JUNE 6
Psalm 113
Psalm 113:3, “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!”
Have you ever paused on a Sunday morning to consider how God is being praised around the globe? Psalm 113:3 paints a breathtaking picture: praise rising like the sun, never ceasing, traveling across the globe with time. Across America, from Oregon to Maine, to Uganda on the other side of the world, and even “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
In South Korea, believers begin their day with pre-dawn prayer services, lifting their voices in earnest praise. In rural China, small house churches gather quietly, risking much to proclaim their love for Christ. Across Europe, grand cathedrals and humble chapels echo with Scripture and song, steeped in history and tradition.
In Africa, joyful worship fills the air with drumming, dancing, and vibrant song, pouring out from open-air village churches and city sanctuaries alike. In the United States, services vary from gospel choirs to quiet liturgy, from large megachurches to small country congregations. And across the Pacific Islands, entire villages gather, their voices blending with the waves as they sing praises in harmony and simplicity.
This isn’t just a poetic image — it’s a living reality. As the sun rises and sets, so does the sound of God’s name being lifted high in every language, every culture, every continent. His praise doesn’t pause. It doesn’t depend on a building, a sound system, or a perfect setlist. It flows from hearts that love Him.
Sometimes it’s easy to feel like our worship doesn’t matter—especially if we’re alone, distracted, or discouraged. But you are part of something far bigger than yourself. Your voice joins a global choir of unceasing praise to the Creator of all things. Whether you sing enthusiastically in church, whisper quietly in prayer, or simply give thanks to God on a walk through the woods—your praise rises like the sun to meet the One who made it all.
Take time today to reflect on your place in this unbroken chain of worship. Let it humble you, inspire you, and remind you: God is truly worthy of such praise.
““Worship is the sound of eternity touching time.” — A.W. Tozer
Application questions: How can you become more intentional in recognizing that even your quiet praise joins a global and eternal chorus? Are there moments in your week when praise feels difficult or distant? What steps could you take to re-center your heart on God’s worthiness in those times?
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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