Which voice is louder – God’s or culture’s?

Which voice is louder – God’s or culture’s?

Aug 23, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Do you find it hard to hear God’s still, small voice? Does a lot of ‘noise’ fill your day and compete for your attention? Join us as we unpack this topic, share personal examples, and offer wisdom to help you create space and quiet to hear God’s voice.

Episode Notes:

Introduction:

  • Our culture today is very demanding.
  • Social media and noise can fill our day and compete for our attention.
  • FOMO – Fear of missing out.
  • Instant gratification.
  • Absorb culture and don’t seem to question it because everyone else is doing it.

First Principle: Regularly stop and assess

  • Take stock. What is the loudest, most influential voice in my life right now?
  • Look at what is filling your days, your mind, your thought life, the ‘down’ times of your day.
  • What is keeping you awake at night? What do you think of first thing in the morning?
  • Look at your social media access. Try fasting from social media or whatever is grabbing your attention and see how it goes.
  • Don’t just coast along, but make a habit of asking questions.
  • Learn to question your choices, decisions, lifestyle, e.g., education system, way you spend finances, holidays, buying a house, what fills your time, e.g., work/study, etc.
  • Romans 12:1-2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The Message version is “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.”
  • Conform – take on the shape. Don’t live in a fortress out of fear, though.
  • Surround yourself with ‘truth-tellers’ – people who will be honest with you. Not just ‘yes’ people.
  • Proverbs 13:20 “Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.”
  • I am prompted to get back into the habit of reading a chapter of Proverbs each day, e.g., on the 7th day read chapter 7, etc.

Second Principle: Pause. Be still.

  • Quiet the ‘external’ voice.
  • Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God” It’s in a chapter about chaos. Verses 1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
  • Selah – stop and catch your breath. Pause. Usually used in the middle of chaos. A reminder to stop, pause, take a breath, settle your mind, heart, and thoughts. E.g. Psalm 3 when David is fleeing from his enemies. Not a time to take a break and rest. But it is built into the narrative – don’t turn your mind off God during those times.

Third Principle: One way God speaks is in a still, small voice.

  • 1 Kings 19: 7-12. Elijah had shown up the prophets of Baal and annihilated them, but then got scared and ran for his life. An angel of the Lord gave him food, water and rest because he was hungry and tired, and that was affecting him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Then he travelled another 40 days and nights, went into a cave where he heard in verse 9: “And the word of the Lordcame to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
  • Nature can calm us.
  • John 10:27 “My sheep listen to (or recognise) my voice. I know them and they follow me.”
  • John 17:15-17 “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

Summary:

  1. Regularly stop and assess.
  2. Pause. Be still.
  3. One way God speaks is in a still, small voice.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, is there something I could take a break from or fast this week to spend more quiet time with You?”
  • “God, can You please show me how or when I can take a break this week?”

Time Stamps:

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

[5:41] – Introduction.

[7:09] – First Principle: Regularly stop and assess.

[16:28] – Second Principle: Pause. Be still.

[19:39] – Third Principle: One way God speaks is in a still, small voice.

[22:47] – Summary

[23:11] – Prophetic activation.

[24:23] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[26:51] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Romans 12:1-2
  • Proverbs 13:20
  • Psalm 46:10
  • Psalm 3
  • 1 Kings 19:7-12
  • John 10:27
  • John 17:15-17

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 122: God never answered my prayer

Episode 122: God never answered my prayer

Aug 16, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

You may be wondering how the topic, ‘God never answered my prayer,’ relates to hearing God. Heaps. When we become disappointed with God because He never answered our prayer, it impacts our willingness, openness, and ability to hear God. Join us as we unpack this topic, share personal examples, and bring wisdom in this area.

Episode Notes:

Our experience:

  • Jane’s experience of Ruth dying, her mum dying, and infertility.
  • Gary’s experience with disappointment, especially around career changes.
  • Disappointment with God – unmet expectations, when something we have hoped for, prayed for, expected didn’t occur. Sometimes we can put up walls of protection to prevent further hurt. This can become a blockage to hearing God.
  • Be honest. Don’t become offended with God. Don’t let bitterness begin.
  • Practice gratitude.
  • Anchor myself in the promises of God. God’s truth, not my experience.
  • Episode 21: Hearing God when God is silent.
  • Episode 17: When I thought I heard God, but it didn’t come true.

First Principle: Deal with your disappointment.

  • Forgive. Then change your thinking.
  • Proverbs 13:12 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” The Message version: “Unrelenting disappointment leaves your heart sick.”
  • Don’t critique God. Lean into Him. Now is not the time to pull away from God. Don’t allow the enemy to fester disappointment, offence, and bitterness.
  • Psalm 34:18 “The Lordis close/near to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” The Message version: “If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.”
  • Psalm 27:13-14 “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lordin the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
  • Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
  • Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”
  • Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The Message version – “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognise what he wants from you and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”
  • Psalm 34:1 “I will praise the Lord at all times.”
  • Just because we’ve experienced disappointment does not mean that God’s character has changed.

Second Principle: Accept the mystery.

  • Life’s not fair. Accept it.
  • God’s character hasn’t changed because we’ve experienced loss. In his sermon several days after his wife died of cancer, Bill Johnson said, “God doesn’t owe us an explanation.”
  • We can be so busy asking God why that we don’t listen to what He is saying.
  • It’s not helpful to ask God ‘why’. Accept the mystery. Job in the Bible – God never gives him an answer to why. Instead, “I’m God, and you’re not”. Sometimes that has to be enough.
  • God’s not a fairy godmother who will fix everything.
  • We are not called to live an easy life. Luke 9:23 – we are called to deny ourselves and follow Christ.
  • Saw a quote – “Be so rooted in God’s love that even disappointment feels like divine protection.” @jenessawait (IG)

Third Principle: Move forward.

  • Can I say, “I still keep showing up”? “I still want to hear God”. This becomes my new normal.
  • Our purpose in life is not to reach a destination but in the journey.
  • Don’t be like the Israelites in the wilderness, whinging about everything despite seeing God turn up and do miracle after miracle. Be thankful, obedient and faithful.
  • Practice gratitude.
  • Isaiah 60:18 “No longer will violence be heard in your land nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates, praise.” We give God praise.
  • Psalm 100:4 – Enter God’s courts with thanksgiving and praise.

Summary:

  1. Deal with your disappointment.
  2. Accept the mystery.
  3. Move forward.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, can You please show me any areas in my life or my thoughts that are not in agreement with You, Lord?”
  • “God, are there any walls of protection I’ve built in my life, or any bitter roots I’ve allowed to develop from past hurts?”
  • “God, is there anyone I need to forgive?” (Maybe even yourself. If a person immediately comes to mind, take that as a sign that forgiveness is still required.)

Time Stamps:

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

[5:38] – Gary & Jane’s experience.

[10:22] – First Principle: Deal with your disappointment.

[13:40] – Second Principle: Accept the mystery.

[16:44] – Third Principle: Move forward.

[18:50] – Summary

[19:10] – Prophetic activation.

[20:45] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[22:43] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Ruth
  • Proverbs 13:12
  • Psalm 34:18
  • Psalm 27:13-14
  • Romans 8:28
  • Hebrews 10:23
  • Romans 12:2
  • Psalm 34:1
  • Luke 9:23
  • Job
  • Isaiah 60:18
  • Psalm 100:4
  • Joshua1:6-9

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 you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 121: What if God asks me to do something bizarre?

Episode 121: What if God asks me to do something bizarre?

Aug 9, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

How would you respond if God asked you to do something bizarre? Do you have a ‘grid’ for how you would make your decision? Join us as we give both Biblical and personal examples and share guidelines and a caution to keep in mind if, and when, you hear God ask you to do something bizarre.

