The David Alliance

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Jimmy Carr - yes he needs to be listened to in small bites, but he is way more than just a comedian, he is a political assassin and has an incredible and unique way of looking at life. I saw a short clip where a young man asked him for advice on how to be a comedian. He said something… and maybe it just hit me more than most but he said - don’t try to be the best, try to be the only.

Get it? Be you. But when he said it the way he said it - it reverberated in me. Yes, be the only - because God made us all uniquely individual and we are all ONLYS. Most people spend their entire life trying to be like others… and never feel complete and never hit the mark for what God has created them for… but if you try to be the ONLY - you most likely will fall into place where God can use you most, best and completely. 

"OG" stands for Original Gangster, a slang term originating in the 1970s/80s to describe someone who is authentic, old-school, or a pioneer in their field. It is now commonly used to mean simply "original," referring to the first or classic version of a person, item, or concept. They are truly themselves, copying no one and not caring what anyone thinks. 

Here are a few OGs (Original Gangsters / foundational legends) from the Bible—pioneers who set the tone, faced impossible odds, built legacies, and influenced everything that came after them:

Old Testament OGs:

- Noah – The ultimate survivor and boat-builder. When the whole world went wicked, he stayed faithful, built the ark, and restarted humanity. OG of "prep and persevere."

- Abraham – The father of nations. Left everything behind on God's call, pioneered monotheism in a pagan world, and became the root of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. True OG patriarch.

- Moses – Delivered an entire enslaved nation from the world's superpower (Egypt). Parted the Red Sea, received the Ten Commandments, and led through the wilderness for 40 years. OG liberator and lawgiver.

- David – Went from shepherd boy to giant-slayer to king. Warrior-poet who unified Israel, established Jerusalem as the capital, and laid the foundation for the Messiah's line. Ultimate underdog-to-legend story.

- Elijah – Fearless prophet who called down fire from heaven, confronted corrupt kings and false prophets, and was taken to heaven in a whirlwind. OG of spiritual warfare and boldness.

New Testament OGs:

- John the Baptist – The wild desert preacher who prepared the way for Jesus. Lived on locusts and honey, baptized crowds, and fearlessly called out hypocrisy (even Herod). OG forerunner.

- Peter – Impulsive fisherman turned "Rock" of the church. Denied Jesus once but became the bold leader of the early church, preached at Pentecost, and helped spread the faith. OG of redemption and leadership.

- Paul (Saul of Tarsus) – Former persecutor of Christians who became the greatest missionary and theologian of the New Testament. Wrote half the New Testament letters, planted churches across the Roman Empire. OG of radical transformation.

Bonus "Ride-or-Die" OGs:

- Joseph (son of Jacob) – Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, rose to second-in-command in Egypt through integrity and God-given wisdom. OG of forgiveness and divine comeback.

- Esther – Orphan who became queen and risked her life to save her people from genocide. OG of courage and strategic influence ("for such a time as this").

These are the originals who walked by faith in hostile territory, changed history, and left blueprints for generations. Who’s your favorite Bible OG, or do you want more in a specific category (warriors, prophets, women, etc.)?

Eph. 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Workmanship/Masterpiece… not really - more like divine craftsmanship. 

It speaks of Gods specific and unique intentionality for each creation/person- his precision i.e. nothing as was before or will be. Like snowflakes…

Be the OG of your life and your walk - and watch what God can do! 

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Gumption

Fortitude

Tenacity

Perseverance

Spunk

Guts

Resilience

Backbone

Grit without grace

JEN - sin against her - no big

MY WIFE? - its a big. I know how much she has given me, served me. Loved me, sacrificed for me.

Nancy - I love being around her. She always has a heart of “there is so much more, God keep me humble, tender in love”. 

So we… 

II. Repent

** **The Truth is we think we need to repent if we have huge moral failure!  The church at Ephesus did not!  It was unnoticeable to all who saw them!

