By G. H. Akers, Professor Emeritus, Andrews University
General Conference of S.D.A. (Education), Retired

E-Mail: <akers@andrews.edu>
Published April 2001

Some of these are seed thoughts, which can be dropped into the running course of a lecture/discussion (since they are so easy to commit to memory...), or, inserted into a cyber unit. Or, they could serve as little mini-devotionals included with each unit of the course. --And, depending on the opportunity, may correlate with an academic point being made. . .

(I was going thru some of my old class materials, and found that had accumulated about 60 of these through the years, and eventually, I'll drop some choice ones into this PTP link. But for now, here's a few for starters ...You've got some "goodies" to share, I'm sure; please do! G A. March 19, 2001)

• "It is a law of the mind that it gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is trained to dwell. If occupied with commonplace matters only, it will become dwarfed and enfeebled. If never required to grapple with difficult problems, it will after a time almost lose the power of growth. As an educating power the Bible is without a rival. In the word of God the mind finds subject for the deepest thought, the loftiest aspiration . .". EGW, PP 596 (A little assignment for you: browse the modern psychology books, in search for a parallel to this concept!)

• You know, it's the strangest thing...the harder I work, the luckier I get.

• -Now can you beat that (of all things...!): The earth is 92 million miles away from the sun, and maintains its steady temperature by letting off -on one side--as much heat during the night, as it has taken on-on the other side--during the day! But if somehow in the evolutionary process, if it were a million miles closer (1/92nd!) we'd all roast to a cinder; and if it were a million miles (1/92nd) further away, we'd all freeze. What a coincidence! And all this vegetation takes in carbon dioxide (which they need) from man & animals, and give off oxygen-- which man & animals need. What a convenient reciprocity! Certainly a happy coincidence for us, alright. And to think that that just happened! ! (You heard about that explosion in a junk yard, and when the dust finally settled and all the pieces came down-voila! -a perfect 747 jet! Isn't the law of probability just marvelous?

• •"Isn't it strange, that princes & kings, and common folk like you and me, are
  Builders for Eternity?
  To each is given a book of rules, a shapeless mass, and a kit of tools...
  And each must build 'er life is flown, either a stumbling block or a stepping stone.

• •Man, how geometry teaches us straight-line thinking. (a rare commodity nowadays)
  -And the laws of cause-and-effect, and logical relationships!
  Is there possibly a corollary in the spiritual side of life-and human relationships?
  "Things equal to the same thing are equal to each other" (more)

Point: when we're harmoniously connected to the Lord Jesus, we automatically find ourselves connected that way to our brothers and sisters in His family here below... ((Thank you, Euclid. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, John (his gospel: 13:35).

• •When I went away to the academy my mother tucked in my suitcase a surprise for me-a small pocket Bible, with a handwritten poem on the back flyleaf: (It was a little blotched and washed-out, (she must have written it out in the rain.. .) I later learned that it was an Edgar Guest piece, which my college freshman comp teacher pronounced on in front of the whole class (when we each submitted our favorite poetry)--that it was "doggerel; mere versification." But if my house were on fire, and I could run in a rescue one personal prize, it would be that little Bible, with it doggerel and mere versification! I take it out and read it every once in a while, because I am still growing up, still need it:

I have to live with myself and so, I want to be fit for myself to know;

I want to be able days go by, always to look myself straight in the eye;

I don't want to stand with the setting sun, and hate myself for the things I've done.

I don't want to keep on a closet shelf a lot of secrets about myself,

And fool myself as I come and go, into thinking nobody else will know

the kind of a man I really am. I don't want to dress myself up in a sham...

I want to go out with my head erect; I want to deserve all men's respect,

And here in the struggle for fame and pelf, I want to be able to like myself!

I don't want to think as I come and go, that I bluster and bluff, and empty show.

For I know what others may never know. . .

I can never hide myself from me; I see what others may never see.

I can never fool myself,

and so...

Whatever happens, I want to be self-respecting and conscience-free.

"May your day be blessed.

May your road rise to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warmly upon your face.

May the rain fall softly on all that you plant.

And, until we meet again,

May God cradle you in the palm of His hand.

"Earth is brimming with heaven,

Ever common bush aflame with God,

Only those who see take off their shoes,

The rest sit around and pick blackberries."

(Quoted from memory--might not be exactly correct)

The 23rd Psalm:

Have you ever studied the 23rd Psalm? --What is David actually saying?

"The Lord is my Shepherd -- THAT'S RELATIONSHIP!

I shall not want -- THAT'S SUPPLY!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures -- THAT'S REST!

He leadeth me beside still waters -- THAT'S REFRESHMENT!

He restoreth my soul -- THAT'S HEALING!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness -- THAT'S GUIDANCE!

For His name sake -- THAT'S PURPOSE!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death -- THAT'S TESTING!

I will fear no evil -- THAT'S PROTECTION!

For thou art with me -- THAT'S FAITHFULNESS!

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me -- THAT'S DISCIPLINE!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies --THAT'S HOPE!

Thou anointest my head with oil -- THAT'S CONSECRATION!

My cup runneth over -- THAT'S ABUNDANCE!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life --THAT'S BLESSING!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever." -- THAT'S ETERNITY!

John Ortberg (in his fine little must-read paperback, The Life You've Always Wanted--spiritual disciplines for ordinary people): "The New Testament writers were not so much engaged in some form of positive thinking as in what might be called 'eschatological th;i;nking.' That is, they viewed all events in light of the Resurrection and the ultimate triumph of the risen Christ."

(To be continued...by YOU!)