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Making men MEN again. The David Alliance will help you slay your giants.
Episodes
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
One of my favorite lines from Chuck Norris movie was - If you come back in here Im going to hit you with so many rights you're going to beg for a left.
It is a scene where a man shows up to threaten Chuck and ends up getting his chest kicked in and everyone running away.
Matthew 8:28 from screaming and threatening to begging and pleading.
Why doesn’t Jesus run scared? I know it sounds simple - uh… he’s God? Hello? But what is behind this moment really? He was man who laid down his deity in order to live completely through the power of the Holy Spirit. So what is going on here?
First he went across the lake and storm on purpose… because after the demons get cast out he goes back… yes the city begs him not to come to their city… but he knew that already. He came for one demonic crazy man.
No every day that you are heading into at least ONE ordained moment where its going to feel more natural to run than to stand in faith. Now you may not actually run.. but you may shut up, shrink back from speaking the truth, sharing Christ, praying for the sick, inviting the person to church or to accept Christ. Its easy to run from those situations. But stand your ground… and watch satan get angry and threaten you… but stand your ground. What does Ephesians say after standing your ground, stand firm and stand your ground.
He then calls them out and says what’s your name? Why would he do that? For those around him. He wanted the disciples to see that even when its on against 6000 you still have the victory. I can see Jesus asking the man and when the demons say “legion for we are many”… Jesus kind of smacks his lips, smiles and cackles… still not enough. YOU ARE OUTNUMBERED BY ONE AND ONLY ONE!
Then he casts them into the pigs… You have the right to cast out demons… notice Jesus did not ask the man if he wanted to be delivered. He just did it. I am not asking someone if they want to be delivered… I am just going to pray that the demon leaves them…then I will ask them if they want to accept Jesus as their lord and savior. If not I will warn them that this demon will be back with even more demons and they will be in far greater danger…
Finally, the man begs to come with Jesus, but he says no. Why? I think he would make an incredible disciple… right? Think of the stories and banter with the other disciples… well at least I never ran around naked and bloody…. Oh bob your killing me. Seriously… why not take him on the road? He needs to be the light to those he knows best. Your testimony is greatest to those who used to know you… don’t ever hesitate telling them - don’t be ashamed - that is the power you have been given - that is the word of your testimony.
Monday Mar 30, 2026
Monday Mar 30, 2026
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
The 13 Rules for Radicals
In 1971, community organizer Saul Alinsky published Rules for Radicals, a manual intended for "have-nots" to take power back from the "haves." His tactics focus on pragmatism, psychological warfare, and using an opponent's own rules against them.
Here are the 13 tactical rules Alinsky outlined:
The 13 Tactics
* "Power is not only what you have, but what the enemy thinks you have." If your organization is small, hide your numbers in the dark; if it's large, flaunt it in the light.
* "Never go outside the expertise of your people." If your activists aren't comfortable with a tactic, they will fail or lose morale.
* "Whenever possible, go outside the expertise of the enemy." Look for ways to cause confusion and fear by forcing the opposition to deal with something they haven't practiced for.
* "Make the enemy live up to their own book of rules." If their rule is "every letter must be answered," send 30,000 letters. You can kill them with their own red tape.
* "Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon." It is almost impossible to counter-attack ridicule. It also infuriates the opposition, who then react to your advantage.
* "A good tactic is one your people enjoy." If people are having fun, they will keep doing it and come up with better ideas.
* "A tactic that drags on too long becomes a drag." Don't let your movement become boring. Commitment has a shelf life.
* "Keep the pressure on." Never let the opposition rest or regroup. Use different tactics to keep the pressure constant.
* "The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself." Imagination and anticipation of what might happen often cause more damage than the actual action.
* "If you push a negative hard enough, it will push through and become a positive." Every move by the opposition can be flipped into a rallying cry for your side.
* "The price of a successful attack is a constructive alternative." Never let the enemy score a point by asking, "Okay, what would you do?" Have a plan ready.
* "Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it." Don't attack "the system." Attack a specific person (a CEO, a politician). It’s harder for people to ignore or defend a single individual than a nameless institution.
* "The most important requirement for the tactic is the development of operations that will maintain a constant pressure upon the opposition." Action is a series of hits; you must keep the momentum going.
The Philosophy
Alinsky’s core argument was that in a fight for power, the ends often justify the means. He believed that the only way to effect change was through direct, often uncomfortable, confrontation.
> Note: These rules have been used across the entire political spectrum, from labor unions to modern grassroots tea party movements and digital activists.