Teen Challenge someone stepped out to give their testimony and they talked about their addiction to work?  To Gossip?  To neglect of their spiritual gift?  Judgmental spirit, To not being in love with Jesus anymore! 

Repeat: "Do the things you did at first." 

Between Eph. 1 and Revelation Chapter 2 was 30-35 years. Thats all it took to lose ones love. 

Key verses in Ephesus OF WHAT THE CHURCH WAS LIKE!

A hate for sin in your life

A love for fellow believers and the lost

An active faith i.e. sharing X

Growing in spiritual wisdom.

Here is the secret: it is a repeatable pattern

Ask God to show you your sin

Ask God to help you see the lost

Ask God to grow your faith.

Share the gospel. 

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Heb.10:32 Don’t ever forget those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. 33Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. 34You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail. When all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew you had better things waiting for you in eternity.

35 Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

We must remember What love is like!

Pedro Calderon the poet says “Without madness there is no love”!  

Rev. 12:11

By the word of our testimony we overcome the enemy.

Memories are free Spiritual nitro glycerin - explosive in our soul. And here is the secret - they don’t have to just be our memories - they can be from other believers. 

fMRI’s tell us the affect on the brain in real time:

Reliving memories : 

restore emotional grounding and clear thinking.

It is the emotional, mental and spiritual reset button. 

You see the big picture and God for who he is. 

Stories of healing, winning muslims to christ, provision, salvation.

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

GRIT WITHOUT GRACE 

1 COR. 13:1 BUT  WITHOUT  LOVE  YOU  ARE  A CLANGING  CYMBAL. 

3. The Path Back: Remember, Repent, Repeat

Jesus doesn't just diagnose the problem; He provides a three-step recovery protocol in verse 5:

I.  REMEMBER

V. 5 Remember from the height you have fallen.

When Kim and I were first dating I would do the craziest things for her because I was madly in love.

Spent 1400 bucks on her for Christmas

Drove all night from Dallas to Madison to see her

And little things like leave here notes all over her house, car and work.

I Peter 1:9  But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.

DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE IN LOVE HEAD OVER HEELS FOR JESUS?

What were you like?

What did you think about?

What were your spiritual disciplines?

Who were your friends?

What was your conversation like?

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Deigo Garcia Diego Garcia is a remote island located in the central Indian Ocean, just south of the equator. It is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago and forms part of the British Indian Ocean Territory

Many have lived through this scenario: a parent enters a Childs bedroom. Explains they are getting a divorce. The reason: They just don’t love each other the same way they did. 

CAN YOU IMAGINE TELLING JESUS THIS? 

Yet I hold this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first." (Rev 2:4)

REV. 2+3 

Jesus tells us here that there are churches that are in grave danger:

You looked good but are dead

You compromised culture over Christ

You allowed adultery in the church

You allowed idolatry in the church

You look no different than the world

You allowed false teachers in your pulpits

We see something here - catch it: You can have impeccable theology, Model Christian behavior and no sin to speak of… and be Dead!

(Like fake dessert in the glass case) 

**You have heard “the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing”. 

Harry Burnette Reeses

Reeses peanut butter cups… not using real chocolate or real peanut butter.

The scariest rebuke is to Ephesus: You look good. No one can tell by your actions… but I know - you no longer love me #1

Where’s the love?

We desire love when we are stressed: 82% of men said they rely on physical affection and sex to cope with stress and burn out. 

Many men have a hard time fully investing into Church/Christianity… because they do not feel the love of God. 

We see a conundrum - we lost our love for God, we don’t feel Gods love. 

On paper, they are the gold standard of a disciplined community. But then comes the "but."

"Yet I hold this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first." (Rev 2:4)

*Jesus does not call them out on any behavior!

He calls them out on heart! 

mechanics vs. motivation.

