The David Alliance

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      What Separates Us From the Animals Do you know how biologists evaluate life? It is in terms of the capacity to experience pain, the more the pain, the higher the life form. A worm experiences little pain, but a dog can actually experience moods. Have you ever noticed that? Haven't you ever seen a dog pout. Dogs can actually grieve over people, and I understand that over at the tracts in West Memphis there are some people who grieve over dogs. I'm not sure. Scientist say that man is at the top of the biological scale because he has the keenest ability to experience pain. What separates us from the animals, I would suggest, is not only our ability to feel pain; rather, it is our ability to feel pain vicariously for others.   But not only that but feel the possibility of pain if we do not change our ways. Have you ever seen an obese parent sitting there at a restaurant and their child is pounding down cookies, soda and ice cream. And you feel sorry for them… The question is not “do you know then well enough to speak into their life… even if you felt tremendous pain for them… the question is would they be willing to listen to you?      Psalm 144:Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips [to keep me from speaking thoughtlessly. 4 Do not incline my heart to [consent to or tolerate] any evil thing, Or to practice deeds of wickedness With men who plan and do evil; And let me not eat of their delicacies (be tempted by their gain). 5 Let the righteous [thoughtfully] strike (correct) me—it is a kindness [done to encourage my spiritual maturity]. It is [the choicest anointing] oil on the head; Let my head not refuse [to accept and acknowledge and learn from] it;   Crazy that David would ask God to send people into his life that would be willing to speak into his life things that he may not want to hear. But don't miss the point… he sees this verse in comparison to the previous verses… i.e. God make sure there is someone who speak boldly and bluntly into my life so that I do not end up like the wicked.    Maybe the ultimate betrayal is someone who sees the trail of pain and regret you are starting out on and they say nothing, they do nothing they just let you walk off into emptiness… And if that could be true, why wouldn't you pray a prayer like David and ask for Godly voices in your life. It would be a great prayer… think about it. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      If I sit here and talk about all the people I have prayed for and have seen healed, people God has given me words of knowledge for, people I have led to Christ… it can make you think I am bragging…Hold that thought.   *if we were sitting in a group and I told you about all the weight I lost and showed off my abs…what would you think?    **what if I was sharing about all my exploits in war and all the men and women I saved and the battles I was in.       ****What if I told you how much I benched, squatted deadlifted… **-**-**What if I told you about all the times I tithed and didn't have money to tithe but I did, and how God has blessed me and how important it is to tithe….    ***what If told you about all the stories about my kids (Would these conversations irk you, bother you, fire you up, bore you?)   THE RESPONSE GIVEN BY INDIVIDUALS IN ANY OF THESE SITUATIONS DEPENDS ON THE CIRCLE I AM IN.   - If im at a weight watchers you would get excited and marvel  - If I was at a Vietnam vet reunion   -  If Im sitting at Westside Barbell you would all add your own stories and think cool… no but no biggy   -  If Im with other business people, groups of entrepreneurs who all have sacrificed and seen God bless them… fire us up   -  with other parents, we would laugh and share pictures and stories   Are there circles that make you uncomfortable?    WHO PUSHES YOU?   You have heard it said “show me your circle and I will show you your future”. It will also show you your money habits, your marriage, your spiritual depth or lack of, your kids attitudes, your health… etc…     Right CIRCLE: * Encourage your goals, not mock them. * Challenge you to grow, not settle. Celebrate your success, not envy it. PUSHES YOU SPIRITUALLY    Wrong CIRCLE: * Normalize mediocrity or bad behavior. * Drain your energy and blur your values. * Distract you from your purpose.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Do you remember Bob Hayes, the man who was named "World's Fastest Human"? He was a hero of 1964 Olympics, bringing home the Gold Medal in the 100 meter run, and being clocked at incredible 8.5 seconds in the final 110 yards of 400 meter relay run. After the Olympics, he became an all-pro wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. His college coach said that if there had ever been a kid he wished was his, it was Bob Hayes. Then, in April 1979 Bob was convicted of selling narcotics to an undercover agent. He received two 5-year prison sentences. He went from the pinnacle of success to prison. Then terrible health issues due to drug abuse and the wrong lifestyle. According to Hayes, and those who cared most about him, his downfall was caused by his inability to choose the right circle.     1 Corinthians 15:33: "'Bad company corrupts good character'”. Company - not just friend, but group of friends- your circle Mark 2 2 Jesus returned to Capernaum, and a few days later the news went out that He was at home. 2 So many people gathered together that there was no longer room [for them], not even near the door; and Jesus was discussing with them the word [of God]. 3 Then they came, bringing to Him a paralyzed man, who was being carried by four men. 4 When they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Jesus; and when they had dug out an opening, they let down the mat on which the paralyzed man was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith      **Thats the whole sermon right there!! Let me see your friends faith - That will tell me everything I need to know!        ITS NOT ABOUT THE CHOICES YOU MAKE… ITS ABOUT THE CIRCLE YOU MAKE!    You don't need the right friends you need the right circle. You can't choose your family - but you can choose your circle. You can't always choose your classmates, coworkers, neighbors or those who share your pew at church -  but you can always choose your *circle of influence*. AND YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL BECAUSE WITHOUT KNOWING…     **I was training a young man in my gym. He came in one day all concerned. He said he thinks he has a skin disease… something is really wrong with his hands. - They were callouses. But it happened so slow he did not realize it. The work of our circle is slow at first… but in time it becomes who we are. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      1 Corinthians 15:33: "'Bad company corrupts good character'”. Company - not just friend, but group of friends- your circle   Not a bad friend, but bad company.    Ever ask someone the question “so what kind of company do they hang with?”  Oh don't mess with them, they hang with some bad Mamma Jamma's.   That woman there keeps the wrong kind of company… she's broke dried up and used. That Dude… the kind of company he hangs with … they are all super successful or there all gear heads or they are all musicians…   *Corrupts = waste away, shrivel up… to square ones potential.    -  ** Character = life-style (moral habits, behavioral patterns   So it means the people you circle yourself with can shrivel up your potential because they instill in you poor life habits and patterns… Verse 34 which leads to sin!    THEN THE OPPOSITE IS ALSO TRUE: GOOD COMPANY CAUSES CHARACTER TO THRIVE!    A FRIEND WHO IS A PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY PLAYER… HIS BROTHER EVEN BETTER - WOULD OUT PERFORM THE OTHER STARS ON THE ICE… BUT HAD THE WRONG CIRCLE.   JUST THE OPPOSITE FOR HIMSELF: He was average at best, but loved Hockey. He knew he had to get into circles that pushed him beyond what he thought was capable of himself.   AND YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL BECAUSE WITHOUT KNOWING…     **I was training a young man in my gym. He came in one day all concerned. He said he thinks he has a skin disease… something is really wrong with his hands. - They were callouses. But it happened so slow he did not realize it. The work of our circle is slow at first… but in time it becomes who we are. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Rog and surround sound… he had watched the movie a million times, but now with Surround sound he was going to really enjoy it… it was the bats in the background of the movie… He finally heard what was really going on.    " "Then Moses climbed the mountain to meet with God. God shouted to him at that.."(Exodus 19:3)    - He calls out to remind us of what he has said and what he has done… that we may not forget and that it may build our faith.   There are miracles that I have happen in my life that I routinely remember knowing God still does miracles today.    -God still calls out to people today. MAYBE YOU don't hear from God because you simply do not believe that he still wants to talk to you today. If you don't expect it you won't be listening for it and you won't hear it.     -He calls each one of us to come closer and to be with Him. -God is not finished with us yet – it is not over. -Respond with a willing heart and be ready to hear what He has to say.  

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Psalm 103 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 3 He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the Pit and crowns you with loving devotion and compassion, 5 who satisfies you with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.…   -God redeem our life from destruction . Gives us more than what was taken from us.    -God crown us with loving kindness… people see us coming. Crowns are noticeable, they are gaudy, they are beautiful, they are a sign that we are royalty!     -God tender us in mercies… he does not just give in… oh fine I forgive you, you can have a second piece of cake… NO NO NO he WANTS to show us mercy.     -who satisfies you with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.… Ever feel down in the dumps, discouraged, dissapointed… and a gift is dropped into your lap. Or a financial blessing? Or a great relationship… and it changes your state of mind, your head space… you feel better, more energy, you feel young again. This is what God does.    A youthful eagle… competitive intensity of their high-energy lifestyle. Overall, a young eagle's energy level is like a high-octane engine in overdrive—voracious, explosive, and transformative, turning a fragile hatchling into a majestic predator in just months. This is adapted from observations of bald and golden eagles, the most studied species.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Psalm 139:7 Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?  8 If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol- the grave, You are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, 10 even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast.…   No matter what gets thrown at us.  No matter where we end up in life. No matter the ups and the downs the ins and the outs. No matter how backwards things end up or how the ending greatly and vastly is different from the beginning… He is always there.   If we end up as far from home as we could possibly be, if we are hopelessly alone, separated from family, friends, loved ones… if our job ends up being the worst thing in our life, or our marriage or our health. If everything we dreamed of, expected and even put our time and energy into… if it all blows up in our face and actually goes completely backwards from what we had planned… God is there.  You know what happens sometimes in life is that life happens sometimes. It happens to all of us. We tend to think that if bad things happen it was God who let it happen and if he let it happen then he surely can't be there with us… right? He is punishing us so why would he stick around to comfort us - what a terrible lie to believe in.  God took the punishment of sin and shame on the cross and he took it so that not only do we not need to take the brunt of it, but he took it so that he could comfort us during those times. I love this Psalm - much like I love Romans 8:35-39. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. But Psalm 139 says it like this - surprise im here. You find yourself in your bosses office losing your job and God says - hey Im here. You hear the dread words You have cancer… God says Im here! God is already there -  more than you might realize. I remember (and I'll admit this probably a terrible example) but an old corny horror flick when I was in High School where this woman kept seeing the eyes of a demon everywhere she went. Her day job, her car, her kitchen, her kids soccer game… they were everywhere… I know stupid, but thats God. He is actually waiting on you in your bosses office when you lose your job. The worst thing going on in your life…he is waiting there for you… he knows when it will take place and he is there just waiting. So don't forget to reach out to him. He is there! 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    1 John 4:4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess [a]that Jesus [b]Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. 4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.   1 Thess. 5:21 Test all things and hold on to what is good. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    ADORE YOU (Written and arranged by Garth Heckman, Spirit Drop Music)  Your bonds are my delight Your death is my new birth Your Love my only escape Hopelessly in love with you   Your grave is now empty Your throne a flame of fire Your love my only escape Hopelessly in love with you   Pre Chorus:  My only desire My only request My only response This Holy unrest   My hearts deepest hunger My souls deepest thirst All that Im craving My minds only verse   Chorus: To know you Daddy To know you more To know you Father Whom I adore   Bridge: I adore you I adore you I adore you  I adore you

