Hearing God When It Goes Against Current Culture

Hearing God When It Goes Against Current Culture

May 19, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Am I prepared to be obedient to God, even when it is not aligned with current culture? Am I willing, faith-filled, courageous, future-sighted, totally trusting God even when there is no reference point of rain, willing to look ridiculous in the world’s eyes, swim against the stream, being a misfit, having tenacious faith? Join us in this latest episode of ‘Hearing God’ as we unpack the story of Noah from the Bible. Noah is an excellent reminder that God desires our obedience and is interested in our character and relationship with Him.

Episode Notes:

Background of Noah: Genesis 6-9

  • Noah first introduced in Genesis 5:32 how, after he had lived 500 years, he became the father of Shem, Japheth, and Ham.
  • Genesis 6:6 – The Lord regretted making humans as they had become evil.
  • Verse 8 & 9 – Noah found favour in the eyes of God because he was blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. Noah was not perfect but blameless compared to everyone else alive at the time.
  • Verse 13 – God said to Noah, I’m going to destroy all people but make an ark and gave him specific instructions: 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, 30 cubits high, rooms, roof, openings, etc. God was going to fill the earth with floodwaters, but Noah was to take himself, his wife and sons and son’s wives into the ark with 2 of all living creatures to keep them alive. In chapter 7. He mentions 7 pairs of clean animals and one pair of unclean animals and how he would send rain for 40 days and 40 nights.
  • They were tent dwellers – no grid for rain, floods, etc.
  • Symbolism: The ark was 3 stories – compared to the Tabernacle – 3-fold structure, like the 3 parts of the Gospel – judgement, forgiveness, and salvation. The word for ark in Hebrew is tebah – mentioned as the pitch coating of the basket that the baby Moses was placed in – symbolising God’s protection.
  • Waters flooded the earth for 150 days.
  • Process for coming out of the ark – sent out a raven, then a dove, then a dove again, and it came back with a fresh olive leaf, then next time it didn’t come back.
  • Chapter 8:21 – never again will I destroy all living creatures, and never again will a flood destroy the whole earth – this will be my sign – a rainbow.
  • Ch 9:20 – Noah planted a vineyard, drank some wine, and became drunk. Ham saw his father drunk and naked in the tent and told his brothers. Shem and Japheth took a garment as a sign of respect and covered their father and didn’t look at his nakedness.

First Principle: Our character is important to God.

  • Noah was blameless compared to his fellow man.
  • He walked with God. He found favour in God’s eyes.
  • If we are struggling to hear God – it is worth examining our behaviour and character. (God can still talk to us, but it is easier to hear God clearly when our character is pure/clean.)

Second Principle: Details are important to God.

  • God gave Noah specific instructions – how to build the ark, fill it, shut it, what to do and how to exit. God is in the details.
  • Ask God for prophetic blueprints.

Third Principle: Noah did all that God commanded.

  • Genesis 6-9 keeps saying that Noah did all that God commanded.
  • God desires our obedience. It is important to God, even when it doesn’t make sense.
  • Imagine building this colossal ark. There had never been any floods or water over the earth. People would think he was crazy. Who was he to believe – God or man? Imagine the reaction of people.
  • Noah was an entrepreneur and took a considerable risk. Faith is spelt RISK. He was confronted with discouragement and opposition.
  • If you are struggling to hear God – go back to the last time you heard God clearly and see if God has asked you to do something you haven’t obeyed.

Summary:

  • First Principle: Our character is important to God.
  • Second Principle: Details are important to God.
  • Third Principle: Noah did all that God commanded.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, is there something in my character You would love me to work on/improve?”
  • “Father God, is there an area I haven’t obeyed You in yet? What else do I need to know about it?”

Time Stamps:

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

[2:49] – Background to Noah and outline of his story.

[6:49] – First Principle: Our character is important to God.

[8:41] – Second Principle: Details are important to God.

[13:40] – Third Principle: Noah did all that God commanded.

[17:33] – Am I prepared to be obedient, even when it is not aligned with current culture?

[18:05] – Recap the principles.

[18:30] – Prophetic activation.

[19:50] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[20:59] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Genesis 5:32
  • Genesis 6-9
  • Acts 9:11

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 39: Hearing God in Times Requiring Courage

Episode 39: Hearing God in Times Requiring Courage

May 12, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you ever desperately needed God to speak, but He was silent? Join us in this latest episode of ‘Hearing God’ as we unpack the story of Esther from the Bible. This book does not mention God, but His fingerprints are all over it. Esther was kidnapped and forcibly placed in the King’s harem, repeatedly raped, not allowed to have a voice, and threatened with death if she spoke out of turn, yet she courageously fulfilled what was required of her. We encourage you, like Esther, to be courageous enough to do what God’s asking you to do. Don’t shortchange a miracle in your life by giving up too early. The book of Esther is a powerful reminder to be careful who you pay attention to and ask for advice from.

