Tag: jesus

BLOG POSTS PUBLISHED!

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.

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.

GOD’S PERFECT WORD

JANUARY 27

Psalm 19

Psalm 19:7, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.”

This Psalm presents six statements about the attributes of God’s Word, each affirming its divine origin. The repeated phrase “of the Lord” emphasizes that Scripture is inspired by God. These statements highlight the titles, characteristics, and benefits of the Word. As John MacArthur points out, this Psalm condenses the themes of Psalm 119, using titles like law, testimony, precepts, commandments, fear, and rules—repeated throughout Psalm 119. Together, these statements declare the perfection and sufficiency of God’s Word.

We’ll focus on the first: “The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7a). The term “Law” refers to Scripture’s role in guiding us to live rightly with God, much like an operating manual. The Law is perfect—not just flawless, but complete and comprehensive, lacking nothing necessary to fulfill its purpose: “reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7b). The soul represents the inner person, and Scripture’s purpose is to transform us from the inside out, affecting how we think, speak, and act.

New Testament writers echo this. Peter writes, “You’ve been born again… through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). Paul affirmed, “You accepted it… as the word of God, which is at work in you believers” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). While many books can educate or inspire, none can save or transform like the Bible. It offers “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth,” and its perfection and sufficiency make it worthy of our devotion.

B.I.B.L.E. = Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

Application questions:  How has God’s word worked to bring change to your life?  Do you seek first for answers in God’s Word when you are confronted with difficult situations?  How much time of any given day do you devote to reading/studying God’s word?

HARD TO FORGIVE

My mother-in-law, Jean Beatley, was a wonderful woman of faith.  As is often the case, she was the glue that held the whole family together.  No one was for long a stranger to Jean, for she had an embracing personality.  I’m proof of that, for she readily accepted me into the family and treated me like a son.  She baked the best pies, and no one could ever leave her home hungry.

We were living in Astoria.  Grandma Jean lived in St. Helens, about an hour away.  Our youngest daughter eagerly anticipated her fifth birthday because after that, she would be allowed to spend the night with grandma.  We were all looking forward to an anticipated visit by Jean, as she had planned to visit soon.

It was 26 years ago last month.  We received one of those calls you never want.  Laura’s brother called and informed us that mom had been killed in a car accident.  She was on her way from playing volleyball, as she was still incredibly healthy for a 69-year-old.  A drunk driver, who had been drinking all day long, ran a stop sign and hit Jean’s car broadside, killing her on impact.  We found out later that he had a long rap sheet, detailing all his previous drunk driving escapades.

Anyone who has been involved in that kind of tragedy knows the emotions and heartache that is soon to follow.  We were engulfed in all sorts of pain and hurt and feelings that threatened to undo us.  How does one respond?  There was soon a trial, and we were there for that.  Justice needs to be served, and that’s what happened.  The judge sentenced the offender to seven years in prison.  But that did not rid our hearts of the pain or alleviate the grief we were experiencing.

As a family, we prayed together every day.  And it was amazing to hear our youngest daughter’s prayers.  Her heart was broken, but she still prayed daily for the man’s forgiveness.  Laura has such a forgiving spirit. That’s one of the reasons we’ve been married for over forty years.  And I walked with her through those difficult days.  She wanted for the man to face justice, but she harbored no bitterness in her heart against him. 

People do stupid things.  Sometimes intentionally, sometimes not.  We have a choice to make when we are offended, respond as Jesus would have us to, or listen to the devil.

Let me share just two passages with you:

  • Ephesians 4:26-27, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”
  • Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Note this—there are four individuals holding interest in any situation in which a person is offended: The one offended.  The one committing the offense.  The Lord Jesus.  And the devil.

Imagine yourself being the one who has been offended.  What are you going to do?

  1. The devil has a plan.  He’d like for you to either ventilate or incubate your anger.  In either case, he gains an opportunity and potentially an advantage.  He loves to destroy people and their relationships.  If he can gain a foothold in your marriage, your family, your workplace, your classroom, your church, or your community, he wins a victory whereby he causes destruction and pain and hurt and loss.
  2. The Lord Jesus has a plan.  He died on the cross for you.  As we saw in last week’s message, He’s extended forgiveness to you in amazing fashion, having canceled out your sin debt.  You owed an unpayable debt. He worked on the cross to set you free.  We are, in turn, to be practicing forgiveness, just as God in Christ has forgiven us.
  3. Then there is you.  The one who has been offended.  You can either hold on to the debt you feel you are owed in the offense or follow Christ’s example.  The devil would love for you to demand repayment!  To do that is kind of like locking yourself in a jail cell and being forced to watch reruns of the offense you’ve suffered, while the devil whispers in your ear about your need to get even somehow.  As has been said, “Bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”
  4. Then there is the person who has offended you.  That person for whom Christ died.  Be they a believer of not, they have need of being reminded of Jesus and His capacity to forgive.  Forgiving someone is like pointing a finger in the direction of the cross.  I’ve been hurt by what you’ve done, but Jesus has shown me that the best path forward is to extend to you the same forgiveness that He has shown towards me.

Extending forgiveness is not easy.  We are reminded in that challenge of two important truths.  Apart from Jesus, we can’t do anything.  And, contrarily, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.  Forgiveness is something we do only as we walk with the Spirit and are led and empowered by Him.

