All Things New with Jeff Ackenback: Recent Episodes
Jeff Ackenback
All Things New is a podcast about...all things...in a new way. I won't necessarily be reinventing the wheel, but I will be presenting each episode in a real way. There will be messages about faith, love, hope, depression...episodes about pop culture and literature, even sports...and more, as it comes up. Subscribe and leave 5 stars!
Despite everything else that comes with it, the IDEA of Thanksgiving revolves around empathy and generosity. In this series, we will learn more about each.
Despite everything else that comes with it, the IDEA of Thanksgiving revolves around empathy and generosity. In this series, we will learn more about each.
Despite everything else that comes with it, the IDEA of Thanksgiving revolves around empathy and generosity. In this series, we will learn more about each.
Despite everything else that comes with it, the IDEA of Thanksgiving revolves around empathy and generosity. In this series, we will learn more about each.
With all of the other areas where we have conflict, there's the potential for the "other side" to be wrong, but when it comes to God, we know he's always right. That can be difficult, especially when things don't work out the way we hope, but the closer we get to Him, the better we will be able to handle and even understand what comes next.
Although we technically didn't have youth this week, here's a message about conflict with yourself. In some ways, it's the hardest one, because you can never get away from your own thoughts. However, there are ways to learn, grow, and help yourself make things better.
Everyone at some point deals with family conflict. No matter what it is about, though, it's important to do your best to stay calm, to present your side without dismissing the other, and simply do your best to seek peace. It's not easy, but, as we will discuss this week, it's doable...eventually...
Even in the best of friendships, conflict will sometimes arise. This week, we talk about how to deal with that and work towards peace.
Dealing with authority can be rough. It's possible to do everything right yet still be called out. How do you deal with it? How can you remain calm, even when someone else is yelling at you? This week, we discuss just that...
My sermon from the 11:00 traditional...I included both this week, even though they're mostly the same.
Over the course of our lives, there are many times where we are faced with incredibly difficult choices. In this series, we will talk about some of those situations and how to do our best to make the right ones...and how to recover when we don't.
Over the course of our lives, there are many times where we are faced with incredibly difficult choices. In this series, we will talk about some of those situations and how to do our best to make the right ones...and how to recover when we don't.
Money is important, but if you define yourself by that...or anything that can change...then your identity will be in constant flux. Often, it's that changing identity that leads to stealing, cheating...not knowing who you are.
Everyone faces peer pressure, and everyone feels temptation. It's important to figure out who you are, what you stand for, and do your best to find ways to stand up to each of those things.
In lieu of youth on Memorial Day weekend, here are my thoughts on Memorial Day...and briefly on the world of sports.
Just a few words from Stevie and I to you, in lieu of youth group tonight. Happy Easter! See you next week!
Whether it's family, friend, or romantic, we all have relationships throughout our lives. It's important, though, to remember that we are already worth being loved, already enough, and then do our best to show others the same.
Whether it's family, friend, or romantic, we all have relationships throughout our lives. It's important, though, to remember that we are already worth being loved, already enough, and then do our best to show others the same.
There is no way I'm going to listen through these to see which is better, as I'm a horrible judge of that for myself. So I'm including both the 9:30 traditional sermon and the 11:00 traditional sermon. They are essentially the same, with a few differences depending upon what caught my attention in the moment. Enjoy!
There is no way I'm going to listen through these to see which is better, as I'm a horrible judge of that for myself. So I'm including both the 9:30 traditional sermon and the 11:00 traditional sermon. They are essentially the same, with a few differences depending upon what caught my attention in the moment. Enjoy!
Whether it's family, friend, or romantic, we all have relationships throughout our lives. It's important, though, to remember that we are already worth being loved, already enough, and then do our best to show others the same.
Regardless of the type of relationship, it's important to know that we are worth being loved, even as we are. Changing or doing something to "earn" love isn't a true type of love.
This morning's sermon (from me) about letting go of our limits, because God's love for us is limitless.
Occasionally we take a "wrong turn," and the temptation is to keep going, to cover it up...to try to hide. However, it's always better to face up early rather than late; to be the ones who admit to our wrongs, rather than have someone "tell on us."