Episode Notes:

Previous episodes:

  • Episode 57 -Ezekiel

God asked Ezekiel to do prophetic acts – physical acts that have implications and change things in the spiritual world. A prophetic act is something done (at God’s direction) in the natural (physical) realm that supports God’s work in the spiritual realm and brings forth results manifested in the natural realm. It opens a channel for God’s presence, power, and victory to affect the physical realm and change outcomes. Examples of Ezekiel doing this include eating the scroll, taking a block of clay and building siege works, lying on his left side for 390 days to bear the sin for the number of days that represent the years of Israel’s sin and then lying on his right side for 40 days – the number of years of Judah’s sin. He took wheat to bake barley bread over human excrement for fuel – symbolising Israelites eating defiled food among the nations. Ezekiel said he would not defile himself that way, so God allowed him to bake it over cow dung instead. Shaving head, burning 1/3 of the hair, scatter 1/3, cut 1/3 with the sword, representing 1/3 die by plague/famine, 1/3 scattered to the wind and 1/3 fall to the sword.

  • Episode 34 – Hosea to marry a prostitute
  • Episode 39 – Esther – go before the King uninvited – beheaded if not accepted
  • Episode 40 – Noah in Genesis 6-9 when God asks him to build this 3-storey boat. He built this huge boat when there was no rain. Even more bizarre when you realise they were tent dwellers and had no grid for rain and floods.
  • Episode 51 – Mary in Luke 1:26-56 – angel said you will conceive supernaturally
  • Episode 53 – Jonah – to go to the most depraved city and tell them God is bringing judgment. 7th Century BC, Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire. No love between Israel and the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrians would conquer cities and rape and take captive the women and kill the men and children. The Assyrians would tear off the lips and hands of their victims and skin them alive. Nahum 3:1-4 tells us what Nineveh was like – a city of blood, full of lies and plunder, war, fighting, corpses in the middle of the street, prostitution, and witchcraft. Jonah thought they would kill him. Likened to a Jew during World War 2, hearing God say to go to Hitler and tell Nazi Germany to repent.

First Principle: Check if it is from God

  • Ask wise, trusted people. Does it align with Biblical principles?
  • Mark 3:21 – Jesus’ family saying, ‘He’s out of his mind’. Jesus had broken the law by healing on the Sabbath, attracted great crowds, picked his disciples, and then his family came along to ‘save’ him.
  • Our view of how and what God expects of us is not always right.
  • Examples of Gary & Jane hearing bizarre things from God and how they obeyed.

Second Principle: Will it bring good or harm?

  • Will it harm someone or harm God’s witness?
  • Acts 8:26-40 – An angel told Phillip to leave the crowded area where he was having great success sharing the Gospel and instead go to a deserted road running through the desert. A chariot with a Eunuch from Ethiopia (in charge of the Treasury of the Ethiopian Queen) came along, reading the book of Isaiah. Phillip explained the Gospel, the Ethiopian Eunuch believed and was baptised in a bit of water on the side of the road, and Philip was taken away in the spirit. The Eunuch went on his way and started a huge expansion of the Coptic church in Africa.
  • A word of caution: Our thinking and other people’s reactions can limit what we perceive God may be saying, and that can impact on us never reaching our full potential in God.

Third Principle: You have a choice

  • We’re in charge of our obedience to God.
  • Our expectations or our limitations don’t limit God.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:10-15 – when we appear before the judgment seat of Christ, we will each be called to give an account for how we lived our lives.
  • Genesis 6:22 “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” Wouldn’t it be great to be able to say that at the end of your life.
  • If God asks impossible things of us, He plans to do the impossible for us.
  • You still have a choice whether you obey God, but you don’t really have a choice because you are a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Summary:

  1. Check if it is from God.
  2. Will it bring good or harm?
  3. You have a choice.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him to show you a way you can share His love this week through food.

  • Ask God what to make / what food.
  • Who to give it to.
  • How to present the food.

Time Stamps:

[0:38] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[4:03] – Introduction.

[7:15] – First Principle: Check if it is from God.

[12:24] – Second Principle: Will it bring good or harm?

[18:08] – A word of caution.

[18:23] – Third Principle: You have a choice.

[19:51] – Summary

[20:11] – Prophetic activation.

[21:19] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[23:17] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Ezekiel
  • Hosea
  • Esther
  • Genesis 6-9
  • Luke 1:26-256
  • Jonah
  • Nahum 3:1-4
  • Mark 3:21
  • Acts 8:26-40
  • 2 Corinthians 5:10-15
  • Genesis 6:22

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 you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 120: Is it me or is it God?

Episode 120: Is it me or is it God?

Aug 2, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you ever wondered if it was your own thoughts instead of God’s voice? This is very common, as God speaks to our spirit and our soul, so God’s voice can sound like our voice. Join us as we unpack this topic, give practical examples, and share guidelines to keep in mind as you explore whether it is God’s voice or your own thoughts.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: It requires a step of faith.

  • Have to trust that God wants to speak to you, is speaking to you, and you are worthy of hearing God.
  • First thought principle.
  • Intimacy with God – what God sounds like. Get stuck into reading the Bible, praying, and listening to God.
  • His sheep hear His voice: John 10:27“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
  • John 10:2-4 “The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”
  • John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”

Second Principle: First thought principle.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:5 – We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
  • Romans 12:2 -renewing of our mind. – Our thoughts will begin to sound Christ-like.
  • God speaks to our spirit but also to our soul and our mind. So, God can sound like our own voice.

Third Principle: Guidelines or parameters.

  • Like guard rails on the road.
  • Does it align with Biblical principles?
  • Would following it bear good fruit?
  • Do I bear inner witness ie peace?

Fourth Principle: Does it really matter?

  • If the fruit is good, does it really matter?
  • Caution – don’t say ‘God told me’, especially when prophesying.

Summary:

  1. It requires a faith step.
  2. First thought principle.
  3. Guidelines or parameters.
  4. Does it really matter?

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him to show you whom you could buy a present for, what to buy, and how to give it to them.

Time Stamps:

[0:50] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[4:20] – Introduction.

[7:15] – First Principle: It requires a faith step.

[11:11] – Second Principle: First thought principle.

[13:58] – Third Principle: Guidelines or parameters.

[14:43] – Fourth Principle: Does it really matter?

[15:30] – Summary

[15:54] – Prophetic activation.

[17:06] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[18:49] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • John 10:27
  • John 10:2-4
  • John 10:14
  • 2 Corinthians 1:5
  • Romans 12:2

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 you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 119: Hearing God for myself

Episode 119: Hearing God for myself

Jul 26, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Do you struggle with hearing God for yourself? Do you second-guess what God may be saying to you? Do you find it easier to hear from God for others? Join us as we unpack this topic and share practical examples of how God can often sound like our own thoughts.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: The truth is, we can hear Good for ourselves.

  • It is a lie that we can’t hear God for ourselves, or that it’s harder to hear God for ourselves.
  • God created us for relationships.
  • God desires intimacy with us.
  • Psalm 139:13-18 – God created us and knows our innermost thoughts and desires.
  • Jeremiah 33:3 – God wants us to call to Him, and He will always answer us.
  • Often, we are not listening or are unaware of how God is speaking to us.
  • If you want God to speak to you, He will always answer you.
  • Romans 12:2

Second Principle: Explore the different ways God speaks to you.

  • Get to know God’s voice.
  • John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”
  • John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
  • Episode 3 – What God’s voice sounds like.
  • Episode 4 – How does God talk to us?
  • Episode 11 – What to do when I can’t hear God for myself? (ask a different question, thank God, check obedience (have you obeyed the last thing God asked you to do?), etc.
  • You may think God’s not answering because it might be different to what we think – a preconceived idea or expectation.

Third Principle: Have a mentor or someone you’re accountable to.

  • It can help to chat things through with someone.

Summary:

  1. The truth is we can hear God for ourselves.
  2. Explore the different ways God speaks to you.
  3. Have a mentor or someone you’re accountable to.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him to bring to mind a Bible character. Grab hold of the first person who comes to mind. If you don’t know your Bible that well, Google the first name that comes to mind and see if they’re in the Bible. Then read about them in the Bible and learn about them. Explore how you can experience God by how they experienced God. Then ask God:

  • How can that apply to my life?
  • Is there something I can learn from them about experiencing God?