Episode Notes:

Background to Esther:

  • The Book of Esther (10 chapters) is full of conspiracy, racial hatred, betrayal, jealousy, pride, lust for power, drunkenness and orgies, murder, anger, fear, greed, persecution, and mourning.
  • Esther was a Jew living in Susa, the capital of Persia when King Xerxes was in power from 485-465BC.
  • Persia is now called Iran, but back then, it also covered Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Pakistan, and parts of Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Egypt, etc.
  • The Jews had been captured and taken from Israel and were slaves in Persia. At the time of Esther, the Jews had been freed, and only a few had returned to Israel. The rest were entrenched in Persia. Sometimes, it’s easier to stay where you are and settle for less than move.
  • King Xerxes ruled over 127 provinces and, over 180 days, displayed his vast wealth, culminating in a 7-day banquet in which he invited everyone. During the banquet, his wife, Queen Vashti, invited the women separately to her dinner. The King became drunk and wanted Vashti to come and display ‘her beauty’ and dance virtually naked before everyone. Vashti refused. King was embarrassed and angry and asked his advisors what he should do. They said to depose or forcibly remove her from being his wife as an example to all women that they were to respect and obey their husbands. She was never again to enter the King’s presence.
  • They then ‘kidnapped’ all the young virgins (including Esther) and brought them into the Palace, giving them 12 months of beauty treatments. Then, they would each have a night to sleep with the King, and he would choose whoever he was most pleased with as the Queen.
  • How would you feel if the King forcibly took you into his harem, repeatedly raped you, did not allow you to have a voice, and threatened you with death if you spoke out of turn?
  • Esther was a Jewish orphan. She was adopted by her cousin Mordecai, a government official. He was distraught. Esther didn’t reveal her nationality or family background. Mordecai went and sat at the King’s gate every day to try and hear news of Esther. While there, he heard that there was to be an assassination attempt on the King. He told Esther, who told the King, who killed the guards.
  • Haman was appointed to take charge and was full of pride and lust for power. He had the King issue a command to have all the Jews bow down to him. Mordecai refused to bow down. Haman made the King put his royal seal (something that couldn’t be broken) on a decree that all the Jews would be killed.
  • Famous verses in Esther 4:13-14: “Then Mordecai toldthem to reply to Esther, “Do not think that because you are in the King’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
  • Esther says, “If I approach the King and he hasn’t asked for me and doesn’t extend his gold sceptre to me, I will be killed.”
  • Esther says to Mordecai, get all the Jews to fast and pray for 3 days and nights.
  • In Esther 5 she approaches the King and invites him and Haman to a banquet. She sees that they are chummy at the banquet, so she invites them to another banquet the next day. Haman goes home and is full of pride and tells everyone.
  • That night, the King couldn’t sleep, so he asked his servants to bring the records of his reign to him. He discovers that Mordecai was never rewarded and honoured for his part in uncovering the assassination attempt and saving his life.
  • When Haman turns up, he asks Haman what he should do to honour someone. Thinking the King wants to honour him, Haman says to place the royal robe on him, put him on the King’s horse, and parade him through town. The King tells Haman to do that for Mordecai. Haman was angry and ashamed.
  • Haman returns for the dinner. The King asks Esther what her request is, and she asks the King to spare her people. The King asks who ordered this. Haman did. The King walks out into his garden for a breather, returns inside, and sees Haman trying to hurt Esther. The King orders Haman to be killed and Mordecai to be promoted. Esther asks for another decree to be given to save the Jews. The King can’t revoke the original one, so he orders all the Jews to fight back.
  • The Jews got the upper hand. The book of Esther finishes with them celebrating and establishing a time each year to remember and celebrate.
  • Be careful who you listen to – ask advice from the right people.

First Principle: God is always working and is never absent.

When it appears God is silent or has abandoned you:

  • Ask wise, trusted people for advice.
  • Seek God with fasting and prayer.
  • Be measured/self-controlled, not impulsive.
  • Do what is right, no matter if it is hard. Go back to the last time you heard God – have you done what He has asked you to do?
  • Hang in there. Don’t give up. Don’t shortchange a miracle in your life by giving up.
  • Esther doesn’t doubt God, even when her life depends on it.

Second Principle: There is no such thing as a co-incidence.

  • God is always working behind the scenes.
  • Esther was chosen to be Queen and be in a position where she could influence the outcome.
  • Mordecai was in the exact right place at the exact right time to hear the conspiracy.
  • The King couldn’t sleep, asked to look through the records, and found out Mordecai hadn’t been rewarded for exposing the assassination plot. This was thought to be about five years after the actual event of Mordecai uncovering the plot.
  • Even when you can’t see Him, God is still at work. Divine timing. We may just see chaos, but God is still working, weaving everything together for the beautiful picture He is creating behind the scenes. God is always at work, creating beauty from ashes bringing redemption.

Third Principle: Memory stones. Remember what God has done and celebrate.

  • Specific objects you can regularly see that remind you of God’s goodness and faithfulness and how God has come through in the past.

Summary:

  • First Principle: God is always working.
  • Second Principle: There is no such thing as a co-incidence, rather, God-incident.
  • Third Principle: Remember what God has done and celebrate.
  • Be courageous enough to do what God asks you to, especially if you are in a position, power, or influence.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “Father God, what would You love me to remember and celebrate about a time when You have worked in my life?”
  • “God, is there something I could buy, make, or look at to remind me of this time?”

Time Stamps:

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

[3:17] – Background to Esther and outline of the book.

[12:38] – First Principle: God is always working and is never absent.