Think of a musician who has spent years mastering every scale and every piece of equipment. They can play a perfect set without missing a note, yet the "soul" of the music is gone. They are hitting the right frequencies, but they aren't feeling the song anymore.

In our own lives, we often fall into the trap of the "routine." We show up. We do the reps. We check the boxes. But duty is a poor substitute for delight. When we serve, work, or live out of a sense of "should" rather than "want," we aren't practicing love; we are practicing management.

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

John 18 Jesus before Pilate on trial for his life…. Innocent, guiltless, perfect and all knowing 

1. **Stop explaining yourself — it gives away your power.**  

   Explaining every decision or boundary seeks permission and invites debate, doubt, and unnecessary energy drain. Destiny doesn't wait for approval; over-explaining hands control to others and delays your progress.

2. **Silence is a powerful strategy and strength.**  

   Silence confuses critics, disciplines emotions, guards your vision, and preserves peace. It says "I don't need your approval" without words, denies manipulators engagement, and allows quiet alignment and growth (like seeds growing underground before visible results).

3. **Walk away without warning or explanation — it's wisdom, not weakness.**  

   Leaving draining situations, conversations, or relationships silently protects your purpose, creates space for better opportunities, and commands respect through discipline. It's often a divine shift into alignment; don't negotiate your life or beg for understanding.

4. **Your purpose is sacred and must be protected.**  

   Purpose doesn't require everyone's understanding or validation — not everyone is assigned to your journey. Seeking approval leads to compromise and diluted convictions. Live for fulfillment of purpose, not applause; let your actions, consistency, fruit, and results speak louder than words.

5. **Stop chasing approval — it's a moving target and a trap.**  

   Approval from people is unreliable and conditions self-doubt. Break free to gain clarity, freedom, and strength. Your value isn't measured by others' reactions but by alignment with your destiny.

6. **Discern energy and set strong boundaries.**  

   Recognize what (or who) drains vs. builds you — energy doesn't lie. Guard your peace, time, and focus fiercely. Boundaries aren't walls but gates that control access; set them without guilt to prevent invasion of your assignment.

7. **Let results be your testimony.**  

   When you stop explaining and start moving in silence, your life, growth, and achievements become undeniable proof. True power shows in discipline, peace, and unapologetic alignment rather than endless justification.

Overall message: Reclaim your energy, protect your peace, and trust that walking away silently from what doesn't serve you opens doors to what truly does. This empowers self-respect, emotional maturity, and unstoppable progress toward your calling.

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Its not how you see yourself… Its not how others see you, its how you THINK others see you that changes your behavior.

IMAGE

The bulldog’s nose is slanted backwards so that when it is in a fight it can bite down, hold on and still breathe.

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TL Osborn- was told one week how much he was like Jesus in every way.  the next week he was told how much he reminded someone of the devil... you cannot let your image hinge on others opinions.

Most men don’t live based on truth.

Not:

But:

Who they think others believe they are.

And that invisible belief…

IMAGINATION

Worry is a misuse of creativity and imagination. Yet adults use it 99% only for worry.

That statement is deceptively simple—but it’s actually pointing at one of the most powerful drivers of human behavior: perceived social judgment.

Let’s break it down clearly and then get to the power behind it.

1. What it means

“It’s not how you see yourself”

  Your internal self-image matters—but it’s not always what drives your moment-to-moment behavior.

“It’s not how others see you”

  Reality doesn’t control you as much as you think. People may not even be judging you at all.

“It’s how you THINK others see you”

  This is the key:

 Your perception of their perception becomes your operating reality.

This is known in psychology as the “looking-glass self” (from sociology) and ties closely to social anxiety, identity formation, and behavior conditioning.

Change the perception → change the behavior → change the outcome → change your life.

How do I change my perception? Read gods word, pray, be with like minded Godly people. 

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Lk. 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Now you might find yourself - like many of us at times - asking… God what do you want from my life? What is my life about? What should I be doing with my life?