Time Stamps:

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

[5:57] – Introduction.

[10:28] – First Principle: The truth is, we can hear God for ourselves.

[13:30] – Second Principle: Explore the different ways God speaks to you.

[15:21] – Third Principle: Have a mentor or someone you are accountable to.

[16:09] – Summary

[16:31] – Prophetic activation.

[18:06] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[20:27] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Psalm 139:13-18
  • Jeremiah 33:3
  • Romans 12:2
  • John 10:14
  • John 10:27

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 118: Hearing God as a group

Episode 118: Hearing God as a group

Jul 19, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Hearing God as a group can get messy, but depending on your focus, that can be great. Join us as we unpack guidelines and expectations for hearing God as a group and explain how to pray in a flow, so the group stays on the same track during the prayer time.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Have clear guidelines and expectations for the group.

  • The group’s culture is important. Have clarity about the culture of the group you’re creating and will continue to create.
  • Is it an open or closed group? If it is an open group, it can be great to have an empty seat and pray for the next person to fill that seat.
  • You may need a limited membership depending on the group’s focus, and try to stay on track as you pray.
  • Legalism can stifle the flow of the Spirit. When you have rules that you have to ‘be’ or ‘do’ to be in the group, then that can stifle the flow of the Holy Spirit.
  • Respect others.
  • Safety is important. Have safeguards in place. Look at the group’s membership. Is it open to everyone? Are there requirements to join? Has there been conflict or members expelled or judged unfairly? This will affect hearing God as a group. So look at any blocks within the group re hearing God and praying. Don’t surround yourself with ‘yes’ people – that can be dangerous.
  • Trust is important. If you are seeking God for an answer to a particular question, and you are beginning as a group or trust isn’t evident, then write anonymously the answer you get. Otherwise, it can be consensus instead of discernment.
  • Basically, build trust and safety. Confidentiality – what is said in the group remains in the group, etc. You’re also not there to ‘fix’ people or share your similar experience. You don’t want advice givers.
  • A great group is where everyone feels valued and can contribute.
  • Variety is great in prayer styles – beginners, seasoned pray-ers, authoritative prayers, list prayers, decreeing and declaring. Know your authority in Christ and pray accordingly.

Second Principle: Go with the flow.

  • Nothing worse than praying on one topic and someone then changes it, like being on a train heading North and suddenly going West.
  • Be okay with silence.
  • Look for confirmation. Pay attention to themes and overlaps.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:40 “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” Or as The Message version puts it: “Be courteous and considerate.”
  • Romans 8:16 – the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit.
  • Minimise doubt by acting quickly.

Third Principle: Community is important.

  • Hearing God as a community safeguards against individual bias or extremes.
  • We always emphasise that part of our discernment process in hearing God is to run it past wise, trusted, discerning people.
  • Provides accountability and confirmation so as not to go off on a tangent with personal bias, etc. Part of the testing and weighing process.
  • 1 John 4:1 & 1 Corinthians 14:29 both encourage testing of what you hear.
  • The responsibility to test it lies with the person/people who are responsible for the outcome, e.g., Acts 10 & 11 are a great example of taking the Gospel to non-Jews/Gentiles. Both Cornelius and Peter had separate visions. Then Peter went to the Jewish Council to confirm the way forward. This was a major change, as it opened up the whole world to the Gospel.
  • Deuteronomy 18:15-22 talks about how in the OT, if what a prophet said came to fruition, you knew it was from God. But that could take years. The Spirit of God only came on the prophets back then under the old covenant. Since Jesus was on earth, died, and was resurrected, the Holy Spirit came (Acts 1), and we can all hear God speak.
  • We are called to be in community. No man is an island.
  • Don’t chase prophetic words. A prophetic word only confirms what God has already been showing you.

Summary:

  1. Have clear guidelines and expectations for the group.
  2. Go with the flow.
  3. Community is important.

Prophetic activation:

Because we’re talking about hearing God as a group today, ask a friend to join you. Grab envelopes, paper and pens. Each write a name on the front of an envelope, then hand it to your friend without them seeing the name. They will ask God what to write for that person, while you ask God what to write for the person your friend wrote on the other envelope. After you have finished writing a letter to them from God, place the letter in the envelope and give it to the person named on the front.

Time Stamps:

[0:47] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[3:34] – Introduction to topic.

[4:34] – First principle: Have clear guidelines and expectations for the group.

[9:39] – Second principle: Go with the flow.

[112:03] – Third principle: Community is important.

[16:38] – Summary.

[17:02] – Prophetic activation.

[18:19] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[20:30] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Joshua 1:6-9
  • 1 Corinthians 14:40
  • Romans 8:16
  • 1 John 4:1
  • 1 Corinthians 14:29
  • Acts 10 & 11
  • Deuteronomy 18:15-22
  • Acts 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 you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 117: Hearing God when I am desperate and stressed

Episode 117: Hearing God when I am desperate and stressed

Jul 12, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

When life seems to be falling apart, an important decision needs to be made, or you are really stressed, do you struggle to know God’s thoughts and what He would have you do? This is often a time when we doubt we can hear God, even though we are desperately seeking Him. Join us as we flesh out these thoughts and offer practical strategies to help you hear God’s voice the next time you feel desperate and stressed.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Ask for help

  • Ask for help/prayer from others.
  • Ask God to break through any clutter and noise.
  • Romans 8:34 Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us. I love the following verses 37-39, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
  • Run to God – Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God.”
  • Matt 11:28 – 30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
  • Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
  • Psalm 63:8 David stated, when facing being killed – “I cling to you. Your right hand upholds me”.
  • Luke 6:12 – Jesus prayed all night before making the major decision of choosing his 12 disciples.

Second Principle: Look at why you are desperate and stressed

  • Is it an internal or an external lack of peace?
  • Is it related to a major decision or a sin?
  • Will it matter in a few months/year?
  • Address physical issues, e.g., tired / sleep deprived, workload,
  • 1 Kings 19 – Elijah had just had a massive victory of showing up the prophets of Baal, and then next minute he’s scared and running for his life. He was tired and hungry. He prayed to God to kill him. God sent an angel to give him something to eat and to rest.
  • Is there an ‘end in sight’, e.g., end of study, etc?
  • Write down all the stuff stressing you – go from the abstract to the concrete. Seeing it in black and white can help. Chase inner peace.
  • Then ask God, “What are your thoughts, God, about this?”
  • May need to ask God a different question.
  • What are the things I can’t change?

Third Principle: Cultivate your relationship with God before stuff happens.

  • When kids were small, we would brainstorm what to do in adverse circumstances, e.g., at a party – code word.
  • Practice hearing God’s voice.
  • Practice turning first to God in all things.
  • Brainstorm scenarios and strategies/responses.

Summary:

  1. Ask for help.
  2. Look at why you are desperate or stressed.
  3. Cultivate your relationship with God before stuff happens.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, can You please bring to mind any decisions I need to make in the next few days?” (You may want to write them down.)
  • “God, can You please give me Heaven’s perspective, or the view from Heaven, on these decisions?”

Time Stamps:

[1:13] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[5:11] – Introduction to topic.

[6:28] – First principle: Ask for help.

[10:21] – Second principle: Look at why you are desperate and stressed.

[20:01] – Third principle: Cultivate your relationship with God before stuff happens.

[21:39] – Summary.

[22:21] – Prophetic activation.

[23:34] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[25:16] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Romans 8:34,37-39
  • Psalm 46:10
  • Matthew 11:28-30
  • Philippians 4:6-7
  • Psalm 63:8
  • Luke 6:12
  • 1 Kings 19

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 116: What if God asks me to do something I don’t want to do?

Episode 116: What if God asks me to do something I don’t want to do?

