Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

#The brotherhood manifesto

#TripleCsurvivor 

What’s the best bible? NIV, NLT, GV, NASB, KJV, NKJV, IOU, NBA, NFL or the one I love the Wuest translation…. But you wanna know truly the best bible version? Its the one you read. 

Wuest Study bible is the best near greek experience in English for a bible. 

1. The Crisis of Identity (The "Manual" Problem)

Many men today are trying to build lives, careers, and families without ever reading the "manufacturer's instructions." When we don't know the Word, we define our masculinity by cultural trends—which change like the wind—rather than the unchanging character of God.

2. The Erosion of Leadership (The "Compass" Problem)

A man cannot lead his family, his business, or his community to a destination he hasn't seen. Biblical illiteracy leaves men without a moral or spiritual compass. When a crisis hits, an illiterate man reacts based on emotion or instinct rather than responding based on Truth.

3. The Power of the "Sword" (The "Weapon" Problem)

In the New Testament, the Word of God is described as a double-edged sword. A man who doesn't know the Bible is essentially walking onto a battlefield unarmed. We cannot fight temptation, pass on a legacy to our children, or stand firm against injustice if we don't know the promises and commands of God.

"A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to a person who isn’t." — Charles Spurgeon

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

#The brotherhood manifesto

#TripleCsurvivor 

So what is it, Garth?

What’s the most powerful question to ask as a salesperson?

And I’m not talking about open-ended or close-ended questions here.

You see, after being in the sales industry for 22 years, and coaching over forty thousand salespeople…

I can tell you with no hesitation that every great salesperson I know asks themselves this question:

“If I were the customer, would I buy this product?”

Think about it.

If the answer is YES.

You’re no longer selling…

You’re simply advising.

You become an advisor, a friend.

This is where selling becomes so easy and natural.

But on the other hand, if your answer is NO.

And if you find yourself trying to convince yourself to not feel guilty about the product you’re selling…

That’s when all the objections, the struggles, and the embarrassing calls start to come up.

Now having said that…

Asking this question is so powerful, but it’s just the first step.

I was in a car ride with 2 other youth pastors and the one told me he grew up Christian light with a side of guilt. He would tell people how great Jesus was, and how much love he had for them and how fulfilling he was… but then he added - but not me- he can for you, but it doesn’t work that way for me. He said it took a solid 10 years to try to figure out why it worked for others (and he believed in it, he believed in Christ work on the cross etc…) but it just didn’t seem to work for him. After a long long long walk in faith he realized the difference was he did not fully understand Gods grace. As Spurgeon once said “grace is not grace until it is abused”. He came to realize that his whole walk up to that point was totally dependent on how well he performed. He would not let himself feel saved, righteous, loved fulfilled, hopeful etc… unless he knew he was not sinning for a long time… he had to earn it. Basically this mindset is “oh thanks for what you did on the cross Jesus, but its still completely dependent on wether or not I can earn it. Your death is null and void unless I perform on my end. 

When he finally realized that it had nothing to do with him and all to do what Christ chose to do on the cross - it dug a hole so deep into his heart and filled it with humility…he was so humbled at what God would do for him… knowing he did not deserve it, he could not earn it and even more amazing he could not lose it. When you walk in that… everyone wants what you want. You go from evangelizing and hoping someday you experience what you are telling others - to actually having people see it in your life. 

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

#The brotherhood manifesto

#TripleCsurvivor 

Here are 5 of the all-time greatest commercial catchphrases (often called slogans or taglines). These have endured for decades due to their simplicity, cultural penetration, and ability to stick in people's minds—frequently ranking at the top of advertising historians' and critics' lists for impact and memorability.

"Just Do It" (Nike, 1988)

This three-word imperative became a global motivational mantra, transcending sports to symbolize action, determination, and personal achievement. It's widely regarded as one of the most influential slogans ever created.

