Hearing God as a Family

Hearing God as a Family

Aug 3, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Fun, laughter, chaos, playing together, reading the Bible together, singing and worshipping God, practising listening to God, and sharing our dreams can all describe how we experience God as a family. Join us in this episode as we explore strategies for hearing God as a family and in community with others.

Episode Notes:

We realise not everyone who listens to this podcast is married.

  • For those who are single, can I encourage you to find someone or a community to have as a safeguard when hearing God. Someone, or a couple of people, who you believe are wise and discerning, who you can bounce stuff off, especially in relation to hearing God and decision making. Someone who has your back. Someone who will pray for you and with you.
  • For young married couples, this is a fantastic time to learn to hear God both individually and together. To assess who you will listen to for wise, trusted advice. To get stuck into reading the Bible and glean principles for your future together. To pray together. To wait on God together and enjoy sharing that which you receive from God.
  • For those who are empty nesters, you’re at a new stage in life and usually have more time and freedom to explore possibilities while still sowing into your kids and possibly grandkids. You play a crucial role in this.
  • For those with young kids, or even older kids, who are juggling work, family, chaos, intense ups and downs, often with limited free time, take a breath. There is hope. You are doing a great job. Hang in there.

First Principle: Partnership is important.

  • Doing life with others helps, and the same goes for hearing God. Cultivate trusted people you can share with as you hear from God.
  • For the marrieds, practice together. Pray together and in your prayer time, allow a few minutes of silence to practice waiting on God and hearing Him.
  • Before praying about a particular topic, ask God what He wants you to pray.

Second Principle: Model hearing God

  • With your kids, talk about how you’ve heard God. What it was like, eg hear, feel, sense, see.
  • Make it a normal part of life to share the dreams you had during the night.
  • Buy your kids a dream journal and write/draw in it.
  • We used to have a ‘soaking’ time in the morning. Put on your favourite music and ask God a question. It is easier (as I mentioned in episode 82 on practical tips for hearing God) to go from the object to the abstract. Especially with kids. Ask God a specific question. Episodes 10 and 84 were on helping our kids hear from God.
  • With our financial giving, we would ask God how much we should give to various missionaries or mission projects.
  • Expect to hear God.
  • Read the Bible together.
  • Don’t feel you have to add another thing to your life. Use the time in the car, over meals, etc.
  • Help your kids see themselves as God sees them. Help them in their relationship with God and to grow their identity and intimacy with God.

Third Principle: Have fun

  • Hearing God is a relationship. It’s not meant to be hard work. There is a freedom and an ease, an excitement. Laugh with God. Inject some humour. Kids especially love having a laugh with God and telling jokes with God.
  • Play games as you practice hearing God.
  • Use opportunities like birthdays and Christmas to practice hearing God. For example, a Christmas tree decoration is a prophetic symbol.

Summary:

  1. Partnership is important.
  2. Model hearing God.
  3. Have fun.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God:

  • Try to imagine Him standing next to you.
  • Imagine you are juggling a number of balls.
  • On each ball is written one of your responsibilities/tasks.
  • Ask God if there are any balls He would like you to give to Him or maybe even drop.
  • Feel free to ask God more questions about that.

Time Stamps:

[0:37] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[3:39] – For those single, newly married, or empty nesters.

[6:27] – First principle: Partnership is important.

[6:55] – Second Principle: Model hearing God.

[11:25] – Third Principle: Have fun.

[12:29] – Summary

[12:52] – Prophetic activation.

[14:10] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[16:06] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 85: Young Adults hearing God

Episode 85: Young Adults hearing God

Jul 27, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

The young adult years are full of making decisions that can significantly impact our future. It is a time when our identity needs to be grounded in believing who God says we are and in intimacy with Him. This helps us hear God. Join us as we explore hearing God in relation to the young adult years and the decisions they face.

Episode Notes:

The term ‘teenagers’ didn’t exist before the 1900s. It was coined around 1911 but came into use in the early to mid-1900s. The years at high school were then increased by two years as well (years 6-7 were spread out over two more years to keep children at school longer). This was an effort to keep young children out of factories for as long as possible.

The teenage years are typically a time when identity is questioned and can be a period of abundant free time and limited responsibility.

Our kids read the book “Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations” by Alex and Brett Harris.

More specifically, we will be discussing the late teenage years and young adult years today, as these are the periods when many of life’s most significant decisions are made. What do I do with my life? What job do I do? Do I go to university? Who do I marry? etc

Earlier this year, in episode 71, we explored the question, “Will God tell me what to do with my life?” And in Episode 73, “Will God tell me who I should marry?”

First Principle: Put God first

  • Matthew 6:33 “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” and the rest will fall into place.
  • Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvellous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.
  • Jeremiah 29:11 & 13 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future….You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
  • Put God first in all areas, especially finances. Our hearts tend to follow where our finances go. But also, how you spend your time, who you date, what work you do?
  • Be quick to obey God. If you drag your feet, often the devil can get in there and impact your response.

Second Principle: Sort out your identity

  • Chase after who God says you are.
  • Keep your identity separate from what you do.
  • Don’t let your friends, your past, or the media determine who you are. Immerse yourself in who God says you are. Ask God to show and tell you how He sees you.
  • I think a critical area is getting healing. Get prayer ministry. Be in a healthy place. Don’t let any mistakes in your past hold you back or bring you shame. As you look towards a life partner, both get healing and be in the best place possible moving forward.
  • Character is so important.

Third Principle: Ask God His plans for you and the decisions you are facing.

  • In Episode 73 on who you should marry, we emphasised the Scriptural principle from 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers” or as The Message version puts it: “Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands?”
  • In major decisions,
    • Seek advice from wise, trusted people.
    • Go after that inner ‘peace’ i.e. do you have peace about the decision?
    • Look for confirmation from God. Don’t go off and do something big on a one-off ‘word’ from God. Seek confirmation.
    • Is there a Biblical precedent? Get stuck into reading the Bible so you know it. If you are finding time an issue, listen to the audio Bible. The Gospel of Mark takes roughly 2 hours to read through. Make it a priority.
    • Have a mentor.
    • What’s the likely or unlikely fallout?
    • If in a dating relationship, practice learning to hear God together as a couple.

Summary:

  1. Put God first.
  2. Sort out your identity.
  3. Ask God His plans for you and the decisions you are facing.

Prophetic activation:

I encourage you to take some time this week to do something fun and creative with God. Whether it’s painting, cooking, using playdough, dancing, singing, or creating something with God, etc. As you do this, chat with God about life and ask God if He has a special word or name for you, what He loves calling you, and how He sees you. Remember to leave time for God to answer you. Embark on a journey of enjoying time with God.

Time Stamps:

[0:48] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[7:02] – Introduction to teenage and young adult years.

[9:18] – First principle: Put God first.

[12:08] – Second Principle: Sort out your identity.

[14:05] – Third Principle: Ask God His plans for you and the decisions you’re facing.

[17:48] – Summary

[18:14] – Prophetic activation.

[19:39] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[22:27] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Matthew 6:33
  • Jeremiah 33:3
  • Jeremiah 29:11-13
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 84: Children hearing God

Episode 84: Children hearing God

Jul 20, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Children have an incredible openness and ability to hear God. As parents, we can either help or hinder them in hearing God. Join us as we share principles and stories from when our children were growing up, emphasising that encouraging intimacy and a relationship with Father God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus are vital in helping our children hear God.

Episode Notes:

In Season 1, episode 10, we did an episode on helping kids hear from God. Back then, we talked about:

  • There is no junior Holy Spirit. Matthew 18:3 And Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.“
  • Biblical principle of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3 hearing God’s voice.
  • Actively build their faith. During conversation talk about hearing God. Protect your child’s innocence by carefully selecting what they are exposed to, such as TV programs or movies. We also covered dreams and nightmares.
  • Make it fun to hear God. Games, creative expressions like LEGO, cooking, decorating cakes, painting, dancing, and singing etc.