Occasionally we take a "wrong turn," and the temptation is to keep going, to cover it up...to try to hide. However, it's always better to face up early rather than late; to be the ones who admit to our wrongs, rather than have someone "tell on us."
In our lives, there are certain points where our decisions can lead to greatness...or...not.
In our lives, there are certain points where our decisions can lead to greatness...or...not.
One of...however many I do...bonus episodes. (Recorded live in an apartment with no studio audience...well, except Stevie)
One of...however many I do...bonus episodes. (Recorded live in an apartment with no studio audience...well, except Stevie)
One of...however many I do...bonus episodes. (Recorded live in an apartment with no studio audience...well, except Stevie)
We sometimes make it too hard, but life comes down to treating others with respect, kindness, and love.
No one believed Joseph and Mary, yet they continued forward, even traveling over 80 miles across the desert. They weren't perfect, but they persisted and showed faith, doing all they could to overcome each obstacle that arose...and they were just normal people, like you and me.
One of...however many I do...bonus episodes. (Recorded live in an apartment with no studio audience...well, except Stevie)
Always do your best to grow, to love, to be thankful...to show others who you really are, not who you hope to be someday.
Loving everyone is tough, but it's important. Show empathy, understanding, and the same we respect you expect others to show you.
Being like Jesus means showing humanity, love, respect...and actually being LIKE Jesus.
Everyone goes through bad times, some worse than others, but instead of focusing on how "the other 9" are handling it, do your best to treat others as you'd want to be treated...even when you're at your worst.
One of...however many I do...bonus episodes. (Recorded live in an apartment with no studio audience...well, except Stevie)
No matter what you are working on in your life, it's important to recognize that there will be ups and downs. Do your best to remember the ups during the downs, and always remember that there's no shame in asking for help.
Always keep fighting. No matter how bad things, get, remember that you are not alone...that you are worth the fight.
We live in a world where a lot is based on appearances, and that can impact not just our self image, but also our faith, our confidence...everything. It's a hard process, but it starts with asking for help, with learning to put your identity not in the opinions of others, but in your faith...and in doing your best to begin giving yourself grace.
We've talked a lot about wisdom, but it's something that we always should focus on, at least in terms of growing in it. In our lives, we'll be faced with a lot of situations and decisions where our impulse is to react poorly or even panic...but the first step to "wising up" is to stop and think, work through things...and understand that if you're doing your best, you'll be doing everything you can.
In a world where people have a public face, a private face, a Church face, etc...it's tempting to give in and do what everyone else does. However, it's on us to be better, to move past hypocrisy...to be examples.
You always carry an infinite number of possibilities for how you react, what you choose...who you are. Always do your best, love others, treat others as you'd want to be treated. Be you, no matter what others say.
No matter how long you live or how much you earn, it will never feel like you have enough money or time. However, if you use your time and resources to help others, to be an example, to make a difference...you'll find that the "never enough" feeling takes on a more positive, hopeful light.
For us, the parable of the three servants/talents seems a little odd. The point isn't in the amount each servant got, though, but in how much of themselves they gave. We aren't always going to be as successful as we'd like, especially when compared to others, but if we do our best...if we show love, seek peace, and live on hope...then that's going to make a difference.
Treat others as you want to be treated, not as you are treated. Love everyone unconditionally.
Reflect who you really are at all times, because it will eventually come out. Do your best, be real...be genuine.
Have people around you who will help you find the right path for you...not the one that is easiest or most fun. Remember, you don't know everything...so always seek the best route.
In the age of information, it's very easy to gain knowledge. However, with everything at our fingertips, it's sometimes even harder to grow in wisdom, to question what we see, to learn for ourselves. Wisdom is taking knowledge and learning how to use it, how to do the right thing, how to love God, to love others.
Having a good life, a strong faith...those are wonderful things, but the pride that can come with them should never become prejudice. We are here to help, to love others, not to shame them.
