All Things New with Jeff Ackenback

Often when we feel doubt, whether it's in our faith, ourselves, or something else entirely, we feel shame or even pull away from whatever it is "until we are better." But in doubt, we have a chance to seek answers, to find our way forward...to listen to and share with others, building something truly special and standing.

No matter what people say, no matter what obstacles you face, don't give up. Have hope and look for the way forward, accepting help along the way.

Everyone get's angry sometimes. The key, though, is understanding why, working on it, taking the time and effort to not bottle things up...and doing our best to move forward in peace with everyone we meet.

The road back is never without opposition or danger or problems...whether they're from our own making or not. When we are recovering from grief, starting a new life, or returning from an exile...the important part is not "being seen as right" or "having things how we want," but instead to love God and love others, to live that out in the way we act, the way we treat others, the way we live.

Often, we are told (or tell others) how, when, and how long to grieve...but it's something that is different for everyone and every situation. More than that, it's an important time to come to terms with yourself, with what you're grieving, and to learn from God.

As much as I wish I could say otherwise, you WILL face tragedies, defeats, failures, and heartache along the way. However, hitting "rock bottom" is not an end, but a chance at a new beginning. It may take time to deal with it, to mourn, to re-plan, but as long as there is life, there is hope.

Even after witnessing so many amazing miracles of God, the Israelites still turned from Him when it became too hard to wait. In our own lives, we often live in an "out of sight, out of mind" way, too...but even when God isn't in our sight, we are in His...completely and totally loved.

We each have a limited amount of time on this earth, but more than that we have a limited amount of time in other people's lives. Since we don't know when either of those "times" are up, we should all do our best to always seek to make a difference FOR GOOD.

We often feel like what others receive (or even have) diminishes what we already have...but that's not the case at all. Instead of focusing so much on the lives of others, focus on how you can be more like Jesus in your own life, helping others to see the way towards heaven.

Forgiveness is a difficult concept for most of us, because we tie it so closely to "forgive and forget" and "you have to earn it." Forgiveness, though, means that you are letting yourself off the hook of holding grudges...beginning the process of healing. It doesn't mean letting people run all over you, just that you are moving forward.

The thing most missing in the world, not just today but throughout time, is often the ability to put ourselves in other people's shoes. It's vital that we treat others as we'd want to be treated, to help those who need it, and to always stand for what's right, regardless of what it means politically.

God loves everyone, regardless of race, belief, sex, etc....everyone. And nothing can ever separate any of us from that love. For those of us who accept it, who believe and follow Jesus, it's vital to show that love to everyone, whether or not we agree with or like them. Love God. Love Othersr.

Simply put, be the change you want to see in the world. (Pretty sure I made that up...so...don't google it)

You will mess up at some point. This isn't an excuse so you can go do whatever you want, but a truth that none of us are perfect. So the question becomes...who are you after you mess up?

A glimpse behind the curtain of my life mixed with some big words and hopefully big ideas.

Being tempted by something does not make you weak or a failure, it makes you human. Learn what your temptations are, learn who you are, and do all you can to be better the next day than you were the day before. Grow, learn, keep trying your best. You are worth it.

The return to possible normalcy...on a slow, step by step basis. Plus, more about my life than you'd ever hoped to find out! Aka something!

The important part of the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den isn't the miracle of the lion's not eating him...it's the strength and courage that he showed in standing up for what he believed, regardless of the consequences. All of us will have moments in our lives where we have to choose to stand or sit, and it is in those times that we begin to learn who we are.

A bad week hopefully leads to a good outpouring of podcasting honesty and advice. You be the judge!

Everyone knows the story of David and Goliath, but even in his victorious moment, David had several points when he could have chosen differently or even could have given up. We know the story, though, because he kept moving forward, kept believing, and didn't let those who didn't believe in him stop him. It's hard to do anything when it feels like no one believes in you, but with faith, with preparation, with hope, not even that can stop you.

From a discussion of my morning ritual with Stevie to a random Facebook stroll to the true meaning of negativity and why it's not all bad....these are the days of our lives.

We so often say "be like Jesus," without stopping to think about how to do it. Throughout his life on earth, he was forgiving, merciful, loving, and truthful....regardless of what was going on around him. We are called to do the same.

Getting hacked led me (and by extension you) down a path of money, the things we buy, and who we are.

Being human can be a gift and a curse, all at the same time. On the one hand, we are able to love, forgive, hope...but on the other, we often can give in to anger, greed, even hatred. Through his ministry, but especially in the final days, Jesus shows us the importance of never becoming what you're fighting against...of doing your best to be an example of the good in humanity.

From Stevie's bad week to the meaning of legacy, this week is about what you can do, regardless of how many people know you.

Even as he was suffering through horrible beatings, Jesus showed love for those around him. Even when he was dying on the cross, he showed forgiveness to those around him. Even when he was being verbally assaulted by the same people he was dying for, he showed grace to everyone. On Easter, we celebrate the resurrection, but the best way to celebrate is to live like he did in those moments every day.