Jul 5, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you ever thought that God might ask you to do something you didn’t want to do? Have you been hesitant to listen to God in case this occurs? Join us as we discuss this topic and share examples, unpacking what might be behind this line of thinking.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Need to look at our view of God

  • Can I trust God to have my best interests at heart?
  • Is your God a good Father?
  • Can I put my faith in Him?
  • It could be likened to having a filter/blockage between God and me. Sometimes we don’t get the full picture.
  • Sometimes we don’t realise what we need, but God does.

Second Principle: Why wouldn’t I want to do what God is asking me to do?

  • Is it too hard? Scary? Do I dislike it?
  • Need to look at my motivation. We are Christians. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Saviour. Therefore, we obey Him and what He wants.
  • Theological question – Is my life my own? 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, especially 19-20 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything—but I will not be mastered by anything…. (verse 19) You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”
  • What does God have for you on the other side of your fear?

Third Principle: Check out what you’ve heard.

  • Ask wise, trusted people.
  • Is your interpretation true?
  • What does the Bible say?
  • Intimacy with God is important.

Summary:

  1. We need to look at our view of God.
  2. Why wouldn’t I want to do what God asks me to do?
  3. Check out what you’ve heard.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, can You please show or tell me a colour?”
  • “God, what is that colour representing?”

Time Stamps:

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

[3:42] – First principle: Need to look at our view of God.

[7:12] – Second principle: Why wouldn’t I want to do what God is asking me to do?

[10:05] – Third principle: Check out what you’ve heard.

[12:07] – Summary.

[12:32] – Prophetic activation.

[14:03] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[17:01] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
  • Daniel 5:5

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 115: What do I do with what I heard God say?

Episode 115: What do I do with what I heard God say?

Jun 28, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you heard from God and are not sure what you are meant to do next? God is often more interested in who we are and the process than in the result. Join us as we discuss this topic, emphasising to check that what we thought was from God was indeed from God, and that timing is important, as God can often be in the delay.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Make sure it was God’s voice

  • Episode 3 – the 4 different voices we can hear. Check the source.
  • Does it reflect the heart and character of God?
  • Does it bring peace or chaos?
  • Test it. Does it line up with the Bible, wise trusted people, etc.?
  • Look for confirmation. Ask God for confirmation.
  • 1 John 4:1 says to test that it is the Spirit of God.
  • Pray it through.

Second Principle: Depends on what it is

  • What is the fruit (outcome) of doing what you think you heard?
  • Galatians 5:19-23 fruit of the spirit vs acts of the flesh.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 ‘Don’t despise prophecies. Test everything. Hold on to what is God.’
  • Contend. 1 Timothy 1:18-19 Paul says to Timothy – ‘Fight the good fight. Hold on to the prophecies about you.’
  • God’s more interested in who we are becoming and the process than the result.

Third Principle: Timing is important

  • Is it to pray or say?
  • Obey – usually when people say they are having trouble hearing God, I ask them when the last time was they heard God and did they obey what God asked them to do.
  • Growth and maturity. Faith step.
  • Be discerning who you share it with. Will they encourage or be wise with it?
  • Habakkuk 2:3 “For the vision is yet for an appointed time.” “For the revelation awaits an appointed time.”
  • The working out of the word can be in the delay. Not always an immediate outcome. It can sometimes take years to come to fruition. i.e., prepare you to be the person and character necessary.
  • Is it conditional on something?
  • Abraham in Genesis 15 was given the promise of a son and as many descendants as the stars in the sky. What he heard didn’t come true until 25 years later, with the birth of Isaac in Genesis 21, despite their messing it up by trying to make it come true by sleeping with Hagar.
  • In Genesis 37, Joseph was 17 years old when he had 2 dreams, one with his brothers’ sheaves bowing down to his sheaf, the other with the sun, the moon and 11 stars bowing down to him. It was at least 10+ years, maybe heaps more, before that came true, and he had been thrown in a pit, sold, falsely accused and put in prison.

Summary:

  1. Make sure it was God’s voice.
  2. Depends on what it is.
  3. Timing is important.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and maybe even hold your hands out to God. Imagine a major concern you have right now sitting in the palms of your hands. If nothing comes to mind, think of something you’d love to see in your life in 10 years’ time. Ask God to show you His heart for that burden/concern/desire, and one thing He would have you do to help bring it to fruition or see it resolved.

Time Stamps:

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

[3:54] – First principle: Make sure it was God’s voice.

[5:37] – Second principle: Depends on what it is.

[10:51] – Third principle: Timing is important.

[15:27] – Summary.

[15:49] – Prophetic activation.

[17:34] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[20:02] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • 1 John 4:1
  • Galatians 5: 19-23
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
  • 1 Timothy 1:18-19
  • Genesis 37
  • Habakkuk 2:3
  • Genesis 15
  • Genesis 21

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 114: Hearing God about a career change – part 2

Episode 114: Hearing God about a career change – part 2

Jun 21, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Has your identity been based in your career? Is fear holding you back from making a change, or is the opportunity to change your career a distraction? Join us for part 2 of hearing God about a career change as we unpack these topics and share principles and tips for hearing God when discerning career changes.

Episode Notes:

Links to previous episodes:

  • Episode 71 – Will God tell me what to do with my life? (Looked at Daniel 5:5 where the fingers of a human hand appeared during a banquet of 1,000 nobles and wrote on the wall that basically he would die and he died that very night. God’s will for your life is not singular or solitary. Also, your identity is not in what you do but who you are.)
  • Episode 85 – Young adults and hearing God – a time of major decision-making.
  • Episode 98 – Hearing God about my vocation.
  • Episode 113: Hearing God about a career change part 1.

First Principle: Look at your discernment process.

  • Inner peace.
  • Align with the Bible
  • Wise, trusted people
  • Does this reflect the heart and character of Jesus?
  • Motivation – why change your career?
  • Are you content in all areas of your life?
  • Have you fasted and prayed? Luke 6:12 – Jesus selecting disciples
  • Be careful about rushing. God is outside of time. It’s a balance between not getting sucked into the thinking that you will never have an opportunity like this again and never making a decision, and being prepared to jump at the right opportunity quickly. I usually find that things like that don’t occur in isolation. There has already been a stirring in your heart. Great idea to journal so you can look at the last few months and see how God has been preparing you.
  • Gary shares how it can be like a dance with God, and we have a part to play.
  • Have others support you in prayer.
  • Discussed the will of God and whether God would make it occur no matter what.

Second Principle: Faith versus fear.

  • What do you fear? Is fear holding you back?
  • Is this opportunity a distraction?
  • Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire “I believe God made me for a purpose – for China. But He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure….To win is to honor Him.” (i.e. it doesn’t have to be either or, it can be both)
  • Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – scene with the stepping stones appearing over the chasm.
  • Check your motivation – seek God first. Matt 6:33, Luke 12:31
  • Our career is not our identity. Step back and ask God – “What is happening?”, “What is my identity?”, “Has my identity been based in that role?”
  • Faith step
  • Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord and He will direct your path.
  • James 1:5-8 – ask for wisdom. Believe and do not be double-minded.
  • Be kind to yourself.
  • Discussed when we don’t have a choice re transitioning in our career.

Third Principle: Ask God direct questions.

  • Test.
  • Gideon in Judges 6:36-40 needed extra time and confirmation, so he asked God for a fleece (wool fleece to be wet with dew and ground around it dry), then another fleece (the opposite – wool dry and ground around it wet)
  • Basically, want to align with the Word of God and God’s plans.
  • 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.”
  • Gary shared about a time when he asked God for a fleece.

Summary:

  1. Look at your discernment process.
  2. Faith versus fear.
  3. Ask God direct questions.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, if the segments/decisions/activities of my life were suitcases or bags, which bag would I want You to carry for me at the moment?”
  • “God, what do I need to know about that ‘bag’ now?”
  • “God, is there anything I need to do about any of the bags at the moment?”

Time Stamps:

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

[3:09] – Introduction to the topic and links to previous episodes.

[3:54] – First principle: Look at your discernment process.

[7:21] – Talking about the will of God.

[9:46] – Second principle: Faith versus fear.