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Mark 7:13 13 And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others.” Colossians 2:8 8 Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. If you become captured by empty philosophies bad things happen?  Notice the way this verse states it… you allow yourself to get captured. How… you quit staying vigilant - you quit seeking the voice of God. You fail to realize that the best way an enemy captures you is not with Bombs and bullets but by voices of compromise.  When you listen to compromising voices what happens?  Fosters Complacency: Relying on the voices in your circle - be it social media, politicians, friends… etc…  erodes motivation to increase in intimacy.  Hinders Personal Growth: It traps people in comfort zones - what do I mean? One of the keys of knowing Gods voice is that it grows in clarity, focus and detail. But we don't need to grow or act as disciples if we choose the voices outside of the Holy Spirit. Damages your soul with a lack of joy from obedience, testimonies and will ultimately produce a spirit of comparison that will rob you further. Now if it is you that is canceling the word of God you are doing so at the peril of practicing idolatry. You have set yourselves up as God. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      When you read the gospels it is so clear that Jesus is just going to do what he is called to do: Promote himself as the messiah, teach, heal, deliver, feed and challenge the religious elite. And he is only going to do what God the father tells him to do… in a sense what I say all the time MGLG make God look Good.  And the disciples are going to tag along… they are going to doubt, argue, question, become arrogant, act confused… because they are. How did this relationship dynamic work exactly. God seems to expect a lot from the disciples… who continue to underwhelm in their attempts to be disciples.  At what point do the disciples see their 92nd miracle and think “you know… he might actually be the Messiah”. How many times did the religious elite come to trap Jesus… the disciples know all about these guys.. they are not to be messed with- they are smart, well connected and large and in charge… and Jesus continue to make them look like fools, even chastising them. Do you think the disciples ever said… well if he can handle pharisees, the Sadducees and the temple priests… maybe he is the Messiah.  When he wakes up from the bottom of the boat and wipes the sleep from his eyes in the middle of a tempest and almost acts annoyed… he commands the waves and the sea to calm IMMEDIATELY, and it does. Do you think the disciples finally looked at each other in the boat and whispered “this guy's gotta be the Messiah”. NOPE, they look at each other and actually ask “who is this guy”. **I find great comfort in the disciples actions. How many times I have seen God at work in my life and in the lives of others and seconds later I doubt God. I think it is human nature and yes we can mature out of it to some degree… but here is what I think the secret is to the disciples. THEY HAD ALL THESE QUESTIONS, ALL THESE GUESSES, ALL THESE HOPES, ALL THESE UNSPOKEN THOUGHTS… But they kept following him. A disciple follows Christ - not up until a question can't be answered…  they follow at all times. They may not understand all there is to know about Jesus… but they keep following.  In Mark 6:6 It says Jesus was amazed at the peoples lack of faith. These were the people in Jesus city that he grew up with…  The CEV version says he was appalled at their unbelief.  That actual word there - many translate it “amazed” actually has the connotation of “Wonder” - as in after them watching miracles and they doubt him… he says “really, even after all that… you still disbelieve…hmmm wow - amazing”. But he never says that about the disciples… he chastises them for their little faith, their lack of faith… but never for their disbelief.  So what's the distinction I am trying to make? Well disbelief does not continue to follow God. But a lack of faith can still follow God. A little bit of faith can still follow God… we may fail, we may be confused, we may feel like we are the worst disciples ever… but the promise is in not giving up. Continue to follow him… what Does Jesus say in Matthew 24:10 - many will turn away. Be encouraged today… you don't have to be perfect, you don't have to have all the answers, you don't have to have massive faith… all that will come as long as you don't quit following Jesus. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      THERE IS AN AURORA AROUND PEOPLE WHO HAVE LEARNED TO LIVE IN BIG OBEDIENCE!  BUT HOW DID THEY LEARN IT?  How did they learn BIG obedience?  Ok, seems simple enough but it is through little obedience… small steps of obedience, wether we are talking about witnessing on campus in front a few hundred students or giving up our boyfriend or even stepping away from our beloved career… how did the small steps lead up to that?      Question? Can you give .10 out of a dollar? Lets say you walk into Church and the pastor challenges you… hey you got a dollar? You do! Great… can you give put .10 into the offering today from that dollar… is that a challenge?    Nah!!!  Can you give $100,000.00 out of a million?    IM NOT TALKING ABOUT MONEY OR PROSPERITY!   Does God want you prosperous? -… I have a problem with that prosperity gospel.    Ok, does God want you generous?  How you gonna be generous with what you don't have?   Generosity does not come from you having excess.. it comes from what you currently have. Remember the widows mite? The 2 pennies. That is all she had…not wealthy at all - But God called her incredibly generous.    GOD WANTS YOU OBEDIENT GOD WANTS YOU GENEROUS GOD WANTS YOU!    AOC Alexandria Ocasia Cortez the US representative for NY said recently - that the millennial generation is the first generation to not experience the American dream, the prosperity or wealth that their parents experienced… WHUH?  That is what entitlement will do to you. Actually the most recent statistics that have come out is that these last two generations have more wealth than their parents or their grandparents or their great grandparents had? They just don't see it because they are spoiled… entitled. Its not their fault - it is the parents who raised them. And yes some of it is the society in which we live in. So when God asks you to give 10% it seems like an astronomical undertaking to big to even believe.  Now this podcast is not about giving, prosperity or even generosity… it is about taking small steps of obedience. You know what makes 10% seem impossible to give? Selfishness. You might say oh yea, wow Garth news flash… we know that. But you miss the point. Its not selfishness from the stand point of not having enough… it is selfishness while standing in excess, the ruins of spoil… overflow upon overflow…and you are still selfish… that is why it seems to hard to understand - at least for me and maybe a few more who have some history under their belt.  God is not asking us to obey in war, oppression, poverty, under persecution (at least not in the US - I know I have listeners all over the world…so I will be careful) God is asking most of us to be obedient in the best time of the world and in the smallest of ways… and yet we our so blind or Blond - we don't get how easy it should be. But again - entitlement is poison. Much like exposure to chlorine or formaldehyde are so strong and pungent but over time you get used to them and then at some point you can't smell anything. They have destroyed your olfactory system. Entitlement is that smell… be wary of it. Act in obedience and let not the world poison your ability to see your blessings!  

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Matthew 17:27   Payment of the Temple Tax 24 On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?” 25 “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?” 26 “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! 27 However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”   The little things:   But Jesus said ONE FISH is all you need!  …one crumb is all you need. Matthew 15:21 2 Kings 4 “a little oil” A few fish A couple pieces of bread Jn. 6:9   A mustard seed Mtt. 17:20    The widows mite She gave out of total obedience and complete trust Small things done in total obedience and trust ARE GREAT THINGS IN THE EYES OF GOD.   Its the little things - like the rock in your shoe!    Hebrews 12:15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.     **Don't miss the underlying application… Roots start with a seed. A small thing.    The fruit in your life is bitterness… your family is raised on bitterness.    We must be aware of the small things in life.    We tend to look for the meaning in life in the  - - - -    - Grand Gestures   - The Massive achievements -  The Headline Moments -    - Accomplishments due to great personal sacrifice      THERE IS AN AURORA AROUND PEOPLE WHO HAVE LEARNED TO LIVE IN BIG OBEDIENCE!  BUT HOW DID THEY LEARN IT?      Question? Can you give .10 out of a dollar? Can you give $100,000.00 out of a million?    IM NOT TALKING ABOUT MONEY OR PROSPERITY!   Does God want you prosperous? -… I have a problem with that prosperity gospel.    Ok, does God want you generous?  How you gonna be generous with what you don't have?   GOD WANTS YOU OBEDIENT GOD WANTS YOU GENEROUS GOD WANTS YOU! 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Matthew 17:27   Payment of the Temple Tax 24 On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?” 25 “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?” 26 “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! 27 However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”       Two other thoughts God takes Peters natural gifting, work and talent and does what he Can't do with them.    Jesus was with Peter and fishing and when Jesus had him fish Peter would catch a lot of fish… but not this time. Jesus says… the first fish you catch - look in its mouth. See if you fish you know that sometimes they are hitting in certain areas of the lake… when you find that spot - its lights out. But if they are not hitting there you move. If Peter was operating in the natural he would have cast his net… caught one fish and thought… nope, not here and moved on. God supplied it, but Peter still had to fish! He still had to do the work! He still had to obey.      Willy and the deck piece that he retired on.      JN. 2 - Christ first miracle.   Wine without planting, seasons, watering, weeding, fertilizing, getting the people to do the work, picking, stomping, bottling, aging and finally pouring…. He skips it all and goes straight to the blessing/answer.    One small act of obedience - Fill the pots with water… And he skips steps 1-20

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Matthew 17:27   Payment of the Temple Tax 24 On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?” 25 “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?” 26 “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! 27 However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”   Couldn't pay my taxes my first year at my Fathers church… walked in to his office - what am I going to do? I owe $4000. The phone rang… are you still wanting to sell your boat? I will give you 4k for it.      Tax collectors are trying to catch Jesus… How much money did you give for the new sign??? I thought you loved your church and God????     JESUS HAD THE -  Freedom to not pay taxes… but wisdom to pay taxes.  Freedom without wisdom is a stumbling block to others. Any virtue in and of itself is an evil. Aristotle    On this occasion Jesus chooses to not offend… but later he will flip tables in the temple.    There is an intimacy that one requires in order to know which one you choose? LESSON: I no longer question someones motives or actions if I know they are intimate with God.      Graceful compromise… Early on in our Marriage going to her relatives dinner… THE RIDE HOME. Why did you not say anything???   Invited to your spouses family dinner. They are all raving lunatics that hate religion, faith, Trump, puppies and chocolate… You don't need to go, but you gracefully compromise so that you might have a chance to love on them… and not give them a reason to be offended.      You are dining out and trying your best to share Christ with your server… but they are subpar at best… but you tip them generously anyway because you don't want to give them a reason to be further offended at the gospel or Christians.     Someone blows up at you at work… they tell human services you get pulled in and reprimanded. You just take it, smile and ask for forgiveness… because you know righteousness is more important than you being right.  This isn't weakness - its meekness. I could, but I won't!  WE SOMETIMES PROVOKE NEEDLESS OPPOSITION TRYING TO HARD TO BE RIGHT - RATHER THAN LOVING!      When we are right morally we may in fact be wrong spiritually… We can focus on Non essentials, Captious, making mountains out of mole hills.  We attack abortion and not share Christ Love We attack Socialism and not share Christ Love We attack Transgenderism and not share Christ love  We attack their music, clothes, Political stance, their theological stance, even their religion and choices…

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    The Divine Paraklētos We see the ultimate example of this concept in the Holy Spirit Himself. Jesus promised His disciples a (Paraklētos), often translated as the "Helper," "Advocate," or “Comforter"   What do you think encouragement is? A pat on the back, a “way to go buddy”.        -   Encouragement is generous. Acts 4:36,37 Barnabas “the encourager” sold a field and gave it to the church so that they could meet the needs of the poor.    Money is an amazing encourager!  Cancer, chemo…      -   Encouragement can be very prophetic in nature. Hear the still small voice. Speak it into someone and it waters that seed of faith.    "But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort." (1 Corinthians 14:3, NIV)   Acts 13:41 Barnabas was called an encourager and a prophet.    THE TUSH PUSH - Center hikes the ball to the QB and everyone pushes him to the goal line!  MOMENTUM!  When we act as encouragers many times the Holy Spirit will come up in us and push us into a new realm when sharing! 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    The Divine Paraklētos We see the ultimate example of this concept in the Holy Spirit Himself. Jesus promised His disciples a (Paraklētos), often translated as the "Helper," "Advocate," or "Comforter" (John 14:16). The Holy Spirit does not merely send good vibes; He is called alongside us, dwelling within us to provide constant strength, wisdom, and comfort.   Scriptural Example: Barnabas Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). How did Barnabas earn this title? He encouraged the unproven: When Saul (later Paul) converted and everyone was terrified of him, Barnabas called alongside him, vouched for him, and brought him into the community (Acts 9:27). Barnabas's endorsement was pivotal, enabling Saul to move freely among the believers and preach in Jerusalem's name (Acts 9:28). This event marked the beginning of a deep partnership between the two men, WHAT DO WE LEARN: ENCOURAGEMENT MUST BE BRAVE. Unflinching - stand face to face with the devils lies!      He encouraged the young and struggling: When the church needed leadership in Antioch, he encouraged the disciples there (Acts 11:23).   Alongside - Working at the YMCA in Dallas. Every Tuesday night they had weight watchers. The woman leading the group would always have a slide of herself 200 pounds heavier on the screen. One night I was at the side of the room grabbing chairs and I saw the most remarkable thing I had seen in a long time. Everyone had to get on a scale and weigh themselves. There was a woman there who was new, very very overweight. She had not stepped on a scale for years… the leader of the group had to come along side her, calm her down, walk her to the scale… help her on the scale and then calmly told the woman to look at the number… Look she said. Look at it hard… look again… now remember that number because you will never see that number again! Everyone clapped and yelled… the woman now crying tears of joy! And over the months you could see her losing the weight. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com   

