Friday, September 18, 2020
TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY
A Devotional Thought by Jim DesRosiers

Lately, more than ever, it seems so easy for me to be caught up with the problems, turmoil, and distractions of this world. At every turn there seems to be something new that needs to be dealt with. The barrage seems endless. And with all of it, even though I know that my eyes should be focused on our Lord and that I should think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8), I still find myself being distracted and my focus drawn into the troubles of this world.

Even as my focus is being drawn away, a voice in me reminds me of what I know of the enemy, Satan. “He is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44) who “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8), and that he will continually attempt to keep our hearts and minds focused anywhere and everywhere but on our Lord and Savior, and that we are told to “resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:9).

It is in these times that I find I must lean harder into Christ, look higher, draw closer, let the Holy Spirit come upon me in truth to counsel me, comfort me, calm my mind and bring me through the darkness, for I have no power to overcome Satan on my own.

It's at these times I often find myself going to Scripture for comfort, reassurance and peace. I find that going into the Word refocuses me and my priorities and that scriptures previously "hidden" in my heart come back to me and remind me of the truth. As I read scripture, meditate on it, and pray, I am reminded of God's love, and that the Lord always seeks to be an encourager and does not want me to yield to discouragement or Satan's lies.

Of course, life is often hard, with difficult struggles, and at times the tasks to be done seem overwhelming. It seems as if our own hands fail us, our plans go awry, we seem to be met with opposition and doubt, and question if we can ever get through the things we have to do. But when we focus on the Lord, we find encouragement. When we read scripture, we see the light in our days and the darkness fades. We read and come to understand God's love for us, that he is faithful, and if we too are faithful to obey and cast our burdens upon Christ, he will bear them.

One scripture that has come to me often over the past months is John 14:27, as told by Jesus to his disciples at the Last Supper:  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

This powerful gift, His peace, is given to his disciples, bequeathed to them and to us as believers. Peace with God, peace within ourselves, in our hearts and in our minds. The peace of knowing we are children of God and are saved.

This peace, which is from Christ, is like no peace we can find in the world. It's no temporary peace, no peace that can be swept away by the next moment’s occurrence. It is a supernatural peace. A peace that guards you. A gift that enriches the soul. Peace when you rest in Christ surpasses all understanding, and will never fail us.

When we claim the promise of His peace, we have power through the Holy Spirit to face this world with all of its troubles and are comforted as we rest in the arms of Christ, confident of our future.

I close with this last scripture from Romans 15:13. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Jim DesRosiers is Chair of the PGCC Leadership Team.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Roseville Water Conservation Program is going to pay us to upgrade our church irrigation system. We need volunteers to help us convert to a surface drip system. The end result will be conservation of water and a savings on our water bills.

We plan to start in October and finish in December. Work will be done in small sections and by small groups on a day-to-day basis. There will be no digging or heavy lifting required. Some sweat may occur and will be allowed. Supervisors promise not to be demanding, especially if bribed with cookies and coffee.

There will be something for everyone to do.
There will be no age or gender discrimination.
We cannot get this done without your help!

Please contact Jerry Mehring to learn more and find out how you can help while having a great time doing it, 916-719-4415 or folsombb@aol.com.
HYMN SEARCH ANSWERS submitted by Polly Paynter

(From Wednesday)
There are 26 Hymns in the story below. Can you find them all?

We sing to God be the glory for we know how great thou art. We also praise Him saying, “holy, holy, holy” and great is thy faithfulness. In times like these, we need a Savior and we’re praying to God, our help in ages past to help our country out of the sin and hostilities we are experiencing.

We know that Jesus saves for we know that we have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and we know he lives. Now, we need God to revive us again.

We are trusting that all will be well because we’ve been beneath the cross of Jesus. Plus, I know who holds tomorrow.

While we are waiting for Christ to call us home, we can share Jesus with others because we’ve a story to tell and we are to send the light.

As I surrender all, I want you to have thine own way Lord! I’ve a longing in my heart for you, Lord Jesus. I’m looking forward to when I can say “heaven came down and glory filled my soul!” How glorious it will be when the roll is called up yonder and He the pearly gates will open. O that will be glory for me. Thank you Lord. Amen and Amen!
NEW INSTALLMENT of the Book of John
with Pastor Joe

Pastor Joe is writing a short, "Missional Commentary" on the Book of John. Read John chapter 18, then CLICK HERE to read Pastor Joe's commentary.
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Use it to invite them to check out our church online.

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or we will mail them to you!
If you have a need, don’t keep it a secret! If you need prayer, if there is an emergency, if you need help, if you need groceries, if you are going crazy and just need to chat, call or email us.

Call us at 916-771-4447 (Please leave a message if no one answers.)
Send Prayer Requests to prayerandpraisetree@gmail.com
Write us at 1730 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville, CA 95747

Blessings, PGCC staff
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Pleasant Grove Community Church
1730 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville, CA 95747
(916) 771-4447
 www.pgcc.church
Email: 1730pgccoffice@gmail.com