First Principle: Children can hear God, perhaps more than we realise.

  • Visions – babies can see angels.
  • Discernment – often they have incredible discernment regarding safe and unsafe people. As parents, we may want our children to kiss and hug family members or friends when they don’t want to. Never force them.
  • Trust what your child tells you.
  • Dreams
  • Nightmares – it’s important how we respond. Never say ‘there’s nothing there’.
  • We can shut down their imagination, but our imagination is important in hearing God. Not that we make things up, but God speaks and shows us things.
  • As we grow older, we have more junk, so we tend to question – “was that God or was that myself?” We tend to analyse hearing God.

Second Principle: Protect your child’s ability to hear God

  • What they watch on TV, movies, etc. Don’t let movie producers influence their image of the supernatural. Let God show them what He is doing.
  • Always bring it back to Father God, Holy Spirit and Jesus. Where are they in relation to your child, and what are they doing?
  • Don’t open the door to fear with them. Important to get our junk healed so we don’t instil fear in them. Also, deal with generational iniquity.

Third Principle: Help your child see themselves as God sees them

  • Begins with their name
  • Identity – based in being a child of God, not in what they do.
  • How we treat them, what we say, our frustrations, ‘labels’, etc
  • Get stuck into reading the Bible with them, praying, worshipping God, etc
  • Practice hearing God in everyday life. What do we do about Christmas Day? How much money to give to this project? What does God want to say to Nanny? Let’s ask God if Daddy was an animal, which one would he be and why?
  • Spirit-filled church – a spiritually rich place. As parents, you are responsible spiritually for your children – the church complements what you do and can help significantly in teaching them.

Summary:

  1. Children can hear God, perhaps more than we realise.
  2. Protect your child’s ability to hear God.
  3. Help your child see themselves as God sees them.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him:

  • “God, what children’s game would You love to play with me?”
  • “What is it about that game that is so special?”

Time Stamps:

[0:39] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[3:02] – Introduction to children hearing God.

[5:35] – First principle: Children can hear God, perhaps more than we realise.

[14:45] – Second Principle: Protect your child’s ability to hear God.

[16:10] – Third Principle: Help your child see themselves as God sees them.

[21:06] – Summary

[21:35] – Prophetic activation.

[22:36] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[23:48] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Matthew 18:3
  • 1 Samuel 3

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 83: Hearing God in the Womb

Episode 83: Hearing God in the Womb

Jul 13, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Since a baby’s spirit is present at conception, they can hear God whilst in the womb. The various physical stages of growth and development in the womb can also correlate with feelings and patterns in our lives after birth. This episode explores several key developmental periods during the baby’s time in the womb and how various experiences during these stages of pregnancy can impact the baby.

Episode Notes:

  • Today, we are launching a 5-week series on hearing God through various stages of life. We realise this is very general and not everyone gets married, etc., but it is a rough outline.
  • Today, we are exploring the topic of when a baby is in the womb. Next week, we will focus on children hearing God, followed by Young Adults the following week, families after that, and finally, empty nesters or the retirement stage, where we will also explore hearing God.
  • I don’t have any hard research facts other than what I have observed with many babies and in numerous prayer ministry sessions I have conducted with people.
  • Sandra Sellmer-Kersten, who was previously with Elijah House Ministries and has now formed the House of Nacham Ministries in New Zealand, has extensive experience in this area. Part of what we discuss today is based on her observations as well.
  • Arthur Burk from Sapphire Leadership Group has also done some amazing research in this area and has some fantastic resources for women who are pregnant.

Baby Blessings: Joy USD $12 x2 CDs

Baby Blessings: Peace USD $12 x2 CDs

Ministering to babies in the womb – download to nurture the baby’s spirit while their body is being formed. X11 CDs USD $55 (Contains baby blessings CDs)

First Principle: The baby’s spirit is present at conception.

  • Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart.”
  • The Message version says, “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you.”
  • The Passion Translation says, “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew you intimately. I had divine plans for you before I gave you life, and I set you apart and chose you to be mine.”
  • The baby’s soul doesn’t start functioning until around the time of birth. God designed the spirit to lead the soul and have a 9-month start.
  • The womb is a great place to start nurturing and growing their spirit.
  • They can hear you.

Second Principle: Bless the baby and their spirit.

  • Legitimacy and identity.
  • Welcomed and wanted.
  • Stepping into their destiny.
  • God created them and has a plan for them.

Third Principle: God can heal and minister during the development of the baby in the womb.

  • Infertility – disbelief and heartache.
  • Previous death in the womb, eg miscarriage or abortion. Pray to cleanse the spirit of death from the womb and to bring life and light to the womb.
  • Our spirit at conception – whether normal, rape, fear or anger present, unwanted, violence, rejection, shame, illegitimacy, unsafe environment, begins to feel welcome or fearful, even lust if a product of rape etc. Therefore, it is important to bless our baby with being welcomed, loved, fitting in, and being named.
  • IVF – if you were implanted as an IVF baby and you struggle with feeling alone, abandoned, unsettled, everything appears clinical, something’s not quite right – it is worth receiving prayer for.
  • People who struggle with boundaries or never feel like they ‘fit in’ or feel like they ‘don’t belong’, shrinking back and wanting to be invisible, can often be traced back to the implantation of the foetus in the womb. This is an important time for bonding and attachment, as well as the development of healthy boundaries, resilience, and self-worth.
  • Throughout the time in the womb, if there was a lot of chaos, fear, mum put out with being pregnant, emotionally distant, unwanted, etc, it can instil a lifetime of chaos and turmoil instead of safety. A fear of abandonment or avoiding intimacy. If a different gender than what the parents desire, etc. A lack of safety and nurture, and a shock to the mum during that time, can instil a lack of confidence that our needs will be met. If the mother wanted to hide the pregnancy for whatever reason, the baby picks up on it and can sense ‘I need to be invisible. I’m a burden.’ Whilst in the womb, it is a critical time of being seen and validated, welcomed and wanted, having a positive influence on your world, having a voice and being heard and being cherished and loved.
  • Twin in womb dies – deep wound of disconnect. It could happen to me, too. Start a habit of self-protection. An invisible friend can develop.
  • Preparation for birth: Overdue – I’ve found that when we speak to the baby’s spirit and welcome them, reassuring them that they are welcome and it is safe in the outside world, and they will be taken care of, the baby is usually delivered soon afterwards.
  • Transition / During the delivery – our first experience of readiness to change, crossing over or stepping into, or going through a change. If an emergency Caesarean – often as the baby grows up, they can desire control over situations, can often feel stuck, resist change, feel frustrated, helpless or hopeless.
  • Birth – welcoming to the big, wide world. Bringing delight. Human touch. Vulnerability. Being seen and heard for who we really are. Being received with joy. That skin-to-skin/heart-to-heart connection of feeling loved, connected, and warm. Having a name ready. You may have been rushed away due to an emergency, experienced a forceful or harsh touch, felt exposed or shamed, or been a disappointment, resulting in a disconnection. All play a role in our lives and what we believe, whether justified or not.
  • Correlation between breathing problems at birth and prophetic gifting.

Summary:

This podcast is about hearing God, and a baby’s spirit in the womb can hear God. They can also hear what you say as the parent. Never underestimate what God can and will do.

It’s never too late. If anything we have said today touches a chord in you, reach out and ask a trusted person or a local church where you can get prayer ministry.

  1. Your spirit is present at conception.
  2. Bless your baby and their spirit.
  3. God can heal and minister during the development of the baby in the womb.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him:

  • “God, what do You want to say to me about how You saw me in the womb?”
  • “God, when I was in the womb, what were Your plans for my life?”