"A Diamond Is Forever" (De Beers, 1948)

Often cited as the single most recognized slogan of the 20th century, this phrase transformed diamonds into the ultimate symbol of eternal love and commitment, profoundly shaping the engagement ring market for generations.

"Got Milk?" (California Milk Processor Board, 1993)

The simple, direct question (often paired with celebrity milk-mustache ads) boosted milk consumption awareness and spawned countless parodies and imitations, proving how effective a minimalist approach can be.

"Where's the Beef?" (Wendy's, 1984)

Delivered by feisty octogenarian Clara Peller in TV commercials, this catchphrase exploded into pop culture, becoming shorthand for questioning substance or value. It turned a fast-food ad into a national phenomenon.

"Think Different" (Apple, 1997)

This grammatically bold slogan (intentionally avoiding "differently") celebrated innovation and non-conformity, perfectly aligning with Apple's brand during its resurgence and inspiring creative

What was Jesus catch phrase?

Here are 5 of the most iconic and enduring "catchphrases" from the life and teachings of Jesus, drawn from the Gospels. These short, memorable statements have shaped ethics, culture, and language for centuries—much like modern advertising slogans, they distill profound ideas into punchy, repeatable forms that people still quote today.

"Do to others what you would have them do to you." (Matthew 7:12; also Luke 6:31)

Known worldwide as the Golden Rule, this positive command summarizes ethical living and appears in various forms across cultures, but Jesus framed it as the essence of the law and prophets. It's a timeless call to empathy and proactive kindness.

"Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31; part of the Greatest Commandment with loving God)

Jesus elevated this as one of the two core commandments on which "all the Law and the Prophets hang." It challenges self-centeredness and has influenced moral philosophy, social justice movements, and everyday ethics for 2,000 years.

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

This bold "I Am" declaration defines Jesus' exclusive role in salvation and relationship with God. It's one of his most direct and theologically central statements, often cited in discussions of faith and exclusivity.

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)

Part of the Sermon on the Mount, this radical reversal of "eye for an eye" thinking promotes forgiveness and non-retaliation. It has inspired figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and remains a challenging ideal in a world of conflict.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." (John 14:1)

Spoken in the context of his impending death, this offers comfort and assurance amid anxiety. It's a concise message of peace through faith that resonates in times of trouble.

These phrases stand out for their brevity, depth, and cultural staying power—many have entered everyday speech (e.g., "turn the other cheek" or "judge not" come from similar teachings). Honorable mentions include "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find" (Matthew 7:7) and "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).

Which of these resonates most with you, or do you have a favorite saying from Jesus' teachings?856msFast

What is your catch phrase?

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

#The brotherhood manifesto

#TripleCsurvivor 

2. Poor Sleep and Chronic Stress

Disrupted sleep and elevated cortisol (stress hormone) are major saboteurs. Poor sleep increases hunger hormones (ghrelin), decreases fullness signals (leptin), and promotes fat storage—especially around the midsection. High stress from work, life demands, or overtraining triggers emotional or comfort eating and makes the body hold onto fat as a survival response. Many men underestimate how much "just pushing through" with less sleep or high-pressure jobs undermines results.

Not to mention poor sleep causes poor eating habits which can cause inactivity which is muscle loss, which increases visceral fat.

How to address it: Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep nightly. Manage stress with short daily practices (walks, meditation, or hobbies). Avoid late-night screens and over-caffeine. Have a sound machine, a fan, a night mask that blacks out all light, cut out late snacking and caffeine… whatever it takes sleep is king! 

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

#The brotherhood manifesto

#TripleCsurvivor 

Paul says to run the race… most men are not in shape to run.. and yes it will affect your walk with God. 

Here are the 5 biggest obstacles to weight loss that men commonly face, drawn from patterns in a mans life - 

While men often have physiological advantages like higher baseline muscle mass and resting metabolic rate (which can make initial fat loss faster than for women), these challenges frequently derail progress, especially with age, lifestyle, or unaddressed factors.