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Do you want to be healed? Why this question?  Well Jesus sees the heart… we know why he asks because the man starts giving excuses… RATHER THAN:Do you want to be healed - YES!!!     The mans problems went beyond physical - they were mindsets. His body was handicapped, but worse his mind was. His excuses we're his real limitations.      WHEN FACED WITH A NEW REALITY/THE TRUTH IT PEOPLE HAVE THREE CHOICES WITH IN THIS NEW INFORMATION IN (COGNITIVE DISSONANCE)  bAccept the truth - Change Distort the truth - Excuses  Deny the truth completely - so you do not have to change your whole identity (the pharisees)        Self Mastery What is it?    THIS IS THE WORLDS DEFINITION - AND THEY ARE NOT WRONG…  They have self mastery   Self-Mastery focuses on internal control and external projection, emphasizing the discipline to align your actions, habits, and demeanor with your goals, even in private moments where no one is watching.   BIBLICALLY WHAT IS IT?  Jesus said I came to do only what my father has told me to do.  John 6:38: "For I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me".  John 5:30: "I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me".  John 4:34: "Jesus said unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work"     **THE ULTIMATE DISCIPLINE OR YOU COULD SAY DISCIPLESHIP IS DOING THE WILL OF THE FATHER AND NOT THE WILL OF THE FLESH.     No Excuses   Luke 14:18 (NIV): (Part of the Parable of the Great Banquet, illustrating guests making excuses) "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'"     Prov.22:13 The sluggard says, “There's a lion outside! I'll be killed in the public square!”     We are prone to excuses: Prov. 23:7  New King James Version For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, But his heart is not with you.   The original KJV says “as a man thinkers so is he” **The story line behind this verse: A man invites you to dinner pretending to be generous… but in his heart he is watching every bit tallying up how much it will cost him. HIS ACTIONS DO NOT REPRESENT HIS HEART.      *A Key to understanding people is this:    -  Let me ask you a few questions: **YOUR LAST RELATIONSHIP… WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT? ***YOUR LAST JOB… WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT? ***YOUR LAST SCHOOL… WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM IT?    Here is what psychologist tell us: The longer it takes for someone to find themselves as the problem, the less self mastery they have. When people immediately throw themselves under the bus- it shows great insight into who they really are.   The man gets healed, Jesus confronts his sin… and he runs to the pharisees…'its not my fault - its his fault! 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    People Problems… today we are talking about the person who is your biggest problem.    If you could kick the person in the pants as hard as you could responsible for all your problems, you wouldn't be able to sit for a week.       Jesus was never nice, but he was always kind. We have been domesticated in our Xn walk.   Ex. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son to be NICE to the world.       NO NO NO NO to die for the world.      John 5  Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” 7 “I can't, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” 8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” 9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can't work on the Sabbath! The law doesn't allow you to carry that sleeping mat!” 11 But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.'” 12 “Who said such a thing as that?” they demanded. 13 The man didn't know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. 14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse (GK same word: the evil spirit will return with 7 more and you will be worse) may happen to you.” 15 Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him.  **Many times when Jesus healed the sick he would say and your sins have been forgiven- acknowledging that they believed he was the Messiah and had received their healing because of it- but not his guy. He did not want to be healed, nor did he believe Jesus was the messiah.    **I might add the Pharisees did not hassle this man they went after Jesus - which was typically not the case. HOWEVER I believe that because the man did not receive Christ as the messiah the demons didn't care about his healing and left him alone… the pharisees were obviously motivated by the demonic! 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    ### Key Strategies to Read the Room   Reading the room—picking up on the unspoken mood, energy, and dynamics in a social or professional setting—is a crucial social skill that enhances your interactions and builds confidence. Here are some practical, evidence-based strategies to develop this ability:   1. **Observe Nonverbal Cues Actively**      Start by scanning the group for subtle signals like facial expressions, body language, posture, eye contact, and personal space. For instance, crossed arms or averted gazes might indicate discomfort, while open postures suggest engagement. Practice this by pausing before speaking to "spy" on these cues and decode the underlying emotions.   2. **Listen Mindfully and Tune into Tone**      Pay close attention not just to words, but to vocal tone, pace, and volume—these often reveal true feelings more than content alone. Take time to listen without interrupting, and reflect on how the conversation flows to gauge the overall vibe.   3. **Regulate Your Own Emotions First**      Before assessing others, level out your internal state to avoid projecting anxiety or bias onto the room. A calm mindset allows clearer perception of group dynamics. Techniques like deep breathing can help you stay grounded.   4. **Consider the Broader Context and Group**      Factor in the setting, cultural nuances, and relationships among people—e.g., is it a high-stakes meeting or casual gathering? Attend to everyone, not just the loudest voices, to understand shifting alliances or undercurrents.   5. **Engage and Seek Feedback**      When unsure, ask open-ended questions to draw out responses and clarify the mood, like "What do you all think about this?" Afterward, debrief with trusted friends for honest input on your reads—this builds self-awareness over time.   Practice these in low-pressure situations to refine your intuition; over time, they'll make you more adaptable and connected in any crowd.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Rush is going to go on tour again, with a keyboard player and with a new drummer Anika Nilles… only 7 cities named so far in the US…   But with that I once heard someone say the only thing harder to keep together than a marriage is a band…    You don't get married for a Good Time, you get married for a long time.    You don't get married to have kids, you get married to learn how not to be a kid, act like a kid, pout like a kid, complain like a kid,  You don't raise kids, they raise you.      If there is one major flaw in todays world of love and marriage - and trust me you could name a few dozen… but after 41 years of counseling I would simply say the number one major flaw in marriages is that they did not understand the amount of hard work it would take to have a loving successful marriage. It does not come naturally, it does not just happen when you find the right person, it is hard no matter who you marry and every great relationship put in great amounts of painstaking hard work.  Painful communication, lots of compromise, more then you might ever guess as far as having to forgive again and again and again.    So again talking about how we model for our spouse what God models for us to make our relationships work.    ## 4. **Forgiveness **   * *Christ:* 1 John 1:9 — He is faithful to forgive. * *Marriage:* Colossians 3:13 — forgive as the Lord forgave you.   **Teaching Point:** Forgiveness is the oxygen of both relationships.   **Activity:** Share a time when forgiveness restored peace in your marriage.     #5 Grace Grace is the oil to any good relationship. Grace says you made a mistake, but I knew you would when I married you and I still choose to love you and not hold it against you. Christ died for our sins knowing we would still mess up and hurt him. But his loving kindness leads us to repentance. Our love for our spouse when they least deserve it leads them to back into a loving relationship with us. Have you ever hated your spouse back into your arms? Have you ever be grudged your spouse back into your arms? Have you ever punished your spouse back into your arms? HOW DID THAT WORK FOR YOU?    Gods ways are best not only between he and a sinful world, but also between me and a sinful spouse… oh and also for me a sinner as well. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      "We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another,” Luciano de Crescenzo,    I would add - we will only fly as high to God as possible by which we can fly together each with our own wing and arm in arm with the other person.      You don't get married for a Good Time, you get married for a long time.    You don't get married to have kids, you get married to learn how not to be a kid, act like a kid, pout like a kid, complain like a kid,  You don't raise kids, they raise you.        For example, in a marriage, we seem to assume that just because two people get married they must love each other. In reality, people do not get married because of love but in order to learn how to love. To have love in a marriage requires that the couple have intimacy and to have intimacy the two people must psychologically and spiritually grow up and quit being children. Most couples getting married today are doing so while still in states of emotional dependency, which means the marriage is based on neurotic need and not love. To have love and intimacy in a marriage requires that both people first must become adults.     * The same principles that sustain our relationship with Jesus also sustain a thriving marriage.   ---   ## 1. **Covenant, Not Convenience**   * *Christ:* Luke 22:20 — sealed in His blood. * *Marriage:* Malachi 2:14 — a covenant before God.   **Teaching Point:** Both require lifelong, unwavering faithfulness.   **Discussion:** What are practical ways we can treat marriage as a covenant instead of a contract?   ---   ## 2. **Sacrificial Love**   * *Christ:* Ephesians 5:25 — gave Himself up. * *Marriage:* Philippians 2:3–4 — putting spouse's needs first.   **Teaching Point:** Real love is costly and others-focused.   **Exercise:** Each spouse lists one practical sacrifice they can make this week for the other.   ---   ## 3. **Daily Connection**   * *Christ:* John 15:4 — abiding daily. * *Marriage:* Requires intentional daily investment.   **Teaching Point:** Distance grows when we neglect connection.   **Reflection:** What “daily rhythms” can keep our relationship strong?

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    I want to get back to a couple of things I shared in my last podcast in regards to making extra money… and then we will shift gears.    List a 100 things… in any area, but especially money. I have a list on my phone of ways to make extra money… when I think of an idea I write it down. I can't act on all of them, but I keep a list for future options.  Smaller is better - big gym, small gym     Secondly I believe what Bill Johnson says “Lack does not illustrate humility. Blessing and riches managed according to Gods grace illustrate humility.”    Is it easier to sin if you are poor or if you are rich… I know people in both situations.. its the same. I have been in both situations - the struggles are the same. Dependence on God has nothing to do with how much you have or don't have.    Someone asked me do you think God wants you rich?  Does God want you rich? Does God want you to have a great sex life?  