[12:32] – Discussing if we have a choice in the transition and the implications.

[15:45] – Third principle: Ask God direct questions, or a different question.

[16:45] – A time when Gary asked God for a fleece.

[19:25] – Summary.

[19:48] – Prophetic activation.

[21:02] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[23:14] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Luke 6:12
  • Matthew 6:33
  • Luke 12:31
  • Proverbs 3:5-6
  • James 1:5-8
  • Judges 6:36-40
  • Micah 6:8b
  • John 13:35
  • Hebrews 12:1-3

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 113: Hearing God about a career change part 1

Episode 113: Hearing God about a career change part 1

Jun 14, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Are you looking at a career change? Life is generally not a straight road, nor is it generally a 100-metre dash. It is often a marathon of intersections, curves, detours, wait zones and the occasional ‘wrong’ exit. Join us for part 1 of hearing God about a career change as we share about different times of transition in our lives, as we discerned God’s call and what we should do next, including valuable tips for hearing God about your career transitions.

Episode Notes:

  • Life is generally not a straight road, nor is it generally a 100-metre dash. It is often a marathon of curves, detours, intersections, wait zones and the occasional ‘wrong’ exit.
  • Often, it can depend on whether we have a choice in the process, or it is forced upon us.
  • It may also be dependent on timing, e.g. Joseph in Genesis 37-40.
  • Gary shared about his career changes. He emphasised having a real sense from God regarding the timing of any changes, and it should not just be a knee-jerk reaction to a challenging situation that God may be using to develop your character.
  • Jane shared about her career changes and the decision-making process with that.
  • Daniel 5:5, where the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the wall – wouldn’t that make it so much easier!!
  • What we may think is a great career change, God may be in the fact that we don’t get the job.
  • There are ‘guard rails’ to operate within, and God gives us a lot of freedom within those ‘guard rails’.
  • Tips for hearing God include prayer and fasting, searching the Bible for principles, and finding one or two wise, trusted people who ask great questions to try to unpack what’s happening for you and your motivations.
  • Examples of Jane praying specifically for five to seven points for her children’s jobs.
  • You don’t want to have regrets. Give it a go.

Summary of what we’ve looked at today:

  • Gary & Jane both share their career changes and the decision-making processes behind those changes.
  • Some tips when trying to hear God about a career change.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, is there something about a decision I’m facing at the moment that I would regret if I don’t do it?”
  • “God, what is something I would love to do but I haven’t yet had the opportunity to do?”

Time Stamps:

[0:53] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[5:28] – Introduction to the topic and links to previous episodes.

[6:11] – Gary shares his career changes and his decision-making processes.

[11:15] – Jane shares her career changes and her decision-making processes.

[18:35] – Some tips for hearing God about decisions.

[20:24] – Jane shares about specific prayer points she used for her children’s jobs.

[21:49] – Jane shares about an audible voice to homeschool their children.

[23:42] – You don’t want to have regrets.

[24:48] – Summary.

[25:25] – Prophetic activation.

[26:28] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[29:04] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Genesis 37-40
  • Daniel 5:5

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 112: What if I don’t recognise it’s God?

Episode 112: What if I don’t recognise it’s God?

Jun 7, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Do you ever have a thought pop into your head that may be God speaking to you, but you go, “No, that’s just me”? In this episode of the Hearing God Podcast, we unpack this, consider whether it really matters, and explore how we can make sure we recognise that it’s God speaking to us.

Episode Notes:

Background to this topic:

  • In Darwin, we were running a session on hearing God, and one of the people gave the Bible verse – Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lordyour God will be with you wherever you go.” Thought it was just her own thoughts.
  • Episode 18 – Am I hearing God or is it just me?
  • Episode 4 – The different ways God can talk to us.
  • Episode 27 – Times when we can easily miss hearing God
  • Episode 3 – The different voices we can hear.

First Point: When we don’t recognise it’s God, we usually give ourselves the credit.

  • We can think it’s our own thoughts.
  • It seems a natural progression in our thoughts.
  • Faith quotient comes into play here – are my desires overpowering God’s voice?
  • Am I aware of how God can speak? Episode 4 – the different ways God talks to us.
  • Sometimes we don’t recognise God because we have an incorrect theology and don’t think God would be interested in talking to us. It can tie in with our self-worth.
  • Do we sometimes not recognise God because it’s not what we think God would say? i.e., we are praying for a different answer or a different method of achieving that answer.
  • Trusting God wants to talk with you and that He is talking to you.

Second Point: Does it really matter if we don’t recognise it’s God?

  • I suppose it depends on what it actually is. If God is trying to ‘hit us over the head’ with telling us something and we don’t recognise it’s God, then that’s an issue.
  • Eg Balaam and the donkey Numbers 22-24. Episode 49 (If a donkey can hear God, then what about me?)
  • Balaam got on his donkey, and 3 times the angel of the Lord stood in the donkey’s way. 1st time the donkey turned off the path to the field. Balaam beat the donkey. 2nd time was in a narrow path, and the donkey pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot. Balaam beat the donkey again. 3rd time, the donkey lay down. Balaam beat the donkey again. Then the donkey said to Balaam, “What have I done to make you beat me 3 times?”
  • Balaam responded, “You have made a fool of me. If only I had a sword, I would kill you right now.”
  • The donkey said, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden? Have I ever done this to you before?”
  • “NO”, said Balaam. (Notice how he was so intent on sinning that he didn’t notice the strange phenomenon of a talking donkey??)
  • Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. Balaam bowed low and fell face down.
  • The angel said, “Why did you beat the donkey? I came here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one. The donkey saw me and obeyed. If the donkey hadn’t turned away and tried to stop, I would have killed you, but I will now spare your life.”
  • Be alert both to watch for God and against the path of sin.
  • The Disciples were with Jesus 24/7, yet they still didn’t recognise Jesus after He rose from the dead and walked and chatted with them on the road to Emmaus.

Great question: how can we make sure we do hear God?

  • Intimacy with God.
  • Accountability
  • Journal
  • Prayer points – sometimes don’t thank God for answers to prayer as we forget we prayed for that.
  • Wise people in your life.
  • Read the Bible
  • Read autobiographies of Christians who did great things.
  • Hudson Taylor’s secrets to his ministry.
  • Reduce sin. Obey quickly.
  • Don’t try to shortchange God, e.g., Abraham and Sarah, with having children. Abraham slept with Hagar. Genesis 16. Episode 62 Abraham and Episode 48 Hagar.

Summary of what we’ve looked at today:

  1. When we don’t recognise it’s God, we usually give ourselves the credit.
  2. Does it really matter if we don’t recognise it’s God?
  3. Looked at how we can make sure we hear God.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, can You please bring someone to mind in the next few moments that I could contact today to encourage?”

Time Stamps:

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

[3:43] – Background to this topic.

[7:31] – First Principle: When we don’t recognise it’s God, we usually give ourselves the credit.

[9:36] – Second Principle: Does it really matter if we don’t recognise it’s God?

[15:27] – How can we make sure we hear God?

[17:38] – Summary

[18:06] – Prophetic activation.

[19:03] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[22:03] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Joshua 1:9
  • Numbers 22-24
  • Luke 24
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3
  • Genesis 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 111: Hearing God amidst noise and chaos

Episode 111: Hearing God amidst noise and chaos

May 31, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

We can hear God in the quiet as well as amongst the noise. Often, it can depend on whether the noise and chaos are internal or external. Join us in this episode of the Hearing God Podcast as we unpack this topic.

Episode Notes:

First Point: What is the chaos and noise?

  • Chaos and confusion come from Satan, but not always.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not a God of confusion or disorder, but of peace.” The Message Bible puts it, “God doesn’t stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony.”
  • Is the chaos and noise inside you or around you?
  • Are you at peace? It is easier to hear God if you have inner peace. Then there is no competition for your attention.

Second Principle: Ask God the source of the chaos and noise, and what your response could be.

