June 20
Bible Reading: Acts 4:23-31
Acts 4:23-24, “When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God…”
The religious leaders could not deny that a miraculous event had taken place (Acts 4:16). Showing no interest as to how it happened, they charged Peter and John to not “speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18). Peter refused to abide by their demands, but the leaders let them go “because of the people” (Acts 4:21). The newly born church faced its first major obstacle. The ministry efforts of the Apostles extremely displeased the powerful religious leaders. What was the church to do?
The church was born out of a prayer meeting (Acts 1:14). In its infancy, it was “devoted” to prayer (Acts 2:42). It was only natural then, in dealing with this ominous threat, for them to seek God’s help. Prayer is fundamental to the health and growth of the church. To borrow from a Hudson Taylor quote: If the church is to advance in its influence, it must do so “on its knees.”
Those early believers knew what to do in responding to trouble—in one accord, they “lifted their voices together to God” (Acts 4:24). What did they pray? Their prayer was not merely a request, but rather an act of worship. They acknowledged God to be the Creator of all things (Acts 4:24). They recalled prophetic warning of opposition to “His Anointed” (Acts 4:25-27). They acknowledged His sovereignty (Acts 4:28). They asked for but one thing—that He would grant them “to continue to speak (His) word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29). Their prayer was that God would grant them confidence in the face of opposition, while He continued to make Himself known through signs and wonders (Acts 4:30).
Did God hear them? How could they know? The God who created the earth, shook it (Acts 4:31). Our prayers will not likely meet with such dramatic outcome, but God’s Word nevertheless assures us of His attentiveness (1 John 5:14-15). Did God answer their prayer? “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). The church continued “with great power” proclaiming the truth about Jesus (Acts 4:33).
The discerning Christian is well aware of the ongoing threats and opposition faced by the church in our day. What are we to do? We would do well to follow the example of those who have gone before us! The formula for the growth of the early church was relatively simple: the church grew as the Spirit worked and the people prayed. Much prayer, much power! And vice versa.
Much prayer; much power!
I MUST TELL JESUS
I must tell Jesus all of my trials;
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.
Refrain:
I must tell Jesus!
I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus!
I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.
I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;
He is a kind, compassionate friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
Make of my troubles quickly an end. [Refrain]
Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior,
One who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;
He all my cares and sorrows will share. [Refrain]
O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me
Over the world the vict’ry to win. [Refrain]
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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