LOVING THE WORD

JUNE 16

Psalm 119:1-88

Psalm 119:16, “I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.”

Pastor Max Snook has served faithfully as the pastor of St. Helens Community Bible Church since its beginning over 40 years ago. My wife Laura and I were there in those early days, when the church met in the local senior center. We would help set up chairs before service began—simple, humble beginnings.

I remember how Pastor Max was preaching through Psalm 119, taking one stanza each Sunday. Each week we explored another layer of the psalmist’s love for God’s Word, and in the process, we were witnessing Max’s love for it too. Like the psalmist, he delighted in the Word and held tightly to it. And he invited us to do the same, purposing to establish the church on that firm foundation.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible—22 stanzas corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. What’s more, each verse within a stanza begins with the same Hebrew letter. While that structure is hidden in our English translations, it shows the care and intention behind every line. This is no ordinary poem; it’s a declaration of devotion: “I will not forget your word.” (Psalm 119:16)

Over the decades, Pastor Max has lived that verse. He has not forgotten God’s Word. Through trials, growth, and change, he has remained rooted in Scripture and has faithfully led others to do the same.

Psalm 119 challenges us to ask: How central is God’s Word in my life? Do I love it, delight in it, meditate on it, and live by it? Pastor Max’s lifetime love for the Word reminds us that this devotion isn’t cultivated in a moment—it’s built over a lifetime of choosing the Word again and again.

Wherever you are today—whether just beginning your walk with Christ or decades along the path—let the psalmist’s cry become your own: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).” May we, like Pastor Max and the psalmist before him, treasure the Word deeply and pass that love on to others.

“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” — Charles H. Spurgeon

APPLICATION QUESTIONS: What disciplines can you build today to deepen your love for and commitment to God’s Word over your lifetime? Who in your life can you encourage or mentor by sharing of your love for the Word and what you have learned (1 Timothy 2:2)?

Unknown's avatar

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.

Leave a comment