The David Alliance

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Absolutely — let’s build a complete definition of jealousy by pulling together the different angles from Scripture, psychology, and language:

Definition of Jealousy

1. General / Dictionary Sense

Jealousy is a feeling of resentment, bitterness, or insecurity that arises when we perceive a threat to something we value—such as a relationship, possession, status, or recognition.

 It often involves fear of loss and resentment toward others who have what we desire.

2. Biblical Sense

The Bible uses jealousy in two distinct ways:

Sinful Human Jealousy (envy, rivalry):

  * Wanting what someone else has.

  * Resenting their success, blessings, or relationships.

  * Leads to anger, strife, and destructive actions (James 3:16; Galatians 5:20).

Righteous Divine Jealousy (protective love):**

   God’s passionate commitment to His people and His own glory.

   Not born out of insecurity, but out of covenant love and holiness (Exodus 34:14; 2 Corinthians 11:2).

   Like a husband’s rightful desire for his wife’s faithfulness.

3. Psychological Understanding - or breaking it down in the brain

Jealousy is often a complex emotion made up of:

  Fear (of being replaced, overlooked, or abandoned).

  Anger/resentment (toward the one we feel threatened by).

  Insecurity (about our own worth or position).

Unlike envy (wanting what someone else has), jealousy often involves a triangular relationship: Me, the other person, and the rival/threat or appearance of what I lack. 

4. Key Distinctions

Envy = “I want what you have.”

Jealousy = “I’m afraid you’ll take what I have” or “I resent you for threatening my place (i.e. I don’t measure up to you).”

God’s Jealousy = “I will not allow you to give your love to idols because I love you and know what’s best for you.”

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.

Jealousy keeps us from doing both.

Rejoice? But I don’t have that!

Mourn? No they deserve to suffer, because I have had to suffer.

But here is what is weird… when we rejoice over those who are succeeding, being blessed, hitting goals, achieving greatness… when we rejoice with them in that we are planting seeds of their success into our lives. 

If we truly reap what we sow… then when we rejoice with others we in turn have just planted seeds-IN FAITH- for the day people will rejoice over our success. 

So here is the power thought for the day. We don’t just sow money, time talents… we sow emotions. If the emotions we choose to sow are positive we will reap the benefits of that… but if they are negative towards people… well, I bet you can figure it out. 

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✅ **Complete Definition (Combined):**

**Jealousy** is an intense emotional response that can be either sinful or righteous. In its sinful form, it is a self-centered resentment or hostility toward others because of their advantages, relationships, or blessings, often leading to strife and destruction. In its righteous form—used of God—it is His holy, protective zeal for the exclusive devotion of His people and the honor of His name, rooted not in insecurity but in perfect love and covenant faithfulness.

That’s a really thoughtful question. The Bible treats **jealousy** as dangerous and destructive, but the reason why depends on how the word is used in Scripture. Let’s break it down:

---

1. Jealousy as a Sin (Human Jealousy)**

Most often, the Bible speaks of jealousy in the sense of **envy, rivalry, or coveting what others have**. This is why it’s seen as evil:

It leads to division and strife.**

  *“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”* (James 3:16)

  Jealousy doesn’t just stay internal—it spills out into conflict and chaos.

It comes from pride and insecurity.**

  Jealousy says, “What God gave me is not enough; I deserve what you have.” That challenges God’s wisdom and provision.

It destroys relationships.**

  Cain killed Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4:3–8). Saul tried to kill David because “Saul was very angry … ‘They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands’” (1 Samuel 18:7–9).

It is linked with the “works of the flesh.”**

  Galatians 5:20–21 lists jealousy along with fits of anger, rivalries, and envy as things that keep people from inheriting the kingdom of God.

2. God’s “Jealousy” (a Different Kind)**

At the same time, Scripture also describes God as *jealous* (Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24). But this isn’t the same as sinful human jealousy.

* God’s jealousy is about **protective love**. He won’t share His people with idols because He knows only He can satisfy them.