Comparing the principles in Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals with Biblical teachings reveals a fundamental tension between tactical pragmatism and moral absolutes. While both share a concern for the "have-nots" and the pursuit of justice, they differ sharply on the methods used to achieve those ends.
Here is how a Biblical perspective might respond to the core themes of Alinsky’s work:
1. The Ethics of Means and Ends
Alinsky famously argued that "the ethics of means and ends" are relative to the necessity of the situation—essentially, that the end can justify the means if the cause is just.
- Biblical Response: The Bible generally rejects the idea that a good outcome justifies a sinful method. Scripture emphasizes that the way a person conducts themselves is as important as the goal they seek.
- Key Principle: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). The pursuit of justice must remain "blameless and innocent" (Philippians 2:15).
2. Ridicule and Polarization (Rules 5 & 13)
Alinsky’s Rule 5 states, "Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon," and Rule 13 advises, "Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it." These tactics are designed to dehumanize an opponent to make them easier to attack.
- Biblical Response: The Bible warns extensively against the "scoffer" or "mocker" (Proverbs 21:24) and places a high value on the dignity of all people, including opponents.
- Key Principle: Jesus’ command to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44) stands in direct opposition to the tactic of "personalizing" and "polarizing" an individual as a target for destruction.
3. Truth vs. Perception
Alinsky viewed communication as a tool for power; he suggested that organizers must work within the "experience of the audience," sometimes using exaggeration or strategic deception to maintain momentum.
- Biblical Response: Biblical ethics are rooted in the concept of absolute truth. Deception, even for a "good" cause, is viewed as a violation of God's character.
- Key Principle: "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor" (Ephesians 4:25).
4. Points of Convergence: Justice for the Oppressed
Where the Bible and Alinsky find common ground is in the diagnosis of social ills. Both recognize that power is often concentrated in the hands of the few at the expense of the many.
- Biblical Alignment: The Hebrew prophets (like Amos and Isaiah) were "radicals" in their own right, fiercely condemning systemic corruption and the exploitation of the poor.
- Key Principle: "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow" (Isaiah 1:17).
Comparison Table
|
Alinsky’s Rule / Concept |
Biblical Counter-Perspective |
|
Tactical Ridicule |
"Let your speech always be gracious" (Colossians 4:6). |
|
Polarization |
"Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9). |
|
Power-Centric |
"Whoever would be great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26). |
|
Social Justice |
"He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty" (Luke 1:53). |
In summary, the Bible would likely support Alinsky’s objective of empowering the marginalized but would reject his methodology of using ridicule, deception, and the polarization of individuals as tools for change.
Would you like to explore a specific Biblical case study where a leader successfully challenged an existing power structure?
Summary: Power vs. Transformation
Ultimately, Alinsky’s response to injustice is a struggle for external power. He wants to shift power from the "Haves" to the "Have-Nots."
The Bible’s response to injustice is a transformation of the human heart, which then works its way outward to change society. It suggests that if you use hatred, ridicule, and polarization to win power, you will simply become the new oppressor once you are at the top.
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Jimmy Carr - yes he needs to be listened to in small bites, but he is way more than just a comedian, he is a political assassin and has an incredible and unique way of looking at life. I saw a short clip where a young man asked him for advice on how to be a comedian. He said something… and maybe it just hit me more than most but he said - don’t try to be the best, try to be the only.
Get it? Be you. But when he said it the way he said it - it reverberated in me. Yes, be the only - because God made us all uniquely individual and we are all ONLYS. Most people spend their entire life trying to be like others… and never feel complete and never hit the mark for what God has created them for… but if you try to be the ONLY - you most likely will fall into place where God can use you most, best and completely.
"OG" stands for Original Gangster, a slang term originating in the 1970s/80s to describe someone who is authentic, old-school, or a pioneer in their field. It is now commonly used to mean simply "original," referring to the first or classic version of a person, item, or concept. They are truly themselves, copying no one and not caring what anyone thinks.
Here are a few OGs (Original Gangsters / foundational legends) from the Bible—pioneers who set the tone, faced impossible odds, built legacies, and influenced everything that came after them:
Old Testament OGs:
- Noah – The ultimate survivor and boat-builder. When the whole world went wicked, he stayed faithful, built the ark, and restarted humanity. OG of "prep and persevere."
- Abraham – The father of nations. Left everything behind on God's call, pioneered monotheism in a pagan world, and became the root of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. True OG patriarch.
- Moses – Delivered an entire enslaved nation from the world's superpower (Egypt). Parted the Red Sea, received the Ten Commandments, and led through the wilderness for 40 years. OG liberator and lawgiver.
- David – Went from shepherd boy to giant-slayer to king. Warrior-poet who unified Israel, established Jerusalem as the capital, and laid the foundation for the Messiah's line. Ultimate underdog-to-legend story.
