JULY 9
Psalm 135
Psalm 135:18, “Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them.”
I love this quote by A. W. Tozer from his classic book The Knowledge of the Holy: “We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God. This is true not only of the individual Christian, but of the company of Christians that composes the Church. Always the most revealing thing about the Church is her idea of God, just as her most significant message is what she says about Him or leaves unsaid.” Tozer begins his book emphasizing the critical importance of thinking rightly about God. What we believe about God doesn’t just inform our theology—it shapes the trajectory of our lives. The most defining reality of any church, and any believer, is their view of God.
An attribute of God is something that is true about Him. And it matters deeply that we seek to know those truths—not in vague or abstract terms, but through Scripture, where God has revealed Himself. As we search the Word, we begin to grasp the beauty and weight of His attributes: His holiness, love, justice, mercy, omniscience, and more. We begin to plumb the depths of His transcendent nature and discover a God who is not only infinitely glorious but also deeply personal.
This pursuit of knowing God rightly is not just theological—it’s transformational. As our understanding of God expands, so does our worship. And remarkably, by the Spirit’s work in us, we are shaped by what we worship. Paul exhorts believers in Ephesians 5:1 to “be imitators of God.” This is no small calling. But as we behold Him—through His Word and in worship—we are being formed into His likeness.
In stark contrast to this, the psalmist in Psalm 135 speaks to the human tendency, in sin, to invent gods that reflect our own preferences and desires (Romans 1:18-23). But such gods are no gods at all, and it is in vain that any would endeavor to trust their lives to lifeless gods. The psalmist exalts the living God—the one who “does whatever He pleases” (v. 6), who redeems His people, judges justly, and is worthy of true worship. Rather than creating a god to serve us, the psalmist calls us to worship the true God who is alone is worthy. In the pursuit of Him, He shapes our lives accordingly.
“The human heart is a perpetual factory of idols.” — John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion
Application Questions: Is my understanding of God shaped more by Scripture or by my own preferences, feelings, or cultural influences? What steps can I take to align my view of God more closely with who He truly is?
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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