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Making men MEN again. The David Alliance will help you slay your giants.
Episodes
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
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.
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Garth Heckman
The David Alliance
**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.
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.