back to God’s faithfulness and forward to His promises.

The listing of the feasts creates a pattern that weaves holiness into the calendar. From Sabbath rest to the celebrations of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot, the people are reminded that time itself belongs to God. Life is not meant to be lived without reflection. It is structured with moments of remembrance, gratitude, and renewal. These rhythms protect the heart from forgetting and anchor the community in shared identity.

Emor also emphasizes the role of those who serve in sacred spaces. The priests are called to live with care and integrity, recognizing that their actions reflect the holiness of God. Their responsibility points to a broader truth. Every person is called to honor God not only in special moments but in daily conduct. Holiness is not limited to certain places or times. It extends into every part of life.

This portion invites us to consider how we mark time in our own lives. Without intention, days can pass without reflection or gratitude. God’s appointed times remind us to stop and remember. They teach us to celebrate His provision, to acknowledge His presence, and to renew our commitment to walk in His ways.

Some may feel caught in the busyness of daily routines, moving from one responsibility to the next without pause. Emor encourages creating space for rest and reflection. Others may be in seasons of waiting or uncertainty. These rhythms provide stability, reminding us that God is faithful in every season and that His timing is trustworthy.

As this Shabbat arrives, take time to honor the rhythm God has given. Pause from your work and reflect on His goodness. Consider one way you can build regular moments of gratitude and remembrance into your life. Let your time become a testimony that your days belong to the Lord who orders every season.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the gift of time and the rhythms that draw me back to You. Teach me to pause, remember, and honor You in every season. May my life reflect gratitude for Your faithfulness and trust in Your perfect timing. Amen.

Imagine living in a country whose very existence—and yours—is constantly threatened. For generations, Israel’s people have faced persecution, tragedy, and danger. In fact, a staggering one third of all Israelis live with some form of anxiety or trauma-related distress.

The horrors of the October 7^th attack by Hamas only intensified the trauma—followed by the ballistic missile attacks from Iran. How can any nation recover from so much terrorism?

Thankfully, friends like you were there through CBN Israel. Because they understand the escalating mental health needs on the ground, CBN Israel launched the Community Support and Resilience Center. Using innovative strategies, the center is designed to help residents not only cope, but to truly heal and rebuild their lives.

And it marks a significant milestone for the ministry’s work in the Holy Land. The center serves as a crucial network for counseling professionals, as well as individuals seeking help. Through workshops, seminars, and public events, it will facilitate training on essential self-care strategies, stress reduction, coping skills, and processing devastating events.

As the demand for professional counseling has overwhelmed government and healthcare systems, you are providing assistance at the community level to those who are still waiting. For those who are grappling with dark memories and loss, caring donors are giving them, as the ancient promise in Jeremiah 29:11 says, “a future and a hope.”

And your gifts to CBN Israel can offer a lifeline of hope in even more ways. You can bring groceries, financial aid, safe housing, and more to those in crisis.

Please join us as we reach out and care for others!

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