THE ABUNDANT LIFE

March 6

Bible Reading: John 10:8-18

John 10:10b, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

As a hospice chaplain, I’ve witnessed it many times; the life of a hospice patient slowly ebbing away. And there’s a transition that takes place in the hearts of those that are dying.  The things that they once held dear either no longer matter or have become impossibilities.  In most cases, their focus shifts to their loved ones, and rightly so, but eventually they are compelled to say goodbye to them and this world.

In that context, how are we to understand Jesus’ words?  He came that we might have life and have it abundantly, but still the harsh reality of our troubles and pending death casts its shadow over us.  To understand what Jesus was saying about the abundant life, we need to reassess what that means.

“Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).  What Jesus saw then is an apt description of people in our day.  “Distressed and downcast” people need to be led back to their Shepherd.  He alone can lead and provide for them by imparting to them the life He has in Himself (John 1:4; 5:21, 26).  He even gave His life for that purpose (John 10:11).

King David, having been a shepherd himself, knew something about God’s abundant provision.  “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,” he wrote (Psalm 23:1).  Regarding my life, he said, it is the Lord who works to fulfill all my needs and desires.  To the extent, he said, that “My cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5). God alone can overflow “our cups.”

The life Jesus spoke of is an “I shall not want…my cup overflows” kind of life.  What is it most people long for in life?  They want to be loved.  Because of Jesus, we have “the love of God flooding through our hearts” (Romans 5:5, Philips Translation).  They want to be happy.  In Jesus, “we rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8).  They yearn for peace.  He avails a peace “which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).  One does not experience the fulness of these blessings through the pursuit of them, but through the pursuit of Christ, and the realization of His indwelling presence. It is in knowing Him that one experiences the abundant life He speaks of (Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:4). If you are a believer, the abundant, “I shall not want…my cup overflows” life is already yours in Him.  The Good Shepherd has worked to bless you that way!

One does not experience the abundant life through the pursuit of happiness, but through the pursuit of Christ and realization of His indwelling presence.

JESUS IS ALL THE WORLD TO ME
Jesus is all the world to me,
My life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day to day,
Without him I would fall:
When I am sad, to him I go,
No other one can cheer me so;
When I am sad, he makes me glad,
He’s my friend.

Jesus is all the world to me,
My friend in trials sore;
I go to him for blessings, and
He gives them o’er and o’er:
He sends the sunshine and the rain,
He sends the harvest’s golden grain;
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain,
He’s my friend.

Jesus is all the world to me,
And true to him I’ll be;
Oh, how could I this friend deny,
When he’s so true to me?
Following him I know I’m right,
He watches o’er me day and night;
Following him by day and night,
He’s my friend.

Jesus is all the world to me,
I want no better friend;
I trust him now, I’ll trust him when
Life’s fleeting days shall end:
Beautiful life with such a friend,
Beautiful life that has no end;
Eternal life, eternal joy,

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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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