Ken Sande wrote a wonderful book entitled “The Peacemaker.”  Though written long ago, it is readily available on Amazon (for $10.49).  You’ll find good, helpful, Biblical counsel in that book.  Here is what the author has said about the practical steps to take in extending forgiveness to someone:

When someone has wronged me, I will ask God to change my heart so that I want to forgive them.

When I forgive someone, with God’s help, I will take these steps:

  1. I will not dwell on this incident.
  2. I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you.
  3. I will not talk to others about this incident.
  4. I will not allow this incident to stand between us or to hinder our personal relationship.

I’m 68 years old today as it is my birthday.  I was a pastor for almost 30 years.  I’ve been a hospice chaplain for almost four years.  One thing I’ve learned over the course of my years in ministry—nothing works to cause more harm to ourselves or our relationships than an unwillingness to forgive!  On the other hand, the forgiveness of Jesus knows no bounds.  And when we forgive others, as He has forgiven us, we have the opportunity to shine a little of His light into this dark world. Forgiving someone is one of the most Christlike things we can do!

2024 READING PLAN

Bible reading is an essential spiritual discipline, as Henry H. Halley once said: “The Bible is the most priceless possession of the human race… Every Christian ought to be a Bible reader… If any church could get its people as a whole to be devoted readers of God’s word, it would revolutionize the church.”

There are many “Read Thru the Bible in a Year” plans (i.e., read straight through; read through chronologically; read an OT & NT passage each day; etc.), and each has its own advantage.  This plan involves reading through John, Acts, and the “birth of Jesus” chapters in Matthew and Luke. Unlike previous plans, you will read through the same chapter for five days straight, which will help to gain better familiarity and heart retention of God’s truth.

Some keys to gaining the most benefit in this:

  1. Read Prayerfully.  It is only by the Spirit of God that we can understand the Word of God as He illuminates the truth to us (John 14:26, 16:14; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 1 John 2:27).  We should, therefore, approach the Scriptures with an attitude of humility and prayerful dependence (Psalm 119:18).
  2. Read Purposefully.  The ultimate purpose of Bible reading (and study) is to know Jesus better (John 5:39; Philippians 3:19; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Timothy 2:15).  A more thorough knowledge of the Word will also work to protect from sin and error (Psalm 119:11; Ephesians 4:14; 1 John 2:14).  Noteworthy too are the promises to bless those who read and apply the truth to their lives (Revelations 1:3; James 1:22; Psalm 1:1-3).  Purposefully read, so that you can grow in your relationship with Jesus and become better equipped to serve Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
  3. Read Responsively.  Ask questions of the Scriptures as you read—what does the passage say about God? Christ? Salvation? The Gospel?  You Walk with Christ?  Look for a particular application: Is there a sin I need to forsake?  A promise to claim?  An example to follow?   A command to obey?  Consider how the passage fits into its context and into the context of the Scriptures as a whole.  Endeavor to take one truth or one application from your reading with you each day.

Some other considerations:

  1. Keep a copy of the reading plan in your Bible.  Mark off each passage as you read it to keep track of your progress.
  2. Consider finding an “accountability partner” that you might mutually encourage each other in your Bible reading.  This is something you could do daily, weekly, or even monthly, by either meeting together or via the phone or internet (email; Facebook, etc.).
  3. Don’t allow a missed day or days to discourage or distract you.  The goal is not your perfection in the discipline, but your spiritual growth in Christ (Proverbs 24:16).  Don’t be discouraged by temporary setbacks—ask God for strength and pick up where you left off.
  4. Feel free to pass on this plan to family members and friends.
2024 BIBLE READING PLAN
DATESCHAPTERDATESCHAPTER
JAN 1-5John 1JULY 1-5Acts 6
JAN 8-12John 2JULY 8-12Acts 7
JAN 15-19John 3JULY 15-19Acts 8
JAN 22-26John 4JULY 22-26Acts 9
JAN 29-FEB2John 5JULY 29-AUG 2Acts 10
FEB 5-9John 6AUG 5-9Acts 11
FEB 12-16John 7AUG 12-16Acts 12
FEB 19-23John 8AUG 19-23Acts 13
FEB 26-MAR 1John 9AUG 26-30Acts 14
MAR 4-8John 10SEPT 2-6Acts 15
MAR 11-15John 11SEPT 9-13Acts 16
MAR 18-22John 12SEPT 16-20Acts 17
MAR 25-29John 13SEPT 23-27Acts 18
APR 1-5John 14SEPT 30-OCT 4Acts 19
APR 8-12John 15OCT 7-11Acts 20
APR 15-19John 16OCT 14-18Acts 21
APR 22-26John 17OCT 21-25Acts 22
APR 29-MAY 3John 18OCT 28-NOV 1Acts 23
MAY 6-10John 19NOV 4-8Acts 24
MAY 13-17John 20NOV 11-15Acts 25
MAY 20-24John 21NOV 18-22Acts 26
MAY 27-31Acts 1NOV 25-29Acts 27
JUNE 3-7Acts 2DEC 2-6Acts 28
JUNE 10-14Acts 3DEC 9-13Matt 1
JUNE 17-21Acts 4DEC 16-20Matt 2
JUNE 24-28Acts 5DEC 23-27Luke 2