- Elijah – Fearless prophet who called down fire from heaven, confronted corrupt kings and false prophets, and was taken to heaven in a whirlwind. OG of spiritual warfare and boldness.
New Testament OGs:
- John the Baptist – The wild desert preacher who prepared the way for Jesus. Lived on locusts and honey, baptized crowds, and fearlessly called out hypocrisy (even Herod). OG forerunner.
- Peter – Impulsive fisherman turned "Rock" of the church. Denied Jesus once but became the bold leader of the early church, preached at Pentecost, and helped spread the faith. OG of redemption and leadership.
- Paul (Saul of Tarsus) – Former persecutor of Christians who became the greatest missionary and theologian of the New Testament. Wrote half the New Testament letters, planted churches across the Roman Empire. OG of radical transformation.
Bonus "Ride-or-Die" OGs:
- Joseph (son of Jacob) – Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, rose to second-in-command in Egypt through integrity and God-given wisdom. OG of forgiveness and divine comeback.
- Esther – Orphan who became queen and risked her life to save her people from genocide. OG of courage and strategic influence ("for such a time as this").
These are the originals who walked by faith in hostile territory, changed history, and left blueprints for generations. Who’s your favorite Bible OG, or do you want more in a specific category (warriors, prophets, women, etc.)?
Eph. 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Workmanship/Masterpiece… not really - more like divine craftsmanship.
It speaks of Gods specific and unique intentionality for each creation/person- his precision i.e. nothing as was before or will be. Like snowflakes…
Be the OG of your life and your walk - and watch what God can do!
Thursday Mar 26, 2026
Thursday Mar 26, 2026
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Gumption
Fortitude
Tenacity
Perseverance
Spunk
Guts
Resilience
Backbone
Grit without grace
JEN - sin against her - no big
MY WIFE? - its a big. I know how much she has given me, served me. Loved me, sacrificed for me.
Nancy - I love being around her. She always has a heart of “there is so much more, God keep me humble, tender in love”.
So we…
II. Repent
** **The Truth is we think we need to repent if we have huge moral failure! The church at Ephesus did not! It was unnoticeable to all who saw them!
Teen Challenge someone stepped out to give their testimony and they talked about their addiction to work? To Gossip? To neglect of their spiritual gift? Judgmental spirit, To not being in love with Jesus anymore!
Repeat: "Do the things you did at first."
Between Eph. 1 and Revelation Chapter 2 was 30-35 years. Thats all it took to lose ones love.
Key verses in Ephesus OF WHAT THE CHURCH WAS LIKE!
A hate for sin in your life
A love for fellow believers and the lost
An active faith i.e. sharing X
Growing in spiritual wisdom.
Here is the secret: it is a repeatable pattern
Ask God to show you your sin
Ask God to help you see the lost
Ask God to grow your faith.
Share the gospel.
Wednesday Mar 25, 2026
Wednesday Mar 25, 2026
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Heb.10:32 Don’t ever forget those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. 33Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. 34You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail. When all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew you had better things waiting for you in eternity.
35 Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
We must remember What love is like!
Pedro Calderon the poet says “Without madness there is no love”!
Rev. 12:11
By the word of our testimony we overcome the enemy.
Memories are free Spiritual nitro glycerin - explosive in our soul. And here is the secret - they don’t have to just be our memories - they can be from other believers.
fMRI’s tell us the affect on the brain in real time:
Reliving memories :
restore emotional grounding and clear thinking.
It is the emotional, mental and spiritual reset button.
You see the big picture and God for who he is.
Stories of healing, winning muslims to christ, provision, salvation.
Tuesday Mar 24, 2026
Tuesday Mar 24, 2026
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
GRIT WITHOUT GRACE
1 COR. 13:1 BUT WITHOUT LOVE YOU ARE A CLANGING CYMBAL.
3. The Path Back: Remember, Repent, Repeat
Jesus doesn't just diagnose the problem; He provides a three-step recovery protocol in verse 5:
- Remember: Look back at the "height from which you have fallen." Recall the early days when the fire was natural. What were you doing then? What was your mindset?
I. REMEMBER
V. 5 Remember from the height you have fallen.
When Kim and I were first dating I would do the craziest things for her because I was madly in love.
Spent 1400 bucks on her for Christmas
Drove all night from Dallas to Madison to see her
And little things like leave here notes all over her house, car and work.
I Peter 1:9 But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.
DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE IN LOVE HEAD OVER HEELS FOR JESUS?
What were you like?
What did you think about?
What were your spiritual disciplines?
