GIVE AND TAKE

October 11

Bible Reading: Acts 20:17-38

Acts 20:35, “Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

I love these words from Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Though this specific statement isn’t recorded in the gospel accounts, it encapsulates the essence of His life and ministry. Jesus exemplified the principle of giving more than any man before or since. He sacrificed and poured out His life, extending love and care in every possible way. He bore burdens, taught, helped, served, and shepherded. Ultimately, He gave His own life, offering Himself as a ransom for all—the greatest gift ever given. In this act, He manifested His divine identity, for God is the greatest giver.

The Apostle Paul was careful to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. As a recipient of grace, he understood that all he was and possessed was a gift from God. He did not serve as an apostle to gain anything for himself. Instead, he worked diligently to meet his own needs and provide for his friends. Generous in his support of others, Paul became a conduit of God’s blessings, exhorting the elders of Ephesus (and all of us) to adopt that same attitude.

Situated in northern Israel and surrounded by picturesque hills, the Sea of Galilee is nourished by the Jordan River. It serves as a vital resource for local agriculture and tourism, supporting a diverse ecosystem that includes various bird species, aquatic life, and, importantly, humans. In stark contrast, the Dead Sea lies to the east of Jerusalem, recognized as the lowest point on Earth’s surface. Its high salinity prevents most aquatic life from thriving, lending to its name. While visitors can effortlessly float on its surface or extract valuable minerals, the Dead Sea offers little in terms of vibrant life or natural beauty. A primary difference between the two bodies of water is their relationship with the Jordan River: the Sea of Galilee both receives and gives water, fostering a dynamic ecosystem, while the Dead Sea solely receives water, lacking an outlet and contributing to its unique yet barren environment.

As a recipient of the riches of God’s grace and mercy, you are incredibly blessed. However, God did not save you to be a mere depository of blessings; He has blessed you so that you might serve as a conduit. Opportunities to share abound—make it a point to be a blessing to others, drawing them to the source of all giving: God Himself.

“More blessed it is, because it is more God-like.”—Brian Bell

FREELY, FREELY
God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name.
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his love as he told me to.

Refrain:
He said ‘Freely, freely you have received;, freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live.

All pow’r is giv’n in Jesus’ name
in earth and heav’n in jesus name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his pow’r as he told me to. [Refrain]

God gives us life in Jesus’ name
he lives in us in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his peace as he told me to. [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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