* It’s like a loving husband’s jealousy for his wife’s faithfulness—not rooted in insecurity, but in covenant love.

3. **Why Human Jealousy Is So Evil**

So the Bible condemns human jealousy because:

* It **springs from self-centeredness** rather than love.

* It **questions God’s goodness** and fairness.

* It **tears communities apart** instead of building them up.

* It is the **opposite of love**, which “does not envy” (1 Corinthians 13:4).

In short: **God’s jealousy protects love, but our jealousy destroys it.**

Perfect — here are some of the clearest **biblical stories where jealousy led to disaster**:

---

### **1. Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3–8)**

* **What happened:** God accepted Abel’s offering but not Cain’s. Cain became jealous and murdered his brother.

* **Lesson:** Jealousy escalated into anger, bitterness, and ultimately the first murder in human history.

---

### **2. Joseph and His Brothers (Genesis 37:3–28)**

* **What happened:** Jacob favored Joseph, giving him the “coat of many colors.” His brothers became jealous of his dreams and sold him into slavery.

* **Lesson:** Jealousy within a family destroyed trust and nearly killed Joseph.

---

### **3. Korah’s Rebellion (Numbers 16:1–35)**

* **What happened:** Korah and his followers were jealous of Moses and Aaron’s leadership. They challenged God’s choice and were swallowed up by the earth.

* **Lesson:** Jealousy against God’s appointed leaders is ultimately rebellion against God Himself.

---

### **4. Saul and David (1 Samuel 18:6–16; 19:8–10)**

* **What happened:** After David killed Goliath, people praised him more than King Saul. Saul grew jealous and tried multiple times to kill David.

* **Lesson:** Jealousy blinded Saul to David’s loyalty and destroyed his kingship.

---

### **5. The Religious Leaders and Jesus (Mark 15:10; Matthew 27:18)**

* **What happened:** Pilate recognized that the religious leaders handed Jesus over to be crucified **out of envy/jealousy.**

* **Lesson:** Jealousy of Jesus’ influence and authority led to the ultimate injustice—His crucifixion.

---

### **6. The Pharisees and the Apostles (Acts 5:17; 13:45)**

* **What happened:** The high priest and Sadducees were jealous of the apostles’ popularity and miracles, so they persecuted them. Later, the Jews in Antioch opposed Paul out of jealousy when Gentiles responded to the gospel.

* **Lesson:** Jealousy can oppose the very work of God.

---

📖 **Summary:**

In every case, jealousy:

* Drove people to **violence or betrayal**.

* **Blinded them** to God’s goodness.

* **Destroyed relationships** and communities.

---

Would you like me to also create a **contrast list of times where God’s “jealousy” was good and protective**, so you can see the difference more clearly?

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Walk

Just walk away

Walk this way

These boots are made for walking

Walk like an Egyptian 

Walkin on the sun

I walk the line

I would walk 500 miles

But would you walk on by? 

Thats where were going today. 

Walk on the wild side

Don’t walk away Renee

Im walking on Sunshine

Walk on by - Dieon Warwick… 

Luke 10

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God [c]with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But wanting to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

The Good Samaritan

30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he encountered robbers, and they stripped him and [d]beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 And by coincidence a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan who was on a journey came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 On the next day he took out two [e]denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return, I will repay you.’ 36 Which of these three do you think [f]proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed compassion to him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do [g]the same.”

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Have you heard the story about the man who

  -  Was a wrestler. 300 matches only lost one

  -  He fired guns at the white house

  - He stood in front of live fire during a war

  -  He was a licensed bartender 

  -  He was arrested for dueling

  -  He held seances where he worked

  -  He was accused of being to ugly for his job

  -  And he was our 16th President! 

Abraham Lincoln. 

Outwardly: Rough, awkward, poorly dressed frontier lawyer. Many thought he was too simple for leadership.

Inwardly: Brilliant thinker, deeply compassionate, and one of the greatest U.S. presidents who carried the weight of ending slavery.