[14:49] – Second Principle: There is no such thing as a co-incidence.

[20:15] – Third Principle: Remember what God has done and celebrate.

[22:36] – Be courageous enough to do what God’s asking you to do.

[22:57] – Recap the principles.

[23:22] – Prophetic activation.

[24:13] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[25:39] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Esther (chapters 1-10)
  • Esther 4:13-14

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 your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 38: Hearing God in Ways We Don’t Always Recognise (Principles from Gideon in the Bible)

Episode 38: Hearing God in Ways We Don’t Always Recognise (Principles from Gideon in the Bible)

May 5, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you ever asked God for a ‘fleece’ or to tell you something a different way because you were unsure you heard God correctly? Join us in this latest episode of Hearing God as we share the story of Gideon from the Bible and how he kept asking God for another sign. We unpack how we don’t believe in co-incidences, rather they are ‘God-incidences’. We love how God tells us how He sees us and who He created us to be, instead of who we think we are. The story of Gideon is a fantastic reminder to keep your eyes on God after a successful time.

Episode Notes:

Background to Gideon:

  • Gideon – classic story about identity and inferiority complex, fear, abandonment, discouragement, anger, bitterness, revenge, pride, unforgiveness, success, lust, covetousness, self-reliance, courage,
  • Found in Judges 6-8.
  • Judges 6:1: The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They were running scared for seven years. The Midianites were fierce and strong and basically bullies. They came through every harvest time and stripped the land bare, so the Israelites were left with no food.
  • The Israelites cried out to God. God sent a prophet who said, “God told you not to worship idols, but you did. He’s done all this stuff for you, but you didn’t listen. Basically, it’s your own fault.”
  • In Judges 6:11, an angel of the Lord came and sat down under a tree near where Gideon was. In the Old Testament, it was typical for an angel of the Lord to appear like a man. Gideon was threshing wheat, but he was so scared the Midianites would take it that he was threshing it in a winepress.

First Principle: God can speak in ways we don’t always recognise.

  • Gideon didn’t immediately recognise it was an angel.
  • 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!!). This gave him courage.
  • It is important to interpret our dreams. The friend of the Midianite who had a dream said – “that must be Gideon, and God has given the Midianites into his hands.”
  • Ask for a fleece. Maturity – don’t need a fleece.
  • Gideon was given specific instructions. God is in the detail.

Second Principle: God desires us to live in our true identity.

  • The first thing the angel says is, “The Lord is with you mighty warrior.”
  • Gideon was scared, hiding in a winepress. He complains and says the Lord has abandoned them. Before he could be a mighty warrior, he needed an identity upgrade.
  • The angel says, “I’m sending you to save Israel from the Midianites.”
  • Gideon says, “Excuse me. How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest of the weakest, and I’m the least in my family.”
  • The Lord answered, “I’ll be with you.”
  • Gideon said – “well, I’ll need a sign then.” He went away and prepared a meal as an offering for the angel. The angel said to place the meat and bread on the rock and pour the broth over the top. The angel then set it on fire by touching it with his staff. Gideon finally recognises this is an angel from God and declares he has seen him face to face.
  • Angel then says I want you to tear down the Asherah pole and your father’s altar to Baal. Gideon did it but was so scared that he waited until nighttime.
  • Townspeople wanted to kill Gideon. Father defends him.
  • Fathers are responsible for instilling identity.
  • After Gideon’s father stood up for him, Gideon became bold when the spirit of the Lord filled him. Gideon blew the trumpet and called the neighbouring Israelites to join them in fighting the Midianites who had come and camped down near the river.
  • Gideon still suffered from fear. He asked God for a sign – placed a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If dew only on the fleece in the morning and the surrounding ground dry, then I know you will use me to save Israel. God did that. Gideon said, “Don’t be angry with me, but I’m still unsure. Let’s try it the other way. The fleece dry and the surrounding ground with dew.”

Third Principle: Keep your eyes focused on God.

  • Gideon had assembled 32,000 men. God said, “That’s too many. You’ll take all the credit when you win.” 22,000 men left as they were scared.
  • Then God said take them to the water and watch how they drink. 300 drank by cupping water in their hands to drink, while watching for danger. The rest got down on their knees and put their face in the water. They were sent home.
  • During the night, God woke Gideon and said go down to the camp. I can see you’re still scared, so take your servant. Listen to what they are saying.
  • Gideon and his 300 men created havoc, destroying the Midianites.
  • At the end of the slaughter of the Midianites, Gideon took matters into his own hands. We need to be careful after success. Success can cause us to take our eyes off God.
  • Initially, Gideon said, “God will rule over you, not me”. But Gideon then got sidetracked. His one request was a gold earring from each person’s plunder. He melted the gold earring into an ephod – a breastplate that priests wore. He created an idol. He also had a harem, killed and tortured more people than God said to etc.
  • Judges 8:27 – “all Israel prostituted themselves by worshipping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family.”
  • The land had peace for forty years until Gideon died. As soon as he died, they reinstituted Baal worship. Therefore, no heart change.

Summary:

  • First Principle: God can speak in ways we don’t always recognise.
  • Second Principle: God desires us to live in our true identity.
  • Third Principle: Keep your eyes focused on God.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, is there a way You are trying to communicate to me that I am not recognising?”
  • “Father God, what is that way, and what else do I need to know about it?”

