Here is the most recent newsletter sent out by Values-Driven:

We strive to make our newsletters practical and helpful, whether you are a homeschooling family or not. However, this time I just want to share what’s been on my heart in hopes that you may be spiritually encouraged.

I know that many of you appreciate Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals because these sales help you to be a good steward of what God has given you. But frankly, I can’t help but feel upset that companies are just pandering to the lusts of our flesh and asking us to buy into the world instead of investing in the Kingdom of God. However, this only happens to the extent that we allow it. I am praying that each one of us will separate ourselves unto the Lord this holiday season and serve Him wholeheartedly.

Personally, we have been burdened by the plight of our brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering. It makes the typical holiday self-indulgences seem the most egregious of sins.

A colleague of ours on the mission field, Joe Jones (founder of Christian Family Network, http://www.cfnetmissions.org.uk), has been keeping us abreast of his work in Sudan. Perhaps you have been following in the news about the fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North forces in Blue Nile state, which has forced thousands of refugees to flee to South Sudan. Many Christians are caught in the crossfire, according to a report published in Mission Network News (http://www.mnnonline.org/article/16488). Joe recently led a mission into North Sudan to bring members of a Sudanese church out of the war zone and provide medical care. This latter effort was most necessary, as during the trip they came under fire from an Antonov plane. (You can see an update on the CFNet Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CFNetMissions).

This is just one example of the suffering of Christians around the world, yet brought close to home in a way that is hard to ignore. Sad to say, I think most of us pay lip service to the persecution of Christians because very often there isn’t a “face” on it. When it becomes personal, however, we are more likely to pray, but also hopefully to self-evaluate.

We’re tempted to ask ourselves, “Is it right for us to be so blessed when others are facing such trial?” But a better question might be, “Are we really “blessed”…or are they ?” First Peter 4:12-13 says,

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;  but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.”

Further, the Apostle Paul shares his desire to know Christ “and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians 3:10). Through suffering, we are drawn closer to Jesus, who is our example. If we are, indeed, to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24), then it follows that we will not experience “blessing” as the world would recognize it. Instead, Jesus Himself promised us trials (John 16:33) and even persecution (Mark 10:29-31). But He also promised that He would be with us and that as we abide in Him we will overcome.

Recently we read in Martyr’s Mirror the account of three steadfast martyrs named Tharacus, Probus, and Andronicus, that showed a true Christian response in the face of extreme suffering. You will no doubt be impacted by their story, which you can read online here: http://www.homecomers.org/mirror/martyrs018.htm. During his examination, the President said to Probus, “Thou wretched man! do spare thine own body; for the earth is soaked with thy blood.” Probus answered, “Be assured, the more my body suffers for the name of Christ, the more my soul is healed and quickened.” All of these men (and many more like them) gladly endured extreme bodily suffering and ultimately, death, with true joy and confident witness of Christ. Our earthly blessings may, perhaps, blind us to the true blessing of suffering and the reward of drawing closer to Christ in our trials.

We have been meditating on all of these things at that time of year when so many are coveting the latest and greatest gadget, shopping for the best deals on things that they don’t really need, and forgetting in their over-indulgence that many are lacking even their “daily bread.” This is not to say that we can’t enjoy things that the Lord truly desires to give us as blessing; but it is to say that it’s sometimes easy to confuse the distractions of satan with the gifts of God.
We pray that your  holiday season will be filled with true blessings–with every good and perfect gift that is from above. Fix your eyes on Jesus and glorify God in everything; He is worthy!