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    I heard it again… I am broke and I need extra money… I don't know what to do?      Freelance Your Skills Online: Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to offer services such as writing, graphic design, programming, data entry, social media management, or virtual assistant work. You leverage existing skills and set your own hours. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: If you love animals, use apps like Rover or Wag! to find gigs watching pets in your home or theirs, or taking dogs for walks. This offers flexible hours and is often in high demand. Deliver Food or Groceries: Drive for services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart. You can work on a flexible schedule and earn money delivering meals or groceries to people in your area. Sell Unwanted Items: Declutter your home and sell unused items like clothing, furniture, electronics, or books on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or at a local yard sale. Take Paid Online Surveys and Participate in Focus Groups: Websites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, or Respondent pay you for sharing your opinion. Surveys are low-effort and can be done in your spare time, while focus groups often pay a higher hourly rate. Rent Out a Room or Your Car: If you have a spare room, you can rent it out for short-term stays on platforms like Airbnb. If you don't use your car often, you can rent it out through car-sharing services like Turo. Test Websites and Apps: Companies will pay you to test their websites and apps for usability, providing feedback on your experience. Services like UserTesting often offer a quick, one-time payment per test. Tutoring (Online or In-Person): If you are knowledgeable in a specific subject, language, or skill, you can tutor students online or locally. Sites like Wyzant or Chegg Tutors can help you find clients and set your rate. Complete Local Odd Jobs/Tasks: Use apps like TaskRabbit to find small gigs in your community, such as assembling furniture, light yard work, cleaning, or running errands for others.     The Bible does not contain a specific book on "business" or "entrepreneurship" as modern concepts, but it offers numerous principles regarding work, wealth, diligence, and ethical conduct that are highly relevant to both. Here are the key biblical principles applied to business and entrepreneurship:   1. Work and Diligence are Commended   The Bible encourages hard work and warns against laziness. This principle is fundamental to a successful venture. Diligence brings reward: "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth." (Proverbs 10:4). Diligent hands: active, eager, willing to try anything….. When I first got online and saw the possibilities I figure out something pretty quick. Not every youth pastor had my creative skill and writing lessons for youth. I was already a regular contributor/writer for YouthWorker Journal - So I would put together these really good power point lessons with great applications. Then I sold them online… and guess what - people bought them!  To pay my bills I have lots of skills and I will try anything.  I have taught guitar, drums, I am a personal trainer. But all these things fit within my calendar. I can't take on another hourly, full time job - I am still and first a pastor. So Diligent hands seek what works best for each person.  Just today I hit up a woman who has a unique skill for other women- I can't give to much away just yet. But she absolutely loved my idea and wants to come on board. We will typically work with about 25 women for one night a week and make a few thousand dollars. Diligence - try anything and if you fail - keep trying.    YESTERDAY SOMEONE ASKED… Hey you said a $1000 bucks a week… how could you do that with just Uber… well my thought (and I did not explain it fully- sorry) is between uber, teach a lesson, sell something a $1000 a week is easy. Hey first and foremost - you better have a budget and stick to it! Or you will never have enough money!    Purposeful work: The creation narrative and later writings present work as a good, God-given activity (Genesis 2:15, Colossians 3:23-24). Work is seen as service, not just to people, but ultimately to the Lord…. Maybe you are asking the wrong question… maybe you should ask God what can I do to add value to your kingdom and get paid at the same time. A great friend of mine teaches martial arts/self protection… but he is also a strong believer. He gets paid well, has a strong client list, but uses this opportunity to share Christ all the time. It is a win win.    2. Stewardship and Investment   The concept of stewardship is central, suggesting that everything a person possesses—time, talent, and treasure—ultimately belongs to God and should be managed wisely… here is an idea, managing our time also means charging for our time. Listen I have a ton of people that would call me a friend - many times they want me to teach or train them for free because I am a friend and on top of that a pastor. Here is one simple rule I let them in on all the time. I have to charge my friends because my enemies won't do business with me. I say it in a fun loving way, but it gets the point across.  The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30): This parable is often cited as a direct encouragement for enterprise and investment. The master praises the servants who invested their money and produced a profit, while rebuking the one who buried his talent out of fear. This emphasizes the expectation of using resources (gifts, skills, capital, talents) productively, taking calculated risks, and seeking growth… is a God thing. It is a value to our maker.  The lazy servant is called wicked. He acted in fear… fear kept him from seeing his investments take off. FEAR will stop 95% of all people who have ideas to make extra money… but if you are lazy fear is a great excuse to fall back on. I will forever nag my friend for not acting on his stupid idea… it was Uber, but he never acted on it… FEAR!  Prudence and Planning: "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 14:28). This speaks to the need for careful planning, foresight, and sound financial management in business… most buisinesses fail due to lack of financial backing and a lack of planning. I used to have the #1 powerlifting gym in the country. Now I have a nice small personal training gym. It has everything I need…in time I will open another gym for body soul and spirit. But until then I just keep planning, picking up equipment that is a steal… and when the time is right - Boom I will act. But I will no longer rush into things! 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    I heard it again… I am broke and I need extra money… I don't know what to do?      Freelance Your Skills Online: Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to offer services such as writing, graphic design, programming, data entry, social media management, or virtual assistant work. You leverage existing skills and set your own hours. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: If you love animals, use apps like Rover or Wag! to find gigs watching pets in your home or theirs, or taking dogs for walks. This offers flexible hours and is often in high demand. Deliver Food or Groceries: Drive for services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart. You can work on a flexible schedule and earn money delivering meals or groceries to people in your area. Sell Unwanted Items: Declutter your home and sell unused items like clothing, furniture, electronics, or books on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or at a local yard sale. Take Paid Online Surveys and Participate in Focus Groups: Websites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, or Respondent pay you for sharing your opinion. Surveys are low-effort and can be done in your spare time, while focus groups often pay a higher hourly rate. Rent Out a Room or Your Car: If you have a spare room, you can rent it out for short-term stays on platforms like Airbnb. If you don't use your car often, you can rent it out through car-sharing services like Turo. Test Websites and Apps: Companies will pay you to test their websites and apps for usability, providing feedback on your experience. Services like UserTesting often offer a quick, one-time payment per test. Tutoring (Online or In-Person): If you are knowledgeable in a specific subject, language, or skill, you can tutor students online or locally. Sites like Wyzant or Chegg Tutors can help you find clients and set your rate. Complete Local Odd Jobs/Tasks: Use apps like TaskRabbit to find small gigs in your community, such as assembling furniture, light yard work, cleaning, or running errands for others.     The Bible does not contain a specific book on "business" or "entrepreneurship" as modern concepts, but it offers numerous principles regarding work, wealth, diligence, and ethical conduct that are highly relevant to both. Here are the key biblical principles applied to business and entrepreneurship:   1. Work and Diligence are Commended   The Bible encourages hard work and warns against laziness. This principle is fundamental to a successful venture. Diligence brings reward: "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth." (Proverbs 10:4). Diligent hands: active, eager, willing to try anything….. When I first got online and saw the possibilities I figure out something pretty quick. Not every youth pastor had my creative skill and writing lessons for youth. I was already a regular contributor/writer for YouthWorker Journal - So I would put together these really good power point lessons with great applications. Then I sold them online… and guess what - people bought them!  To pay my bills I have lots of skills and I will try anything.  I have taught guitar, drums, I am a personal trainer. But all these things fit within my calendar. I can't take on another hourly, full time job - I am still and first a pastor. So Diligent hands seek what works best for each person.  Just today I hit up a woman who has a unique skill for other women- I can't give to much away just yet. But she absolutely loved my idea and wants to come on board. We will typically work with about 25 women for one night a week and make a few thousand dollars. Diligence - try anything and if you fail - keep trying. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Mark 12:30, 31  30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.”   What if that neighbor is your spouse!      The Husband Store A store that sells new husbands has opened in New York City , where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates:    You may visit this store ONLY ONCE! There are six floors and the value of the products increase as the shopper ascends the flights. The shopper may choose any item from a particular floor, or may choose to go up to the next floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!   So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband. On the first floor the sign on the door reads:   Floor 1- These men Have Jobs She is intrigued, but continues to the second floor, where the sign reads:   Floor 2- These men Have Jobs and Love Kids. 'That's nice,' she thinks, 'but I want more.' So she continues upward. The third floor sign reads:   Floor 3- These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, and are Extremely Good Looking.   'Wow,' she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going  She goes to the fourth floor and the sign reads:   Floor 4- These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Good Looking and Help With Housework.  'Oh, mercy me!' she exclaims, 'I can hardly stand it!' Still, she goes to the fifth floor and the sign reads: Floor 5- These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Gorgeous, Help with Housework, and Have a Strong Romantic Streak.   She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor, where the sign reads:   Floor 6- You are visitor 31,456,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.   PLEASE NOTE:   To avoid gender bias charges, the store's owner opened a New Wives store just across the street.   The first floor has wives that enjoy sex.   The second floor has wives that love sex and love to cook   The third the woman enjoy sex, love to cook and have money.   The store has 6 more floors all the way up to the ninth floor… But no one knows what's on them because no man has gone past floor 3   Do you like a good mystery? Ephesians 5: 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.   Marriage is called a “mystery” because it reflects Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31–32).

