September 5
Bible Reading: Acts 15:22-29
Acts 15:28, “For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”
There is a highway sign near here marking and commemorating the old Oregon Trail. Those who traveled west on that path crossed the continent on wagon trains, fording rivers and journeying through deserts and blizzards and the Rocky Mountains. They faced hostile Indians and outlaws and many hazards. How indispensable then was the role of an experienced wagon master, leading them on to their appointed destination. The Holy Spirit (the “Helper”) serves us in such a role.
It was the Holy Spirit who led and empowered in the early church, even as Jesus had promised (Acts 1:8). The Spirit was leading and working as the people were praying. Things are no different today. It is those who led by the Spirit who are the sons of God (Romans 8:14). The pastor, the leaders, and members of the congregation are all Spirit-indwelt believers. The Spirit speaks with one voice and leads in one direction. Our responsibility is to all keep in step with Him (Galatians 5:25).
The Jerusalem council faced a tough decision, a decision that would lead to dramatic and enduring consequences. The Judaizers were arguing for the need for the Gentiles to be circumcised. Peter and Paul and Barnabas made their case to the contrary. James, citing the prophet Amos, judged that the Gentiles should not be required to undergo circumcision. The church wrote a letter which was to be sent to proclaim that verdict. And in that letter, James noted that the decision was not just his or his and his fellow council members, but it “seemed good to the Holy Spirit and (them)” (Acts 15:28).
Jack Andrews commented on this: “The Holy Spirit presided over the proceedings in the church. He had His will and His way. The Holy Spirit leads His church as we submit to Him, seek Him, are sensitive to Him, and surrender to Him to do His will. The Holy Spirit of God was the source of this teaching as the church came together in once accord and discerned the will of the Lord.”
We are all called upon to make tough choices and difficult decisions. Is the Holy Spirit your guide, enabling you to avoid the ever-present spiritual snares and pitfalls that are commonplace in this present evil age (Ephesians 5:15-18)? He knows best when it comes to navigating the life’s journey.
To be led by the Spirit requires that you allow Him to lead.
HE LEADETH ME
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain:
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since ’tis my God that leadeth me. [Refrain]
And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me. [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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