Community has taken on a new meaning, as many have found their home online. The important thing is not what you think in terms of texting vs. calling or online vs. in-person...but how you treat each other. Also, don't allow your community to become so shut off to the needs and opinions of others that you believe that yours is the only way to do things.
Know what you believe. Know who you are. Know that no one else can change that, so show them love no matter what...show them who you are, who you serve...help build a better world.
Loving people isn't about turning them into clones of yourself. It's about listening, caring, and helping them in ways that improve their lives. When it does come to faith, it's not about proving yourself right...it's about discussing with reason, earnestly listening, and showing God's love no matter what.
It's tempting to love people how we think they should be loved, but our calling is to love everyone unconditionally...to care about others, not just pretend to care.
Jesus told the disciples they would be his witnesses, knowing that how the world saw him would be how they knew (or didn't know) him. The same can be said for us today. As things begin to return to a semblance of normal, keep in mind that we can be better than before...in how we treat others, how we live...how we love.
We are known not by our words but our actions and how we treat others. Don't make things so difficult for someone else that it pushes them away...instead show love, understanding...find common ground. Meet them where they are, don't try to force them where you are.
Treat people like you want to be treated. Love people like you want to be loved. Listen, speak, HEAR, people like you want to be done to you.
We are known not by our words but our actions and how we treat others. Don't make things so difficult for someone else that it pushes them away...instead show love, understanding...find common ground. Meet them where they are, don't try to force them where you are.
The first thing Jesus said when reappearing to the disciples was "Peace be with you." Out of all the things he could say, he chose to call for peace. Do your best to live in peace, to live at peace....to seek peace.
When Jesus came back from the dead, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, a woman who (even more than other women at the time) was looked down upon and considered far less than reputable. To Jesus, though, she was, like all of us, enough and worth it. He didn't see what others said, he saw only her heart, who she was...and that stays true for all of us.
Regardless of what you think or don't think of Jesus, when he was facing the absolute worst physical and emotional pain imaginable, he still showed grace, love, and forgiveness for everyone...including those actively hating him. That's our example. That's how we should live.
No matter what you are going through, you are never alone. Always remember that and be willing to ask for/accept help.
One of the keys to the "trial" of Jesus before the high priests was the fact that they looked for evidence AFTER arresting him, and even then, when they couldn't find it, they hired people to lie. Yet Jesus still showed them love, still lived as hope, forgiveness, and grace...and calls us to do the same.
On the night he prayed in the garden, Jesus was betrayed by Judas...but also the other disciples. Whether it was an inability to stay awake for a few minutes or fighting like the world instead of like Jesus or running away...they broke his trust. Yet he never showed anger or regret at choosing them. Instead, he continued to show them (and us) a better way.
Communication is key in all relationships, but not just THAT you communicate. It's vital HOW you communicate, and I don't mean texting vs. talking vs. pony express. Treat others as you would want to be treated must also apply to "talk to others as you'd want to be talked to."
Trust can be fragile, and it can take time for others to earn it or earn it back. Being forgiving doesn't mean forgetting, but it does mean you do your best to live a life worthy of trust, no matter what.
It's crazy to say looks shouldn't matter, because in a way, they always will. However, it's important to remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, AND that any outer beauty should never make you compromise on that which is inside.
Respect for yourself, living with respect for others...they are definitely important things to do in life and in love. Respecting boundaries and opinions of others, as well as expecting that same respect for your own...also vital, but they can be so hard to live with on a day to day basis. This week, we will discuss all that and more. :)
Living in the middle never helps anyone...and it leads to a life of always looking over your shoulder. The wonderful thing about free will is that we all get to choose how we live, what we do...and how we treat others. Always do your best to choose to treat others with love, respect, and to love everyone.
You can live your entire life saying "I need to do this..." without ever starting. "I need to do better," "I need to help more," "I need to try..." Once you realize that, start right away. You won't feel ready, and you won't be who you will become...but starting is trying and trying is succeeding.
When you realize you've done something wrong, admit it. Don't blame others, even if they had a role...but take the blame, then accept the consequences, learn...and move forward...like David did, who did things far worse than any of us.
