NOVEMBER 23 

Remembering Our Roots 

Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 

“What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). 

The believer in Christ has been incredibly blessed by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:3). While we are sometimes not mindful of our blessings, and though we can’t even now imagine the full extent of all we possess in Christ (Ephesians 3:8), to lose sight of the cause and source of these blessings is a grievous thing. 

Sadly, it is possible for any of us to act like a spoiled child. Spoiled children live in a fantasy world of prideful expectancy, mistakenly assuming they deserve all that they are given. Even looking down on others who lack what they have, not realizing they have what they have because it has been given to them. 

It is possible for us, as believers, to act in this same way. We forget our roots and the reason we are so blessed. We forget we have what we have, solely because of grace. Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus and reminded them of their roots (Ephesians 2:1-3). They had been dead in their trespasses and sins before Christ saved them. It was by God’s grace they were made alive (Ephesians 2:5). They had walked according to the course of this world. It was by only God’s grace they were led and empowered to walk in an altogether different manner (Ephesians 2:2, 10; 4:1). They had been duped and led by the prince of the power of the air, and it was by God’s grace they had been delivered from his domain (Ephesians 2:2; Colossians 1:13). They had been children of wrath and it was by God’s grace they were given the right to become children of God (Ephesians 2:3; John 1:12; 1 John 3:1). 

The sole difference between me and a lost person is only this–I have experienced the grace of God in salvation. I did nothing to earn or merit my salvation. My spiritual resume was no different, or no better (Romans 3:23, 5:12). Yet by grace I’ve been saved (Ephesians 2:5). It is important for me to keep this in mind lest I relate to others in a prideful and God-dishonoring way. Do they do stupid things? Do they walk in sin? Do they take the devil’s side? So did I. Are they lost? So was I. The only reason I am any different now in any measure is because God has intervened in my life (1 Corinthians 1:30). 

Lost people don’t need our condemnation, they need the gospel. To be sure, sharing the gospel demands we address the issue of sin because the good news cannot be understood, apart from the bad. Yet it is important we endeavor always to speak the truth in love—as Christ did (Ephesians 4:15). 

Someone has said that sharing the gospel can be compared to one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. In the Bread of Life, we have found One—the only One—who can fully meet our needs and satisfy our deepest longings (John 6:35). He’s blessed us beyond measure, that we might prove to be a blessing to others. God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). We speak from a more compassionate place in our hearts when we remember our roots. 

At 82, John Newton, the author of the hymn Amazing Grace, said, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner — and that Christ is a great Savior!” His tombstone reads: “John Newton, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy!” In remembering his roots, John Newton made much of the grace of God and was mightily used in the cause of the gospel. 

LOVE LIFTED ME

I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me–
Now safe am I.

Refrain:
Love lifted me, Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me; Love lifted me,
Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.

All my heart to Him I give,
Ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul’s best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs. [Refrain]

Souls in danger, look above,
Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be–
Be saved today. [Refrain]

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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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