Time Stamps:

[1:29] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[6:21] – Introduction to babies hearing God in the womb.

[9:31] – Prayer ministry explained.

[12:08] – First principle: The baby’s spirit is present at conception.

[14:08] – Second Principle: Bless the baby and their spirit.

[14:46] – Third Principle: God can heal and minister during the development of the baby in the womb.

[25:28] – Summary

[25:56] – Prophetic activation.

[26:56] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[28:45] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Jeremiah 1:5
  • Luke 1:41
  • Psalm 139:13-16

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 82: Practical tips for hearing God

Episode 82: Practical tips for hearing God

Jul 6, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

This episode is packed with practical tips for growing in hearing God, as Gary and Jane share their experiences of beginning, going deeper, and expanding their understanding of how they hear, see, feel, and sense God’s presence.

Episode Notes:

Gary’s practical tips:

  1. Confession – clear and junk between you and God.
  2. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you and fill you with His Presence.
  3. Make a list.
  • First thought principle – the first thought that comes into your mind when you ask God.
  • Meditate on Scriptures and ask God what He wants to say to you through them.
  1. Record/journal what you sense God is saying to you.
  2. Be in a community.
  • Accountability.
  • Spur each other on.
  1. Ask God specific and further questions about what you see, hear, feel, and sense.

Jane’s practical tips:

  1. When asking God a question, start with an object, i.e., something seen or concrete, and then move to the unseen or abstract.
  • Asked God, “What do you want to say to me?” Heard nothing.
  • Asked God, “If I were a peanut, what would you say to me?”
  • Asked God, “In a picture of a running race, like a marathon, where am I?”
  • First thought principle.
  1. Practice.
  • Be creative.
  • Use snippets of time.
  • Take every opportunity, e.g. supermarket,
  1. Ask: Am I coasting or stretching myself?
  • When you use muscles, they become stronger. Often, we have to push ourselves to reach our full potential.
  • Grow in other areas of receiving from God.
  • God is constantly communicating with us. We are invited to be aware.
  • If you are struggling to hear, ask God a different question.
  1. Turn aside – if you see something unusual, take it as a sign from God.
  • No such thing as a coincidence. It is a God-incident.
  • The Talmud says that a dream not interpreted is like a letter not read.

Summary:

  • Practice.
  • Have fun.
  • It’s all about relationship and intimacy with God.

Prophetic activation:

I invite you today to try out a new spiritual sense; to practice smelling something that God would like to show you.

  • Take a few moments to find something with an unusual scent, such as a rose, pine needles, a candle, a spice container, a spray of perfume, or even the toilet freshener spray.
  • Take a big, deep smell and ask God to highlight something that He would love to tell you, show you, or demonstrate to you through that deep, long smell.
  • Explore with God the first thought that comes to your mind. Ask God more questions about that. Have fun with it and see what happens.

Time Stamps:

[0:39] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[3:43] – Topic introduced.

[4:01] – Gary’s practical tips.

[10:59] – Jane’s practical tips.

[18:45] – Summary

[19:43] – Prophetic activation.

[21:24] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[23:22] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Exodus 3

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 81: Hearing God with Fiona Griffiths

Episode 81: Hearing God with Fiona Griffiths

Jun 29, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

In this powerfully inspiring and incredibly vulnerable interview, Fiona Griffiths shares her experience when she first remembers hearing God’s voice. Fiona is an incredible woman, passionate about seeing others set free and living life to the full. She helps people find their ‘voice’ and brings freedom and hope to many. In this episode, Fiona mentions her suicide attempts but shares extremely vulnerably the exciting thing is that it doesn’t end there; there is hope!! There is no mess too big for God to clean up. Fiona passionately emphasises that life’s adventure is all about intimacy with Jesus and the love of the Father. This is an episode not to miss.

Prophetic activation:

Fold a piece of paper in half. On one side, write down everything you think you are right now, all those voices, what other people tell you or what you believe, and anything a parent or teacher told you.

And then sitting, not for too long and not letting your brain go into overdrive, ask the Father, “How do You see me?” Write that down.

Don’t look at the other side again.

Write down what you feel/hear from the Father, even if you don’t believe it, but go on the adventure with God of discovering who He sees you as – His truth and how He sees you.

Then explore that further with the Father and ask Him, “What does that mean, Father?” and discover love that way.

Time Stamps:

[0:49] – Special guest Fiona Griffiths introduced.

[3:54] – Warning that Fiona shares vulnerably about suicide attempts, but that it doesn’t end there, there is hope.

[4:25] – Jane & Fiona share how they have heard God this week.

[8:26] – Fiona describes the process of her body’s reaction when she hears God.

[10:52] – Fiona describes her Christian background.

[13:48] – Fiona shares one of the first times she remembers hearing God.

[22:26] – Fiona shares the various ways she receives from God.

[27:06] – Fiona shares practical ways God has asked her to serve. Listen for His leading in the little things.

[34:48] – It’s all about intimacy and love.

[38:38] – The biggest takeaway is the love of the Father.

[40:09] – Prophetic activation.

[42:13] – Jane and Fiona share a prophetic word for a listener.

[45:09] – Fiona prays for you.

[46:13] – Fiona shares about her two books, ‘Freedom Lives Here’ and ‘Find Your Yes’.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 80: Will fasting help me hear God?

Episode 80: Will fasting help me hear God?

Jun 22, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you ever wondered whether fasting would help you hear God? Basically, yes, fasting will help you hear God. In this episode, we cover the purpose of fasting, Biblical precedents, and what true fasting looks like. We emphasise that fasting helps create an environment where we can be more susceptible to hearing God, but as usual with God, there are no set formulas.

Episode Notes:

Our experience.

  • Our experience with fasting.
  • What to fast, e.g. food, TV, technology, etc
  • Holy Spirit guided.
  • Yes, fasting will help you hear God.

Purpose of fasting

  • Making a sacrifice to spend time pursuing God.
  • Proverbs 8:17 “Those who seek me will find me.”
  • How desperately do you want to hear/find God?
  • Minimising internal and external noise/clutter.
  • Recalibration/reset. Humbling ourselves and putting God back on the throne.
  • Creates space/vacuum.
  • Increase spiritual sensitivity.
  • Decrease distractions.
  • Reveals any control issues.

Biblical precedent

  • Psalm 69:10 “When I weep and fast” not if I fast
  • Danger – legalism.
  • Moses fasted 40 days when he received the 10 commandments (spiritual act of worship) and then another 40 days after coming down the mountain and seeing the people had made a golden calf – interceded on their behalf by fasting. Exodus 34:28-35 and Deuteronomy 9 & 10
  • Nehemiah 1:4 – Nehemiah fasted to help decide what he should do.
  • David fasted in 2 Samuel 12:17,23 when asking God to heal his son. Son still died. It’s not a ‘rubber stamp’ of approval.
  • Daniel fast in Daniel 1 along with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – partial fast.
  • Jesus fasted 40 days before he began His ministry. Matthew 4:1-11
  • Matthew 6:5-6 Don’t tell anyone when you fast.
  • Matthew 9:14-15 – After I go, then they will fast. Not legalistic.
  • Early church – pivotal moments of decision-making. Acts 13:2, 14:23. After they fasted and prayed, they then set apart certain people.
  • Stalwarts in church history. John Knox was so well known for how much he prayed and fasted that Queen Mary said she feared his prayers more than all the armies of Scotland.

True fasting

  • Reveals heart motivation. True repentance and not an external act to get God’s attention.
  • Isaiah 58: 3 – how dare you, on the day of your fast, exploit your workers. Verse 4 – your fasting ends in quarrelling and strife.
  • Isaiah 58: 6-9 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them,and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
  • Fasting is a means of humbling myself before the Lord.
  • I’ve been really challenged – Can I afford not to fast?