  • If it is noisy around you and you are struggling to hear God, remove yourself or participate in a way you know how.

Third Point: Regularly set aside time and a quiet place to hear God.

  • Create a prayer closet. (Movie – War Room)
  • Practice hearing God in the quiet so that you are prepared if amidst noise and chaos.

Summary:

  1. In hearing God amidst chaos and noise, look at what the chaos is.
  2. Ask God the source of the noise and chaos, and what your response could be.
  3. Regularly set aside time and a quiet place to hear God.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, is there noise and chaos in my life I need to deal with or get rid of?”
  • “God, if so, what can I do about that?”

Time Stamps:

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

[4:21] – What is the chaos and noise?

[6:37] – Ask God the source and what your response could be.

[9:30] – Regularly set aside time and a quiet place to hear God.

[14:50] – Summary.

[15:25] – Prophetic activation.

[16:33] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[18:17] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • John 10:10
  • 1 Corinthians 14:33
  • Isaiah 43:1

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 you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.

Episode 110: Hearing God about sin

Episode 110: Hearing God about sin

May 24, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

In this episode of the Hearing God Podcast, we tackle the topic of sin and how that can block us hearing God. Join us as we unpack what sin is, the hope that we have in Jesus Christ, our response, and what we can do about hearing God in relation to both our own and other people’s sin.

Episode Notes:

Definition of sin:

  • Anything that takes the place of God in our lives.
  • A position.
  • A break in our relationship with God.

Core Verses About Sin.

  • Romans 3:23 (NIV): “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
  • Galatians 5:19-23 – the acts of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit
  • Isaiah 59:2 (ESV): Sin causes separation: “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God…”
  • Romans 6:23 (ESV): “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
  • 1 John 1:8-9 (NIV): “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves… If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
  • Psalm 103:12 (NIV): God’s forgiveness: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

The role of our conscience.

  • Hearing God in relation to your sin can be as simple as listening to your conscience.
  • Trust your ‘gut’, that unease.
  • Sin can also block you hearing God.
  • Anything that blocks you hearing God, address immediately. Have a lifestyle of being quick to obey God.

Don’t focus on sin.

  • Don’t focus on the sin. Ask God to show you what is underneath or at the core/root of your sin, e.g., fear or money – not fully able to trust God will provide.
  • Look at what you are focusing on. You become what you behold.
  • Focus on God’s love.

Hearing God in relation to other people’s sin.

  • It’s not really your job. Leave it to God.
  • Ask God – do I say anything or do I pray?
  • Focus on God’s love for the person.

Look at the purpose or why God has shown you.

  • Is it to pray or say? Know when to keep your mouth shut.
  • Like an old-style negative of a photograph being developed. Don’t be in a rush.
  • Ask questions of God – why has God shown you this?
  • What am I meant to do with it, God? If I’m to share it, how would you like me to share it, Lord?
  • Also need to ask God for His timing. Is it a word for now, or do I keep it between God and me?
  • Speak in private: Matt 18:15-16 (just between the two of you).
  • Be kind & gentle: Galatians 6:1-2
  • Forgiveness reigns: Luke 17:3-4
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3 – be encouraging, comforting, and strengthening.

Summary of what we have chatted about today:

  1. What sin is.
  2. The role of our conscience.
  3. Don’t focus on sin.
  4. Hearing God in relation to other people’s sin.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, please bring to my mind any sin in my life I need to confess and deal with.”

Time Stamps:

[2:06] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[9:00] – Definition of sin.

[11:59] – The role of our conscience.

[14:20] – Don’t focus on sin.

[18:44] – Hearing God in relation to other people’s sin.

[23:03] – Summary.

[23:39] – Prophetic activation.

[24:17] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[25:51] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Romans 3:23
  • Galatians 5:19-23
  • Isaiah 59:2
  • Romans 6:23
  • 1 John 1:8-9
  • Psalm 103:12
  • Matthew 18:15-16
  • Galatians 6:1-2
  • Luke 17:3-4
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3
  • John 10:10

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 109: Unpacking hearing God through sight

Episode 109: Unpacking hearing God through sight

May 17, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Do you want to grow in seeing what God’s doing around you in the Spirit? In this episode of the Hearing God Podcast, we unpack the how, why, when and who, as well as the different ways to see in the Spirit.

Episode Notes:

First Point: I believe we are born able to see physically and spiritually.

  • Seeing in both the natural and supernatural. We can grow both.
  • John 5:19 “Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
  • John 8:38 “I speak of what I have seen with my Father.” (Spirit to spirit)
  • We can shut down the gift of sight through inner vows, being scared, nightmares etc. So important to protect our children’s gift of seeing in the spirit.
  • We also see what we focus on. E.g. angels or demons

Second Principle: There are different ways of seeing spiritually.

  • Some people can see dark clouds over people, others see angels and demons, others glimpse something out of the corner of their eye, others see colours or a picture. Also, dreams are part of seeing spiritually, but we won’t unpack them today.
  • Don’t limit God in the ways he can show you things.
  • Word of caution – chase God, not spiritual beings or the experience.
  • Gary unpacks how he sees in the spirit and the questions he asks.

Third Principle: You can grow in seeing spiritually.

  • Ephesians 1:18-19
  • 2 Kings 6:15-20
  • Brother Andrew (YWAM Christian Heroes then and now by Jannette & Geoff Benge) – during the Cold War, he was trying to cross behind the Iron Curtain into the Soviet Union. He prayed, “Lord, in my luggage I have Scripture I want to take to Your children. When You were on earth, You made blind eyes see. Now, I pray, make seeing eyes blind. Do not let the guards see those things You do not want them to see.”
  • Invite the angels to make themselves known to you. Practice in a spiritually dense atmosphere, e.g. worship, a quiet place at home
  • Pay attention to your peace.
  • Journal
  • Read the Bible – enlarge your view of God and what He can do
  • Mentor/accountability
  • Choose faith over fear.
  • John 16:13 The Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth.

Summary:

  1. I believe we are born able to see physically and spiritually.
  2. There are different ways of seeing spiritually.
  3. You can grow in seeing spiritually.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, can You please show me where You are in relation to me at the moment?” (You may get a sense, knowing, feeling, hear or see something.)
  • “God, what would You like to share with me at the moment?”

Time Stamps:

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

[4:38] – Links to previous episodes.

[7:40] – First Principle: I believe we are born able to see physically and spiritually.

[12:30] – Second Principle: There are different ways of seeing spiritually.

[14:25] – Third Principle: You can grow in seeing spiritually.

[19:12] – Summary

[19:34] – Prophetic activation.

[20:49] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[23:24] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • John 5:19
  • John 8:38
  • Matthew 13:13-15
  • Ephesians 1:18-19
  • 2 Kings 6:15-20
  • John 16:13

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 108: Hearing God through Coincidences

Episode 108: Hearing God through Coincidences

May 10, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Do you notice many coincidences in your life? Have you ever thought that God may be trying to get your attention through these coincidences? They are often referred to as miracles where God chooses to remain anonymous. In this episode of the Hearing God Podcast, we unpack how God uses coincidences to communicate with us and how important it is to chase God, not signs.

Episode Notes:

  • Anyone who has listened to a few episodes of our podcast will no doubt have heard how I (Jane) hear God through coincidences.
  • Don’t go focusing on signs and attaching meaning to them – focus on God.
  • Not every unusual thing means it is God trying to communicate with us. I see it as God trying to get my attention. I notice weird stuff as a nudge to take time to go deeper with God.

