JUNE 4
Psalm 111
Psalm 111:2, “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.”
Psalm 111 is a song of praise that celebrates the greatness of God through the works He has done. From creation to covenant, from provision to redemption, the psalmist calls us to remember and rejoice in the faithfulness and power of the Lord. Nearly every verse highlights a different aspect of His work—His righteousness, justice, grace, wonders, and provision.
Reading this psalm, I couldn’t help but think of a recent visit with my 94-year-old father. He stays active by tending to his yard with steady care and purpose. On this visit, he gave me a tour to show what he’d been working on. The fruit trees were perfectly pruned and already full of young fruit. The grass was mowed, the garden thriving, and the rose bushes blooming beautifully. He had even repaired the walkway and replaced some broken boards on the deck. Everything was clean, vibrant, and well-ordered—a quiet but clear testament to his ongoing work and care. I found myself deeply admiring it, and I told him so.
It reminded me of how we are invited in Psalm 111 to not only notice God’s works but to delight in them—to study them, remember them, and praise Him for them. Just as I walked through my father’s yard and saw the evidence of his labor and love, so the psalm invites us to walk through life and see the hand of the Lord in everything He has done. His works aren’t distant memories—they are present realities. The world He sustains, the people He redeems, the needs He meets, the wisdom He gives—all are ongoing expressions of His goodness.
When we slow down and pay attention, God’s works are all around us. Psalm 111 calls us to look again—to trace His fingerprints through our lives and respond with thanks, worship, and awe.
“The works of the Lord are the scrolls in which He writes His character, and the archives of His love.” — Charles Spurgeon
Application Questions: Psalm 111 says the works of the Lord are “studied by all who delight in them.” What might it look like for you to slow down and intentionally reflect on God’s work in your life this week? Is there a practical way to build that into your routine?
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.
View all posts by looking2jesus13
LookingtoJesus 