Summary:

  • The purpose of fasting.
  • The Biblical precedent.
  • True fasting.

And yes, fasting with the right attitude will help you hear God better.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him –

  • “God, Would You love me to set aside time this next week to fast and listen for Your voice more clearly?”
  • If so, “God is there anything in particular You would like me to focus on?”

Time Stamps:

[0:41] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[4:18] – Our experience with fasting.

[7:35] – The purpose of fasting.

[11:04] – Biblical precedents with fasting.

[13:42] – True fasting

[15:44] – Summary

[16:31] – Prophetic activation.

[17:29] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[19:16] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Proverbs 8:17
  • Psalm 69:10
  • Exodus 34:28-35
  • Deuteronomy 9 & 10
  • Nehemiah 1:4
  • 2 Samuel 12:17,23
  • Daniel 1
  • Matthew 4:1-11
  • Matthew 6:5-6
  • Matthew 9:14-15
  • Acts 13:2; 14:23
  • Isaiah 58:3, 6-9

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 79: How can I grow in seeing in the Spirit?

Episode 79: How can I grow in seeing in the Spirit?

Jun 15, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you ever wanted to see what God is doing in the spirit world? You will love this episode packed with stories and practical tips as Gary & Jane unpack this topic and share their experiences. They cover cleansing your imagination, asking God to show you what He is doing and then what to do with that, how to deal with nightmares and shifting the focus, what to do when you feel overwhelmed in a situation, but most importantly, focussing on God, your relationship with Him and what He wants you to see.

Episode Notes:

Our experience.

First Principle: Recognise there are different ways of seeing in the Spirit.

  • Dreams
  • Visions (dream but awake)
  • Angels and demons
  • Glimpses e.g. out the corner of the eye, a flash or shadow. May feel something.
  • God-incidences
  • God bring physical things to your attention e.g. number plate, sign on building, etc
  • Combination using the strongest sense, eg hearing and seeing images together.
  • 2 Kings 6:15- 17.

Second Principle: Ask God to help you.

  • Luke 11:9-13.
  • Learning to ride a bike.
  • Write down what you see (the details) and what it means.
  • Interpret the meaning – The Talmud says a dream without interpretation is like a letter not read.
  • Then – what do I do with what I’ve seen and interpreted? Do I pray? Wait? Share?
  • Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter but the glory of Kings to search out a matter.”
  • Hide and seek with God. Investigate. Uncover the hidden truths. Be inquisitive. Curious and diligent to work it out. God hides things for us, not from us.
  • Contrasting God and your role – God’s is of divine mystery. Our role is to seek out truth – not passive observer.
  • Proverbs 25 is full of doublets. Don’t waste time on fruitless searches or wild goose chases.

Third Principle: Practice

  • Get a mentor.
  • Read books.
  • Focus on what God’s doing, not the dark side. Eg Frank Peretti’s “Piercing the Darkness” series of books – massively compelled to pray but realised I was praying out of fear, not out of love or relationship.
  • Stretch your faith. Grow in your relationship with God.
  • What you focus on, you see. Think of God as the revealer at the right time. In Daniel 2, God concealed it from King Nebuchadnezzar but revealed it to Daniel in a vision during the night.
  • Discern what is of God and what isn’t. You want to see good and pure stuff, not the evil side. If you see demons, ask God to show you where He is. E.g. with nightmares. Where is Father God, Holy Spirit, and Jesus?
  • When someone describes a scene, imagine it in your mind and see if God tells, shows or gives you a feeling to relate to that. Imagine what you are hearing.

Pray:

  • Repent – what you viewed in past, and unbelief, doubt and fear of what you may see.
  • Cleanse imagination.
  • Ask for help.
  • Blessing of the relationship between soul and spirit. Grow your spirit so it is in charge of your soul and mind.

Summary:

  1. Recognise there are different ways of seeing in the Spirit.
  2. Ask God to help you see what He is doing supernaturally.
  3. Practice.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him to show you what He’s doing around you at the moment. You might like to close your eyes as you ask Him:

  • “God, where are You at the moment in relation to me?”
  • “What are You doing around me or in my life at the moment that You’d love me to be aware of?”
  • “Where are You in this room?”
  • Open your eyes, look at a particular spot in the room, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you something about that place.

Time Stamps:

[0:41] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[5:35] – Our experience of seeing in the Spirit.

[11:45] – First Principle: Recognise there are different ways of seeing in the Spirit.

[14:36] – Advice if you are feeling overwhelmed in a situation.

[14:52] – Second Principle: Ask God to help you.

[22:41] – Third Principle: Practice.

[26:18] – Prayer to cleanse imagination.

[28:17] – Summary

[30:00] – Prophetic activation.

[31:16] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[33:14] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • 2 Kings 6:15-17
  • Luke 11:9-13
  • Proverbs 25:2, 16-17,27
  • Daniel 2

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 78: Hearing God with Esther Tucker

Episode 78: Hearing God with Esther Tucker

Jun 8, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

In this raw and vulnerable interview, Esther Tucker shares powerfully how God has used her when she has been open to God’s prompting and prepared just to show up. Esther and her husband, Derek, live in Asia, training international students to be leaders and potential church planters and helping them discover their life’s calling. Through her humility, Esther will impact, encourage, and challenge you as she shares what God has done in her life. She invites us to be courageous and say yes to God.

Prophetic activation:

Reflect with God on what is unmissable in your life.

  • What does God want you to see today?
  • What does God want you to see in your everyday?
  • What have you been missing because you’ve been rushing through life?
  • What was the thing you could have stopped along the way for and seen that you missed because you were in a hurry?

Time Stamps:

[0:47] – Special guest Esther Tucker introduced.

[6:23] – Jane & Esther share how they have heard God this week.

[14:27] – Esther describes her Christian background.

[16:45] – Esther shares a powerful time when God was real for her.

[23:13] – Esther shares how God positioned her to meet a lady on a plane trip.

[29:38] – Esther shares how she best receives from God.

[33:12] – Esther shares how God orchestrated a meeting with a specific lady needing help.

[41:01] – Esther challenges us to say yes to God and surrender our own agenda.

[42:46] – Prophetic activation.

[43:39] – Jane and Esther share a prophetic word for a listener.

[46:43] – Esther prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Ephesians 6:10-17
  • Joshua 1:6, 7, 9
  • Ephesians 3:20

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 77: Word of the Year and Month Explained

Episode 77: Word of the Year and Month Explained

Jun 1, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

I don’t want to miss the opportunity to thank God for something because I haven’t recorded or noted it. What about you? In this episode of the ‘Hearing God’ Podcast, we unpack why and how we ask God for a word for the year and each month. Like Habakkuk in Habakkuk 2, we write it down, stand firm, and look to see how it will be expressed for that year and month.

Episode Notes:

Why and how we ask God for a word for the year and for each month is explained. We then describe the outcome of undertaking this over the last several years. Jane then unpacks her word for the year and each month for 2025.

Prophetic activation:

List the months for the rest of the year. Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him:

  • “Is there an overarching theme for the rest of the year for me?”
  • “And what word/phrase do You have for me for each of the remaining months?”

Then, take delight at the end of each month by reflecting on the month and how you saw it being expressed in your life.

Time Stamps:

[0:40] – An explanation of why this episode.

[1:15] – Purpose of word for the year.

[3:54] – Gary & Jane briefly share how they have heard God this week.

[10:12] – Introduce questions from listeners.

[10:31] – Introduce the word for the year and each month.

[11:46] – Recap the last two years’ word of the year and month.

[15:49] – 2025 word of the year and each month.

[22:04] – Summary

[24:19] – Prophetic activation.

[25:20] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[27:03] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Habakkuk 2:1-2

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 76: How can I grow in hearing God (part 2)?

Episode 76: How can I grow in hearing God (part 2)?