It is common (and easy) to always say, "Someone else can help...I need to work on myself," but it's far better to work on yourself AND help others.
In the end, if you do your best to live a life loving God and others, there will be peace. In the meantime, do your best to bring that peace to your life and the lives of others through the way you treat them.
Cosmic Christmas is an extended version of the Christmas story, but told from the angel Gabriel's perspective.
Most people have heard of "Armageddon" (the final Biblical battle, not the Bruce Willis movie...although it is also good), but few realize that it's over before it starts. In one line, John describes the battle lines being set, in the next, Jesus is standing victorious...because nothing can stand against Jesus. With that in mind, we should love each other, treat each other with respect, and show the truth of that victory each day.
For John, seeing Jesus again was beyond description...and then he immediately was also shown the perfection of heaven. Much of Revelation is confusing, but when you look at it in those terms...a man doing his best to describe things beyond description, it makes a little more sense.
John was the last of the original disciples. He'd seen everyone he knew and loved die around him, and as he sat alone in exile, he probably had many questions about his life. Jesus, though, showed him that his usefulness was never ending...that he still had a purpose, a chance to do good. He showed him what is to come, not to scare him or lead him to scare others, but to assure him that love is at the center, and as long as there is life, there is hope.
There are two ways to look at doing good: 1. No good deed goes unpunished...in which you feel like doing good is a chore or something that simply doesn't even work; 2. No good deed goes wasted...no matter how anyone accepts or rejects the good you do, a seed is planted, and there IS a change.
In the end, we either choose to do good or choose not to...to help or not to help. Obviously there are a lot of things that go into each decision, and it isn't possible to help everyone...but we should do our best to treat others as we would want to be treated, including helping anyone we are able to help.
Finding common ground with someone doesn't mean you suddenly believe/live/act like them. It doesn't even mean you think they're right. It just means that you understand they are a person, that how they feel matters, and that you are called to love them. Doing good can definitely be mission trips, giving to charity, etc...but sometimes it's as simple as just not being hateful.
Jesus called a tax collector to be a disciple, which can seem strange enough to us...but back then, tax collectors were considered scum, below human. In order to do good, you first must see people as more than a number, then recognize that, while they are no better than you, you are also no better than them. Know better, do good.
Everyone knows that it's better to "do good" in the world, but the problem comes to how we see each individual. If you see someone as just a number, an opponent, a problem....then problems arise. However, once you realize every person is more than that, you begin to realize that all of us have value, that all of us are and should be loved.
Fear of success doesn't sound like something "normal," but it really is. Because it's not the success itself that can be scary, but what comes next. "Will they always expect it?" "Will I have to do this all the time?" Yet, what other people think ultimately doesn't matter. That's easy to say, but it's still important to remember that you define you. Do your best, be your best, and love each other.
Everyone fears loss of some kind, but we often deny it...even run from it. It's hard to appear helpless...but the longer we deny that fear, the worse it gets as it goes from loss, to doubt, to even losing hope. Be willing to share, to talk, to help...and to accept help.
There will be times in our lives where it feels like the odds are stacked against us, like it's not worth it to even try. However, trying is succeeding, and as long as there is life there is hope.
Hardly anyone admits to hating someone else, but our actions and words often betray us. In order to truly know God, we must know His love, AND also show that love to everyone. Seriously. Literally everyone.
One of the most common fears is the fear of the unknown. We fear what might happen, what people might do....what's out there "in the dark." There is always a way through, though...a way to continue going forward...as we accept help, then help others to do the same.
The baseline for our faith should be to treat others as we want to be treated, but we live in a world where that doesn't happen as often as it should. As Christians, we should do our best to follow that, to treat others with kindness, with respect, with love...and the impact will amaze us.
I have no idea if people ever read these, but I want to take the time to finish the Beatrice anecdote. I missed her first birthday, BUT a couple of weeks later, I was able to see her first steps on zoom.
Often, we look for ways to "pass the buck" and avoid responsibility. However, as a great philosopher once said, "with great power, comes great responsibility." If we claim to follow Jesus, then we accept His power...giving us a huge responsibility to make a difference, not to pass the buck.