Time Stamps:

[0:42] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[3:41] – Background of Gideon and brief summary of Judges 6-8.

[6:17] – First Principle: God desires us to live in our true identity.

[11:05] – Second Principle: God can speak in ways we don’t always recognise.

[15:56] – Third Principle: Keep your eyes focused on God.

[19:42] – Recap the principles.

[20:05] – Prophetic activation.

[20:51] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[22:35] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Judges 6-8

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 37: Hearing God about Injustice (Principles from Habakkuk in the Bible)

Episode 37: Hearing God about Injustice (Principles from Habakkuk in the Bible)

Apr 28, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you ever accused God of not doing something about violence or not caring about injustice? Join Gary & Jane in this latest episode of Hearing God as they share Habakkuk’s dialogue with God about injustice. They unpack principles of how to complain to God, go from worry to peace, and hear God clearly. They also share how to embrace waiting.

Episode Notes:

Background to Habakkuk:

  • Habakkuk lived in Judah around 600 BC, around the time of Jeremiah.
  • Judah was full of corruption and injustice. A place of moral decline.
  • Habakkuk’s name means ’embrace’. This book is a great example of how to ’embrace’ waiting.
  • It is a dialogue between Habakkuk and God.
  • It is also a great example of how to complain to God.

A brief summary of the whole book – 3 chapters.

  • Habakkuk’s lament Ch1:2-4. Habakkuk was one of God’s prophets, but in chapter 1, he brought a complaint to God.  He said, “When I look around, I see a lot of sin, and I feel like you need to do something about it.  But you’re not, and it just seems like you don’t care.” Have you ever asked, “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you don’t appear to be listening?” “Why do you allow injustice? Sickness?
  • God answers. Ch1:5-11. God’s response is basically “Don’t worry – I do care and I am going to take care of it.” Before long, the Babylonians will come in and take over Judah and destroy them because of their sin. God basically says – be patient and wait.
  • Habakkuk responds to this message of judgement from God with a renewed lament. CH1:12-2:1. God’s response only confused and upset Habakkuk even more.  He said to God, “I don’t get that.  I mean, I know that Judah is bad, but you’re going to use the Babylonians?  They’re the meanest, most violent, most corrupt people on the face of this earth.  You’re going to use people like thatto destroy us?  That doesn’t seem right.  It doesn’t seem fair.”
  • God promises it will work out okay. Don’t give up. A great place to wait is in solitude 2:20 – The Lord is in His Holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.
  • Habakkuk responds with a prayer. My faith in God is not reliant on what God does or doesn’t do, what He provides or not, but that my joy relies on who God is – He is my salvation and my strength. It is a condition of my heart. I will trust God no matter what. He knows that God will give him the strength to stand and remain faithful despite …

First Principle: if you’re going to complain to God, here’s how to do it.

  • In Chapter 2, verse 1, Habakkuk teaches us how to complain.  He told God, “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me and what answer I am to give to this complaint.”
  • Even in a crisis of understanding, Habakkuk told God he would remain faithful and stand his post.
  • We can have doubts and still choose to be faithful.
  • God says – write down what I say. Journal. Take the time to write it clearly so you understand what I’m saying.
  • Are we able to say, like Habakkuk, “Even though I don’t like it, and even though I don’t understand it, and even though I know God could do something about it if he wanted to, but he doesn’t, even then, my trust is in the Lord my God.”
  • Have you thought, “That doesn’t seem very fair”.  Or maybe, like Habakkuk, there’s been a time in your life when you prayed and prayed for God to do something, to help you out with a problem, but years went by without an answer and you just gave up, thinking, “God doesn’t seem to care about anything that I’m going through.”
  • And when we’re surrounded by injustice and immorality and violence, we pray for God to do something about it.  We want to see some changes.  We pray for God to do something to make things right.

Second Principle: how to go from worry to peace.

The book of Habakkuk has ‘bookends’. It begins with Habakkuk saying, “God, I don’t understand.” Habakkuk was angry and worried. It ends with Habakkuk at peace. He had been transformed on the inside with peace.

How:

  • Remember what God has done. Remember His character, His faithfulness, His provision, His healing, His goodness. Ch 3:1-2 “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” I remember when… Do it again.
  • Accept what God is doing and His timing. Ch3:16 – “Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come upon the nation invading us.”
  • Trust what God is going to do. Ch 3:17-18 “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.”

Third Principle: unpacking the famous hearing God section: Habakkuk 2:1-2

“I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts. I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.” Then the Lord replied, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time.”

Principles:

  1. Position yourself.
  2. Hearing God is not a passive action but an active one to intentionally seek Him.
  3. Wait on God. Wait with God.
  4. Record.
  5. Rejoice in God even when life is not good – the barns are empty etc. Not about what God can do for you but heart relationships.

Questions:

  1. When was the last time you heard God?
  2. What do you think helps or hinders you in doing so?
  3. Where is a special place you can physically go to and hear from God?
  4. What is a Bible verse or book that you can meditate upon and soak in?
  5. What do you do while you wait – or how do you wait? Do you become impatient? How do you embrace the wait? Do you worship while you wait? Do you lean into God?