May 25, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

In the last episode, we shared practical tips for helping you grow in hearing God and the principles of growing closer to God, purposing in your heart to hear God, enjoying the journey with God, and having a mentor. Join us in this episode of the ‘Hearing God’ Podcast as we share more principles and practical examples that have helped us grow in hearing God in our daily lives.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Look for “God-opportunities”.

  • Usually, when we can’t be bothered, or when people irritate us, God is inviting us to grow in Him. We have learnt to ask, “What’s God saying to me?”
  • Neighbours – God’s bringing people into my life for a season as they need to get to know God, and He positions them because He can trust us.
  • Gary with specific clients – God can trust that Gary will go above and beyond and help them in other areas of their lives.

Second Principle: Keep a journal.

  • Keep a record.
  • Write your thoughts down, e.g. “God – how do you want me to grow in hearing you?”

Third Principle: Be yourself

  • Stretch yourself, but be true to who God made you to be.

Summary:

  1. Look for “God-opportunities”.
  2. Journal – keep a record.
  3. Be yourself.

Prophetic activation:

Have a journal/paper, Bible, and pen with you. Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God, and write at the top of the page, “God, how would You love me to grow in hearing You?”. Then, let your thoughts flow and write down what comes to you. Don’t try to edit or question, “Is that me, or is it God?”. Whatever comes into your mind, write it down. If it’s a picture, you might like to draw it or try to describe the image. And then look at other questions you could ask God. At the end of your writing, read back and be amazed at what you wrote and how God spoke to you.

Time Stamps:

[0:48] – Gary & Jane briefly share how they have heard God this week.

[6:12] – First Principle: Look for “God-opportunities”.

[10:04] – Second Principle: Journal.

[13:48] – Third Principle: Be yourself.

[15:42] – Summary

[16:15] – Prophetic activation.

[17:52] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[20:00] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 75: How can I grow in hearing God (part 1)?

Episode 75: How can I grow in hearing God (part 1)?

May 18, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Would you love to hear God clearly and easily? Hearing God can be as natural and encouraging as hearing a close friend. Join us in this episode of the ‘Hearing God’ Podcast as we share practical examples and tips for hearing God in our daily lives.

Episode Notes:

In episodes 8 & 9, we looked at how we can grow in our ability to hear God. We specifically looked at:

  • Cultivate intimacy with God.
  • Practice
  • Get feedback
  • Have fun

First Principle: We grow in hearing God by becoming closer to God.

  • Intimacy is so important.
  • Intentionally grow your relationship with God.
  • How’s your Bible reading going?
  • Is there anyone you need to forgive at the moment?
  • Is there an area of your life you still haven’t obeyed God in yet?

Second Principle: Purpose in your heart to hear God.

  • If you have prepared yourself and plan ahead, it is easier.
  • Look for incremental improvements.
  • Consistency is important.
  • Don’t compare.
  • Keep focused on God and not others.

Third Principle: Enjoy the journey

  • Learning to enjoy the process as well as the outcome.
  • Celebrate ‘attempts’ as well as successes.
  • Keep curious.

Fourth Principle: Have a mentor.

  • Someone you can run things past and ask questions.

Summary:

  1. We grow in hearing God by becoming closer to God.
  2. Purpose in your heart to hear God.
  3. Enjoy the journey.
  4. Have a mentor.

Prophetic activation:

Have a journal/paper, Bible, and pen with you. Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God, and as you think about God, write a list of ways God has shown His faithfulness to you or things you are grateful to God for. Read through the list. Ask God to highlight something on your list and reveal something more about that person/incident. (Is there anything more God You would like to show or tell me about?)

Time Stamps:

[0:36] – Gary & Jane briefly share how they have heard God this week.

[6:20] – Revision of episodes 8 & 9.

[7:31] – First Principle: We grow in hearing God by becoming closer to God.

[13:24] – Second Principle: Purpose in your heart to hear God.

[16:37] – Third Principle: Enjoy the journey.

[18:06] – Fourth Principle: Have a mentor.

[20:27] – Summary

[21:05] – Prophetic activation.

[23:12] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[25:23] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Psalm 100:4
  • Hebrews 12:1-2

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 74: Can I hear God anywhere?

Episode 74: Can I hear God anywhere?

May 11, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Scripture is full of various places where people met and heard God. There is not just one place here on earth that has a monopoly on hearing God. However, there can be places where we find it easier to hear God. How often do we create time and space to hear God where we sense Him the strongest? Join us in this episode of the ‘Hearing God’ Podcast as we share practical examples and tips for hearing God.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Scripture is full of places where people heard God.

  • At the Table – Gospels full of Jesus ministering and speaking at the table, eg Matthew’s party in Luke 5:29, Zaccheus, the Last Supper eg Matthew 26.
  • Celebrations and weddings eg John 2 wedding at Cana.
  • Storms of life – eg boat on water Matthew 8:23-27
  • In bed sick Matthew 8:14-15 Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law.
  • During journeys eg Road to Emmaus Luke 24:13- 35 2 The disciples didn’t recognise Him (I don’t want to not recognise Jesus.)
  • Paul on the road blinded by light (Acts 9)
  • In a cave (exhausted and afraid, depressed) followed by on the mountain – 1 Kings 19
  • Whilst sleeping – dreams Joseph – the dream of technicolour coat Genesis 37, Joseph Mary’s husband in Matthew 1-2 – several dreams about marrying Mary and then taking Mary & Jesus to escape to Egypt.
  • In battle – David 2 Samuel 5:17-25 Israelites fighting the Philistines twice. Both times, David enquired of the Lord, and God gave him a different strategy. God is not into “cookie cutting” but unique strategies. 2nd time, don’t go straight up but circle around the back.
  • Gideon in Judges 7 – God reduced his army from 32,000 men to 300 men. Then the strategy came through overhearing the telling of a dream by the Midianites – loaf of barley bread came tumbling down the hill – trumpets in one hand and torches in jars in the other and break the jars.
  • Joshua in Joshua 5 with marching around Jericho 6 times and the 7th day to march around 7 times with the priests blowing the trumpet each time and then when long blast on the trumpet – whole army give a loud shout.
  • Up early – Mark 1:35 – Jesus got up early and intentionally set time aside to commune with God.
  • Doing life. Exodus 3:3-4 – Moses with unusual site – burning bush. Turn aside. Idea pops into head.
  • 2 Kings 3:15 “While the harpist was playing, the hand of the Lord came upon Elisha.”
  • Death and funerals – Lazarus John 11:1-44
  • Nature
  • Work / daily life

Second Principle: Be where God is

  • A bit of an oxymoron as God is everywhere. He is omnipresent.
  • Physical location – Samuel – the presence of God around the ark. 1 Samuel 3. Intentionally went and lay there – verse 3, the lamp of God hadn’t yet gone out. So he made time and created space to be where God was strongest.
  • Where is God strongest for me?
  • “Thin” places
  • Emotional location – if fear, worry, anxiety, hurry, and chaos present – harder to hear God.
  • Spiritual location – church, worship, Bible reading, soaking/meditation. Mountain top experience. If envy, hate, or disobedience present – hard to hear God. Barriers between you and God.

Third Principle: Look for patterns as to where you hear God best.

  • Psalm 78:1 The Message says, “Listen, dear friends, to God’s truth, bend your ears to what I tell you.” Hear my teaching. Listen. Then lean in.
  • Listening – giving our attention to God. Making it a priority.
  • Secondly – lean in. Bend your ear. Lessen distractions like radio stations and static.
  • Jane – running water.

Summary:

  1. Scripture is full of places where people heard God.
  2. Be where God is.
  3. Look for patterns as to where you hear God best.

Prophetic activation:

  • Think of a place locally where you wouldn’t normally go. In the next week, carve out 20-30 minutes to go there. Take your Bible, journal, pen etc. Once you are there, ask God,
  • “God, what do You want me to do now?”
  • “God, is there anything in particular You would love to show me here?”
  • “God, what would You love to say to me at the moment?”