I think this verse if pretty clear - it answers those questions. I have found personally and in many conversations that the minute details I want are typically found when I obey the big details. I know I am to seek and save the lost for Jesus - and when I major on the majors - the minors seem to fill themselves in. And yes, your job, who you marry, where you move, should you buy a house, etc… those are actually minors for the most part… if you put Luke 19:10 as a priority. 

Yes, who you marry is a big decision if you don’t have Luke 19:10 in place - but if you do… well it takes care of itself.

Think about it! 

Christians have wrestled with this question for centuries. Scripture actually gives a very clear pattern. When you look across the Bible, **three primary pathways consistently reveal God’s will**.

---

## 1. God’s Word (Scripture) 📖

The **first and most reliable way** to know God’s will is through **His written Word**.

God will **never guide you in a way that contradicts Scripture**. In fact, the majority of God’s will for your life is already written.

**Psalm 119:105**

> “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

The Bible reveals:

* God’s **moral will** (how we should live)

* God’s **character**

* God’s **priorities for life**

Examples:

* Love God and others (Matthew 22:37–39)

* Live holy lives (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

* Make disciples (Matthew 28:19)

Many people wait for a mystical sign while ignoring the **90% of God’s will already revealed in Scripture**.

**Rule:**

If Scripture clearly speaks on it, **you already know God’s will.**

---

## 2. Prayer and the Holy Spirit 🕊️

God’s will is also revealed through **relationship with Him**.

When you spend time in prayer, the Holy Spirit begins shaping:

* your **desires**

* your **convictions**

* your **direction**

**John 16:13**

> “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.”

Often this comes as:

* inner conviction

* growing clarity

* peace about a direction

* persistent burden for something

It’s usually **not a lightning bolt**, but a **gradual alignment of your heart with God’s heart**.

A good prayer to pray is:

> “Lord, close every door that is not Your will and open the doors that are.”

---

## 3. Godly Counsel and Circumstances 👥

God frequently confirms His will through **wise people and providential circumstances**.

**Proverbs 11:14**

> “In the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

This includes:

* mentors

* pastors

* spiritually mature friends

* wise leaders

They help you see things you might miss.

God also works through **open and closed doors**.

**Acts 16** shows Paul trying to preach in certain regions, but the Spirit prevented him. Then another door opened.

So a helpful question is:

> “Is God opening this door, or am I trying to kick it down?”

---

# The Biblical Pattern (When All 3 Align)

When these three line up, clarity increases dramatically.

**Scripture confirms it**

+

**Prayer produces peace**

+

**Wise counsel affirms it**

= **Strong confidence in God’s direction**

---

# A Powerful Principle Most People Miss

God’s will is usually **less about a specific job and more about a type of person.**

God cares more about:

* your **character**

* your **obedience**

* your **faithfulness**

than the exact details of where you live or work.

**Micah 6:8**

> “What does the Lord require of you?

> To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”

---

# A Simple Framework You Can Use

Ask these 5 questions:

1. **Is it biblical?**

2. **Have I prayed deeply about it?**

3. **Do wise believers affirm it?**

4. **Is God opening the door?**

5. **Does it advance God’s kingdom?**

If the answer is **yes to most of these**, you're likely moving in God’s will.

---

If you'd like, I can also show you something extremely powerful:

**The 5 specific ways God speaks in Scripture**

(dreams, burdens, doors, Scripture illumination, and calling).

Most believers miss at least **two of them**, and understanding them changes everything.

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

The Snow Storm of snow storms… 14-18 inches and counting plus 45 MPH winds. But people didn’t miss the gym today… 

Great weekend… a nice Sunday to just hang out and relax. Ate a lot of food, good work outs… finally got my ischial Tuberosity to calm down… did some deeds at 550 and had very little discomfort. My next birthday is in 4 months… what do I want to do at 61? 

Last year deadlift 630, squat 650 bench 335….

Maybe this year I will do the splits… uhm no! 