1. Declining Testosterone and Hormonal Imbalances

As men age (often starting in the 30s–40s), testosterone levels naturally drop, leading to reduced muscle mass, a slower metabolism, increased visceral (belly) fat, lower energy, and greater difficulty burning calories. Visceral fat is particularly stubborn and linked to insulin resistance, which promotes fat storage and cravings. This creates a cycle where lower T makes weight loss harder, and excess fat further suppresses T. Many men overlook this and treat symptoms with generic diets instead of checking levels.

How to address it: Get bloodwork for testosterone, thyroid, and insulin sensitivity. Strength training (especially heavy lifts), adequate sleep, stress management, and sometimes medical evaluation for replacement therapy can help restore the hormonal environment for fat loss.

Again I truly believe a man who is in health has a much greater advantage serving his wife, kids, employer and the church if he is in shape. Not muscle bound, not run a marathon… but healthy. 

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

THE MAN  

ABOUT 2 1/2 YEARS AGO I HAD A CHANCE TO TALK TO MULTI MULTI MILLIONAIRE… HIS FIRST QUESTION TO ME RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE “IF YOU WERE TO DIE TODAY WOULD YOU GO TO HEAVEN? 

I ASKED HIM WHY HE STARTS EVERY CONVERSATION LIKE THAT?

AT THE END OF THE CONVERSATION I SAID “HAVE YOU EVER BEEN AFRAID IT MIGHT COST YOU YOUR REPUTATION, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY OR MONEY? 

HIS REPLY: I HAVE FOUND OUT OVER THE YEARS JESUS DOESN’T CARE ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK… HE BLESSES ME REGARDLESS! 

Some day I will own a gym again, and when I sign people up on the contract I will have a place where I explain the plan of salvation to them… I may lose customers… but its always the gospel first! 

When healing takes place, when forgiveness

takes place it is the supernatural invading

the darkness here on earth.

YOU WALK AROUND LOOKING TO MESS UP

SATANS PLANS!

YOU ARE THE SECRET WEAPON!

Stages of faith seen in the scriptures.

- You ask Jesus "if you can” Luke 5:12 Leper

- You ask Jesus “if you are willing” Matt. 8:2 Leper

- If I can only touch him Matt. 9:20

- If he touches me - He goes out and heals the

masses

- If he says the word - Matt. 8:8 The centurion

- If I hear his word - Paul hears Jesus speak to him

on Damascus

- If I read his word - We read the Word and believe

it 

-  I AM HIS WORD 2 Cor. 3:3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

*Get people to Jesus at all cost (Mark 2:1-5 bring the paralytic man through the roof to Jesus)

  -  What are you willing to do to bring people to the Gospel?

  -  What are you willing to believe in order to get people to the

Gospel?

  -  What are you willing to risk to bring people to the gospel? 

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Going to see G3 and not being able to get up front… but looking for a bathroom upstairs I walked in on him - “your Joe Satriani… Yes I am”. 

Mark 2

When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. 2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word (OUR JOB- PREACH THE WORD OF GOD - Preaching Gods word always messes up the religious and the traditional) to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a

mat. 4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, (PEOPLE ARE SELFISH EVEN WITH THE BEST INTENTIONS) so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. (SOMEBODY’S GOTTA GET DIRTY - uh…thats not how we do things here - the religious are always quick to point out the “right way”)

5 Seeing their faith ( GK-auton personal possessive pronoun all 5 had faith), Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” (CHILD, I AM YOUR FATHER, YOU ARE MY CHILD, I DISCERN YOUR BELIEF - you believe in me therefore you are now my child/I am your Father) 

6 But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, 7 “What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”  (WHY DO YOU THINK THESE MEN SAW JESUS AS THE MESSIAH BUT NOT THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS?) 8 Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? 9 Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’? (RELIGIOUS LEADERS TAUGHT THAT SICKNESS WAS DUE TO SIN IN A PERSONS LIFE - so healing and forgiveness were intertwined) 10 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 11 “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

12 And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!”

a series of controversy stories (Mark 2:1–3:6) that highlight growing opposition to Jesus from Jewish religious authorities

Both reveal Jesus exercising divine authority in ways that clash with first-century Jewish expectations.