We live in a world where many people feel like the ends justify the means, even if it comes at the cost of other people. Sometimes, there are even negative consequences to doing the right thing, which makes it even harder to not just go with the "short term happiness" mindset. However, even when it's difficult, it's best to do what you can to help others, to be kind, to treat others as you'd want to be treated.
Everyone feels like the central character in their own story, because we all see things, literally, from a first person point of view. However, there's a huge difference between being the central character and being a hero. Our lives connect with others in many ways, and how we treat them can go a long way in how their own lives go, as well as how those lives connect with others, and on and on and on...
How you feel is how you feel, and what makes you sad makes you sad. Don't let anyone shame you for grieving or rush you, but always be willing to accept love, help, and doing what you can to take the time you need in moving forward. As hard as it is to lose someone or something you love, as long as there is life, there is hope.
We all have worries, stresses, things that seem to constantly eat away at our mind throughout the day. There's no way around having them, but it is possible to learn to handle them better, to seek help, to do your best to think of a "best case" for every "worst case" scenario running through your mind.
We all feel pressure from temptation, but sometimes even moreso from our peers. It's important to remember two things: 1. If/when you mess up or give in, that doesn't end your life. Learn from it and move forward, better than before. 2. Anyone pressuring you to be someone else or do something you're not comfortable doing...they're not you. They won't live your life or deal with what you deal with for consequences. Be you.
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.
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.
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.
A big part of being a disciple is setting the right priorities. Most things in life will fall away, but a life with God at the center will always have at least a strong foundation.
Often, when we see a need for help, we want to go and do things in the way we want, to make others exactly like us...but that's not the example Jesus set for us. When he washed the disciples' feet, Judas, who would betray him, was there, and Jesus treated him in the exact same way. He helped others, teaching us to treat others as we'd want to be treated, and also to be willing to accept help ourselves.
When it comes to being a witness, the best way is to always live your life as an example. The way you treat others, the way you live your life, the way you act daily...are all far more powerful than your words, which will come in time.
Everything in life has a beginning, and for our faith, everything starts with prayer. We pray when things are good, when things are bad...we pray for forgiveness, for help. We pray for those we love, for those we don't even like...and for those who hate us. Because through prayer, we grow closer to Jesus, closer to being his disciple.
Often, we don't feel like we have much to offer. It's easy to feel like you don't have enough talent, enough money, enough fame...enough anything...but through Him we have unlimited potential, and even the smallest of gifts can be multiplied in amazing, miraculous...supernatural ways.
There are times that the best option for you and for those in your life, those you may not even know, is for you to stand up for what you believe in, for what you think is right. In those times, you may be applauded, you may be hated...but the mos important thing is to do it because of what's right, not because you want to tear someone down or judge them.
Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego had strong beliefs about only praying to God, not the king, but when they stood before him, they were respectful, yet also honest. Often, people use negativity towards others to "prove" their point, which in effect does the opposite. Be courageous, be respectful, be true to your faith.
After being freed from slavery in Egypt, it didn't take long for the Israelites to forget that God was there. It's something we all tend to do when faced with troubles all around. However, God didn't fail them, as he literally parted the Red Sea to provide them a way out.
When we run into something difficult, we often want to just charge through with no thought. However, if we just stop and patiently wait, pray, and think about it, it can help a lot not only us but those observing.
Being smart has nothing to do with being wise, and without good judgment, wisdom doesn't matter a great deal either.
There are times in our lives where everything is awful, sometimes almost beyond the ability to handle. In those times, it's important to reach out for and accept help, to remember that as long as there is life...there is hope.
Many of you have heard of David (as in David vs. Goliath) and know a little about his life. Something that is sometimes overlooked, though, is that once he was king, David messed up royally. He stole the wife of another man...who was fighting a war in David's army...then conspired to kill that man, in order to cover up his crime and keep the wife for himself. Doesn't match up too well with the David from the "and Goliath" story, right? Well, even though he did awful things and covered them up, once he was confronted, he admitted his wrongdoing and did what he could to make amends.
