THE LIGHT OF LIFE

FEBRUARY 19

Psalm 36

Psalm 36:9, “In your light do we see light.”

With advice from a friend, I purchased a therapy light for Laura. The theory beyond such lights is that exposure to bright light can help to improve mood and regulate sleep.  Light therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions, including seasonal affective disorder and depression, thereby improving well-being.  We’ll watch to see how well it works.

There’s another kind of light that is far more therapeutic—the light of God’s presence.  Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).  Just as the sun enlightens the world so that we can see things clearly, the Lord alone can give intellectual and spiritual light.  He unveils to us the truth about Himself, ourselves, and the nature of the lives He’s given us.

Life in the dark leads to misery in one’s ignorance, but the light of God leads to freedom in the truth. But how are we to see His light?  No inward intelligence of ours can work to flip that switch.  The Spirit alone can light up the dark recesses of our hearts and minds.  In trusting Jesus, that door is opened.  It remains for us to walk in the light, even as we walk by the Spirit and seek the truth bound up in God’s Word.  God is light (1 John 1:5), and by the light of God’s presence we enjoy both the warmth of His fellowship and the knowledge of truth.

“Vain are they who look to learning and human wit, one ray from the throne of God is better than the noonday splendor of created wisdom.”—Charles Spurgeon

Application Questions: Have you ever stumbled in the dark?  What does it mean to be darkened in one’s understanding (Ephesians 4:18)?  How much has knowing Jesus worked to enlighten you?  Are you walking in the light?    

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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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