Summary:

  • First Principle: if you’re going to complain to God, here’s how to do it.
  • Second Principle: how to go from worry to peace.
  • Third Principle: unpacking the famous hearing God section: Habakkuk 2:1-2

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “Father God, what do I need to know about a particular time when I’ve felt you’ve been silent about an injustice in my life?”
  • God, is there anything else I need to know about that?”

Time Stamps:

[0:59] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[3:44] – Background to Habakkuk

[5:01] – A brief summary of the book of Habakkuk

[7:55] – First Principle: If you’re going to complain to God, here’s how to do it.

[11:50] – Second Principle: How to go from worry to peace.

[15:15] – Third Principle – unpacking Habakkuk 2:1-2

[23:04] – Recap the principles.

[23:41] – Prophetic activation.

[24:51] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[26:23] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Habakkuk Chapters 1-3 (specifically Habakkuk chapter 1:2-11, 13. Chapter 2:1-2, 20. Chapter 3:1-2, 16-19
  • John 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 your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 36: Hearing God – Daniel (from the Bible)

Episode 36: Hearing God – Daniel (from the Bible)

Apr 21, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Join Gary & Jane in this latest episode of Hearing God as they share how Daniel in the Bible heard God, even when threatened with death. Thus, a more apt title may be: “What to do in a hard or seemingly impossible situation”. Daniel sought God and received wisdom and knowledge that he had no way of knowing other than from God. Gary & Jane unpack how God used Daniel to speak the truth to the King, even when it seemed impossible.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: We are called to live counter-cultural.

  • People should be able to discern we are different.
  • Am I prepared to give up my life rather than serve/worship any god except Almighty God?
  • Can others find me to be trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent?
  • God can give us wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

Second Principle: Anyone can hear God. You don’t need a relationship with God to hear Him.

  • God desires a relationship with everyone.
  • God can and will do whatever it takes to get our attention.

Third Principle: How to deliver hard words.

  • Do we get swayed by money, power, position and people?
  • As soon as we pray, our prayers are actioned.
  • Just because we can’t see anything physically doesn’t mean it isn’t happening in the spiritual.
  • When delivering hard words, be respectful, honest, and give a way forward.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, is there an aspect of my life I need to change or adjust?”
  • “God, what do I need to do differently with my life so that I’m living counter-culturally in this world?”
    “God, what would You have me do differently?”

Time Stamps:

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

[3:12] – First Principle: We are called to live counter-cultural.

[7:10] – Second Principle: Anyone can hear God. You don’t need a relationship with God to hear from God.

[10:24] – Third Principle – how to deliver hard words.

[16:13] – Recap the principles.

[16:48] – Prophetic activation.

[17:47] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[19:48] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Daniel (specifically Daniel 1:17,20, Daniel 2, Daniel 3:28, Daniel 4:19,27, Daniel 5:5, 18, Daniel 6:4, Daniel 8:1, Daniel 9:23)
  • Romans 12:2
  • John 17:13-19
  • Proverbs 25:2

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 35: Hearing God with Simon Hardaker

Episode 35: Hearing God with Simon Hardaker

Apr 14, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Join Jane as she chats with Simon Hardaker about his Christian journey and how he hears from God. Simon is a great friend of Gary & Jane, has a fantastic teaching gift, and is brilliant at hearing God for himself and others. Simon chases after God and deliberately finds ways to grow in his walk with Jesus. You will be mightily encouraged as you listen to Simon share his experiences.

Episode Notes:

Simon shares his journey of becoming a Christian and growing in Christ. He shares how he best receives intel from God. Simon unpacks the importance of being careful what we say as our words come true.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him about a particular person –

  • “Father God, what would you have me say to this person?”

Time Stamps:

[0:49] – Introduction to Simon Hardaker.

[1:54] – Jane & Simon share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[4:39] – Simon shares how he became a Christian.

[6:42] – Simon explains what a ‘Word of Faith’ church means.

[14:24] – Simon explains prophecy.

[15:39] – Simon shares how he first recognised God speaking to him.

[17:40] – Simon shares how he best receives intel from God.

[19:03] – A memorable time of receiving from God for a workmate.

[21:52] – Simon’s method of ‘pressing in’ and growing in Christ.

[23:41] – A short piece of advice for listeners.

[26:02] – Prophetic activation.

[27:39] – Jane & Simon both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[30:15] – Simon prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Ezekiel 4
  • Mark 11:35
  • Genesis 1
  • Judges 6-8 (Gideon)
  • Luke 6:45
  • Isaiah 55:11

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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 34: Hearing God – Hosea (Bible)

Episode 34: Hearing God – Hosea (Bible)

Apr 7, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Join Gary & Jane in this latest episode of Hearing God as they share how Hosea in the Bible heard God. They unpack how God used Hosea’s life and actions to send specific messages to the Israelites who were unfaithful to God. God asked Hosea to marry a prostitute to demonstrate this. Since Hosea’s life was a prophetic act, Gary & Jane share what prophetic acts are and how they can change outcomes. Gary & Jane also share how our name is important and brings identity and purpose.