Who were your friends?
What was your conversation like?
Monday Mar 23, 2026
Monday Mar 23, 2026
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Deigo Garcia Diego Garcia is a remote island located in the central Indian Ocean, just south of the equator. It is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago and forms part of the British Indian Ocean Territory
Many have lived through this scenario: a parent enters a Childs bedroom. Explains they are getting a divorce. The reason: They just don’t love each other the same way they did.
CAN YOU IMAGINE TELLING JESUS THIS?
Yet I hold this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first." (Rev 2:4)
REV. 2+3
Jesus tells us here that there are churches that are in grave danger:
You looked good but are dead
You compromised culture over Christ
You allowed adultery in the church
You allowed idolatry in the church
You look no different than the world
You allowed false teachers in your pulpits
We see something here - catch it: You can have impeccable theology, Model Christian behavior and no sin to speak of… and be Dead!
(Like fake dessert in the glass case)
**You have heard “the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing”.
Harry Burnette Reeses
Reeses peanut butter cups… not using real chocolate or real peanut butter.
The scariest rebuke is to Ephesus: You look good. No one can tell by your actions… but I know - you no longer love me #1
Where’s the love?
We desire love when we are stressed: 82% of men said they rely on physical affection and sex to cope with stress and burn out.
Many men have a hard time fully investing into Church/Christianity… because they do not feel the love of God.
We see a conundrum - we lost our love for God, we don’t feel Gods love.
On paper, they are the gold standard of a disciplined community. But then comes the "but."
"Yet I hold this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first." (Rev 2:4)
*Jesus does not call them out on any behavior!
He calls them out on heart!
mechanics vs. motivation.
Think of a musician who has spent years mastering every scale and every piece of equipment. They can play a perfect set without missing a note, yet the "soul" of the music is gone. They are hitting the right frequencies, but they aren't feeling the song anymore.
In our own lives, we often fall into the trap of the "routine." We show up. We do the reps. We check the boxes. But duty is a poor substitute for delight. When we serve, work, or live out of a sense of "should" rather than "want," we aren't practicing love; we are practicing management.
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
John 18 Jesus before Pilate on trial for his life…. Innocent, guiltless, perfect and all knowing
1. **Stop explaining yourself — it gives away your power.**
Explaining every decision or boundary seeks permission and invites debate, doubt, and unnecessary energy drain. Destiny doesn't wait for approval; over-explaining hands control to others and delays your progress.
2. **Silence is a powerful strategy and strength.**
Silence confuses critics, disciplines emotions, guards your vision, and preserves peace. It says "I don't need your approval" without words, denies manipulators engagement, and allows quiet alignment and growth (like seeds growing underground before visible results).
3. **Walk away without warning or explanation — it's wisdom, not weakness.**
Leaving draining situations, conversations, or relationships silently protects your purpose, creates space for better opportunities, and commands respect through discipline. It's often a divine shift into alignment; don't negotiate your life or beg for understanding.
4. **Your purpose is sacred and must be protected.**
Purpose doesn't require everyone's understanding or validation — not everyone is assigned to your journey. Seeking approval leads to compromise and diluted convictions. Live for fulfillment of purpose, not applause; let your actions, consistency, fruit, and results speak louder than words.
5. **Stop chasing approval — it's a moving target and a trap.**
Approval from people is unreliable and conditions self-doubt. Break free to gain clarity, freedom, and strength. Your value isn't measured by others' reactions but by alignment with your destiny.
6. **Discern energy and set strong boundaries.**
Recognize what (or who) drains vs. builds you — energy doesn't lie. Guard your peace, time, and focus fiercely. Boundaries aren't walls but gates that control access; set them without guilt to prevent invasion of your assignment.
7. **Let results be your testimony.**
When you stop explaining and start moving in silence, your life, growth, and achievements become undeniable proof. True power shows in discipline, peace, and unapologetic alignment rather than endless justification.
Overall message: Reclaim your energy, protect your peace, and trust that walking away silently from what doesn't serve you opens doors to what truly does. This empowers self-respect, emotional maturity, and unstoppable progress toward your calling.
Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
Tuesday Mar 17, 2026
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Its not how you see yourself… Its not how others see you, its how you THINK others see you that changes your behavior.
IMAGE
The bulldog’s nose is slanted backwards so that when it is in a fight it can bite down, hold on and still breathe.
IMAGE
TL Osborn- was told one week how much he was like Jesus in every way. the next week he was told how much he reminded someone of the devil... you cannot let your image hinge on others opinions.
Most men don’t live based on truth.
They live based on a guess.
Not:
- Who they are
- Not even who others actually think they are
But:
Who they think others believe they are.