Jesus first declares, “Son, your sins are forgiven”—bypassing expected healing and striking at the root issue.

(forgiving sins is “easier” because invisible and unprovable; healing is verifiable), and performs the harder visible act to authenticate the invisible one. The healed man’s immediate obedience proves Jesus’ authority as the “Son of Man” who exercises divine power now, not just in a future kingdom. The crowd’s reaction (“We never saw anything like this!”) underscores the unprecedented nature of the claim.

Taxi drivers in NY - get out now. Uber is coming. It will change everything.

This incident challenges the entire religious establishment: forgiveness is no longer Temple-bound but available through Jesus’ word; institutional mediators (scribes, sacrifices, Pharisees, Rules and Temple system) are sidelined.

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Sermon Psalm 103:5 

who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. NIV

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. KJV

He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! NLT

Desires/mouth/Glory/years/….souls desires -  the inner most parts of a person. 

With good things

• The “good things” are both spiritual and tangible. Notice the catalog earlier in the psalm:

– Forgiveness of iniquity (v 3)

– Healing of diseases (v 3)

– Redemption from the pit (v 4)

– Crowning with loving devotion and compassion (v 4)

• God never rations goodness. “He who did not spare His own Son…how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).

• Every blessing in the heavenly realms is already ours in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

Youth GK - Juvenality, young youthful (youth in all that you are. Energy, mindset, optimist)

Eagle

A symbol of strength and renewal in the Bible, the eagle is often used to depict God's provision and the renewal of strength for those who trust in Him.

God's Provision

God is the ultimate provider who satisfies our needs with good things. Reflect on how God has provided for you in both physical and spiritual ways.

Renewal of Strength

Just as the eagle renews its strength, God offers us renewal and rejuvenation. Consider areas in your life where you need God's renewing power.

Spiritual Satisfaction

True satisfaction comes from God alone. Evaluate what you are seeking for fulfillment and ensure it aligns with God's will.

Trust in God's Timing

Trust that God will satisfy you in His perfect timing. Be patient and faithful, knowing that His timing is always best.

Gratitude for God's Blessings

Cultivate a heart of gratitude for the good things God provides. Regularly thank Him for His blessings and provisions.

What Does Psalm 103:5 Mean

Who

David’s “who” reaches back to the LORD he blesses in verses 1-2. The focus is personal: the Creator Himself stoops to care for an individual soul. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). Because He is unchanging (James 1:17), His benefits listed in verses 3-4—pardon, healing, rescue, love—flow straight into verse 5.

Satisfies you

• God does more than meet needs; He fills the deepest hungers until nothing is missing (Psalm 107:9).

• Christ echoes this promise: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me will never hunger” (John 6:35).

• Satisfaction here is ongoing, not a one-time event. The verb shouts continual provision, the way manna arrived fresh every morning (Exodus 16:4).

So that your youth is renewed

God’s gifts carry a purpose: revival. The picture is inward vitality overriding outward decline.

• “Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

• Renewal keeps us useful, hopeful, and energetic for service—never merely comfortable spectators.

• Isaiah connects waiting on the LORD with fresh strength (Isaiah 40:31), showing renewal is relational, not mechanical.

Like the eagle’s

The eagle embodies altitude, longevity, and vigor. Scripture often uses the bird as a snapshot of God-given strength.

• Eagles soar above storms, riding thermal currents instead of flapping in panic—an image of trusting rather than striving (Isaiah 40:31).

• They enjoy remarkable life spans, fitting the idea of youth being “renewed.”

• The LORD carried Israel “as an eagle stirs up its nest…spreading its wings” (Deuteronomy 32:11); He does the same for every believer, lifting us above circumstances into His higher purposes.

summary

Psalm 103:5 promises that the LORD Himself continually fills His people with every good gift, bringing deep, satisfying refreshment that restores inner vitality. Like eagles catching fresh currents, we are lifted by His grace to live energetically and purposefully, confident that His goodness will never run dry.