Time Stamps:

[1:01] – Gary & Jane briefly share how they have heard God this week.

[3:29] – First Principle: Scripture is full of places where people heard God.

[9:05] – Second Principle: Be where God is.

[13:44] – Third Principle: Look for patterns as to where you hear God best.

[18:27] – Summary

[18:50] – Prophetic activation.

[20:30] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[21:59] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Luke 5:29
  • Matthew 26
  • John 2
  • Matthew 8:23-27
  • Matthew 8:14-15
  • Luke 24:13-35
  • Acts 9
  • 1 Kings 19
  • Genesis 37
  • Matthew 1-2
  • Luke 19
  • 2 Samuel 5:17-25
  • Judges 7
  • Joshua 6
  • Mark 1:35
  • Exodus 3:3-4
  • 2 Kings 3:15
  • John 11:1-44
  • Judges 3:12-26
  • Esther
  • Luke 10
  • 2 Kings 4:1-7
  • Psalm 139:7-8
  • 1 Samuel 3
  • Psalm 78:1

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 73: Will God tell me who I should marry?

Episode 73: Will God tell me who I should marry?

May 4, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Will God tell me who I should marry? I think sometimes we are asking God the wrong question. Instead of asking God who should I marry or should I marry this person, more effective questions to ask God are: “What sort of person is best for me to marry?’ and “What are Your thoughts about this person, God?” as well as “Who do I need to be to marry this person?” Join us in this episode of the ‘Hearing God’ Podcast as we share our story and real-life examples from others, plus practical tips and Biblical principles of finding a marriage partner.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: God can and will do anything

  • We’ve all heard stories about the first time someone laid eyes on a particular person, and God told them they would marry them. Please do not go up to them and say that.
  • Be careful of “God told me to marry this person”. It is often abused. God gets the bad wrap. What happens if you split up? You end up blaming God or having a crisis of faith. Often incorrect theology. Also, feelings are not facts.
  • Your character is more important.
  • God gives us freedom in choosing, but listen to wise and trusted advice.
  • In the Bible, God told several people who to marry: Hosea 1:2, a prostitute. Joseph in Matthew 1 to not be afraid to marry Mary. Abraham’s servant who asked very specifically for a wife for Isaac in Genesis.

Second Principle: Follow the Biblical principles

  • Do not be unequally yoked. 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” The Message version puts it as “Does Christ go strolling with the devil?”
  • This applies to business and unequally spiritually eg new Christian and mature Christian. Wait.
  • Is the fruit of the Spirit evident in their life? Galatians 5:22-23. Use the Bible as a guideline for the qualities that should be evident in a future partner.
  • Go where you will find like-minded people. If you hang out at nightclubs, bars, etc., you will find people who are different from those at church. Beware of secular dating apps.
  • If you have found a person through a dating app and begun a relationship, delete the dating app. Do not play with fire.
  • Listen to wise, trusted advice.
  • Find someone with a similar vision for life.
  • Look at the purpose of dating.

Third Principle: Be the right person

  • Your identity needs to be that of a child of God rather than having a partner.
  • If you are not ‘enough’ with being single, you will never be ‘enough’ being married.
  • Marriage isn’t the ‘end all and be all’. Any problems you have in your life won’t go away with a partner. They will only be magnified.
  • Chase after God and being all He wants you to be.
  • Your character is so Be the right person.
  • There is no hurry. It’s better to wait a few more months or years than hurry into something and regret it for a lifetime.
  • Remember, in your relationship with God, it is not just connecting with God to get answers. It is all about relationship and intimacy.

Summary:

  1. God can and will do anything.
  2. Follow the Biblical principles.
  3. Be the right person.

Prophetic activation:

Quieten your thoughts and heart, and imagine that you are at a water park. In your mind, see the bright sunny day. Feel the warmth on your skin. See the sparkling blue water. As you turn your heart and thoughts to Father God, ask Him to show you where you are in that scene at that water park. Are you sunbaking on a seat? Are you splashing in the water? Deep diving? High on a diving board ready to jump off? Ask God,

  • “God, where am I in that picture?”
  • “God, can You please show me where the person is in the picture that I need in my life at the moment?”

Time Stamps:

[0:37] – Gary & Jane briefly share how they have heard God this week.

[3:45] – Gary & Jane share their journey of finding each other.

[7:00] – First Principle: God can and will do anything.

[9:58] – Second Principle: Follow the Biblical principles.

[18:38] – Third Principle: Be the right person.

[20:58] – Summary

[21:21] – Prophetic activation.

[23:26] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[25:25] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Habakkuk 1 & 2
  • Hosea 1:2
  • Matthew 1
  • Genesis 24
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14
  • Galatians 5:19-23

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 72: Can hearing God help me change the world?

Episode 72: Can hearing God help me change the world?

Apr 27, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Would you love to change the world? How about changing your circumstances? Join us in this episode of the ‘Hearing God’ Podcast as we share both personal examples and stories from others of how hearing God implemented change and breakthrough.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Hearing God can help you change the world.

Examples:

  • Mother Theresa’s call to go to the poorest of the poor and bring dignity and care.
  • William Wilberforce – shaped policies of politics – abolished slavery.
  • Harriet Tubman – smuggled slaves along the Underground Railroad – Holy Spirit prompting and heard God’s voice on developing safe houses along the route, where to go, etc.
  • Heidi Baker – Mozambique
  • Inventions – George Washington Carver asked God why the peanut was made. Urged farmers to plant peanut crops to replenish the soil as cotton had leeched the soil of goodness. Invented 300 uses for peanuts.
  • In 1450, Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press – credits inspiration from hearing God.
  • Jacob, in the Bible, had a dream that enabled him to fund his family and future and leave his current circumstances. Genesis 30:25-43
  • Noah received specific dimensions of the ark from God. Genesis 6:11-22
  • Joshua 6 – Joshua received battle plans to defeat the enemy.
  • Elias Howe – dreamt of cannibals preparing to cook him, dancing and raising their spears up and down. He realised the needle on the sewing machine needed a hole for the thread to go through.
  • Herge – plagued by nightmares chased by a white skeleton, and then the whole environment turned white. His psychiatrist said to stop drawing comics. Instead, he created “Tintin in Tibet”. Nightmares stopped.
  • Paul McCartney – wrote the music to Yesterday after hearing it in a dream.
  • Mendeleev dreamt of the periodic table’s structure after 3 days nonstop trying to work it out.

Second Principle: It depends on what changing the world looks like for you.

  • I believe everyone can help change someone else’s world by being nice, smiling at them etc.
  • God can bring a breakthrough for you. Change your perspective. Reassure you. Navigate your way forward.
  • Give you strategies.

Third Principle: Cultivate your relationship with God.

  • Relationship with God is the number one priority.
  • Just spend time with God, not for what you can get out of it, but for the sake of ‘being’ with God.
  • Make time to listen. Read the Bible
  • Look for patterns and recurring themes.
  • Character is important – Biblical values, integrity,
  • Take that step of faith. Need to act at some point.
  • Wise counsel is also important.

Summary:

  1. Hearing God can help you change the world.
  2. It depends on what changing the world looks like for you.
  3. Cultivate your relationship with God.

Prophetic activation:

Think of a current circumstance you’re facing and turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him –

  • “God, what do You want me to know about You in this situation?”
  • “God, what do I need to know about myself in this situation?”
  • “God, what do You want me to know about this situation I’m currently facing?”
  • “God, what do You want me to learn from this?”

Time Stamps:

[0:40] – Gary & Jane briefly share how they have heard God this week.

[3:57] – First Principle: Hearing God can help you change the world.