And that invisible belief…
is quietly controlling everything:
- Your confidence
- Your leadership
- Your obedience to God
IMAGINATION
Worry is a misuse of creativity and imagination. Yet adults use it 99% only for worry.
That statement is deceptively simple—but it’s actually pointing at one of the most powerful drivers of human behavior: perceived social judgment.
Let’s break it down clearly and then get to the power behind it.
1. What it means
“It’s not how you see yourself”
Your internal self-image matters—but it’s not always what drives your moment-to-moment behavior.
“It’s not how others see you”
Reality doesn’t control you as much as you think. People may not even be judging you at all.
“It’s how you THINK others see you”
This is the key:
Your perception of their perception becomes your operating reality.
This is known in psychology as the “looking-glass self” (from sociology) and ties closely to social anxiety, identity formation, and behavior conditioning.
Change the perception → change the behavior → change the outcome → change your life.
How do I change my perception? Read gods word, pray, be with like minded Godly people.
Monday Mar 16, 2026
Monday Mar 16, 2026
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Lk. 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Now you might find yourself - like many of us at times - asking… God what do you want from my life? What is my life about? What should I be doing with my life?
I think this verse if pretty clear - it answers those questions. I have found personally and in many conversations that the minute details I want are typically found when I obey the big details. I know I am to seek and save the lost for Jesus - and when I major on the majors - the minors seem to fill themselves in. And yes, your job, who you marry, where you move, should you buy a house, etc… those are actually minors for the most part… if you put Luke 19:10 as a priority.
Yes, who you marry is a big decision if you don’t have Luke 19:10 in place - but if you do… well it takes care of itself.
Think about it!
Christians have wrestled with this question for centuries. Scripture actually gives a very clear pattern. When you look across the Bible, **three primary pathways consistently reveal God’s will**.
---
## 1. God’s Word (Scripture) 📖
The **first and most reliable way** to know God’s will is through **His written Word**.
God will **never guide you in a way that contradicts Scripture**. In fact, the majority of God’s will for your life is already written.
**Psalm 119:105**
> “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
The Bible reveals:
* God’s **moral will** (how we should live)
* God’s **character**
* God’s **priorities for life**
Examples:
* Love God and others (Matthew 22:37–39)
* Live holy lives (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
* Make disciples (Matthew 28:19)
Many people wait for a mystical sign while ignoring the **90% of God’s will already revealed in Scripture**.
**Rule:**
If Scripture clearly speaks on it, **you already know God’s will.**
---
## 2. Prayer and the Holy Spirit 🕊️
God’s will is also revealed through **relationship with Him**.
When you spend time in prayer, the Holy Spirit begins shaping:
* your **desires**
* your **convictions**
* your **direction**
**John 16:13**
> “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.”
Often this comes as:
* inner conviction
* growing clarity
* peace about a direction
* persistent burden for something
It’s usually **not a lightning bolt**, but a **gradual alignment of your heart with God’s heart**.
A good prayer to pray is:
> “Lord, close every door that is not Your will and open the doors that are.”
---
## 3. Godly Counsel and Circumstances 👥
God frequently confirms His will through **wise people and providential circumstances**.
**Proverbs 11:14**
> “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
This includes:
* mentors
* pastors
* spiritually mature friends
* wise leaders
They help you see things you might miss.
God also works through **open and closed doors**.
**Acts 16** shows Paul trying to preach in certain regions, but the Spirit prevented him. Then another door opened.
So a helpful question is:
> “Is God opening this door, or am I trying to kick it down?”
---
# The Biblical Pattern (When All 3 Align)
When these three line up, clarity increases dramatically.
**Scripture confirms it**
+
**Prayer produces peace**
+
**Wise counsel affirms it**
= **Strong confidence in God’s direction**
---
# A Powerful Principle Most People Miss
God’s will is usually **less about a specific job and more about a type of person.**
God cares more about:
* your **character**
* your **obedience**
* your **faithfulness**
than the exact details of where you live or work.
**Micah 6:8**
> “What does the Lord require of you?
> To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
---
# A Simple Framework You Can Use
Ask these 5 questions:
1. **Is it biblical?**
2. **Have I prayed deeply about it?**
3. **Do wise believers affirm it?**
4. **Is God opening the door?**
5. **Does it advance God’s kingdom?**
If the answer is **yes to most of these**, you're likely moving in God’s will.
---
If you'd like, I can also show you something extremely powerful:
**The 5 specific ways God speaks in Scripture**
(dreams, burdens, doors, Scripture illumination, and calling).
Most believers miss at least **two of them**, and understanding them changes everything.