MIND POISON

August 26

Bible Reading: Acts 14:1-7

Acts 14:1-2, “Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.”

Even though the Hutu and Tutsis tribes had for years previously coexisted side-by-side as neighbors, the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 led to the mass slaughter of about 800,000 Tutsis (and moderate Hutus) in over just 100 days.  What happened?  Extremist leaders from the Hutu ethnic majority poisoned minds by broadcasting hate speech that dehumanized the Tutsis.  They spread false rumors, convincing the Hutus that their survival depended on eliminating the Tutsi population.  Though none of that was true, the constant barrage of propaganda worked to poison minds, inflaming tension and inciting violence. 

Paul and Barnabas brought the good news of salvation by faith in Jesus to the city of Iconium.  A great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.  As we’ve seen thus far in the book of Acts, Satan opposes every forward advance of the gospel.  Here, that opposition came by unbelieving Jews who stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.  Poisoned minds lead to ruined lives.

Literal poison works to cause bodily harm.  Metaphorically speaking, poison refers to introducing destructive ideas that work to destroy a person’s thinking.  The devil, who is always working to deceive, employs countless poisonous thoughts to wreak his destruction.  Innumerable deadly ideas exist in the world’s marketplace of beliefs, though never labeled to be poisonous.  With destructive thoughts, we can’t even trust our own hearts and minds (Jeremiah 17:9).  Mind poison can be toxic indeed!  How important is it then for us to exercise discernment and “test everything” and “hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)?  We can only do that, of course, by sifting all that we hear and think through a “but what does the Bible say?” filter.

Whether of the physical or metaphorical variety, it is always best to be careful to avoid poison.

LORD, SPEAK TO ME THAT I MAY SPEAK
Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone.
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.

Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet.
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hungry ones with manna sweet.

Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious truths which you impart.
And wing my words that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very hearts o’erflows
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.

Oh, use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as you will, and when, and where
Until your blessed face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.

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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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