Some pharisees even argued that it was illegal to pray for someone on the sabbath. 

When is the sabbath?

The determination of the "actual" day of the Sabbath depends on the religious and historical context, as different traditions observe it on different days of the week.

Judaism: Saturday

In the Jewish tradition, the Sabbath (Shabbat) is the seventh day of the week. It commemorates the biblical narrative of the seventh day of creation when God rested.

Christianity: Sunday (The Lord's Day)

Most Christian denominations observe the Sabbath on Sunday, the first day of the week.

THE ORIGINAL COMMANDMENT

Exodus 20:8-11 THE COMMAND

8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested (ABANDONED) on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

The sabbath was given for man to rest and reconnect with God.

Jesus said it was a day for Good… not evil. It was to Meet the deepest needs of man spiritual and physical renewal.

THE SABBATH: PRE-VIEW

FOCUS ON GOD

FOCUS ON WHAT HE IS ABOUT

FOCUS ON WHAT ONLY HE CAN DO

FOCUS ON HOW HE HAS USED YOU AS YOU SEEK TO HONOR HIM IN ALL YOU DO… Thats the secret!

The pharisees were mad that Jesus did not keep the rules… they were powerless, so rules are all they had to feel powerful! 

Remember - rebellion is a false sense of power… but even if fake it sure can feel real… and taste good. 

What rules do you hang on to when you feel powerless? We all do it. 

DO YOU FIND IT EASY TO POINT OUT OTHERS WHO BREAK THE RULES? THAT STEMS FROM A PLACE OF POWERLESSNESS. 

Have you ever said or thought “well at least im not as bad as them”. That is just simply your flesh acting out like the Pharisees… I have more power because I act better.

At least five things in these verses need special comment.

1. Remembering

First, Israel is to remember the rest day. Sabbath means rest. "Remember the sabbath day," means, "Don't forget to take a day off.”

Remember: Make it a pattern. not just day off, NOT JUST A DAY YOU GO TO CHURCH…but a pattern of keeping it holy, focused on God and his works. 

We live in a world where we revel brag and posture on how busy we are.... think about that for a minute... we are proud that we do not take time to focus on God, celebrate his holiness and goodness.

DON’T FORGET TO ABANDON!

It’s God showing us a discipline we all need more of. learning to say NO…

No to people

No to pressures and expectations

No to purchases we think we need

No to things we are not good at

No to time that is spent on meaningless events

Abandon!

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Mark 2 

23 One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples began breaking off heads of grain to eat. 24 But the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look, why are they breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?”

25 Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you ever read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 26 He went into the house of God (during the days when Abiathar was high priest) and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. He also gave some to his companions.”

27 Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” 

The Pharisees lived in cities… don’t miss the point. If they were following 

Jesus they were a long way from home. They were simply there to find something wrong with him. ooohhhh people who spend all their time pointing out what others do wrong… powerless and religious!

The people were required to meet the requirements of the Sabbath… this is the law.

JESUS NOW COMES TO FULFILL THE LAW

Lord even over the Sabbath.  

The Pharisees tried to make the Sabbath Holy by following the rules…

Jesus is Lord over the Sabbath. Its not about Rules it’s about Jesus being Lord of your life.

3 Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. 2 Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath.

3 Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” 4 Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him.

5 He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! 6 At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus.

A great example of what happened to the sabbath could be wrapped up in what happened to healthcare.

In the USA Churches started hospitals… care for the lost and poor

If it was a country - It’s the 5th largest economy in the world 

A paper pill cup on amazon is .2 cents, in a hospital it can be as much as $15

*what was once meant to be serving and healing is now consolidation, ownership for the sake of monopolizing profit! 

Some pharisees even argued that it was illegal to pray for someone on the sabbath.