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Making men MEN again. The David Alliance will help you slay your giants.
Episodes
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Monday Sep 29, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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).
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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!
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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.
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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.
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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.
Monday Sep 15, 2025
Monday Sep 15, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
"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.
Sunday Sep 14, 2025
Sunday Sep 14, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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!
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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.
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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!