Shining like Stars

I preached last night on "Shining like Stars" (Philippians 2:15 but covering the text from verses 12-16). All went very well. It was a good service. I touched on the essentialness of obedience (v12) so as to shine, that God seeks to help us live in victory (v13) so we can shine, the necessity to live without complaining or arguing (v14) so we can shine and the vitalness of sanctification (v15) so as to shine. May the Lord help us to "shine like stars" and reflect God's glory.

In the last few days I have been having discussions with a variety of our church leaders to talk about the way forward amidst the current pandemic whilst also following the government guidelines. In Brazil churches are now allowed to hold services with physical presence as long as participants are under 60, are 1.5 meters apart from each other, wear masks and disinfect their hands upon arrival and leaving. The maximum number of permitted participants is 30% of members. Our churches are free to decide what they feel they should do as long as they remain within the guidelines. Hence up in the mountains the Teixeira church has decided to hold presential services on Sundays and Thursdays, but the Matureia church has decided against for the time being and remains online only. I have had good chats with their pastors Maesio and Renilson. I have had similar discussions with Imaculada, São Mamede, Passagem, Juazeirinho, both churches at Campina Grande, two of three churches at João Pessoa and São Vicente do Seridó. We value your prayers for wisdom in these unusual days.