THE CREATOR OF ALL

December 9

Bible Reading: Genesis 1

My heart resonates with the quote by A. W. Tozer: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” He also said, “We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God.” For the sake of both our worship and walk it is imperative that we respond to God according to how He has revealed Himself in His Word. For the rest of this month, our devotionals will focus on the attributes of God, and we will begin by considering a fundamental truth: God is our Creator.

The Bible begins with this powerful affirmation: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). From nothing, the self-existent God brought everything into being. Theologians describe this miraculous act of creation using the Latin term “ex nihilo,” meaning “out of nothing.” God created the universe, the stars, the sun, the moon, the sky, the seas, the land, all living creatures, and humanity itself. He simply spoke them into existence and called it all “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Since that moment, God’s “eternal power and divine nature” has been clear to all (Romans 1:20).

One of my favorite places is on the bank of the scenic North Umpqua River. After a mile-long hike through towering old-growth fir trees, I reach a stunning spot above a 30-foot drop where the river roars into a place called the Narrows. The sound of the rushing water, the beauty of the landscape, and the stillness of nature never fail to fill me with awe. On more than one occasion, I’ve found myself singing “How Great Thou Art” as I marvels at the grandeur of God’s handiwork. But you don’t need to travel to a special place to experience the wonder of creation. Wherever you are, you can look around and praise God for His incredible creation.

Take a moment to look around you. God created everything you see. If you are alive and breathing, give thanks! He created you as well. As the Psalmist declares, you are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Consider the magnitude of it all—those stars above are countless! The same God who created the vastness of the universe also crafted the tiniest particles in the heart of an atom. Scientists estimate there are over two million species of animals on Earth and over 300,000 species of flowering plants. All of this exists on a perfectly positioned blue planet—neither too hot nor too cold—revolving around the sun. The more we reflect on the wonders of God’s creation, the more we find to praise Him for.

The wonder of creation calls for us to worship our creator!

HOW GREAT THOU ART
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars; I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed:

Refrain
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze: [Refrain]

And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin. [Refrain]

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, My God, how great thou art! [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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