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Mark 12:30, 31  30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.”   Not words -  Not actions -  But heart, mind soul strength    Weird… and love your neighbor as yourself… but wouldn't that be automatic? So it is stated here as a qualifying statement. I.e. your neighbor will know how much you love God by how much you love them!    Neighbor means whomever you come in contact with!      What does John 13 say 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”   It would be a fair question to ask your neighbor - again whomever you are around during the day's activities… how much they think you love God according to how much they feel you love them? THIS IS THE GRADE… THERE IS NO CURVE. YOU GET GRADED ON YOUR LOVE FOR GOD - NOT BY YOUR LOVE FOR GOD - BUT RATHER YOUR LOVE FOR OTHERS! 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Kill them, kill them all   John Wick: Winston... tell them... Tell them all... Whoever comes, whoever it is... I'll kill them. I'll kill them all. Winston then smiles and says “of course you will”   In todays world we have to be willing to do something incredibly hard and that is kill… kill them with kindness.    The saying "kill them with kindness" means to respond to negativity, hostility, or criticism with overwhelming kindness, compassion, or generosity. The idea is to disarm or surprise someone who is being unkind or adversarial by treating them with unexpected warmth and understanding, potentially defusing conflict or changing their perspective. It's a figurative way to suggest that kindness can be a powerful tool to overcome negativity, not that it literally "kills" anyone… but what it does kill -hopefully - is kill their response to continue to attack. Now it's not easy to do, its not easy to put on replay a response of love, listening and caring. No matter how much they vomit hate, lies and vulgarity you still love them.    1. **Practice Active Listening**: Give the person your full attention without interrupting. Reflect back what they've said to show understanding, which can reduce defensiveness and open dialogue.   True Jesus would interrupt an idea, but never interrupt someone is mid conversation. You should't either. We all know how frustrating it is when someone interrupts us- don't be that guy.    2. **Stay Calm and Composed**: Maintain a neutral tone and body language. Your calmness can be contagious, helping to lower the emotional temperature of the situation.   This might be the most overlooked quality of Jesus. Now he did get mad, but only at the Religious leaders, not against the sinners.    3. **Use Empathy Statements**: Acknowledge their feelings with phrases like "I can see why that would upset you." This validates emotions without agreeing with the content, fostering connection.   This one thing alone is huge. The greatest negotiators the ones who close deals and talk people off the ledge - literally - first know how to listen. Jesus listened… quit forming a response during someone speaking, yelling or debating. Listen first then connect to how they feel not just what they say.  Jesus says in Matthew 25 “you have heard it said” seven times… what is he trying to do? He is connecting with what his listeners have heard and how they feel.    4. **Ask Open-Ended Questions**: Encourage them to elaborate with questions like "Can you tell me more about that?" This shifts focus from confrontation to exploration, potentially revealing underlying issues.   Make your questions direct that show you care. Not questions that try to stump that person. Questions that ask about their feelings and their past experiences.    5. **Find Common Ground**: Identify shared values or goals, such as "We both want what's best here." This builds rapport and redirects energy toward cooperation.   6. **Set Boundaries Politely**: Clearly state limits on unacceptable behavior, like "I want to discuss this, but let's avoid name-calling." This prevents escalation while keeping communication open.   7. **Take a Break if Needed**: Suggest pausing the conversation with "Let's step away for a moment to cool down." Time apart can allow emotions to subside and perspectives to shift.   8. **Focus on Facts Over Emotions**: Gently steer toward verifiable information to counter lies, saying "Based on what I know, here's the detail." Avoid accusations to prevent further defensiveness.   9. **Offer Solutions or Compromises**: Propose practical next steps, like "What if we try this approach?" This moves the situation from problem-focused to solution-oriented.   10. **Know When to Disengage**: If diffusion isn't possible, remove yourself gracefully with "I think we need more time on this." Prioritize safety and seek external help if the situation involves threats.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Kill them, kill them all   John Wick: Winston... tell them... Tell them all... Whoever comes, whoever it is... I'll kill them. I'll kill them all. Winston then smiles and says “of course you will”   In todays world we have to be willing to do something incredibly hard and that is kill… kill them with kindness.    The saying "kill them with kindness" means to respond to negativity, hostility, or criticism with overwhelming kindness, compassion, or generosity. The idea is to disarm or surprise someone who is being unkind or adversarial by treating them with unexpected warmth and understanding, potentially defusing conflict or changing their perspective. It's a figurative way to suggest that kindness can be a powerful tool to overcome negativity, not that it literally "kills" anyone… but what it does kill -hopefully - is kill their response to continue to attack. Now it's not easy to do, its not easy to put on replay a response of love, listening and caring. No matter how much they vomit hate, lies and vulgarity you still love them.    1. **Practice Active Listening**: Give the person your full attention without interrupting. Reflect back what they've said to show understanding, which can reduce defensiveness and open dialogue.   True Jesus would interrupt an idea, but never interrupt someone is mid conversation. You should't either. We all know how frustrating it is when someone interrupts us- don't be that guy.    2. **Stay Calm and Composed**: Maintain a neutral tone and body language. Your calmness can be contagious, helping to lower the emotional temperature of the situation.   This might be the most overlooked quality of Jesus. Now he did get mad, but only at the Religious leaders, not against the sinners.    3. **Use Empathy Statements**: Acknowledge their feelings with phrases like "I can see why that would upset you." This validates emotions without agreeing with the content, fostering connection.   This one thing alone is huge. The greatest negotiators the ones who close deals and talk people off the ledge - literally - first know how to listen. Jesus listened… quit forming a response during someone speaking, yelling or debating. Listen first then connect to how they feel not just what they say.  Jesus says in Matthew 25 “you have heard it said” seven times… what is he trying to do? He is connecting with what his listeners have heard and how they feel.    4. **Ask Open-Ended Questions**: Encourage them to elaborate with questions like "Can you tell me more about that?" This shifts focus from confrontation to exploration, potentially revealing underlying issues.   Make your questions direct that show you care. Not questions that try to stump that person. Questions that ask about their feelings and their past experiences. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Ever get into a good fight. A good old fashion butt kicking, arse whooping fisticuffs. It isn't necessarily an enemy just someone you are at odds with you both throw down. At the end of the fight even if you lost you can shake their hand and say well done my friend, I underestimated you. My last one was with my wife… just kidding, but thats where we are going today.  I love watching the UFC, I truly appreciate it when two men start banging and they both stop once and awhile tap gloves as if to say… heck of a fight, nice kick, nice hit… it shows respect. Why in todays world do we as Christians shy away from a good fight?  1 Tim. 6:12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. Fight in the Greek 1. to struggle 2. (literally) to compete for a prize 3. (figuratively) to contend with an adversary 4. (genitive case) to endeavor to accomplish something Fight in the Greek 1. (properly) beautiful 2. (chiefly, figuratively) good 3. (literally) valuable 4. (morally) virtuous worthy {for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from G18, which is properly intrinsic} The one thing this verse reminds us of is we are in a fight, so if we choose not to fight, we choose to lose. Its not a choice as a follower of Christ. You love Jesus, you fight the fight of faith.  We have confused peace with being a pacifist. It is true, Jesus is the prince of peace, but he is also King and as King he leads us into spiritual battle…and that spiritual battle is against other people. We can love them, but still fight them.  1 Timothy says we are fighting for eternal life… I don't believe that is our eternal life but rather the eternal life of those who do not know Christ.  Having a "good fight" might seem like a contradiction, but it's a great way to think about how to handle conflict constructively. The goal isn't to win or dominate the other person, but rather to understand each other better and find a resolution that works for both of you. Here's a breakdown of how to approach a conflict in a healthy and productive way: Before the Fight 1. Pick the right time and place. Avoid bringing up a serious issue when one or both of you are tired, hungry, or stressed. Don't try to have a serious conversation in a public place or when you're in a hurry. Choose a private, quiet setting where you can talk without interruption. 2. State your intent. Start the conversation by explaining why you want to talk. This sets a collaborative tone. Try saying something like, "Hey, I've been feeling a little disconnected from you lately, and I'd like to talk about it. Is now a good time?" During the Fight 1. Stay calm and focused. It's easy for emotions to take over, but try to keep your voice calm and your mind clear. Stick to the topic at hand. If the conversation starts to veer off into old arguments or other issues, gently guide it back. Avoid using aggressive or accusatory language, like "You always..." or "You never..." 2. Listen to understand, not just to respond. The most crucial part of a good fight is active listening. Put down your defenses and genuinely try to see the situation from the other person's perspective. Ask questions to clarify what they're saying and show that you're hearing them. You can use phrases like, "What I hear you saying is..." or "Can you tell me more about how that made you feel?" 3. Use "I" statements. Instead of pointing fingers, focus on your own feelings. For example, instead of saying, "You make me so angry when you leave your dirty dishes everywhere," try saying, "I feel frustrated when I see dirty dishes on the counter because it makes the kitchen feel messy." This shifts the focus from an accusation to an expression of your personal experience. 4. Take a break if needed. If the conversation gets too heated, it's perfectly okay to pause. Acknowledge the tension and suggest a break. Say something like, "I'm feeling really overwhelmed right now. Can we take a 15-minute break and come back to this?" This prevents things from escalating and gives both of you time to cool down. After the Fight 1. Find common ground. Once you've both had a chance to speak and be heard, look for a solution together. This isn't about one person winning and the other losing. It's about finding a compromise that you can both agree on. It might be a small step, like agreeing to a trial run of a new behavior, or a bigger one, like seeking out couples counseling. 2. End with an apology and a hug. Even if you've done everything right, a fight can still be draining. A sincere apology for any hurt caused—even if it was unintentional—and a physical act of connection like a hug can help reconnect you and reinforce your bond. 3. Reflect and learn. After the conflict is over, take some time to think about what happened. What went well? What could you have done better? Learning from each fight will make the next one easier and more productive. Think of a good fight as a team effort to solve a problem. It's an opportunity to strengthen your relationship, not weaken it.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    "When the glory falls" versus "falling short of the glory" It is important not to confuse the phrase with "falling short of the glory," which is a separate biblical concept from Romans 3:23. In that context, "falling short of the glory of God" refers to sin and the human failure to reflect God's perfect character. The saying "when the glory falls" is not about a personal failure but about a collective, supernatural experience of God's overwhelming presence   In Christian terminology, "when the glory falls" means the moment when the manifest presence of God becomes so powerful in a place or among a group of people that it is physically or spiritually tangible. It is often associated with intense worship, supernatural manifestations, and a profound sense of God's power and holiness.    Biblical roots This phrase is inspired by multiple events in the Bible where God's presence was revealed in a powerful, undeniable way: The Tabernacle and Temple: In Exodus, after the Tabernacle was completed, the glory of the Lord appeared as a cloud and filled the tent, preventing Moses from entering. A similar event happened during the dedication of Solomon's Temple in 2 Chronicles, where God's glory was so overwhelming that the priests could not stand to minister. Pentecost: In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit "fell" on the disciples in the form of wind and fire, an event that empowered them and marked the birth of the Church. Isaiah's vision: The prophet Isaiah had a vision where the train of the Lord's robe filled the temple, and the sound of the seraphim praising God shook the building.    Meaning in modern Christianity The phrase is used today, particularly within Charismatic and Pentecostal denominations, to describe a highly anticipated moment during a church service or revival. Deep spiritual encounter: It signifies a moment of intense spiritual experience where people feel a profound sense of awe and reverence for God. Tangible power: Believers describe the experience as the "weight" or "heaviness" of God's presence, an overwhelming spiritual force. Manifestations: During these moments, physical and emotional reactions can occur. Some people may fall to the ground in worship, a phenomenon referred to as being "slain in the Spirit." Others may cry out, shake, or feel waves of heat or energy. Supernatural occurrences: For many, the "glory falling" is associated with miracles and healings, where people are healed in their seats without physical touch, as the presence of God moves through the room. Divine heist or kidnapping - its a takeover: It represents a shift from a human-led service to one in which God is taking control. In these moments, planned sermons or prayers may actually stop the flow as worship takes over and the Holy Spirit moves in unexpected ways.  But here is the kicker, it almost always happens in context of believers meeting together in worship or in church (doesn't have to be a church building, but it is the church that gets together)  My point… what if you went to church not hoping worship is good, the preacher is good, the sermon keeps your attention, you see sally and Bill… what if you go to church to be the church - to pray, worship and expect the glory to fall. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Paul pulled the trigger.  Stephen and the apostle Paul are up in heaven and are rejoicing before God the Father together as fellow family members in Christ. But Paul pulled the trigger. Stephen was one of the first on fire converts to Christianity. He was a miracle worker, a preacher and an amazing man who knew God personally. He was making an impact. But Paul pulled the trigger. The Jewish nation needed a man like Stephen who boldly preached weaving the Old Testament into the life of Christ with great revelation and conviction… and Jews were converting daily… and yet Paul pulled the trigger. The Church scattered because of the great persecution at the hands of those who killed Stephen. His martyrdom sent shockwaves through the new believers, many were hurt, had questions, many did not understand and the church ran into all corners of the earth… all because Paul pulled the trigger. I cannot quote a verse but my guess is much like today many hated those who killed Stephen and much like those who have reveled in the death of Charlie Kirk… as cold and as heartless as it truly is and was… Many reveled in the death of Stephen… even Paul the man who pulled the trigger. Yes I know there was no real trigger, Stephen was stoned, but more true than fiction Saul who later became Paul was the one who led the campaign. He was the power behind the trigger and in a real sense he did in fact pull the trigger. Not only on Stephen but on many of the converts he persecuted, tortured and killed - and again I would assume many had to deal with hate towards those who were the tormenters and abusers and afflicters.   And what happened after the death, after the children scatter, after the pain… An unbelievable uprising happened, not in a nation- not at first any way, but an uprising in the heart of the man named Paul. In the heart of the man who pulled the trigger. God showed up… no he literally showed up and completely radicalized Paul. In one swift and sweeping and blinding light Paul came in contact with The God almighty. This man who was out to destroy a movement did not realize you could not destroy the son of Man- Jesus behind the movement. Paul became not just a force of supernatural power he became a wrecking ball the kingdom of darkness. He planted churches, he wrote letters, he traveled thousands of miles, he debated the best and the brightest minds and he fought for everyone to know Jesus. All this even after he pulled the trigger. I know we scream for justice in this world, and yes God is a God of justice… but his first concern for all mankind…even the shooters, is that they might know the power and forgiveness of who Christ is. That is might wreck them the same way it wrecked Paul. I pray for everyone involved from Charlies wife to his parents to friends and family and all the followers - but I also understand the power of redemption and so in that I also pray for the shooter. I pray God reaches into that dark black hole in his heart and In one swift and sweeping and blinding light reveals himself, The God almighty. I honestly think that is what Charlie would also want. That in all things it leads to glorifying God and helps reach those who do not know the love of Jesus Christ. Lets pray Lets pray for everyone involved Lets love our enemies and pray Lets believe God gets glorified and we pray Yep… Paul pulled the trigger… but look what happened when people pray! 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Yesterdays podcast… wow, I am so rusty that I forgot to give the application at the end… If you were listening you were probably like… great story… but what about it?    God IS at the true center, but man is the Subject - the central focus of God's dealings,  covenants,  redemption,  Salvation And all of creation     1. Man as the Crown of Creation In Genesis 1, God creates everything else (light, land, plants, animals) in preparation for mankind. Man alone is made “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:26–27), setting humanity apart with dignity, responsibility, and eternal purpose.   C.S. Lewis: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” From The Weight of Glory. Lewis emphasizes the eternal significance and divine dignity of every human being.       2. The Fall of Man Brings the Central Problem The story of sin (Genesis 3) revolves around mankind's choice. All of Scripture unfolds as God's response to man's fall — judgment, mercy, covenants, law, prophecy, and redemption.   3. God's Covenants Are Made With Man Noah, Abraham, Moses, David — all receive covenants that are not just about them but about mankind's destiny. Each covenant progressively points to how God will restore man to Himself.   4. The Law and Prophets Were Given for Man's Guidance The Law was given to teach man holiness, reveal sin, and point toward the need for a Savior (Galatians 3:24). The prophets consistently address man's rebellion, calling him back to God.   5. Christ Took on Humanity for Man's Salvation The Incarnation is God becoming man (John 1:14), placing mankind at the heart of redemption's story. Jesus is called the “Son of Man” over 80 times, highlighting His role as the perfect representative of humanity.   When I was in 8th grade I remember understanding how important a play was when my coach who had no pads on went through the drills to show us.    6. The Cross Was for Man's Redemption The central event of Scripture is the death and resurrection of Christ — entirely for the salvation of mankind (Romans 5:8). The cross demonstrates God's love for man while satisfying His justice.   7. The Church Is Composed of Redeemed Men and Women The Church is the body and bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–27). God's plan is centered on transforming human lives into Christ's image and using them for His mission.   8. The Holy Spirit Indwells Man God's Spirit lives in believers, making man the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). This shows that the Bible's story is not just about man being saved but about man becoming the very dwelling place of God.   9. Man Will Reign With Christ Revelation 5:10 says believers will “reign on the earth.” God's original intent in Eden (dominion over creation) will be fully restored — man will rule with Christ in righteousness.   10. The Eternal State Is Focused on Man's Fellowship With God The climax of the Bible's story is Revelation 21–22, where redeemed humanity dwells with God forever: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” Heaven and earth are renewed specifically for man to live in perfect fellowship with his Creator.   It can be said ITS ALL ABOUT JESUS, BUT JESUS IS ALL ABOUT US/MANKIND!      Gen. 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the livestock and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.   A.W. Tozer: “The yearning to know what cannot be known, to comprehend the incomprehensible, to touch and taste the unapproachable, arises from the image of God in the nature of man.” From The Pursuit of God.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com        Did I fall off the wagon? Where have I been? Oh man, church and life has been just crazy. We are getting ready to do a major kick off for church and we are launching a new Discipleship program for the whole church and it is 80 weeks long and will repeat itself until I die or leave the church…  But I am back.   NFL news… Justin Herbert owns the chiefs, Aaron  Rodgers seems to still know how to throw the ball and so many other teams are just down to the wire… but my question is… the bengals… they are looking a little tired… I hope they can show up this season.   Anywhooo Don't forget my friends about The first step towards revival isn't action, it's conviction.  Are you convicted, that God desires to have a worldwide great awakening?  If not could you please ask Him to give you His conviction.  Are you willing to Ask others to pray for a Worldwide Great Awakening. Your Church, friends, families, and even your enemies. Could you please share with them the website collectiveprayernetwork.org Remember faith with out works is dead… the first work is that of prayer… make it happen, we need revival. Again please visit the website collectiveprayernetwork.org     In 1902 President Teddy Roosevelt went on a Bear Hunt and was not successful.  One of his friends went out and found a wounded bear, tied it up to a tree and took the president out to shoot it. Teddy was completely offended by this and refused to shoot a wounded and tied up bear. When a cartoon came out about this story - Inspiration: Brooklyn candy maker Morris Michtom saw the cartoon and was inspired to create a stuffed fabric bear and called it Teddys Bear. He sold the bears in his candy shop. It became so popular that he started a toy company selling  AI suggests that as of today several billion dollars have been made from the Teddy Bear.    ITs all about Jesus - and he is the center of scripture… but make no mistake WE ARE THE MAIN SUBJECT! 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Absolutely — let's build a complete definition of jealousy by pulling together the different angles from Scripture, psychology, and language:   Definition of Jealousy   1. General / Dictionary Sense   Jealousy is a feeling of resentment, bitterness, or insecurity that arises when we perceive a threat to something we value—such as a relationship, possession, status, or recognition.  It often involves fear of loss and resentment toward others who have what we desire.   2. Biblical Sense   The Bible uses jealousy in two distinct ways:   Sinful Human Jealousy (envy, rivalry):     * Wanting what someone else has.   * Resenting their success, blessings, or relationships.   * Leads to anger, strife, and destructive actions (James 3:16; Galatians 5:20).   Righteous Divine Jealousy (protective love):**      God's passionate commitment to His people and His own glory.    Not born out of insecurity, but out of covenant love and holiness (Exodus 34:14; 2 Corinthians 11:2).    Like a husband's rightful desire for his wife's faithfulness.   3. Psychological Understanding - or breaking it down in the brain   Jealousy is often a complex emotion made up of:     Fear (of being replaced, overlooked, or abandoned).   Anger/resentment (toward the one we feel threatened by).   Insecurity (about our own worth or position). Unlike envy (wanting what someone else has), jealousy often involves a triangular relationship: Me, the other person, and the rival/threat or appearance of what I lack.    4. Key Distinctions   Envy = “I want what you have.” Jealousy = “I'm afraid you'll take what I have” or “I resent you for threatening my place (i.e. I don't measure up to you).” God's Jealousy = “I will not allow you to give your love to idols because I love you and know what's best for you.”   Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Jealousy keeps us from doing both. Rejoice? But I don't have that! Mourn? No they deserve to suffer, because I have had to suffer.   But here is what is weird… when we rejoice over those who are succeeding, being blessed, hitting goals, achieving greatness… when we rejoice with them in that we are planting seeds of their success into our lives.  If we truly reap what we sow… then when we rejoice with others we in turn have just planted seeds-IN FAITH- for the day people will rejoice over our success.  So here is the power thought for the day. We don't just sow money, time talents… we sow emotions. If the emotions we choose to sow are positive we will reap the benefits of that… but if they are negative towards people… well, I bet you can figure it out.    ---   ✅ **Complete Definition (Combined):** **Jealousy** is an intense emotional response that can be either sinful or righteous. In its sinful form, it is a self-centered resentment or hostility toward others because of their advantages, relationships, or blessings, often leading to strife and destruction. In its righteous form—used of God—it is His holy, protective zeal for the exclusive devotion of His people and the honor of His name, rooted not in insecurity but in perfect love and covenant faithfulness.   That's a really thoughtful question. The Bible treats **jealousy** as dangerous and destructive, but the reason why depends on how the word is used in Scripture. Let's break it down:   ---   1. Jealousy as a Sin (Human Jealousy)**   Most often, the Bible speaks of jealousy in the sense of **envy, rivalry, or coveting what others have**. This is why it's seen as evil:   It leads to division and strife.**   *“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”* (James 3:16)   Jealousy doesn't just stay internal—it spills out into conflict and chaos.   It comes from pride and insecurity.**   Jealousy says, “What God gave me is not enough; I deserve what you have.” That challenges God's wisdom and provision.   It destroys relationships.**   Cain killed Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4:3–8). Saul tried to kill David because “Saul was very angry … ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands'” (1 Samuel 18:7–9).   It is linked with the “works of the flesh.”**   Galatians 5:20–21 lists jealousy along with fits of anger, rivalries, and envy as things that keep people from inheriting the kingdom of God.   2. God's “Jealousy” (a Different Kind)**   At the same time, Scripture also describes God as *jealous* (Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24). But this isn't the same as sinful human jealousy.   * God's jealousy is about **protective love**. He won't share His people with idols because He knows only He can satisfy them. * It's like a loving husband's jealousy for his wife's faithfulness—not rooted in insecurity, but in covenant love.   3. **Why Human Jealousy Is So Evil**   So the Bible condemns human jealousy because:   * It **springs from self-centeredness** rather than love. * It **questions God's goodness** and fairness. * It **tears communities apart** instead of building them up. * It is the **opposite of love**, which “does not envy” (1 Corinthians 13:4).   In short: **God's jealousy protects love, but our jealousy destroys it.**       Perfect — here are some of the clearest **biblical stories where jealousy led to disaster**:   ---   ### **1. Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3–8)**   * **What happened:** God accepted Abel's offering but not Cain's. Cain became jealous and murdered his brother. * **Lesson:** Jealousy escalated into anger, bitterness, and ultimately the first murder in human history.   ---   ### **2. Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37:3–28)**   * **What happened:** Jacob favored Joseph, giving him the “coat of many colors.” His brothers became jealous of his dreams and sold him into slavery. * **Lesson:** Jealousy within a family destroyed trust and nearly killed Joseph.   ---   ### **3. Korah's Rebellion (Numbers 16:1–35)**   * **What happened:** Korah and his followers were jealous of Moses and Aaron's leadership. They challenged God's choice and were swallowed up by the earth. * **Lesson:** Jealousy against God's appointed leaders is ultimately rebellion against God Himself.   ---   ### **4. Saul and David (1 Samuel 18:6–16; 19:8–10)**   * **What happened:** After David killed Goliath, people praised him more than King Saul. Saul grew jealous and tried multiple times to kill David. * **Lesson:** Jealousy blinded Saul to David's loyalty and destroyed his kingship.   ---   ### **5. The Religious Leaders and Jesus (Mark 15:10; Matthew 27:18)**   * **What happened:** Pilate recognized that the religious leaders handed Jesus over to be crucified **out of envy/jealousy.** * **Lesson:** Jealousy of Jesus' influence and authority led to the ultimate injustice—His crucifixion.   ---   ### **6. The Pharisees and the Apostles (Acts 5:17; 13:45)**   * **What happened:** The high priest and Sadducees were jealous of the apostles' popularity and miracles, so they persecuted them. Later, the Jews in Antioch opposed Paul out of jealousy when Gentiles responded to the gospel. * **Lesson:** Jealousy can oppose the very work of God.   ---  

