TIMES OF REFRESHING

June 13

Bible Reading: Acts 3:17-20

Acts 3:19-20, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.”

When you think about refreshment you probably have in mind a cold drink on a hot day, but that’s not the connotation of the term as Peter used it.  The same term, “refreshing,” is used in 2 Timothy 1:16 to describe how Onesiphorus refreshed the imprisoned Paul by his presence.  One can imagine how much Paul appreciated Onesiphorus’ kindness and comfort, especially in the context of the hardships he was enduring.  This is the general meaning of the term as Peter used it, promising the repentant “times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:20). 

Jesus had felt compassion for the common folks of that day because they were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). The Romans taxed and oppressed folks and the religious leaders were less concerned about the people and more concerned about holding on to their power and wealth.  The recent crucifixion and death of Jesus had worked to stir up much trouble.  Life was hard.  Nothing came easy.  And there was little reason to suppose that things might change.

But Jesus had come with an offer of rest for the souls of those who “labor and are heaving laden” (Matthew 11:28).  Now, Jesus, having ascended to heaven, following His death for sins and resurrection, stood ready to provide that promised rest to those who believed.  Noteworthy regarding these “times of refreshing,” is the fact that they transcend what any human or circumstance could ever hope to provide, for they run soul deep.  Such times are likewise also availed to us, in Jesus, no matter our circumstances.  Note also that these come from “the presence of the Lord.”  It is one thing to order a tall, iced tea from a barista behind a counter. It is quite another to be refreshed by Jesus Himself in the midst of any and every kind of situation or circumstance.

We sometimes yearn to escape from the burdens and troubles of the world.  The thought of standing beside some beautiful river, casting a lure for some unsuspecting trout, comes to my mind.  But it’s good to keep in mind that Jesus, the “Shepherd and Overseer” of our souls (1 Peter 2:25), has promised to provide rest for our souls, no matter how wearisome the affairs of this world or how troublesome the steps of our journey.

It is one thing to order a tall, iced tea from a barista behind a counter. It is quite another to be refreshed by Jesus Himself in the midst of any and every kind of situation or circumstance.

JESUS, I AM RESTING, RESTING
Jesus, I am resting, resting
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
as thy beauty fills my soul,
for by thy transforming power,
thou hast made me whole.

Refrain:
Jesus, I am resting, resting,
in the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
of thy loving heart.

O how great thy lovingkindness,
vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvelous thy goodness
lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in thee, Beloved,
know what wealth of grace is thine,
know thy certainty of promise
and have made it mine. [Refrain]

Simply trusting thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold thee as thou art,
and thy love, so pure, so changeless,
satisfies my heart;
satisfies its deepest longings,
meets, supplies its ev’ry need,
compasseth me round with blessings:
thine is love indeed. [Refrain]

Ever lift thy face upon me
as I work and wait for thee;
resting ‘neath thy smile, Lord Jesus,
earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
sunshine of my Father’s face,
keep me ever trusting, resting,
fill me with thy grace. [Refrain]

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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.

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