Episode Notes:

Background to Hosea:

  • Hosea lived around 755 – 715 BC, around the time of Isaiah, Micah, and Amos. He lived in the Northern Kingdom during the reign of King Jeroboam 2.
  • Hosea is famous for obeying God’s command to him to marry a prostitute who betrayed his trust. His wife committed adultery, and the Israelites committed spiritual adultery.
  • Hosea and his wife Gomer had three children whose names even sent messages of judgment upon Israel.
  • God used Hosea’s life and actions to send specific messages to the Israelites who were unfaithful to God, who had turned their back on God, and who were worshipping other Gods.
  • You see repentance, redemption, and restoration throughout Hosea’s life and that of the Israelites.

First Principle: God can and will do anything. God is sovereign. God can also ask us to do the unimaginable.

  • Are we prepared to follow God no matter what?
  • Will we remain faithful to God no matter what?
  • Hosea 1:1 – “the word of the Lord came to Hosea.”
  • Hosea 1:2 “When the word of the Lord came to Hosea, he said to Hosea…” Hosea obeyed God. Do we obey God quickly?
  • Hosea received from God through an auditory method.
  • The first three chapters are about how Hosea lived, and the following 11 are about what he was to say to Israel.
  • When you hear from God, run it past several tests – does it align with the nature and character of God, is there Biblical precedence, and see the advice of wise, trusted people.
  • Don’t hide behind ‘God told me to”.

Second Principle: Our name is important.

  • They had three children. God said to call the eldest son Jezreel – because I will punish the house of Jehu and put an end to the Kingdom of Israel.
  • Daughter Lo-Ruhamah means ‘not loved’ because I’ll no longer show love to Israel.
  • Son – Lo Ammi, which means ‘not my people’ for you (the Israelites) are not my people, and I am not your God.
  • Our name is important. It can signify identity, purpose, and character and is often symbolic.
  • There is often a correlation between hearing God and our identity.

Third Principle: Prophetic acts can change the outcome.

  • Hosea marrying Gomer was a prophetic act. He was marrying someone, knowing she would be unfaithful, just like God with Israel.
  • A prophetic act is something done (at God’s direction) in the natural (physical) realm that supports God’s workings in the spiritual realm to bring forth results manifested in the natural realm. It somehow opens the channel for releasing God’s presence, power, and victory to affect the physical realm and change outcomes.
  • It is not a formula or method you can blindly follow to produce different results. God is not a respecter of formulas. It is also not always possible to fully explain or justify the sense behind a prophetic act with our human mind. Doing something that constitutes a prophetic act is also not worthwhile if it doesn’t first come from God.
  • It is a physical action that God gives you to do that becomes a sign and decree to forge a breakthrough in the spiritual realm. Prophetic acts are powerful visual and kinaesthetic statements to the spirit world.
  • In today’s culture, we celebrate various occasions that once began as very symbolic and prophetic, e.g. 21st birthday key symbolising the key to the door, the wedding ring symbolising eternal love.

Biblical examples of prophetic acts: The Bible has many prophetic acts. Several examples are:

  • Ezekial 4 – Lying on the left/right side, food and drink preparation, prophesying to creation.
  • 2 Kings 13:14-19 – Elisha – King Jehoash’s arrow. Get an arrow and shoot it out the window. You will now destroy the Arameans at Aphek. Elijah also commanded him to strike the ground with the rest of the arrows, but King Jehoash only struck the ground three times instead of 6.
  • Exodus 12 – Israelite families killed a lamb and put blood on their doorposts
  • John 9:1-7 – Jesus putting clay on the blind man’s eyes.
  • The action can be for intercession, warfare, healing, a call to ministry etc. It can hold the spiritual power necessary for fulfilment or breakthrough.

The main principle with prophetic acts: Ask God what the issue is and whether He wants you to do a prophetic action to facilitate change. If so, what prophetic action comes to mind? Act on it whenever you feel prompted by the Holy Spirit.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “Father God, what are Your thoughts about my name?”
  • “Father God, what do I need to know about my name?”
  • “Father God, what nickname do You call me?”
  • You may even ask God if there is a prophetic act He would like you to do.

Time Stamps:

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

[2:57] – Background to Hosea.

[4:21] – First Principle: God can and will do anything. God is sovereign. God can also ask us to do the unimaginable.

[7:34] – Second Principle: Our name is important.

[10:28] – Prayer for people who their name has wounded.

[12:27] – Third Principle – Prophetic acts can change the outcome.

[16:08] – Several Biblical examples of prophetic acts.

[17:12] – A significant prophetic act our family did and the outcome.

[20:46] – Recap the principles.

[21:19] – Prophetic activation.

[22:23] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[24:27] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Hosea 1-14
  • Ezekiel 4
  • 2 Kings 13:14-19
  • Exodus 12
  • John 9:1-7

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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 33: Hearing God – Saul/Paul (Bible)

Episode 33: Hearing God – Saul/Paul (Bible)

Mar 31, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Join Gary & Jane in this latest episode of Hearing God as they unpack how Paul first heard God in Acts 9 and his radical conversion. Gary & Jane share that God desires a relationship with everyone and that when we encounter God, we change. They both share their personal story of how they encountered God. Gary & Jane also cover how we can respond when God asks us to do something that doesn’t make sense.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: There is no one too bad for God. God desires a relationship with everyone.

