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Making men MEN again. The David Alliance will help you slay your giants.
Episodes
Sunday Aug 17, 2025
Sunday Aug 17, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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.
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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.
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.
Recognizing our own imperfections fosters humility, which is essential in our relationships with others and in our walk with God.
When addressing the faults of others, it should be done with a spirit of gentleness and love, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation.
This teaching encourages believers to foster a community where accountability is practiced with grace and understanding, promoting spiritual growth for all.
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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.
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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!
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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.
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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.
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Yesterdays video: Taco Bell is a secret to winning people to Christ. Sly of WIBA
HOSPITALITY: the practice of extending love, generosity, and kindness to others, especially strangers, as an expression of faith and a reflection of God's love
THE GOAL: Strangers, into acquaintances into friends into people who feel like family into the family of God.
Sinners felt comfortable enough to be around Jesus.
He did not condone their behavior, but they felt his love regardless of their sinfulness.
Tax collectors felt comfortable around Jesus. Prostitutes felt comfortable around Jesus.
Lepers felt comfortable around Jesus.
Children felt comfortable around Jesus.
Women felt comfortable around Jesus.
Roman army commanders felt comfortable
The disciples felt comfortable
Hospitality - Hospital - Hospes = guest or stranger in need.
IF SOMEONE IS IN NEED PHYSICALLY WE SEND THEM TO A HOSPITAL.
IF THEY ARE IN NEED SPIRITUALLY WE SHOULD SEND THEM TO HOSPITALITY.
Sunday Aug 03, 2025
Sunday Aug 03, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
George Eliot the celebrated novelist from the 18th century was quoted as saying about a man “He was like a cock who thought the sun had risen to hear him crow”. Don’t you hate people with pride… unless pride is a good thing… can pride be a good thing?? Well thats where were going today!
Yesterday afternoon my grandkids came over to the house. My son told me I needed to go up to find my grandson and ask him about his day… My grandson was telling me a story but did not want to sound proud… I assured him - sometimes pride is a good thing - and thats where were going today.
Grandson story… led a boy to Christ. “In God we trust”.
While the Bible overwhelmingly condemns "pride" in the sense of arrogance, haughtiness, self-exaltation, and a defiant attitude towards God, there are a few instances where a concept akin to "pride" or "boasting" carries a more positive, or at least neutral, connotation. However, it's crucial to understand the nuance, as these are generally not referring to the sinful "pride" that God opposes.
Here's a breakdown:
1. Boasting in the Lord/God's Work:
The New Testament, particularly the Apostle Paul's writings, speaks of a "boasting" that is acceptable and even encouraged. This isn't about exalting oneself, but rather about exalting God and what He has done.
- 2 Corinthians 10:17: "But 'let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'" This verse, echoing Jeremiah 9:23-24, emphasizes that any true "boasting" or "pride" should be in God's wisdom, might, and righteousness, not our own.
- Romans 15:1: Paul says, "Therefore I have reason to be proud of my work for God in Christ Jesus." Here, the "pride" is in the work God has enabled him to do, giving credit to God.
- 2 Corinthians 7:4: Paul states, "I have the highest confidence in you, and I take great pride in you. You have greatly encouraged me and made me happy despite all our troubles." This is a sense of satisfaction and joy in the spiritual growth and faith of the Corinthian believers, which is ultimately attributed to God's work in them.
I have a friend I boast in all the time… and he boasts about himself as well - as he should. He was a raging porn addict, alcoholic, anger, demon possessed and a terrible father and husband… and literally almost over night God changed him… He is now one of my elders in my church… I Love when this man brags about all that God has done in him.
I brag about the fact that God can use a knuckle dragger like me to win people to Christ. God is a pretty cool God… there I am bragging again.
2. Healthy Self-Assessment (without comparison or self-exaltation):
Some interpretations suggest that there can be a sense of satisfaction in one's own efforts or accomplishments, as long as it's not rooted in comparison with others or a spirit of self-sufficiency apart from God.