I get it...he should have admitted it before he was confronted, but the point is...eventually he stopped hiding. It's easy to mess up, to hurt someone...to do something bad, and then just push it down and run away. Eventually, though, the truth comes out, so it's best to just be straight up at all times. Learn from your mistakes, as well as the mistakes of others, and do what you can to always be better the today than you were yesterday.
One of the most well known passages in the entire Bible is Psalm 23. Many, even those who have never been to church, can quote parts of it...or at least recognize it when they hear it. It's about more than recognition, though, it's about looking within and learning from what you're going through, especially when it's scary. No matter what you face, there's still a path through it...and no matter how it feels, you are never alone.
Whenever I go somewhere, I have two goals: 1. To get there the quickest and shortest way possible. 2. To beat the projected time on the GPS. One of the worst things on a trip is when I see that dreaded "recalculating" pop up, especially if I'm in unfamiliar territory. Sometimes it's important to change course, though. Whether it's road construction, bad traffic, or a realization that the life you're living can be better, more impactful, there are certain times where "recalculating" our destination is a great thing.
Being stuck where you are is one of the worst feelings, but it's something that all of us have at one point or another. It's easy to allow that feeling, whether it's literal...like not having enough money or time to get away...or figurative, in the sense that we feel like we're in a rut, to break us down into despair. However, even stuck, there are always ways to make a difference, to help...to do good. Sometimes the situation we are in isn't about what we can learn from it, but rather how we can teach others from it.
The temptation to run away from life, especially when something has gone horribly wrong, is something that can be difficult to overcome. Most people know the name Moses and associate it with the Bible, with the ten commandments...even with being a hero. Before all of that, though, Moses murdered someone and, rather than dealing with it, ran away. In his case, he was able to overcome that terrible act and renew his faith and come back home a changed, better man.
We don't always have the option to run away physically, even when we want to, but we do sometimes run away from who we are, from who we care about, even from our responsibilities. No matter how far we run, though, we can't get away from ourselves...and while that is an obvious cliche, it's still true.
Everyone loves to take vacations. As I write this, I'm actually on vacation in Chicago, my favorite city. Our reasons vary, but usually it has something to do with trying new things, getting away from old things like stress (or people), and just trying to relax. There are times, though, that on those trips, something happens that brings about a self-defining choice. It's easy to pretend to be someone else when no one around you knows who you are...easier than it is to read that sentence. No matter where we are or who we are with, though, it's important to still be yourself...to still maintain your values, your ideals...your identity.
There are a lot of people in the world who call themselves Christian and then go on to treat people like garbage in hateful, judging, horrible ways. That's always going to be a hurdle for the rest of us to jump over, but it's also something which reminds of of the importance of being genuine, of being loving...of treating others with respect, regardless of who they are or what they believe.
Regardless of what you believe, everyone is aware of the crucifixion of Jesus. In this episode, I'll be talking about why he did it...spoiler alert - check the title...and how he handled something so horrifying with grace and forgiveness.
All of us face tough times, people hating or mocking us...and it hurts. It's how we respond to that, who we are at the worst points of our lives, that shows everyone else who we truly are.
Everyone feels like an outcast at some point. Many of us, myself included, feel like one almost all the time. It's easy to go from feeling like that to feeling useless, but everyone has a purpose...especially the outcasts.
In this series, we will be looking at the beginnings of faith, of a relationship with Jesus, and of a life lived doing good. For the first 3 series, I'll be uploading each series in its entirety one day each week. In the future, everything will be more of an episode or two per week.
There will be no more introductions after this. This is the final introduction. I promise.
Basically, this is the same sort of deal as the first introduction. Don't worry, I only have one more of these, and then we will get to the actual episodes on Tuesday!
Welcome to All Things New with Jeff Ackenback. This is the first of 3 bonus introductions I'm uploading before episode 1. I could absolutely get by with just one or even zero introductions...but I want to give you a brief glimpse into who I am before we get started. I stood in a room alone recording an introduction, and honestly, I couldn't pick between the three. That doesn't mean they're amazing, just that I couldn't pick. Enjoy!