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      Walk Just walk away Walk this way These boots are made for walking Walk like an Egyptian  Walkin on the sun I walk the line I would walk 500 miles But would you walk on by?  Thats where were going today.    Walk on the wild side Don't walk away Renee Im walking on Sunshine Walk on by - Dieon Warwick…      Luke 10 25 And behold, a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God [c]with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But wanting to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” The Good Samaritan 30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he encountered robbers, and they stripped him and [d]beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 And by coincidence a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan who was on a journey came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 On the next day he took out two [e]denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return, I will repay you.' 36 Which of these three do you think [f]proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed compassion to him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do [g]the same.”

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      Have you heard the story about the man who   -  Was a wrestler. 300 matches only lost one   -  He fired guns at the white house   - He stood in front of live fire during a war   -  He was a licensed bartender    -  He was arrested for dueling   -  He held seances where he worked   -  He was accused of being to ugly for his job   -  And he was our 16th President!  Abraham Lincoln.  Outwardly: Rough, awkward, poorly dressed frontier lawyer. Many thought he was too simple for leadership. Inwardly: Brilliant thinker, deeply compassionate, and one of the greatest U.S. presidents who carried the weight of ending slavery.   He did so many great things in his life as president we often forget much about his life and his foibles!      Psalm 51:17: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."  God's Power in Weakness: God's strength is often made perfect in our weakness.  2 Corinthians 12:9: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  Examples in Scripture: The Bible is filled with examples of flawed individuals used by God:  Moses, with a speech impediment and a past of murder.  David, an adulterer and murderer.  The Apostle Paul, a persecutor of Christians.  The disciples, who frequently misunderstood Jesus and abandoned him during his crucifixion.  God's Purpose Through Brokenness: God can use our past experiences, even those of pain and brokenness, to bring comfort and healing to others.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Wishy Washy… what a great way to describe people who do not live on a straight line… I can't stand wishy washy people, they drive me crazy… Now I need to be careful when I talk about wishy washy people because well… Im one of them. And thats where were going today!      Why Does God use wishy washy people?   -  Demonstrate his grace   His Grace is amazing saving us as sinners… But its super amazing in forgiving us in our failures after salvation.   Stephen Glenn - Adopted kids. He adopted a 15 year old boy. He ran the car through the garage. Stephen came home the boy had packed his suitcase, sitting on the bed waiting to be dropped back off at the social workers office… Stephen said to him: did you not think I knew days like this would happen. The boy doubted him… Stephen went to his study, got a letter out of his desk and had the boy read it. It said “I know you will blow it, But I adopted you because I love you, not because you will be perfect”.    His grace proves his redemption even in our failure and our foolishness.    Jesus restored Peter. - He may discipline but he never abandons us.          -  He uses the foolish things to confound the wise. It was said years ago NASA spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to create a pen that would write in space (no gravity made it almost impossible) To show off to Russia they sent them a few… Russia returned them and said thanks but no thanks we use pencils.   Later The US sent a drill bit so small it could drill it could drill through the center of a stick pin… they sent it to the Chinese to see if they wanted to order any (and brag) China said, great job, but it tends to overheat so we added a feature to help with that… upon closer inspection they found a hole drilled straight through the center of it.    *You would never Pick Peter to change the world. You would never pick David to defeat a Giant You would never pick a stutter'er to be the greatest leader in the Bible You would never choose a mass murderer to be the greatest evangelist  You would never pick a teenager to lead the NEW Church Plants   **WHAT WOULD YOU “NEVER” BE CALLED TO BE? The best husband? The best employee? The most fulfilled and at peace? The best marriage? The best health?   The best soul winner? The best healer? The best author? The best Teacher? 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Dropping the weights on my foot 1 Peter 1: In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. Suffer grief GK LOO-PAY-OH  = self inflicted grief… your own mistakes. Trials GK PI-ROS-MOS  Temptations and testing Verse 2 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.   7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine **LITERALLY MEANS the handler of your faith is genuine! GODS CHARACTER WILL BE PROVEN AS HE WALKS YOU THROUGH YOUR MISTAKES AND HANG UPS AND POOR CHOICES.  When a blacksmith heats a piece of metal… When a blacksmith heats and rapidly cools (quenches) metal, they are performing heat treatment, a process that dramatically changes the metal's properties by altering its internal crystal structure to increase its hardness, strength, and wear resistance. Heating the metal allows its atoms to rearrange, and rapid cooling locks them into a distorted, more rigid structure, making the metal harder and more difficult to deform.    Here's a breakdown of what happens: Heating: The metal is heated to a high temperature, causing its atoms to become more mobile. This makes the metal softer, more ductile (able to be stretched), and allows for its structure to change to a different phase, such as austenite in steel.  Rapid Cooling (Quenching): The hot metal is then quickly cooled, often in water, oil, or brine. This rapid cooling prevents the atoms from fully reforming into their softer, original state and instead traps them in a strained, highly ordered crystalline structure called martensite in the case of steel.  Increased Hardness and Strength: The trapped carbon atoms and internal strains within the martensitic structure create a very hard and strong material that resists deformation.  Potential for Brittleness: The rapid cooling can also introduce internal tensions and make the metal more brittle, a state that can be refined by subsequent processes like tempering.  Tempering (Optional): To reduce brittleness and create a balance of hardness and toughness, a blacksmith may then reheat the metal to a lower temperature and cool it more slowly in a process called tempering. This results in a tool that is both hard and less likely to snap under stress. Great question. Growth in Christ is not a straight upward line but more like a lifelong journey of transformation—sometimes marked by leaps forward, sometimes by setbacks, but always under God's grace. The Bible describes this process as **sanctification**—being made more like Jesus through the Spirit's work. Here's how that process unfolds, including the reality of ongoing failure:  