Chris Krymera 9mm sexy, mean, well built, feels great in the hand, feels like its already broken in… 

Have you seen the memes “you only had one job”… and some are good most are bad! 

What is our mission? Well I think we could agree it is the same as Jesus mission…right? So what is his mission? Where do we see the most concise definition of what he was called to do? 

Luke 19:10

The Bible verse "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" is Luke 19:10 (NIV). It serves as a concise summary of Jesus Christ's mission and earthly ministry, spoken after his interaction with Zacchaeus, highlighting his focus on redeeming those spiritually separated from God. 

Key Aspects of Luke 19:10 

This verse is considered a key statement in the Gospel of Luke regarding the purpose of Jesus’ incarnation—to bring salvation to all

Now you might find yourself - like many of us at times - asking… God what do you want from my life? What is my life about? What should I be doing with my life?

I think this verse if pretty clear - it answers those questions. I have found personally and in many conversations that the minute details I want are typically found when I obey the big details. I know I am to seek and save the lost for Jesus - and when I major on the majors - the minors seem to fill themselves in. And yes, your job, who you marry, where you move, should you buy a house, etc… those are actually minors for the most part… if you put Luke 19:10 as a priority. 

Yes, who you marry is a big decision if you don’t have Luke 19:10 in place - but if you do… well it takes care of itself.

Think about it! 

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

2 Kings 22

2 Chronicles 32

ISAIAH 22

An old Jewish legend – and nothing more than a legend – says how it was that Sennacherib’s sons came to kill him. Sennacherib was troubled at how God seemed to bless the Jews so much, and tried to find out why. Someone told him it was because Abraham had loved God so much that he was willing to sacrifice his son to the LORD. Sennacherib thought he would be even more favored by God, and decided to kill two of his sons in sacrifice to the LORD, becoming even more blessed than Abraham and his descendants. But his two sons learned of the plan, and killed him before he could kill them, thus fulfilling the word of the LORD.

The "15-Year Bonus"

**THINK OF IT THIS WAY: God I do not want to be in heaven. I do not want to be with you. I want my success here on earth.

This is when Manessah is born: Worst King ever! 

The Diplomatic Blunder

Three "Pro-Tips" from Hezekiah’s Life

Start Strong: He didn't wait to "settle in" before making big changes.

Take it to the Top: When he got a threatening "email" (the Assyrian letter), he went straight to God.

Finish Carefully: His later-life lack of fear for God serves as a warning that even a great start requires a humble finish.

LIFE LESSONS! 

Immediate action - The best time to plant a tree was a 100 years ago, the second best time is today.

The Best time to quit smoking, over eating, read and pray, forgive someone, love your parents, invest, pray for the sick….  -   WAS YEARS AGO

AND TODAY

Pure heart

You may not do things right, but it is critical to keep your heart inline with God.

   - There are numerous places in scripture where what people did was wrong, but God sees the heart.

         David eating the show bread

Disciples eating grain on the sabbath

      Jesus touching the lepers

Jesus teaching women

            Letting a woman with the issue of blood touch him

   Jesus touching the dead 

        Jesus talking to the woman at the well

*Sometimes its easy to have an impure heart by judging someone else’s actions.

      ****Satanic trick. You get an impure heart because of what someone else did, not your actions - but their actions.

The Levinsion study: Doctors that did not get sued spent 3.3 more minutes with their patients! 

**Patients felt like they new their doctors hearts.

PASTOR GREG LOCKE - PASTOR ___________________

DIDN’T LIKE HIM - BUT THEN SPENT TIME WITH HIM.

Seeks Gods intervention 

First, middle, last, last minute… any time is a good time to seek him! 

THIS MESSAGE IS FOR YOU TODAY:

GOD SEES YOUR HEART

     GOD WANTS YOU TO ACT TODAY

          GOD WANTS YOU TO CRY OUT TO HIM TODAY!