January 24

Jesus Loves Me

Bible Reading: 1 John 3:16-18; 1 John 4:7-12

I can recall a visit to my Uncle Frank’s house, almost fifty years ago, when I was first introduced to the thought of God’s love.  My Uncle Frank was an Associate Pastor at the nearby Bible church.  I was an unsaved teen, with my whole life ahead of me.  I had no idea where I was going.  My cousin Amy, just 5 years young, asked a question which planted a seed in my mind. “Do you know Jesus loves you?” she asked.  I didn’t know Jesus at the time and had no idea Who she was talking about.  I’d find out years later.  

I was thinking the other day about the various things I’ve learned about God’s love since then.  Not so much in a theological sense, but in a personal way.  What difference has it made in my life knowing there is a God who loves me?  And though it’d be impossible for any of us to recount (or even know) all the ways in which we’ve personally experienced God’s love, it is nonetheless profitable for us to reflect on such matters.  So here’s some of what comes to mind:

Unbeknownst to me, God in His love, had led people to pray for my salvation.  Simultaneously to that, the Spirit was at work, burdening my heart with a sense of need.  I began to ask myself if there was a God and if so, how could I ever be forgiven for my sins?  In His love, God sent someone to share the gospel with me and I trusted in Jesus for salvation!  Later God, in His loving provision, brought some wonderful men into my life who discipled me, helping me to grow in Christ.  About that same time, I prayed asking God to give me a wife.  I trusted God–putting the matter completely into His hands.  In His love, God gifted me with an amazing woman who has been my companion now for almost 39 years.  She’s been an incredible inspiration to me in her faith in Jesus and in her capacity to love and serve others. God in His love later gifted us with four wonderful children and two grandchildren. 

In His love, God burdened me with a desire to prepare myself for pastoral ministry and provided everything needed to accomplish this calling. Then God miraculously directed me to pastor the church where the first member of my extended family had been saved! In His love, God privileged me to serve in that church for 27 and ½ years. During the course of my pastoral ministry, I observed the working of God’s love in too many ways to recount. But let me just summarize by saying I’ve seen God’s love in action as He worked to save souls, transform people’s lives, restore broken relationships, revive churches, impart comfort and hope and otherwise spiritually prosper the lives of countless folks. In nine trips to Africa I witnessed God’s hand as he brought spiritual growth and transformation to an entire region!

In recent months I’ve been working as a part-time hospice chaplain.  I’ve been on lots of visits to the homes of folks who are dying.  I’ve witnessed God’s love in action through the compassionate care provided by caregivers for their loved ones.  I’ve had opportunities to share with patients about God’s love revealed to us in Jesus, and in some cases I’ve seen folks respond to the gospel!  

My sweet wife Laura has cancer.  It’s been a five-year battle in which she suffers with chronic pain and is sometimes quite ill.  “Where’s God’s love in all of that,” someone might ask.  I look at her amidst it all and marvel at the love of God!  He’s provided for all our financial and medical needs in amazing fashion.  Her undiminished faith amidst her adversities is miraculous.  By God’s grace He’s made her strong and is using her as a witness to the love of God. 

The God who loves me has promised to never leave me or forsake me. He is not only with me, but in the person of the Holy Spirit He indwells me. God knows all about me, but loves me anyway. In fact, nothing can separate me from His love. I’ve failed Him on numerous occasions, but He’s never failed me! In my times of deepest need, when I’ve felt all alone and helpless, I’ve cried out to Him and He’s never failed to respond. He has made promises and has been faithful to keep them all. He began a work in me and will complete what He started. In His love, He gifted me and has privileged me to serve Him, until the appointed time when He shall safely deliver me to the home He has made ready for me. In His love, He’s prepared a place where there is no more death, or mourning, or crying, or tears. One day I’ll depart this place for the glory of heaven and I will marvel at the One who loved me and gave Himself up for me!

So the answer to Amy’s question is yes, I KNOW Jesus loves me!!!.  It’s an amazing thing!  A precious treasure!  A life-changing reality!  Praise God for His love!  Take time to thank Him for His hand in your life.  There is hope for everyone, because there is a God who has a big heart full of eternal love!  Do you know that Jesus loves you?

Abba! Father!  How incredibly blessed we are in the Beloved!  In Him we’ve become the focus of Your affection, indeed You’ve shed abroad Your love in our hearts and lavished us with Your grace.  Forgive us when we take You and Your love for granted.  May the Spirit empower us to better know this love which surpasses knowledge.  Oh, that we might know You better.  That we might be better equipped to make You known.  Amen.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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