[13:56] – Second Principle: It depends on what changing the world looks like for you.

[18:01] – Third Principle: Cultivate your relationship with God.

[18:43] – Summary

[19:10] – Prophetic activation.

[20:38] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[22:33] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Genesis 30:25-43
  • Genesis 31:10-13
  • Genesis 6:11-22
  • Joshua 6
  • Joshua 1:6-9

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 71: Will God tell me what to do with my life?

Episode 71: Will God tell me what to do with my life?

Apr 20, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Would you love God to clearly show and tell you what you should do with your life? Are you at a crossroads in your life? Join us as we unpack hearing from God concerning your life purpose and share stories of how God has guided us with our various decisions.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: God can tell you what to do with your life, but perhaps not how you expect.

  • Childhood dreams. God put those dreams in your heart.
  • Gifts and abilities.
  • Inborn predisposition.
  • God can speak and show you.
  • Movie Bonhoeffer.
  • Christian missionary stories were brilliant – “YWAM Christian Heroes Then and Now” by Janet and Geoff Benge.

Second Principle: God’s will for your life is not singular or solitary.

  • Not one ‘right’ way.
  • Susannah Wesley – 19 children, but only 10 survived to adulthood. Mother to Charles and John Wesley. Strong-willed. Educated. Married to a poor rector. “What if I was to do my part?”
  • Micah 6:8b “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
  • John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Third Principle: Your identity is not in what you do but who you are.

  • Ephesians 1 outlines who we are as a child of God.

Summary:

  1. God can tell you what to do with your life, but perhaps not in the way you expect.
  2. God’s will for your life is not singular or solitary.
  3. Your identity is not in what you do but who you are.

Prophetic activation:

Select something special to taste, and as you place that piece of food in your mouth,

turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him, “What do You want to say to me through tasting/savouring this mouthful?”

Time Stamps:

[0:45] – Gary & Jane briefly share how they have heard God this week.

[7:10] – First Principle: God can tell you what to do with your life, but perhaps not in the way you expect.

[11:11] – Second Principle: God’s will for your life is not singular or solitary.

[13:35] – Third Principle: Your identity is not in what you do but who you are.

[17:33] – Summary

[18:06] – Prophetic activation.

[19:23] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[20:42] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Psalm 34:8
  • Daniel 5:5
  • Micah 6:8b
  • John 13:35
  • Ephesians 1

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 70: Can anyone hear God?

Episode 70: Can anyone hear God?

Apr 13, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Do you believe that God would never talk to you? Do you think some people are so bad that God would never be interested in speaking with them? Gary & Jane share how nothing excludes you from hearing God, even in bizarre ways, but if you want to hear God more clearly, there are several things you can implement in your life. Join them as they unpack these principles.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: If a donkey can hear God, then anyone can hear God.

  • Numbers 22:21-34 – three times, Balaam’s donkey saw the angel of the Lord.
  • Many Muslims are hearing and seeing God through dreams.
  • Jamie Winship on identity – he helps people hear from God about their identity.

Second Principle: A more effective question is, “What can I do to hear God more clearly?”

  • Understanding how God speaks and the ways He speaks.
  • Hold on to John 10:2-16, especially verses 2 & 14 – my sheep know my voice.
  • It is normal to hear God’s voice if you are in a relationship with Him. This is an expected reality.
  • Doing life together with Jesus.

Third Principle: Sometimes we don’t recognise it is God speaking to us or there’s a block.

  • There is usually not only one way that God speaks to us
  • Sometimes, we may have selective hearing.

Summary:

  1. If a donkey can hear God, then anyone can hear God.
  2. A more effective question, “What can I do to hear God more clearly?”
  3. Sometimes, we don’t recognise it’s God speaking to us or there’s a block.

Prophetic activation:

Settle comfortably and turn your heart and thoughts to Father God. Imagine you’re in your favourite place, somewhere calm, relaxing and just you. Now imagine a book in your hands. Open the book and imagine seeing some words or a drawing on the page. What is written or drawn there? What does Jesus want to say to you through those words or picture?

Time Stamps:

[2:53] – Gary & Jane briefly share how they have heard God this week.

[6:19] – First Principle: If a donkey can hear God, then anyone can hear God.

[12:23] – Second Principle: A more effective question is, “What can I do to hear God more clearly?”

[19:58] – Third Principle: Sometimes we don’t recognise it is God speaking to us or there’s a block.

[22:49] – Summary

[23:18] – Prophetic activation.

[25:10] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[27:02] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Numbers 22:21-34
  • John 10:2-16
  • Jeremiah 33:3
  • Psalm 139:13-18
  • Psalm 119:105

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 69: Can I Hear God through ChatGPT?

Episode 69: Can I Hear God through ChatGPT?

Apr 6, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

In exploring the question, ‘Can I hear God through ChatGPT?’, I asked ChatGPT what God wanted to say to me today. The answer was very interesting. Join us as we share the answer ChatGPT gave, and some principles to keep in mind as you use any A.I. software.

Episode Notes:

Background to ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a chat-based software that can provide answers and solve problems. ChatGPT can write all sorts of articles, university essays, movie scripts, compile code for websites, write sermons or Bible studies, answer questions etc. Unfortunately, it doesn’t reference its sources, and not everything is Kosher. You cannot fully trust the information it is giving you. Everything you read and hear is not necessarily accurate or the truth. I think the season with Covid certainly brought that to the fore.

First Principle: God can use anything to speak to us.

  • God will reach us however He can. Nothing is a surprise to God.
  • If God can use a donkey, He can use artificial intelligence.
  • Episode 49 – Story of Balaam and his talking donkey in Numbers 22: 22-34

Second Principle: Look at your motive for wanting to use it.

  • Technology is amoral. It’s how we use it that’s important.
  • Ask, “Am I stealing other people’s creativity and work?”
  • Use wisdom and discernment.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:20 in the Message version says, “To be perfectly frank, I’m getting exasperated with your childish thinking. How long before you grow up and use your head—your adulthead? It’s all right to have a childlike unfamiliarity with evil; a simple no is all that’s needed there. But there’s far more to saying yes to something. Only mature and well-exercised intelligence can save you from falling into gullibility.”
  • Acts 6: 8 “And what does the Lordrequire of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
  • Use it to serve your purpose, but be discerning.
  • Acts 17:16-34 – Paul was in Athens and greatly distressed to see the city full of idols. So, he used what he saw and what the people believed to advance God’s Kingdom and preached to them about the statue of the ‘unknown God’ and who this God was and how to know Him.
  • Depends on your character and maturity. Are you prone to cutting corners, laziness or procrastination? Then, you may need to put boundaries in place so as not to use them for writing Bible studies or doing university assignments.
  • Nothing replaces your relationship with God. The other day, I heard a statement: “The real battle with technology is not for our data but for the desires of our heart.”
  • Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Third Principle: Nothing replaces intimacy with God for hearing from Him.

  • There are many areas in our life that we don’t need to ask God about, but we do. Sometimes, we just need to love our neighbour, serve others, and be kind. But we may not ask God about other things, but we should.
  • Get stuck into reading the Bible to know God’s character.
  • Who you are around will influence you. If you are using A.I. often, be careful of your truth meter. Everything you read and hear is not necessarily true.
  • Our heart posture is important. A.I. should never replace or take the place of the Holy Spirit and His promptings in our lives.
  • Don’t use it instead of praying and waiting on God, waiting for God’s answer. God isn’t into ‘shortcuts’.
  • I would even be as bold as to say that if you find that you are questioning whether you heard God right or not and then turn to A.I., you are on a ‘slippery slope’ of damaging your relationship with God. Only use it as a tool.

Summary:

  1. God can use anything to speak to us.
  2. Look at your motive for wanting to use it.
  3. Nothing replaces intimacy with God for hearing from Him.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him –

  • “God, would do You want to tell me about my use of technology?”