- Galatians 6:4: "Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else." This verse can be understood as encouraging a healthy self-evaluation and satisfaction in one's own diligent work, without falling into the trap of comparing oneself to others, which often leads to either sinful pride or discouragement.
Last year I won about 200 people to Christ. This year I am shooting for more than 200… I am not sure but would like to hit 300. I am also shooting to hit 1000 people in the next year in church attendance. I am planning on starting a Saturday night service and we will have 3 services total. I am bragging at what God has done in me and through me… and I am comparing myself to where I was at a year ago. It does two things… it helps me remember what is possible - so I will continue to push harder and take greater steps of faith. And secondly, it helps me speak into other peoples lives and let them know if God can use me… he can use anybody.
In essence, the Bible strongly warns against pride that elevates self and opposes God. However, it allows for a sense of positive satisfaction or "boasting" when it is rooted in humility and directed towards acknowledging God's grace, power, and accomplishments through us or in others. The key is where the focus lies – on oneself or on God.
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
I spoke in a boys prison… these were boys who didn’t just steal a car or beat up someone or rob someone. These were boys who murdered, raped and bombed people. A few different people got up to speak to them before me… none had very little success in getting them to listen… I was praying God what should I say. And he gave me these words… You are not here because you are tough kids, you are not here because you did bad things, stupid things or dumb things… you are here because you did the easy thing. You all think you are all so bad and tough… but you all sit here in the prison because you chose the EASY way….
What is the easy way? Well it comes in many forms… one form is going along with the crowd, falling into peer pressure. Those boys could have done the hard thing… study, go to school, got a job…but they chose the easy things… steal, murder, rape, kill… anyone can do that. One of the other easy things we all do is procrastinate.
While the Bible doesn't use the specific word "procrastination," it strongly addresses the concepts of diligence, idleness, slothfulness, and the wise use of time. These teachings offer clear guidance on how to avoid delaying important tasks and responsibilities.
Here are some key themes and verses related to procrastination:
1. Condemnation of Sloth and Laziness:
The book of Proverbs, in particular, has a lot to say about the "sluggard" or lazy person, and the negative consequences of their inaction.
- Proverbs 6:6-11: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man." (This is a vivid picture of the consequences of delaying necessary work.)
Scripture points out an amazing insight… you can learn from anyone or anything that practices hard work? You can see it in an ant, a beaver, a Female bald eagle, a Mother who is 8 months pregnant, a start up business owner, a young kid trying to make the team. Point is- what are you focusing on. If you focus on what you don’t want to do… you won’t do it. If you focus on what you need to do and how you see others tackling the same daily grind, it can help push you into that first step.
- Proverbs 10:4: "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth."
- Proverbs 12:24: "Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor."
- Proverbs 20:4: "Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.”
Right now You are either eating what you planted or starving from what you did not plant. If you practice your seasons you always have something to eat - even in the winter. But there are seasons that are made for growth, planting, investing. I used to sleep only 4 hours a day from my 20’s through my early 40’s… I had energy for days… but I can’t say I always used it for the best.
- Proverbs 24:30-34: Describes the ruin of a lazy person's field and house, emphasizing how "a little sleep, a little slumber, a a little folding of the hands to rest" leads to poverty.
Again the point here is not a few days and life falls apart, it is stating a few days and all of a sudden a habit is formed, then a lifestyle and then a culture and finally a destiny… its not worth it.
2. Emphasis on Diligence and Hard Work:
The Bible consistently promotes diligence, industry, and working with all your might.
- Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." (This verse provides a strong motivation: doing your best for God's glory.)
What does a person who procrastinates really need? Motivation. A father is trying to get his son to mow the lawn. He keeps nagging at him and finally the wife ways to her husband I will get him to mow the lawn… good luck the father cackles… but when the father comes home from work that night his son is feverishly mowing the lawn… he walks in and asks his wife… how did you get him to mow the lawn- I tried everything. Simple she said “he has a date tonight and I told him I lost the keys in the laws today chasing the dog”.
