FEBRUARY 3
Psalm 24
Psalm 24:7 & 9, “That the King of glory may come in.”
Deep down this is what we all yearn for. To have the King of Glory take up residence in our hearts and right the wrongs inflicted by the curse. To come in, to abide, and reign, and benevolently transform and provide by His presence. It is sin that has kept Him distant, but He has worked to provide a means of entrance.
The context of this psalm was the entrance of the ark into Mount Zion, when God went up with much celebration. It is thought that the first part of our verse was a cry to the keepers of the gates, while the second was a reply by those who accompanied its entry.
But for us, the verse serves to remind us of the welcome entrance our hearts must avail to our most glorious Lord and Savior. To trust in Him to save is to receive Him into our hearts, and revel in the blessings of his company. To host him with open arms and gladly permit his renovations. To give him the keys to our lives that he might be free to put things in order. To allow the glory of his presence to shine forth so that others might behold the beauty of our guest.
Years ago, a man by the name of Robert Boyd Munger published a tract entitled “My Heart, Christ’s Home.” He imagined inviting Jesus into his home to view and inspect every room and make the necessary changes. The tract concludes this way:
“Dropping to my knees, I said, ‘Lord, You have been a guest and I have been the host. From now on I am going to be the servant. You are going to be the owner and Master.’ Running as fast as I could to the strongbox, I took out the title deed to the house describing its assets and liabilities, location and situation. I eagerly signed the house over to Him alone for time and eternity. ‘Here,’ I said. ‘Here it is, all that I am and have, forever. Now You run the house. I’ll just remain with You as a servant and friend.’ Things are different since Jesus Christ has settled down and has made His home in my heart.”
“Come, O mighty God, break through the doors of iron, and bars of brass, and make way for thyself by thy love and power!”—James Janeway
Application Questions: How much welcome are you extending to the Lord Jesus? Is He but an occasional guest, called upon when needed? Or, is He the Lord of your “house,” arbitrator of both your devotion and duties? Does He even now have the freedom to make the necessary renovations in transforming you into His likeness?
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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