WRITING DEVOTIONALS: How It All Began—and Where It’s Led

Back in 2012, while serving as pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church, I began writing devotionals for our church family. We had encouraged everyone to join a “Read Through the New Testament in a Year” plan—one chapter a day, five days a week. It’s a simple plan that takes you through all 260 chapters in a year.

Pastoral responsibilities—and a trip to Uganda—kept me from writing a devotional for every chapter that first year. But in 2014, I was able to finish the project. I printed several copies and took them with me to Uganda to share with English-speaking pastors.

After Laura and I moved to Heppner, I revised and posted those devotionals to my blog, looking2jesus.blog. I also shared them with our church family here, along with other friends and churches. That early effort led to further devotional writing—on Acts and Psalms, and on topics like the attributes of God, prayer, the Word of God, and the books of Colossians and Philippians.

Each devotional was written with a commitment to remain faithful to God’s Word. Some explore key doctrinal truths. Others include illustrations drawn from my own life—whether from my years in pastoral ministry, short-term missions in Uganda, service as a hospice chaplain, or Laura’s cancer journey. You’ll also find hymn stories, testimonies of conversion, and short biographical sketches of missionaries and spiritual leaders.

Most of the books follow a consistent and approachable format: a key Bible verse, a devotional narrative, a summary quote, and questions for personal reflection or group discussion. This structure is intended to make the devotionals both engaging and applicable for daily spiritual growth.

In recent months, I’ve compiled, formatted, and self-published these works through Kindle Direct Publishing. They’re now available in both paperback and eBook format. You can find them on Amazon by searching for my name: Jerry Conklin.

Here’s a quick look at the titles currently available:

  • Looking to Jesus: A Devotional Journey through the New Testament
    A devotional for each chapter of the New Testament.
  • First Things First: A Devotional Journey through the Book of Acts
    Five devotionals for each chapter in Acts.
  • From the Mire to the Choir: A Devotional Journey through the Book of Psalms
    One devotional for each chapter in Psalms.
  • Blessed by the Book: Devotional Reflections on Why the Word Matters
    Thirty devotionals on the power of God’s Word to transform hearts and minds.
  • Knowing the God Who Saves: Devotional Reflections on the Attributes of God
    Thirty devotionals exploring God’s character and attributes.
  • Prayer Matters: Devotional Reflections on the Purpose and Power of Prayer
    Thirty devotionals on cultivating a deeper prayer life.
  • Hopeful in Jesus: Devotional Reflections on the Hope of the Believer
    Thirty reflections on how to remain hopeful in uncertain and trying times.
  • Joyful in Jesus: A Devotional Journey through the Book of Philippians
    Thirty devotionals from Paul’s joyful letter to the Philippians.
  • Complete in Christ: A Devotional Journey through the Book of Colossians
    Thirty reflections on Christ’s supremacy and sufficiency.

From time to time, I’ve heard from readers who’ve been blessed and encouraged by these blog posts—and occasionally, I hear stories of how one of them was shared to uplift someone else in their moment of need. Thank you for reading. Thank you for sharing. It’s been a tremendous privilege to walk with you through the Word.

With Laura now in hospice care, I’ll be taking a break from daily postings for the time being. Psalm 150 will be the final blog entry—for now. But if you’d like to continue reading, many of my blog posts have been compiled into the books listed above. They’re available in both print and digital formats.

May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you looking to Jesus.

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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.

One thought on “WRITING DEVOTIONALS: How It All Began—and Where It’s Led”

  1. Thank you, Pastor Jerry We are so glad to see thst you have published these books! I’m sure they will be finding their way to our house. May they bless many who read them and point many to the Savior! Give our love to Laura. We are praying much! You are such a blessing to us!! M & L

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