September 9
Bible Reading: Acts 16:1-10
Acts 16:7, “…but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.”
Have you ever planned a trip only to have your plans upended somehow? Maybe your mode of transportation changed, or your destination was no longer viable. Paul and Silas, accompanied by Luke and Timothy, set out on a missionary journey with a specific route in mind. However, their plans were altered when their divine “travel agent”—the Holy Spirit—redirected them.
The four men initially intended to travel to Asia. However, the Spirit said no (Acts 16:6). They then aimed for Bithynia, a well-developed region that seemed like a logical choice. Yet again, the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to proceed there. Despite their original plans, Asia and Bithynia were off the table. Whether through prophecy, inner prompting, or circumstances—Paul and his companions remained attentive as the Spirit worked to redirect them. Ultimately, the Spirit led them to Troas, and then to Macedonia, a completely new continent, through a vision in which Paul saw a Macedonian man pleading for their help. God had closed two doors, but then opened another through which they would experience a fruitful ministry.
This account highlights a crucial lesson: Paul and his companions were attentive to the Spirit’s leading in their missionary effort. The Spirit was in control, as He should be. This same guidance is available to us (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:16). The Spirit indwells every believer and speaks through the Word to lead us along. How important it is to remain attentive to Him (Philippians 2:13; Romans 8:27; Ephesians 5:18)! Are you in a position where the Spirit can lead you as He navigates you through your life’s journey?
Consider the story about a farmer who lost his watch in a haystack. After searching fruitlessly, he enlisted the help of local boys, who sifted through the hay for hours without success. A friend then suggested a different approach: clear everyone and everything out of the barn and leave him alone. When the barn was silent, the faint ticking of the watch became audible, and it was soon found. Similarly, to hear the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we must silence the noise and distractions of our lives and listen attentively to His voice through the Word.
“It is better to go to Troas with God, than anywhere else without Him.” – G. Campbell Morgan
BE STILL, MY SOUL
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
in every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
to guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul; the hour is hast’ning on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
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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