YEP motivation comes in all forms… what you need is simply something that is motivating… and it starts by asking God why should I take this on - Now thats working for the Lord.
3. The Importance of Timeliness and Seizing Opportunity:
Several passages highlight the fleeting nature of time and the importance of acting when the opportunity arises.
- Ecclesiastes 11:4: "Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." (This speaks to paralysis by analysis or waiting for perfect conditions.)
You know what the say… when is the best time to plant a tree? A hundred years ago. The second best time is today. Invest money today. Look for a new job today? Tell someone about Jesus Today. Tell your kids you love them today. Plan a family vacation today. Go join the gym today. Rate my podcast today… sorry a shameless plug.
One thing the Bible is clear on is not living by feelings… so if you are waiting for the procrastination to leave… it won’t. You have to create your own feelings by what you believe in scripture and what you tell yourself. Motivation starts first with what you tell yourself… and in time you will believe it and act on it.
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
Don’t feed the animals… you ever see that video where a guy gets out of his car to feed a bear, all the while his wife is video taping it. The bear seems harmless enough… he’s been around people at Yellowstone for years… should be ok… He fed the bear alright… yea, he fed the bear.
Words are animals… some animals are good, some are bad and some are like cats they don’t much care on way or the other… but mostly they are good or bad.
Here is a line you should memorize.
Don’t speak it unless you want to give it power. Words are food…
If you are feeling down, doubtful, lonely, depressed, ashamed, like a loser whatever it is… if you speak those feelings you feed those feelings and they get stronger and overtake you… in fact they are faith filled words of defeat.
Or if you feel any of those things but you instead speak words of faith, financial gain, hope, life, love, passion, dreams, you are starving your feelings and feeding faith filled words to your victory.
If you learn to feed the right words you will starve the doubts and feed the power of faith.
Here are some key biblical teachings on the power of the tongue:
1. Life and Death:
- Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." This verse powerfully summarizes the dual nature of words, indicating that our speech can literally bring about positive or negative outcomes in our lives and the lives of others.
- If words have the power of life and death… don’t you think they also have the power of success, health and wealth. They have the power to motivate you to action… Look life and death are pretty heavy hitters, but if words can handle them, then words can handle just about anything.
2. A Small Spark, A Great Fire:
- James 3:5-6: "So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness." This passage uses the vivid imagery of a small spark igniting a massive forest fire to illustrate how a seemingly insignificant tongue can cause widespread destruction and harm.
But lets look at it in a different light. What if words destroy doubt, pain, hopelessness, loneliness… words can destroy good things, but they can also destroy bad things… it is up to you to speak the right words according to scripture and not your circumstances.
3. Healing and Hurting:
- Proverbs 12:18: "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." This proverb contrasts the pain inflicted by thoughtless or angry words with the restorative power of wise and gentle speech.
- Proverbs 15:4: "A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." A gentle and kind tongue provides nourishment and encouragement, while harsh or corrupting speech can crush someone's spirit.
Again the point here is sometimes missed - you can heal or hurt yourself according to your words… who needs anyone else’s words… why are you waiting for someone else to speak love life and Gods word over your life… you speak it!
4. Building Up or Tearing Down:
- Ephesians 4:29: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." This verse encourages believers to use their words constructively, to edify and support others, rather than engaging in destructive or unwholesome talk.
The message is clear ONLY SPEAK WORDS THAT BUILD UP!
5. Accountability for Every Word:
- Matthew 12:36-37: "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Jesus himself warns of the serious accountability we have for our words, even those spoken carelessly, highlighting their eternal consequences.
I THINK ACCOUNTABLILITY FOR OUR WORDS WILL SIMPLY BE US STANDING THERE AND GOD LOOKING OVER OUR LIFE… IT WILL SHOW PLAINLY AND CLEARLY THE WORDS THAT CAME OUT OF OUR MOUTH.
**Check it out. Words created our life…. Its not life that created our words. Chew on that skippy!
In all of these verses one thing is abundantly clear- it is our words that have the most power over our life… not anyone else’s. So meditate on Gods word and speak it over your life.