Saul

  • Saul / Paul was a ruthless man. Arrogant, self-righteous, loved finding fault.
  • God talks to non-Christians.
  • Saul saw a light, heard a voice, and then went blind. The men travelling with him heard the sound but didn’t see anyone. Sometimes, it doesn’t make sense to those around us. Who do we trust in those times?
  • Acts 13, when we read of Saul, also known as Paul (Latin version), says Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit and could discern things. It was a ‘knowing’.

Second Principle: When we encounter God, we change.

  • Saul encounters God. Face to Face and had a radical transformation.
  • In Damascus, there was a Christian called Ananias, whom God told in a vision to go to Saul and pray for him to be able to see again. Ananias says, “Wait a minute, this guy will kill me” but follows what God told him to do.
  • Ananias goes and finds Saul and prays for him. Saul can see again and suddenly starts preaching and telling people about Christ—radical conversion.
  • There is always an outcome, a change when we encounter God.

Third Principle: How do we respond when we are asked to do something by God that doesn’t make sense.

  • Ananias was given specific directions (Acts 9:10-19) in a vision to go to a particular house on Straight Street and ask for a specific person (Saul).
  • Ananias responds by saying, “Hey, I’ve heard he wants to arrest Christians – are you sure God? It is okay to question God? What we do with the question and response is what is important.
  • God said Go and do this. Ananias obeys.
  • It is important to obey quickly, but if it sounds unusual, please check with mature people.
  • How many times do we miss out because we haven’t obeyed quickly? God uses someone else.

Activation:

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

  • Father God, who in my life needs to hear about You?
  • Father God, what do they need to know first about You?

Time Stamps:

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

[2:59] – First Principle – There is no one too bad for God. God desires a relationship with everyone.

[8:27] – Second Principle – When we encounter God, we change.

[10:55] – Jane’s encounter with Jesus.

[13:44] – Gary’s encounter with Jesus.

[15:14] – Prayer if you want to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour of your life.

[17:13] – Third Principle – How do we respond when we are asked to do something by God that doesn’t make sense.

[21:02] – Recap the principles.

[21:36] – Prophetic activation.

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

[23:52] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Acts 9:1-21
  • Acts 13

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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 32: Life Update

Episode 32: Life Update

Mar 24, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Join Gary & Jane in this latest episode of Hearing God as they share a life update of the adventure they have been on as a family over these last few months. As they share their journey, Gary & Jane unpack how they have heard God during this time and a situation where Jane felt she missed hearing God. They also cover important principles of how to deal with disappointment in God.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Life/mission is messy.

  • Beach Mission – tents flooded, team members with Covid, team member broke his leg.
  • Our response is what is important, and so is our heart attitude.
  • In the busyness & tiredness, it is sometimes hard to hear God unless we’re intentional.

Second Principle: Plan but be open to change.

  • Family changes over the last few months.
  • Jane’s bold prayer at the end of November.
  • Jane study and new business called ‘Mums in Transition’.
  • What is our response when we don’t feel at peace, especially as a married couple?
  • Wrestling with God – how do we know? How do we settle the way forward?
  • If the 2 of us aren’t in agreement, we need to pause.

Third Principle: Guard your heart during change

  • Something I had been praying for years didn’t work out.
  • It is easy to be angry at God or disappointed in Him.
  • Tired and hungry – Elijah in 1 Kings 18 & 19. Elijah had just experienced this incredible miracle. The next minute, Elijah is depressed and fearing for his life. An angel of the Lord said, “Get up and eat”. Address physical issues first – hungry and tired.
  • Don’t make any big life decisions when exhausted or heartbroken.
  • Doubts, questioning, and heartache all common.
  • Go back to what you know from God.
  • We are not God. We can’t see the whole picture.
  • Be careful what you fill any void with.

Activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him to show you if you are disappointed with Him.

  • Father God, can you please show or tell me if I harbour any disappointment towards You, especially when things haven’t turned out as I had prayed?
  • Father God, what do I need to do about this?
  • Father God, what else would You love me to know about this?

Time Stamps:

[0:57] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[5:44] – First Principle – Life/mission is messy.

[10:27] – Second Principle – Plan but be open to change.

[15:32] – A situation of unease between Gary & Jane & how they dealt with it.

[20:27] – Third Principle – Guard your heart during change.

[23:38] – Recap the principles.

[24:04] – Prophetic activation.

[25:18] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[26:42] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Psalm 46:10
  • 1 Kings 18 & 19

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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 31 Hearing God at Christmas

Episode 31 Hearing God at Christmas

Dec 17, 2023 | 0 comments

** We have a free 30-day pdf devotional – ‘Hearing God for the New Year’. You can download your copy here: https://www.unlockingthegold.com/product/hearing-god-for-the-new-year/

** Gary and Jane are taking a break from the Hearing God Podcast until February due to seasonal, family, and mission commitments. We encourage you to listen to past episodes over January.

Episode Description:

Christmas is a fantastic time for sharing the good news about Christ. We have the opportunity to speak into many people’s lives, encouraging them through both words (verbal and written) and gifts. Join us as we share practical ways to encourage yourself and others by hearing from God at this significant time.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Hearing God for yourself this Christmas

  • Spend time with God.
  • Creative methods of rekindling the wonder of Christmas.