Find out how some rambling about different alternate reality fictional works became a talk about having hope for your future...

When Jesus rose from the dead, he could have forced people to listen, to change, to see him. Instead, he met with those who needed to feel his presence and told them to go and teach, to go and be better, to go and love.

Treat others like you want to be treated...but still make Purdue jokes. :)

Struggling with depression is a daily battle, and there will be times you feel like you're losing. However, as long as there is life, there is hope, and as long as you are fighting, you're winning. You are enough, keep fighting.

Just a quick convo about several different things with no discernible theme running through it! How can you pass this up, now?

Often, when something traumatic happens to us, we sweep it under the rug or (because it doesn't match up to what others may be facing) we don't seek help. However, if something matters to you, it matters. And you are worth the time it takes to get help, to deal with things, and to move forward.

A few words about disappointment.

One of the hardest things to deal with is your own image of yourself. No matter what others see, we always see all the flaws. No matter what, though, you are enough. You are worth it, and you are worth getting help. Don't give up. Always keep fighting.

Most people feel nervous at some point, but anxiety is a completely different issue. There are times that something small brings more anxiety than you've ever felt, and that can be a defeating feeling. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone, that people do care, and that there is nothing wrong with you...just something you struggle with...but it is not the end. Always keep fighting.

Sometimes Christians throw around the phrase "relationship with Jesus" without explanation or even understanding occasionally. However, having a relationship with Jesus means talking to him, listening to him, spending time with him...doing everything you can to be like him. Christianity is not about "things not to do," but about having that relationship and treating others as you would want them to treat you. Love God, Love others.

Family relationships can be the best and most challenging of all. When you're with someone 24/7, you see each other at your best and worst. The most important thing, though, is to communicate, stay as calm as possible, and be just as willing to forgive as you are to seek forgiveness.

When it comes to dating, it feels like we always have to be with "someone." However, there's nothing wrong with being single. In fact, it helps you to prepare yourself and what you want in a partner, to be sure you're both looking for the same things and have the same values. You are enough, no matter when or if you date.

Always be friendly, loving, and understanding...but also make sure your closest friendships are trustworthy, loyal, and built on the same faith you have.

Often, both with people and the news, the temptation is to build the facts around the story, instead of building a story around the facts. It's hard to know anyone or anything's full story, but it's up to us to do our best to try to understand, to try to look for more, to show Jesus in how we live, in how we treat others, and in what we do.

It's easy to assume that people fall on hard times by their own actions and decisions, but sometimes it's because of circumstances beyond their control. Even if those are the reasons, though, it is vital to remember that everyone has worth....to treat others as we'd want to be treated in situations where we truly need help.

No Christian would say "I hate...(insert name here)," yet with politics, with social media, even with personal interactions, so many cross the line into anger and hatred without realizing it. It is a very thin line between stereotypes, anger, dislike....and actual hatred. Always try to see the perspective of others, always ask, "is it right that I'm angry about this?"

The Prodigal Son is one of the more well-known parables in the Bible, but if you were to stop it at various points...the meaning would change dramatically from the endpoint. Our life is the same. Everyone has periods of good, of bad...of joy, of sadness...but to be defined by just one "paragraph" is not how we would want to be treated, so it can't be how we treat others.

This is a standalone recorded from the 9:00 Christmas Eve service. I'll be posting a non-sermon episode between now and the New Year.

When it comes to the Christmas Story, Jesus is (rightfully so) the first person thought of, followed by Mary, then maybe the wise men, shepherds...a few donkeys, and a cow. Joseph is often completely lost in the shuffle, yet he still did his best for God, which is all any of us can do. Regardless of whether or not people notice, we are here to do our best, to serve, and to be like Him.

Mary was a young girl, between the ages of 12-14, so when she was visited by an angel and told what her life would be, it is incredibly amazing that she continued to stand there and listen. She faced her fears, her worries, the things people would and did say about her, and she said simply, "I am a servant of the Lord." It didn't mean she wasn't scared, quite the opposite actually, but through her amazing faith, she was able to stand bravely, to show courage, and to be the type of person we all should hope to be like.

Sometimes it can be hard to feel like you can make a difference or even help someone. However, you may be in just the right place and be just the right person to have the greatest impact. Be kind, be helpful, be compassionate, not just when it's easy....but always, no matter what everyone else around you is doing and saying.

One of the most famous parables in the Bible is that of the good Samaritan. It's not just about the fact that he stopped to help someone in need, though, but the more important part is that he stopped to help someone who probably hated him. Instead of defining who you're neighbor isn't, we should all do our best to treat everyone as a neighbor.

Thanksgiving is about more than food, more than family...even more than Black Friday. Regardless of your feelings on the holiday itself, it's important for us to do our best to seek to understand others, where they come from...to think about their stories. All year, we should do our best to show compassion, empathy...to treat others like we want to be treated.

When it comes to giving, things can get tricky. There's so much that goes into it, but the most important thing is to have a generous heart, whether it's with your money, your time, your talents...anything you can give to help others.