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Robin: EVERYTHING WAS HOLY….       What are five things no one would know about Burt Ward who played Robin in the TV show Batman?   ### 1. **A Speed-Reading Sensation**   Before hitting the big time, young Burt became an accomplished speed-reader. He was tested before the American Medical Society in Beverly Hills and clocked a staggering **30,000 words per minute with 90% comprehension**—far beyond average reading speeds. ([Classic Movie Hub - CMH][1], [TV Banter][2])   ---   ### 2. **World's Youngest Professional Ice Skater**   At just **two years old**, Burt was featured in the magazine *Strange as It Seems* as the **world's youngest professional ice skater**, thanks to a traveling ice show owned by his father. ([Wikipedia][3], [Classic Movie Hub - CMH][1])   ---   ### 3. **He Did (Most of) His Own Dangerous Stunts**   Unlike many stars, Burt performed most of his own stunts, even though his face made using a stunt double difficult. This led to multiple emergency room visits—**dozens**, he says—due to injuries from stunts like being tied to a table with a real buzz saw inches away or suspended above Bengal tigers. ([Wikipedia][3], [Express][4])   A Reddit user humorously shared one of Burt's more wild stories, recalling how during one stunt he was flung from the Batmobile when the door unexpectedly opened—and cracked an arm. ([Reddit][5])   ---   ### 4. **Musical Collaborations with Frank Zappa**   During *Batman*'s peak, Burt recorded several tracks produced by Tom Wilson and arranged by Frank Zappa. Notably, he released a single featuring "Boy Wonder, I Love You" (written by Zappa) and a cover of "Orange Colored Sky." ([Wikipedia][3], [Classic Movie Hub - CMH][1])   ---   ### 5. **Rescue Work for Giant-Breed Dogs**   Beyond Hollywood, Burt—and his wife Tracy—devoted themselves to canine welfare. In **1994**, they founded *Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions*, significantly impacting the lives of giant-breed dogs. Their nonprofit has facilitated **over 15,500 adoptions** and often houses around **50 dogs at home** awaiting forever families. ([Wikipedia][3], [People.com][6]) Additionally, their company *Gentle Giants* produces natural pet food aimed at boosting pets' longevity and wellbeing. ([People.com][6])   ---   ### Bonus Tidbits:   * Burt actually chose his own stage name: swapping “Gervis” for *Ward* (his mother's maiden name) and altering “Bert” to “Burt” because it had more punch. ([Wikipedia][3], [Classic Movie Hub - CMH][1]) * He holds a **Guinness World Record** for portraying the same live-action superhero in the most episodes (120 as Robin). ([Facts.net][7], [The Famous People][8]) * In **2020**, Burt received a star on the **Hollywood Walk of Fame**—a fitting tribute to the iconic Boy Wonder. ([Hollywood Walk of Fame][9])   To understand the deep meaning of redemption in Greek scripture, it is essential to explore the key terms used by New Testament writers, primarily agorazō and its cognates (exagorazō), and lytron with its related forms (apolytrōsis, lytrōsis). These words paint a picture of redemption as a decisive, costly, and legally binding rescue from the slavery of sin and its consequences.  Key Greek words for redemption Agorazō (ἀγοράζω) and exagorazō (ἐξαγοράζω) The verb agorazō means "to buy or purchase" and is derived from agora, the Greek marketplace or slave market. The related verb exagorazō, which means "to buy out or buy from," intensifies this meaning.  Bought at a price: The use of agorazō emphasizes that humanity was on the auction block of sin but has been purchased by Christ. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:20, "For you were bought with a price" (ēgorasthēte timēs), underscoring the high cost of this purchase. Freedom from the Law: The more intensive term exagorazō highlights a targeted purchase designed to remove something or someone from their previous state. For example, Galatians 4:5 says Christ came to "redeem those who were under the law" (exagorazō tous hupo nomon). This signifies not just a general purchase but a deliberate act of freeing people from the curse and bondage of the Law.  Lytron (λύτρον), apolytrōsis (ἀπολύτρωσις), and lytrōsis (λύτρωσις) This cluster of words emphasizes the idea of a ransom payment that brings about release. Lytron (ransom price): Lytron specifically refers to the monetary price paid to free a slave or captive. In Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45, Jesus says he came "to give his life as a ransom (lytron) for many," directly comparing his death to a payment made to secure the freedom of others. Apolytrōsis (completed redemption): The preposition apo is an intensifier, making apolytrōsis a "stronger form" of the word that denotes a complete and finalized liberation. This is the word used when describing the future, full redemption of believers' bodies at the resurrection (Romans 8:23) and the day of ultimate redemption (Ephesians 4:30). Lytrōsis (the experience of release): This noun refers to the deliverance or liberation that results from the payment of a ransom. Hebrews 9:12 explains that Christ "obtained eternal redemption (lytrōsis) for us".  The holistic and progressive nature of redemption The deep meaning of redemption in the Greek New Testament moves beyond a simple, one-time transaction to a multi-faceted and progressive work of God.  Past: An accomplished fact The price for sin has been paid through Christ's death on the cross, accomplishing a decisive and objective redemption for all believers. The sacrifice of Christ is the ultimate ransom (lytron), securing our justification and the forgiveness of sins (Romans 3:24).  Present: An ongoing reality The power of redemption is at work in believers' lives, delivering them from sin's power and purifying them to be a people for God's possession (Titus 2:14). As part of this transformation, believers are no longer slaves to sin but bondservants of righteousness (Romans 6:18).  Future: A complete deliverance Redemption is not yet fully realized. Believers "groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Romans 8:23). The final stage of redemption will be the complete liberation from corruption and the resurrection of our bodies when Christ returns (Luke 21:28).  A covenantal and communal significance Understanding the Greek word for redemption also brings with it significant implications for our relationship with God and others.  A treasured possession (peripoiēsis) 1 Peter 2:9 refers to believers as "a people for his own possession (peripoiēsis)." The Greek term highlights that God did not simply purchase us to release us, but to acquire and preserve us as his treasured property. This identity echoes the Old Testament concept of Israel as God's segullah, his special, prized possession.  Motivating holiness - HOLY MOTIVATION BATMAN The knowledge that we belong to God motivates believers to live holy lives and not grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). The infinite cost of our redemption, the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18–19), calls believers to live not for themselves but for Christ. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    You didn't have to love me like you did like you did like you did, but I thank you! ZZ Top     1. **Gratitude Rewires the Brain**   * Neuroscience research shows that practicing gratitude activates the brain's **reward and motivation circuits** (especially the ventromedial prefrontal cortex). * Over time, this strengthens positive neural pathways, making it easier to focus on good things instead of negative ones. * In essence, thankfulness literally reshapes the brain toward optimism and resilience.   2. **Boosts Physical Health**   * Studies have found that grateful people report **fewer aches and pains**, better sleep, and stronger immune function. * Gratitude lowers stress hormones like cortisol, which in turn reduces inflammation—a root cause of many chronic diseases. * Even writing in a “gratitude journal” has been linked to better long-term physical well-being.   3. **Improves Mental Health**   * Gratitude is strongly linked to **lower rates of depression and anxiety**. * MRI scans show gratitude practice increases activity in brain regions linked to happiness and reduces rumination (the cycle of negative thinking). * Just 5 minutes a day of reflecting on things you're thankful for can boost long-term emotional balance.   ### 4. **Strengthens Relationships**   * Expressing thankfulness increases levels of **oxytocin** (the “bonding hormone”). * Couples, friends, and families who practice gratitude report deeper connection, trust, and satisfaction in their relationships. * From an evolutionary perspective, gratitude fosters cooperation and social bonding, making communities more resilient.   ### 5. **Enhances Resilience and Coping**   * Research after crises (like 9/11 or natural disasters) shows that people who focus on gratitude recover faster emotionally. * Gratitude shifts attention from what is lost to what is still present, fueling **hope and perseverance**. * This makes it a powerful psychological tool in overcoming adversity.   All through scripture God says when I bless you do not forget me and do not forget to thank me. When the lepers were healed and only one came back to thank Jesus… that spoke volumes to Jesus - what did he say to the leper…. Your faith has made you whole… meaning salvation. When we thank God it anchors us back to our source… back to God.  There are so many times I will be using something in my life… a guitar, a car a piece of clothing… that was given to me and It causes me to think back to that person and again say thank you… and I will even text them and say hey “I still use that guitar you gave me. Thank you so much for it”. That guitar anchors me to that person and continues to rewire my brain for faith.  Thanking God on a daily basis anchors me to his goodness, to his kindness, to his provision, to his character and even to his forgiveness. At that moment it invites his presence into an active role in my day. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17) Thanksgiving reminds us that everything we have—life, provision, salvation—comes from God, not ourselves… and God loves it when we thank him and brag on him… trust me, he will get up and close to you to hear that. Take advantage of it. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      **In other words: the Word judges as well as saves (Hebrews 4:12). Its effect may be positive (fruit) or negative (rejection), but in both cases, it is effective.   1 John In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.   -  14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.   Jesus is the word… we speak Jesus, he will make an impact wether we see it or not.    So follow me here. If the word is Jesus (Gods word) and Jesus is the word… then we now know that words are associated with an entity… a being, a power of sorts.  So maybe some words we speak are not God… but rather man… maybe some words I speak are Garth and maybe some words I speak are demonic.  So our words have power, we see that all through scripture… wether we are aware of it we see it in our lives. We created our lives by what we thought and then spoke out into the future. But if we spoke words that were not God, but rather ourselves or demonic ideas and thoughts we then create that person as in charge of our life and in fact in charge of creating our future.    Someone is creating your future… name them! Is it God, you or the worldly forces or even the demonic.   Words aren't just sounds or symbols; they are the architects of our reality. Every word we speak, every thought we form, is a building block in the future we're constructing or by power of default someone else is producing. This isn't just a feel-good idea—it's a fundamental principle of which many claim is human psychology which at its core is a biblical foundational Spiritual law.   The Power of Internal Dialogue   The conversation we have with ourselves is the most important one. When we consistently use negative words like "I can't," "I'm not good enough," or "It's impossible," we're programming our minds for failure and creating the road ahead of us that we will be traveling on. This negative self-talk creates a self-fulfilling prophecy, making us less likely to take risks, seize opportunities, or persevere through challenges, take steps of faith, pray big prayers or expect God to move on our behalf.  On the other hand, a vocabulary of positive, biblical life empowering words transforms our mindset- and our future. When we quote scripture and in faith say "I can," "I will," or "I'll find a way," we're not just speaking—we're creating a mental blueprint for success. This positive internal dialogue builds resilience, fosters confidence, and gives us the mental fortitude to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals… what am I trying to say… it builds steps of faith to overcome, to persevere to the point of victory.      The Power of External Dialogue   The words we use with others also shape our future. The stories we tell about ourselves and our lives become our reality. When we talk about our problems, we give them more power over our future.  When we talk about our goals and dreams, we make them more real and create a tidal wave of faith. By consciously choosing to speak about our aspirations, we not only hold ourselves accountable, but we also attract the support and resources we need to make them a reality. Our words can inspire others to help us, open doors we didn't know existed, and create a network of support that propels us forward.     Actionable Steps   You have the power to change your future by changing your words. Become aware of your self-talk- is it biblical? Is it faith filled. Start paying attention to the words you use when you think about yourself and your life. Here is a great idea… try to double your faith talk and bible verses that you speak daily.  Replace negative words with positive ones. If you catch yourself saying "I can't," reframe it as “God will teach me how." If you say "This is a problem," reframe it as "This is going to be a great testimony.” But be aware of your words.  Use scriptural affirmations. Consciously choose and repeat positive  faith filled bible verses and statements about yourself and your goals. Your words are a powerful tool, not just for communication, but for creation. Use them wisely, and you'll build a future you've always dreamed of.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com        Stephens Testimony  I wonder how much Stephens words bore a hole in Saul's heart.  I wonder as Paul spoke and wrote if he ever realized… “Im using what Stephen said the day I had him murdered”.    Our words may seem unheard… but God says my word shall not return void.    The phrase “**My word shall not return void**” comes from **Isaiah 55:11**,   “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”*     "Not return void"** means it will never fail to produce result     Matthew 13 - The Sower 3. Even “Rejected” Seed Fulfills God's Purpose When birds snatch the seed, Jesus says it represents Satan stealing the Word. Even in that, God's Word is not void—it exposes the spiritual warfare at play. When the sun scorches, it reveals a shallow heart. That too is purposeful: it shows where faith was not genuine. When thorns choke, it uncovers divided priorities. Again, the Word reveals reality.   **In other words: the Word judges as well as saves (Hebrews 4:12). Its effect may be positive (fruit) or negative (rejection), but in both cases, it is effective.   Jesus is the word… we speak Jesus, he will make an impact wether we see it or not. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com      Nit picky… the joke about the guy who has a friend who can always find fault in anything. He takes him duck hunting and when he shoots a duck he can't wait because his dog walks on water. There is no way this guy can say anything negative about his dog walking on water… but when the dog jumps out of the boat and walks on water, gets the duck, comes back… his friend just shrugs and says ‘its' to bad your dog doesn't know how to swim”.   How many times I have posted something about Jesus only to have “so called Christian friends” get captious about it. What is that?    Being captious can be more dangerous than it first appears because it erodes trust, cooperation, and even self-awareness over time. Here are the major dangers: Damaging Relationships Constantly pointing out faults—especially small or irrelevant ones—can alienate friends, family, and colleagues. People may avoid you to escape feeling judged. Destroying Collaboration In work or group settings, captiousness makes brainstorming and teamwork harder. Others may stop sharing ideas for fear of nitpicking or ridicule. Stifling Constructive Problem-Solving Instead of focusing on solutions, captious criticism fixates on flaws, which can halt progress or cause projects to stall. Creating a Hostile Atmosphere A captious approach can foster resentment and defensiveness in others, making any discussion tense and unproductive. Damaging Personal Reputation People may start to label you as “negative,” “hard to please,” or “argumentative,” which can harm credibility and opportunities. Self-Deception Because captiousness often feels like being “just thorough” or “detail-oriented,” the person may not realize they're sabotaging their own influence and relationships. Emotional Toll Continually looking for flaws trains the mind toward negativity, which can contribute to chronic dissatisfaction and even anxiety. If you want, I can also explain the subtle difference between captiousness and healthy critical thinking, since the line can get blurry. That's often where people unintentionally slip into it.   Matthew 7:3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Self-Examination Before Judgment Jesus emphasizes the importance of examining our own faults before pointing out the faults of others. This requires humility and honesty in assessing our spiritual condition.   Hypocrisy in Judgment The metaphor of the speck and the beam highlights the danger of hypocrisy. We must be cautious not to judge others harshly while ignoring our own significant shortcomings.   The Importance of Humility Recognizing our own imperfections fosters humility, which is essential in our relationships with others and in our walk with God.   Restoration with Gentleness When addressing the faults of others, it should be done with a spirit of gentleness and love, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation.   Community and Accountability This teaching encourages believers to foster a community where accountability is practiced with grace and understanding, promoting spiritual growth for all.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    You know those certain type of guys… they always have a motive… They hold a door for a girl, they ask the woman if she needs help, they pick there young girl for their group exercise. Or the guy who is always trying to make a buck.. no matter on who or how or whom it will hurt… In a way we as followers of Christ are to be the exact same way…      Mark 10:17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Ok first off this is a very very important question… maybe the biggest question you could ask with the greatest of consequences if you get it wrong… But Jesus almost ignores it and says…  18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,' ‘Do not murder,' ‘Do not steal,' ‘Do not bear false witness,' ‘Do not defraud,' ‘Honor your father and your mother.' ” 20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” *Jesus never calls him out. I believe this guy really kept all the commandments. He was the super uber good guy. Everyone would look at him and say “I wish I could be like him”. Mothers were always saying to their sons “I wish you were more like that young man… he keeps all the commandments”… But did you miss what is going on here?  VERSE 18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. DID YOU CATCH IT… Jesus is stating in a backward way that he is God… Hey skippy, why do you call me good? Because only God is good… thus do you really think I am good? Do you really think I am God? If so, lets see if you do and test that theory. If I am good aka God, then here is what you do   21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Look there are some blatant bold and obvious things God is doing here. He is saying its not enough to follow the law. It is not enough to be good, I have to be God. I have to be God in your life which means I sit on the throne of your life and not your reputation, not your money, not your goals or your family or your job or your relationships or your whatever it is… If I am really God, then I come first in all things… it is not enough to just follow the rules.  How many of us fall into that trap - we treat God as good, but not as God. 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    The tithe, which literally means "a tenth," was a central part of the giving system for the Israelites in the Old Testament.However, the requirements were more complex than simply a single 10% tithe. Most scholars believe the Israelites were commanded to give three different tithes, totaling more than 10%. The three main tithes were: The Levite Tithe: This was an annual tithe of one-tenth (10%) of all agricultural produce and livestock. This tithe was given to the Levites, who, because they had no land of their own, were responsible for the work of the tabernacle and later the temple. The Levites, in turn, gave a tenth of what they received to the priests. (Numbers 18:21-28; Leviticus 27:30-32). The Festival Tithe: This was a second annual tithe of 10% that was to be used by the Israelites themselves to celebrate the yearly feasts in Jerusalem. They were to spend this tithe on food and drink, including "cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish," to celebrate before the Lord. (Deuteronomy 14:22-26). The Poor Tithe: Every third and sixth year of the seven-year cycle, a third tithe was collected and stored in local towns. This tithe was for the support of the Levites, the foreigners, the fatherless, and the widows in the community.(Deuteronomy 14:28-29; Deuteronomy 26:12). When combined, these requirements mean that the Israelites were giving a total of approximately 23.3% of their income every year (10% to the Levites + 10% for festivals + 3.3% for the poor on average over the three-year cycle). This was a significant financial commitment and was in addition to other offerings and sacrifices they were commanded to make. It's also important to note that these tithes were primarily based on agricultural produce and livestock, not on monetary income. The problem is it all starts in the heart with the foundation of “what is the least I can give”.  Can I give only 10%? Can I hate my brother just a little for ripping me off? Can I lust over a woman if she is dressed provocative and Im not married? Can I make business plans on my own without getting clearance from God?  All of these questions are resoundingly a “all or nothing”. I don't know how my wife would feel if I asked her how much do I actually have to be married to you?  The reason God demands all in is because we can't do ALL without him. The OT was based on the law and rules… we can keep rules… not that we want to, but we can. Heck we will even make up more rules… But when God demands all or nothing… it leaves us realizing we can't do life, eternity, spirituality or love in all things without him. There are no other options than total reliance on God. And that my friend is a good thing! 