First Principle: God uses coincidences to communicate with us

  • g. Gideon in Judges 7 – Co-incidence – God woke him up during the night and sent him down to the Midianite camp to listen. The exact moment he was outside the Midianite camp, he heard them talking about him and how he had defeated the Midianites (a loaf of barley came crashing down. God has a sense of humour – Gideon threshing wheat!!). Gave him courage.
  • I like to think coincidences are when God chooses to remain anonymous.
  • Ask, “Where is God in this?” Why was I stirred?
  • Numbers, signs, names.
  • God is sovereign. It is so important to discern.
  • Purpose of signs – Exodus 4:1-17 Moses with rod, leprosy, etc. Moses felt unqualified. God used the staff to show him that He (God) was with him and could do miracles.
  • John 20:30-31 Jesus did many signs so we would believe. Signs are not wrong.
  • Who God is, and His power and His presence with us, are what’s important.
  • It’s like God dropping hints. Wanting a relationship. 1 Kings 19:11-13 – still small voice

Second Principle: Position yourself in God’s slipstream

  • g. bike riding just behind a car.
  • Don’t go looking for signs but get stuck into reading the Bible.
  • Ephesians 4:23
  • Romans 12:2 – be transformed by the renewing of your mind so you can discern and approve what God’s will is.
  • Know God’s Word – John 4 – timing of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well.
  • Matthew 14 and Luke 9 – multiplying of food and resources.
  • Matthew 14 – through nature and calming the storm
  • Align with God’s character and purpose.
  • Pray for eyes to see (2 Kings 6:17 Elisha with his servant when surrounded by the enemy but saw hills full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha), ears to hear (Ezekiel 40:4) and a heart to feel (Eph 1:18 – the eyes of your heart)

Third Principle: Don’t base decisions on one-off coincidences.

  • Psalm 119:105 God’s Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
  • God usually highlights something several times.
  • Be discerning. Not who to marry or major life decisions, etc.
  • Test for fruit.
  • Avoid forcing interpretation, i.e. do NOT seek signs to force a specific outcome. Seek God.
  • Grow in discernment. God isn’t chaotic or confusing. Rest in Him and His goodness. Look at God’s character through the Bible, ask mature people, and look at the fruit. Ask for wisdom, James 1:5, Matthew 7:7 (ask, seek and knock) plus good and bad fruit verses 15-20
  • We want instant answers, but God wants relationship.
    • Eg Joshua 6 and marching 6 times around the wall before the seventh time
    • 1 Kings 18:42-46 Elijah sent the servant seven times to look for a rain cloud
    • 2 Kings 5:1-5 Naaman washed in the Jordan River seven times before being healed from leprosy

Summary:

  1. God uses coincidences to communicate with us.
  2. Position yourself in God’s slipstream.
  3. Don’t base decisions on one-off coincidences.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “Lord, open my eyes to see You, my ears to hear You and my heart to feel You.”
  • “Lord, what do You want me to see, hear, know, and feel about You at the moment?”
  • You might even like to ask, “Lord, can You please bring to mind a coincidence from the last few days and what that was about?”

Time Stamps:

[1:10] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[4:51] – Warnings about coincidences.

[7:45] – First Principle: God uses coincidences to communicate with us.

[11:54] – Second Principle: Position yourself in God’s slipstream.

[15:03] – Third Principle: Don’t base decisions on one-off coincidences.

[18:08] – Summary

[18:30] – Prophetic activation.

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

[22:19] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Judges 7
  • Exodus 4:1-17
  • John 20:30-31
  • 1 Kings 19:11-13
  • Daniel 5:5
  • Ephesians 4:23
  • Romans 12:2
  • John 4
  • Matthew 14
  • Luke 9
  • 2 Kings 6:17
  • Ezekiel 40:4
  • Ephesians 1:18
  • Psalm 119:105
  • James 1:5
  • Matthew 7:7, 15-20
  • Joshua 6
  • 1 Kings 18:42-46
  • 2 Kings 5:1-5

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 107: Language around Hearing God

Episode 107: Language around Hearing God

May 3, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Hearing God is more than just ‘hearing’ from God. It is using all our senses and ‘experiencing’ God. In this episode of the Hearing God Podcast, Gary shares how he experiences God, how to notice subtle nuances, and how to ask questions and unpack with God what he is picking up. We then share how, if children don’t have the language to describe what is happening to them, they will often act out the atmosphere. We share practical tips to help you change the atmosphere.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Hearing God is more than just hearing. It is experiencing God.

  • We can hear God, but we also see, feel, know, dream, imagine, taste, and smell.
  • Gary shared how he receives from God and the process he does with noticing nuances and unpacking them with God and asking further questions.
  • You can grow in new ways of receiving from God.

Second Principle: It helps when we have language to describe what’s occurring.

  • If children don’t have the language to describe what is happening, they can often act it out.
  • We can change atmospheres by what we sense, feel, know, etc.
  • We share the process of identifying what isn’t of you and how to change the atmosphere around you.
  • Say – fear go, peace come. Or I see you perversion, and bind you and release truth and love.

Summary:

  1. Hearing God is more than just hearing. It is experiencing God.
  2. It helps when we have language to describe what’s occurring.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, can You please show me in the next 24 hours, an atmosphere that I enter that evokes a strong feeling/emotion in me that is a product of the environment or another person and is not mine (e.g. anger, jealousy, etc), and then can You please remind me what to do with it (e.g. fear go, peace come)?”

Time Stamps:

[0:51] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[4:21] – First Principle: Hearing God is more than just hearing God. It is experiencing God.

[11:03] – Second Principle: It helps when we have language to describe what’s happening.

[17:08] – Summary

[17:50] – Prophetic activation.

[18:53] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[20:56] – 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 106: Hearing God about Names

Episode 106: Hearing God about Names

Apr 26, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Names are specific and point to something or someone. They identify people and places. Names can also influence our perception, especially in relation to God. Join us in this episode of the Hearing God Podcast as we unpack the significance of our name and hear God about both our name and God’s names.

Episode Notes:

Background to names and hearing God

  • Driving up country and noticed unusual names of roads –
    • Glue Pot Road
    • Cockpit Lagoon Road
    • Mile Past Lane
  • These names carried significance. E.g., a mile past road.
  • When we named our children, we chose specific names for their meaning.
  • Gary & Jane share the meaning of their names.

First Principle: Names are important to God

  • I’ve felt for ages that names influence our perception – e.g. names of God – influence how we see God.
  • John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word. Jesus’ name
  • Jehovah – YHWH my breath ‘I am’ (Exodus 6:2)
  • El Roi – The God who sees me (Genesis 16:13 Hagar)
  • El Shaddai – God Almighty (Genesis 17:1)
  • Jehovah Jireh my provider – the One who sees my need (Genesis 22:13-14)
  • Jehovah Rapha – the Lord is our healer – (Exodus 15:26)
  • Jehovah Magen – my shield and protector (Deut 33:29)
  • El Elyon – the Most High exalted God (Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 57:2, Ps 78:35)
  • Jehovah Shalom – the Lord is peace (Judges 6:24)
  • Yahweh Rohi – the Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23)
  • Jehovah Selah – the Lord is my rock (Psalm 78:35, Ps 18:2)
  • Psalm 18:2 The Lordis my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
  • El HaNe’eman – the Faithful God (Deut 7:9 “Know therefore that the Lordyour God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”)
  • Elohay Mishpatt – the God of justice (Isaiah 30:18)
  • Emmanuel – God with us (Isaiah 7:14)
  • Elohay Selichot – God of forgiveness (Nehemiah 9:17 “But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.”)

Second Principle: The meaning of our name is significant

  • Do you know the meaning of your name? It is usually no accident.
  • Names signify identity.
  • How are you known on earth, and also in heaven? What does your name say about your character and your calling?
  • I encourage people to look at the names of God and Jesus and choose one. Then explore what that name means and what it reveals about God or Jesus’ character. Then look at how knowing that affects your belief, attitude, actions or prayer.
  • Then ask God:
    • “Lord, what do you want me to know about this?”
    • “In what ways haven’t I fully understood this part of your character, God?”

Third Principle: Our names can be redeemed.

  • For those who don’t like their name or have struggled with its meaning, what’s the way forward…
  • Ask God. Listen to what He says.
  • Ask your parents (if they are still alive) why they called you that name.
  • Think outside the square. Episode 15 – If God calls you a builder, it might not be building with your hands. It might be building people, building wealth and resources, building the Kingdom of God. It might be related to building blocks e.g. teaching.
  • Names can be changed. People’s names and place names in the Bible were often changed e.g. Simon to Peter, Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel.
  • Redeem your name if it has a negative connotation – look at the opposite meaning.
  • Prayer ministry.

