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 finished the project. I printed several copies and took them with me to Uganda to share with English-speaking pastors.
After a move to Heppner, Oregon, 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 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 makes the devotionals both engaging and applicable for daily spiritual growth.
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.
- Be Victorious: A Devotional Journey through Romans Chapter Eight: Thirty devotionals highlighting the triumphant nature of life in Christ.
From time to time, readers have reached out to say these blog posts have blessed and encouraged them—and occasionally, they share stories about how they shared a post to uplift someone else in their moment of need. I compiled many of my blog posts 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.
LookingtoJesus 