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Rebellion is a false sense of power… yes, but it might surprise you that conformity is also a false sense of power and in fact they are really the same thing. One person rebels to show they are in control and they don't care the consequences… the other person conforms to show they are on control and don't care about the consequences… Both find themselves in the same trap… but it is all brought on by outside forces… people, systems, problems, hurts, injustices,    Wether your conform or rebel you are actually being manipulated by an outside force…  Ever get hurt by someone and pray that they see their stupidity, their arrogance and their sin? They are tricking you into thinking its about you… they manipulated you into trying to be the “This is not fair” police.  The person who just quietly conforms does the same thing. They pray to God asking him to see how well they are being like everyone else… They still are praying from the perspective of “This is not fair” I am doing what everyone is telling me to do, but not getting what I want. OR Worse yet… ready for this? You rebel or you conform and you get exactly what you want… but you are still empty inside. NOW WHAT? Now who do you blame?  The fact is simply this: we as followers of Christ can fall into either of these traps when we do not realize that our identity is not in who people say we are. It is not in what happens to us. It is not in how we judge or value our lives. It is not based on our family history or upbringing. Our identity is in Christ. Oh how silly and quaint to say this… but its true. When we rebel or conform we do it long enough where we seek provocation and support to justify our expression of these behaviors. Am I getting to deep… sorry. But here is another mad scientist twist… when lived out long enough it rewires our brain to “normally” live out our lives that way. We can no longer see it as unhealthy because we see it as normal… you can tweet that- its worthy.  And scripture flys smack into this and tears this idea and mindset down.  2 Corinthians 5:17: This verse states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This verse signifies a complete change in identity for believers. It's not just about adding something new, but about becoming a completely new creation in Christ, signifying a break from the old way of life and a new beginning.  Galatians 2:20: This verse says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." This verse points to a life lived in union with Christ, where the old self is crucified, and the believer now lives through Christ's spirit.  Ephesians 2:10: This verse states, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This verse emphasizes that believers are created by God for a specific purpose. It highlights that believers have a unique identity and purpose found in Christ and the good works that God has prepared for them.  When we rebel or conform we are using other measuring sticks to justify our behavior, our sin, our life, our reputation, our actions…  But when we use scripture… when we lay our life over the example of Christ life… things fall tragically short. We see quickly that our life must be formed by our walk with Christ and not through rebellion or conformity.  We do not conform to this world.. rather we are transformed… Maybe the best realignment for today is simply a prayer where we cry out to God and ask him to destroy our rebellion and our conformity and make us more like him through the transformation of his word.

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    In the ESPN 85 Bears documentary one of my favorite stories told is by Mike Singletary trying to figure out his coach Buddy Ryan. He said to another player… he hates me. But his friend on his team said no you misunderstand Buddy. He loves you, you just need to shut your mouth and say yes sir. No matter what Buddy says, just shut your mouth and say yes sir… Shutting the mouth is hard to do, and thats where we are going today.    Luke 1: 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. 8 So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. 20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”   And now you will be silent and unable to speak This phrase indicates a divine judgment and sign given to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. The silence serves as both a punishment for disbelief and a sign of the truth of the angel Gabriel's message. In biblical times, being unable to speak was often seen as a sign of divine intervention. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God uses physical conditions to convey a message, such as the blindness of Saul (Acts 9:8-9) before his conversion to Paul.   until the day this comes to pass This specifies the duration of Zechariah's muteness, linking it directly to the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the birth of John the Baptist. It underscores the certainty of God's promises and the importance of faith. The temporary nature of the punishment also highlights God's mercy and the restoration that follows obedience and fulfillment of His word.   because you did not believe my words This phrase highlights the reason for Zechariah's punishment: his lack of faith. In the context of Jewish tradition, faith in God's promises was paramount, as seen in the stories of Abraham and Moses. Zechariah's doubt contrasts with Mary's faith later in the chapter (Luke 1:38), emphasizing the importance of trust in God's plan. This disbelief is significant given Zechariah's role as a priest, who was expected to have a deep faith in God's power and promises.   which will be fulfilled at their proper time. This assures the fulfillment of God's promises, emphasizing divine timing. The phrase reflects the biblical theme that God's plans unfold according to His perfect schedule, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:1. It reassures believers that, despite human doubt, God's word is reliable and will come to pass. This also connects to the broader narrative of salvation history, where God's timing is crucial, such as the coming of Jesus Christ "in the fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4).   You know my one simple thought here is that our words have such power… Zechariah did not realize the power his prayer had, the power of his words…  So as not to interfere anymore with this fulfilled promise Gabriel shuts him up. Gabriel releases the power of his words and is like… hey before you mess this up even more - not that it won't happen, but you may speak other things into existence that make it hard for your wife, or for your son, or for his future… so just shut your mouth and say yes sir.