Summary:

  1. Names are important to God.
  2. The meaning of our name is significant.
  3. Our names can be redeemed.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him to reveal a name He calls Himself that you may not fully grasp. You may want to journal this.

  • Explore what that name means and what it reveals about God or Jesus’ character. Then look at how knowing that affects your beliefs, attitudes, actions, or prayers.
  • Then ask, “Lord, what do you want me to know about this?”
  • “God, in what ways haven’t I fully understood this part of your character?”
  • “Lord, because this is true, I will…”

Time Stamps:

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

[2:12] – Background to names and hearing God.

[6:27] – First Principle: Names are important to God.

[10:00] – Second Principle: The meaning of our name is significant.

[13:20] – Third Principle: Our names can be redeemed.

[15:47] – Summary.

[16:24] – Prophetic activation.

[18:12] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[21:03] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Genesis 3:20
  • John 1:1 – In the Beginning was the Word (Jesus’ name)
  • Exodus 6:2 – Jehovah – YHWH – my breath – ‘I am’
  • Genesis 16:13 – El Roi – the God who sees me
  • Genesis 17:1 – El Shaddai – God Almighty
  • Genesis 22:13-14 – Jehovah Jireh – my Provider – the One who sees my need
  • Exodus 15:26 – Jehovah Rapha – the Lord is our healer
  • Deuteronomy 33:29 – Jehovah Magen – my shield and protector
  • Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 57:2; Psalm 78:35 – El Elyon – The Most High Exalted God
  • Judges 6:24 – Jehovah Shalom – the Lord is peace
  • Psalm 23 – Yahweh Rohi – the Lord is my shepherd
  • Psalm 78:35; Psalm 18:2 – Jehovah Selah – the Lord is my rock (Psalm 18:2 – The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.)
  • Deuteronomy 7:9 – El HaNe’eman – the Faithful God
  • Isaiah 30:18 – Elohay Mishpatt – the God of justice
  • Nehemiah 9:17 – Elohay Selichot – God of forgiveness
  • Acts 13:9
  • Matthew 16:18
  • John 1:42
  • Genesis 17:5
  • Genesis 32:22-31
  • 1 John 1:9

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 you to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Prayer Calendar - praying the names of God

Episode 105: Hearing God for someone else

Episode 105: Hearing God for someone else

Apr 19, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you ever wanted to share with someone God’s heart towards them? In this episode of the Hearing God Podcast, we share guidelines and practical steps in beginning to hear God for others and then sharing that with them. We also cover the question, “Is it God or is it my thoughts?”

Episode Notes:

Past episodes on how we can begin to receive God’s heart for others.

  • In episode 5, we shared that a prophetic word is hearing or receiving something from God for someone else. It is communicating God’s heart for someone.
  • In episode 7, we looked at guidelines for prophesying – when we communicate what we feel God is saying to someone else.
  • We emphasised that a prophetic word should not take the place of hearing God for yourself, but should confirm what God has already revealed to you.
  • In episode 6, we looked at what to do if you get a negative prophetic word. If you haven’t already listened to those episodes, we encourage you to go back and listen as we unpack how to handle negative words and the Biblical principle in 1 Corinthians 14:3 that a prophetic word must be encouraging, comforting, and strengthening.

Some guidelines to follow:

  • The underlying principle is love. 1 Corinthians 13:2 “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”
  • First encounter God’s heart and then speak out of that love for people.
  • Prophecy is both the impartation of God’s Spirit & His message. In delivering the prophecy, we need to convey both to the person.
  • God’s heart is for everyone to communicate with Him. Everyone can hear God and prophesy. Joel 2:28-29 “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”
  • Prophesying is not just for people with a special gift. It is all inclusive.
  • Don’t get caught up in “is it God or is it me?”
  • It’s a gift. The person can embrace it, shelve it, or reject it.
  • Ask permission first before you share.
  • Ask God for a starting point – an image, an action, a Bible verse, a word. Something concrete, not nebulous.
  • Then ask God, “What do You want me to say about that?”

How we grew in the prophetic:

  • First thought principle.
  • Practical examples of what we did.

Other thoughts:

  • Our goal in prophecy is to accurately re-present God. We seek to convey His loving nature, to use His tone, pace, language, gestures, demeanour & regard for the person.
  • Prophecy is an invitation, so avoid putting demands on the person by using should or must statements. e.g., I sense God wants to show you many hidden truths in the Bible rather than “you need to read the Bible more”.
  • Every word must be judged by the receiver. – Ask people to test each word we give to ensure it lines up with God’s nature, Scripture and what else God is saying to them (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 “Do not treat prophecies with contemptbut test them all; hold on to what is good,”
  • Just because we have a prophetic word doesn’t mean it will come true. Need to partner with it.
  • You are pointing the person to God and glorifying God, not yourself.
  • I love to ask, ‘Does this resonate with you?’ If not, you can shelve it, bin it or step into it.
  • Prophesying over people is exciting and rewarding to be a part of, plus a privilege, but it also carries with it the weight of responsibility. Keeping these points in mind means that you will be able to release the Father’s heart in a way that reflects who God is more accurately.

Summary:

Today, we have shared some basics to keep in mind when you begin prophesying.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him to bring to mind a person who’s having a birthday soon. Write a birthday card, or an encouragement note to someone if no one’s having a birthday. Ask God what to write. Ask God how He sees this person. Don’t overthink it.

Time Stamps:

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

[3:33] – Recap of last episode.

[3:47] – Relevant episodes for hearing God for others.

[5:07] – Underlying principles for prophesying.

[6:15] – Practical steps to begin prophesying.

[10:38] – Steps Gary took to grow in the prophetic.

[11:57] – Steps Jane took to grow in the prophetic.

[15:51] – Summary

[16:07] – Prophetic activation.

[17:35] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[19:46] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • 1 Corinthians 14:3
  • 1 Corinthians 13:2
  • Joel 2:28-29
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21

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 104: Gary’s experience with hearing God

Episode 104: Gary’s experience with hearing God

Apr 12, 2026 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

In Gary’s early years, he had glimpses of God, but they never progressed or built on each other, so his understanding of and connection with God never matured. In this episode, Gary shares his experience of God and unpacks the process of how he receives from God.

Episode Notes:

  • Jane tends to do most of the talking, so this episode unpacks how Gary hears God and his process in learning to hear God clearly.
  • Gary shares a dream/nightmare from his early years.
  • Gary’s Primary School experience with friends.
  • How Gary began a relationship with God and learnt to hear God through reading the Bible.
  • Gary unpacks the process for him of receiving from God today.
  • Gary shares how God loves you and is trying to communicate with you.

Summary: We looked at Gary’s experience with hearing God.

  1. Reflecting on how God may have been talking to Gary, but he didn’t recognise or realise it.
  2. When Gary began recognising that God was communicating with him, he learnt to hear from God through reading the Bible.
  3. Gary unpacks how he receives from God.
  4. Gary explains how God loves you and is trying to communicate with you.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, when I was younger, was there a time you were trying to get my attention and I didn’t realise?”
  • “God, what were You trying to show, tell, or give me?”

Time Stamps:

[0:50] – Gary & Jane share how they have heard God this week.

[4:12] – Jane shares her daily prayer of protection.

[9:20] – Gary shares his experience of getting to know God.

[14:05] – Gary’s dream/nightmare during his early years.

[16:27] – Gary’s Primary School experience with friends.

[18:17] – How Gary began to recognise God was speaking to him.

[19:54] – Gary unpacks the process for him of understanding what God is saying.

[22:33] – Gary shares how God loves you and is trying to communicate with you.

[23:19] – Summary

[24:39] – Prophetic activation.

[25:33] – Gary & Jane share a prophetic word for a listener.

[28:25] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

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