JULY 7
Psalm 133
Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
Psalm 133 offers a glimpse of something elusive yet beautiful: unity among God’s people. It’s not just “good”—it’s pleasant, anointed, and blessed. It flows down like oil, covers like dew, and draws the favor of God Himself. But unity doesn’t always come easily.
When I was called to serve Lewis and Clark Bible Church in June 1990, I walked into a fellowship deeply scarred by division. A 50-50 church split had left deep wounds, crippled ministry, and damaged its reputation in the community. Four pastors had come and gone over the previous decade, unable to mend what was broken.
A local pastor pulled me aside before I arrived and warned, “That church eats pastors.” Sadly, I soon saw what he meant. I met many who had worshiped at our church but had left—hurt by infighting, disappointed by division, and weary of the conflict. There was little hope left, and no quick fixes. I knew in my heart that only God could rebuild what had been lost.
And over the next 27½ years—that is exactly what He did. Not all at once, and not without struggle. But little by little, as we turned our eyes collectively toward Jesus, and grounded ourselves in His Word, God began to heal. He softened hearts, restored relationships, and renewed our vision. We learned together what it meant to truly love one another—not just in words or sentiment, but in grace, patience, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
As we pursued Christ, He united us. And as unity grew, so did health, joy, and effectiveness in ministry. The church’s reputation slowly shifted—from a place known for conflict to a place where people found devotion to Jesus and His Word and the love the Spirit bears. God’s blessing was tangible—not always flashy, but steady and sure.
Unity is not merely an ideal. It is a holy place, birthed in the unity of a triune God who commands His blessing. But even after healing comes, unity must be guarded. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:3 to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” This kind of unity doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional effort, prayerful dependence, and continual surrender to Christ. It’s not something we create—it’s something we protect, preserve, and prioritize, because the Spirit of God is the one who births it.
“Unity is not something we create. It is something we recognize and preserve.”
— Francis Schaeffer
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: Read Ephesians 4:1-3. What are the attitudes and actions that work to promote peace and preserve unity? Are you actively seeking God through His Word and looking to Jesus as the center of our unity, or are personal preferences or past wounds working to undermine your relationships?
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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