All Things New with Jeff Ackenback

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…

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 groun…

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 groun…

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…

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, t…

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...includi…

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.  Y…

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 li…

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 t…

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…

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 ma…

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 re…

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 …

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'…

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…

Be ready.  Be like Jesus.

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.