He did so many great things in his life as president we often forget much about his life and his foibles! 

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Wishy Washy… what a great way to describe people who do not live on a straight line… I can’t stand wishy washy people, they drive me crazy… Now I need to be careful when I talk about wishy washy people because well… Im one of them. And thats where were going today! 

Why Does God use wishy washy people?

  -  Demonstrate his grace

His Grace is amazing saving us as sinners…

But its super amazing in forgiving us in our failures after salvation.

Stephen Glenn - Adopted kids. He adopted a 15 year old boy. He ran the car through the garage. Stephen came home the boy had packed his suitcase, sitting on the bed waiting to be dropped back off at the social workers office…

Stephen said to him: did you not think I knew days like this would happen. The boy doubted him… Stephen went to his study, got a letter out of his desk and had the boy read it. It said “I know you will blow it, But I adopted you because I love you, not because you will be perfect”. 

His grace proves his redemption even in our failure and our foolishness. 

Jesus restored Peter. - He may discipline but he never abandons us. 

  -  He uses the foolish things to confound the wise.

It was said years ago NASA spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to create a pen that would write in space (no gravity made it almost impossible)

To show off to Russia they sent them a few… Russia returned them and said thanks but no thanks we use pencils.

Later The US sent a drill bit so small it could drill it could drill through the center of a stick pin… they sent it to the Chinese to see if they wanted to order any (and brag) China said, great job, but it tends to overheat so we added a feature to help with that… upon closer inspection they found a hole drilled straight through the center of it. 

*You would never Pick Peter to change the world.

You would never pick David to defeat a Giant

You would never pick a stutter’er to be the greatest leader in the Bible

You would never choose a mass murderer to be the greatest evangelist 

You would never pick a teenager to lead the NEW Church Plants

**WHAT WOULD YOU “NEVER” BE CALLED TO BE?

The best husband?

The best employee?

The most fulfilled and at peace?

The best marriage?

The best health?  

The best soul winner?

The best healer?

The best author?

The best Teacher? 

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Dropping the weights on my foot

1 Peter 1: In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

Suffer grief GK LOO-PAY-OH  = self inflicted grief… your own mistakes.

Trials GK PI-ROS-MOS  Temptations and testing

Verse 2

7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine

**LITERALLY MEANS the handler of your faith is genuine! GODS CHARACTER WILL BE PROVEN AS HE WALKS YOU THROUGH YOUR MISTAKES AND HANG UPS AND POOR CHOICES. 

When a blacksmith heats a piece of metal…

When a blacksmith heats and rapidly cools (quenches) metal, they are performing heat treatment, a process that dramatically changes the metal's properties by altering its internal crystal structure to increase its hardness, strength, and wear resistance. Heating the metal allows its atoms to rearrange, and rapid cooling locks them into a distorted, more rigid structure, making the metal harder and more difficult to deform. 

Here's a breakdown of what happens:

Great question. Growth in Christ is not a straight upward line but more like a lifelong journey of transformation—sometimes marked by leaps forward, sometimes by setbacks, but always under God’s grace. The Bible describes this process as **sanctification**—being made more like Jesus through the Spirit’s work. Here’s how that process unfolds, including the reality of ongoing failure:

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

Robin: EVERYTHING WAS HOLY….

What are five things no one would know about Burt Ward who played Robin in the TV show Batman?