Time Stamps:

[0:49] – Gary & Jane briefly share how they have heard God this week.

[6:12] – Brief background to ChatGPT

[8:46] – First Principle: God can use anything to speak to us.

[13:48] – Second Principle: Look at your motive for wanting to use it.

[19:22] – Third Principle: Nothing replaces intimacy with God for hearing from Him.

[21:49] – Summary

[22:15] – Prophetic activation.

[23:02] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[25:11] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Numbers 22:22-34
  • 1 Corinthians 14:20
  • Micah 6:8
  • Acts 17:16-34
  • Isaiah 41:10
  • Philippians 4:6-7

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 68: How can I be sure I heard God right?

Episode 68: How can I be sure I heard God right?

Mar 30, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Sometimes, it can be hard to know if I heard God right. How can I be sure it was God and not just my wishful thinking? Join Gary & Jane as they share Biblical and personal stories of hearing God and the principles and checkpoints they use to determine if it was God.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Develop intimacy with God and learn to recognise Him.

  • As we grow closer to God, we learn how He speaks and what He says.
  • Read the Bible.
  • Learn to recognise how God speaks and what His voice sounds like.
  • Episode 3 – The four different voices we can hear.
  • Episode 13 – How to recognise God speaking to me
  • God doesn’t always speak the same way each time or the same to each person.

Second Principle: Have checkpoints in place.

  • We all need boundaries, a fence that outlines the field.
  • Line it up with the Bible. What does the Bible say about it?
  • The character of God.
  • Ask trusted, wise, discerning and godly people.
  • How has God communicated to you in the past? (It doesn’t mean He won’t use a new way of speaking with you)
  • What will be the fruit/outcome if you implement what you feel God said? E.g. sometimes you never know what the outcome will be.
  • Would implementing it bring a smile to God’s dial?

Third Principle: Ask God to confirm it.

  • Jeremiah 33:3 “‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
  • Episode 3: First thought principle
  • It’s okay to ask God to confirm it. To show/tell you again.
  • A fleece. Episode 38: Gideon in Judges 6:36-40
  • Gideon operated out of fear. Look at what may be blocking you from recognising it’s God speaking to you.

Summary:

  1. Develop intimacy with God and learn to recognise Him.
  2. Have checkpoints in place.
  3. Ask God to confirm it.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him –

  • “God, is there an area of my life I need to trust You more in?”
  • “If so, what is that area?”
  • “What do I need to do?”
  • “What steps would You like me to take?”

Time Stamps:

[0:39] – Gary & Jane briefly share how they have heard God this week.

[6:59] – First Principle: Develop intimacy with God and learn to recognise Him.

[14:19] – Second Principle: Have checkpoints in place.

[17:45] – Third Principle: Ask God to confirm it.

[22:41] – Summary

[23:17] – Prophetic activation.

[24:07] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[26:13] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Numbers 22
  • Jeremiah 33:3
  • Judges 6:36-40
  • Proverbs 3:5-6
  • Psalm 139:13-18
  • Jeremiah 29:11

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 67: The Best Way to Hear God

Episode 67: The Best Way to Hear God

Mar 23, 2025 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you ever wondered what is the best way to hear God? Maybe you feel God doesn’t talk to you at all. In this episode, Gary and Jane share the multiple ways that God can relate to us. They also share how they ‘hear’ from God and cultivate intimacy with Him.

Episode Notes:

Gary & Jane share how they best hear God.

First Principle: There are multiple ways to hear God.

  • The Bible
    • 2 Timothy 3:16 – all Scripture is God-inspired
    • Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
    • Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is alive and active.
    • Romans 15:4 – Bible written to teach, encourage, and give us hope.
    • Sounds like a prophetic word from 1 Cor 14:3
  • Supernatural manifestations
    • Moses & burning bush Exodus 3:1-4
    • Fleece – Judges 6:37-40 – Gideon didn’t trust God and still needed a fleece even after a powerful encounter with an angel.
    • Soul blinded by a light flashed from heaven, then sight restored in Acts 9:1-19
    • Balaam and the donkey in Numbers 22:1-35
    • Daniel 5:5 fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the wall plaster.
    • Acts 5:1-10 Ananias & Sapphira were struck dead after lying.
  • Character of God
  • Co-incidences or God-incidences
  • Dreams, visions, mystical sense e.g. angels
  • Nature
  • Music and lyrics
  • Signs, numbers, colours
  • Smells
  • Miracles
  • Supernatural manifestations of weather.
    • John 12:27-30 – God speaking to Jesus after Jesus was predicting his death. Some thought an angel had spoken from heaven; others heard thunder. What is your ear inclined to?
  • Other people.
  • Wise advice e.g. people, books, movies.
  • Holy Spirit – John 14:26 – Jesus said the advocate would com and teach us everything.

 Receive from God through our senses:

  1. Auditory or hearing God.
  • Most common.
  • When we talk about ‘hearing’ God – we can presume it’s the only way.
  • Still small voice internally – 1 Kings 19:11-12
  • Jeremiah 1. The word of the Lord came to me.
  • Loud voice externally.
  1. Visual
  • Habakkuk 2:1 “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me.”
  • See things in the spirit.
  • Internal sight eg Amos 7 – plumb line.
  • External e.g. Jeremiah 1:11-13 seeing almond tree branch.
  • If God draws your attention to something, stop and ask Him what it is He is trying to tell you. Exodus 3:3-4 Moses saw a bush on fire that wasn’t burning up, so he thought, “Hmm, I’ll go over and see this strange sight.”
  • Kids seeing demons.
  • Dreams are so important. In Matthew 1 & 2, Joseph had three dreams that saved the life of Jesus because Joseph obeyed the dreams he had.
  1. Sense/feel
  • Using senses – feel, touch, taste.
  • Gut intuition. Impression. Imagination.
  • The Gospels are full of stories in which Jesus showed compassion towards people.
  1. Perceive or know
  • Luke 5:22 – Jesus knew what they were thinking in their hearts.
  • An idea comes into my head that isn’t my thinking.
  • Journalling helps.

Second Principle: The best way to hear God is whatever suits you and means you can hear God the best.

  • Try, explore, experiment.
  • The one way doesn’t suit everyone—different personalities and likes/dislikes.
  • Word of caution – Just because you’ve always heard God the same way doesn’t mean He won’t use another method.

Third Principle: Cultivate intimacy with God.

  • Hearing God requires intimacy to hear God. To know if it is Him speaking or revealing something to you or if it is Satan or yourself. You need to know the character of God and what God sounds like.
  • Gary shares how he cultivates intimacy with God.

Summary:

  1. There are multiple ways to hear God.
  2. Whatever suits you and means you can hear God the best.
  3. Cultivate intimacy with God

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him –

  • “God, can You please reveal to me very specifically a way You’ve been trying to get my attention, and I haven’t realised?”
  • “God, can You please show me more about that please?”

Time Stamps:

[0:36] – Gary & Jane briefly share how they have heard God this week.

[3:56] – Gary & Jane share how they best hear God.

[11:23] – First Principle: There are multiple ways to hear God.

[16:45] – Second Principle: The best way to hear God is whatever suits you and means you can hear God the best.

[19:31] – Third Principle – Cultivate intimacy with God.

[20:59] – Summary

[21:26] – Prophetic activation.

[22:38] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[24:10] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • 2 Timothy 3:16
  • Psalm 119:105
  • Exodus 3:1-4
  • Judges 6:37-40
  • Numbers 22:1-35
  • Daniel 5:5
  • Acts 5:1-10
  • John 12:27-30
  • 1 Kings 19:11-12
  • Jeremiah 1
  • Habakkuk 2:1-2
  • Amos 7
  • Jeremiah 1:11-13
  • Exodus 3:3-4
  • Luke 5:22

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.