KNOWING GOD

December 10

Bible Reading: Psalm 19

While stationed as a submariner in Pearl Harbor, I received a gift in the mail: a book titled Knowing God by J. I. Packer. My Uncle Bob Emrich sent it, along with a note that read: “Jerry…Believing the most important thing about a man is his thinking about God, I hope this will be profitable for you. With love and prayers for a Merry Christmas, Bob.” The book was indeed beneficial, but it was the note that truly impacted me—it introduced an important thought that God used to change me.

Uncle Bob’s statement was correct—but how are we to know God? At that time, I knew little about God. I did not know how to grow in my understanding of His nature. Theologians speak of God’s revelation to mankind in two categories: general revelation and special revelation. Psalm 19, which we read today, highlights both.

In Psalm 19:1-6, we see how God communicates truths about Himself through His creation. David, the Psalmist, observes the stars, moon, and sun, and declares, “the heavens declare the glory of God” (19:1). While these created things don’t speak literally, their “voice” is heard throughout the earth (19:4). The Apostle Paul echoes this idea, writing that we can see “God’s invisible attributes, namely His eternal power and divine nature,” in His creation (Romans 1:20). As powerful as general revelation is, it’s not sufficient on its own to bring a person into a saving knowledge of God through Jesus.

Psalm 19:7-11 shifts focus to special revelation, which is God’s direct manifestation of Himself through His Word. David makes six bold statements about the value of God’s Word, emphasizing its ability to revive the soul, make the simple wise, rejoice the heart, and enlighten the eyes. Through the gospel message, the Word leads us to salvation. Once born of the Spirit, we are indwelt to understand truths that were once beyond us (1 Corinthians 2:12-16).

As believers in Christ, how privileged we are! We have ready access to the Scriptures and are indwelt by the Divine Teacher (1 John 2:27). In the pursuit of knowing God, we have an inexhaustible source of study that can transform our thinking and, in turn, our lives—to the glory of God!

“What were we made for? To know God. What aim should we have in life? To know God. What is the eternal life that Jesus gives? To know God. What is the best thing in life? To know God. What in humans gives God most pleasure? Knowledge of himself.”—J. I. Packer

O WORSHIP THE KING
O worship the King, all glorious above,
O gratefully sing God’s power and God’s love;
our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,
pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.

O tell of God’s might, O sing of God’s grace,
whose robe is the light, whose canopy space,
whose chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
and dark is God’s path on the wings of the storm.

Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
it streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.

Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
in thee do we trust, nor find thee to fail;
thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.

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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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