### 1. **A Speed-Reading Sensation**

Before hitting the big time, young Burt became an accomplished speed-reader. He was tested before the American Medical Society in Beverly Hills and clocked a staggering **30,000 words per minute with 90% comprehension**—far beyond average reading speeds. ([Classic Movie Hub - CMH][1], [TV Banter][2])

---

### 2. **World’s Youngest Professional Ice Skater**

At just **two years old**, Burt was featured in the magazine *Strange as It Seems* as the **world’s youngest professional ice skater**, thanks to a traveling ice show owned by his father. ([Wikipedia][3], [Classic Movie Hub - CMH][1])

---

### 3. **He Did (Most of) His Own Dangerous Stunts**

Unlike many stars, Burt performed most of his own stunts, even though his face made using a stunt double difficult. This led to multiple emergency room visits—**dozens**, he says—due to injuries from stunts like being tied to a table with a real buzz saw inches away or suspended above Bengal tigers. ([Wikipedia][3], [Express][4])

A Reddit user humorously shared one of Burt’s more wild stories, recalling how during one stunt he was flung from the Batmobile when the door unexpectedly opened—and cracked an arm. ([Reddit][5])

---

### 4. **Musical Collaborations with Frank Zappa**

During *Batman*’s peak, Burt recorded several tracks produced by Tom Wilson and arranged by Frank Zappa. Notably, he released a single featuring "Boy Wonder, I Love You" (written by Zappa) and a cover of "Orange Colored Sky." ([Wikipedia][3], [Classic Movie Hub - CMH][1])

---

### 5. **Rescue Work for Giant-Breed Dogs**

Beyond Hollywood, Burt—and his wife Tracy—devoted themselves to canine welfare. In **1994**, they founded *Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions*, significantly impacting the lives of giant-breed dogs. Their nonprofit has facilitated **over 15,500 adoptions** and often houses around **50 dogs at home** awaiting forever families. ([Wikipedia][3], [People.com][6]) Additionally, their company *Gentle Giants* produces natural pet food aimed at boosting pets’ longevity and wellbeing. ([People.com][6])

---

### Bonus Tidbits:

* Burt actually chose his own stage name: swapping “Gervis” for *Ward* (his mother’s maiden name) and altering “Bert” to “Burt” because it had more punch. ([Wikipedia][3], [Classic Movie Hub - CMH][1])

* He holds a **Guinness World Record** for portraying the same live-action superhero in the most episodes (120 as Robin). ([Facts.net][7], [The Famous People][8])

* In **2020**, Burt received a star on the **Hollywood Walk of Fame**—a fitting tribute to the iconic Boy Wonder. ([Hollywood Walk of Fame][9])

To understand the deep meaning of redemption in Greek scripture, it is essential to explore the key terms used by New Testament writers, primarily agorazō and its cognates (exagorazō), and lytron with its related forms (apolytrōsis, lytrōsis). These words paint a picture of redemption as a decisive, costly, and legally binding rescue from the slavery of sin and its consequences. 

Key Greek words for redemption

Agorazō (ἀγοράζω) and exagorazō (ἐξαγοράζω)

The verb agorazō means "to buy or purchase" and is derived from agora, the Greek marketplace or slave market. The related verb exagorazō, which means "to buy out or buy from," intensifies this meaning. 

Lytron (λύτρον), apolytrōsis (ἀπολύτρωσις), and lytrōsis (λύτρωσις)

This cluster of words emphasizes the idea of a ransom payment that brings about release.

The holistic and progressive nature of redemption

The deep meaning of redemption in the Greek New Testament moves beyond a simple, one-time transaction to a multi-faceted and progressive work of God. 

Past: An accomplished fact

Present: An ongoing reality

Future: A complete deliverance

A covenantal and communal significance

Understanding the Greek word for redemption also brings with it significant implications for our relationship with God and others. 

A treasured possession (peripoiēsis)

Motivating holiness - HOLY MOTIVATION BATMAN

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

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)

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

**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.

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.

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

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

**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. 

Garth Heckman

The David Alliance

[email protected] 

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.

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.

Hypocrisy in Judgment

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.

The Importance of Humility

Recognizing our own imperfections fosters humility, which is essential in our relationships with others and in our walk with God.

Restoration with Gentleness

When addressing the faults of others, it should be done with a spirit of gentleness and love, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation.

Community and Accountability

This teaching encourages believers to foster a community where accountability is practiced with grace and understanding, promoting spiritual growth for all.