Second Principle: Hearing God for Others – ways to encourage people this Christmas season

  • People to prophetically encourage.
  • Ways to prophetically encourage people.
  • Acts of kindness.
  • Make space and time.

Third Principle: Bringing Christ into the centre of your Christmas

  • Change the atmosphere.
  • Christ came to bring joy, freedom, relationship, restoration, forgiveness, peace, and love.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • Father God, who do You want to be for me this Christmas?
  • Father God, how do You want me to celebrate You this Christmas?
  • Father God, am I creating an idol out of Christmas with my expectations?
  • Do I have to have the house perfect?
  • Do I need to give (and receive) the perfect present?
  • Are my emotional needs being ‘filled’ or ‘unmet’ by expectations surrounding the perfect Christmas when You should be taking that place?
  • Am I creating an ‘idol’ out of Christmas with my expectations of the ‘perfect’ Christmas?
  • Is there a lie I’m believing about having the ‘perfect’ Christmas?
  • Father God, am I spending my time, energy, money and thought life in a pleasing manner to You?
  • Am I spending too much time, energy and money on insignificant things?
  • Am I overthinking situations and creating a bigger problem in my mind?
  • Am I spending excessive time thinking about what to buy for people?
  • Have I fallen into the trap of people-pleasing?
  • Father God, how am I communicating Your love, peace, joy and power?
  • Father God, are people attracted to You through me?

Time Stamps:

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

[8:04] – First Principle – Hearing God for yourself this Christmas.

[11:45] – Second Principle – Hearing God for others at Christmas.

[14:22] – Different ways to prophetically encourage others.

[16:02] – Third Principle – Bring Christ into the centre of your Christmas.

[19:03] – Recap the principles.

[19:37] – Explanation of the ‘Hearing God for the New Year’ 30-day devotional pdf.

[21:38] – Prophetic activation.

[23:08] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[25:38] – Jane prays a Christmas blessing over you.

[28:15] – The next podcast will be in February due to seasonal, family, and mission commitments.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • 1 Corinthians 14:3
  • Matthew 22:37-38
  • Mark 12:30-31
  • Luke 10:27
  • John 13:34-35
  • Ephesians 3:20
  • Proverbs 31:25
  • Jeremiah 29:11

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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.

**30-day Devotional – Hearing God for the New Year

(available as a pdf download here)

This 30-day devotional has daily Bible verses and questions to help you hear God’s heart for you in the new year.

The start of a year is a fantastic time to reflect on the past year and dream with God to set new goals for the coming year. This 30-day devotional is ideal for reviewing and planning, realising that “many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)

Each day has questions for you to answer, plus questions to ask God about your life as you ponder and meditate on specific Bible verses.

God has so much He would love to share with us throughout this process. I encourage you to pause and listen to the things on God’s heart for you for this coming year. If you would like to know how to hear what God is trying to communicate to you, click here to listen to episode 4 of our ‘Hearing God’ Podcast – ‘How does God talk to us’.

In the Hearing God Podcast, we encourage you to go with the ‘first thought’ principle – the first thought that comes into your head, as long as it aligns with Scripture, the character of God, and you are in a healthy place with God. You can listen to an explanation of the ‘first thought’ principle here in episode 3.

This 30-day devotional on Hearing God for 2024 covers:

  • Reviewing 2023
  • Achievements, challenges and pain, and the joys from 2023
  • Answers to prayer, and memory stones from last year
  • Distractions and disruptions from 2023
  • Things I need to let go of, plus areas still to obey God in
  • Seeing where God is currently working in my life and partnering with Him in this place
  • What God, Holy Spirit, and Jesus are currently praying for me
  • My values and vision
  • Monthly theme/word for 2024
  • Areas to grow and mature in, and where wisdom is needed
  • Asking God for impossible dreams
  • My unique Kingdom purpose
  • My 2024 roles and priorities
  • Disciplines needed
  • Any concerns going forward
  • Accountability
  • Intimacy with God and areas to grow in
  • How, and what, I will celebrate in 2024
  • What I will speak over myself  to see come to fruition

Episode 30: Hearing God through Seeing

Episode 30: Hearing God through Seeing

Dec 10, 2023 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Imagine having the supernatural ability to see spiritual realities in the invisible realm. Hearing from God this way can be developed. Join Gary & Jane as they unpack how to hear from God with both natural and spiritual sight, grounding this with Biblical examples. They share personal examples to help you understand how you can hear God through seeing. They also share helpful tips for stewarding your ability to see in the Spirit, especially your child’s ability.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Hearing from God through our natural sight.

  • Noticing numbers, signs, and coincidences.

Second Principle: Hearing from God through our spiritual sight.

  • Prophetic visions, pictures, visual impressions of the mind
  • Dreams
  • Three kinds of visions.
  • Helpful advice for stewarding this gift of seeing the supernatural.

Third Principle: We can grow and develop our ability to see in the Spirit and receive from God.

  • Eight helpful steps to grow your spiritual sight.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and imagine you are in the throne room with Father God, within reach of Him – maybe even sitting on His knee. Ask Him:

  • Father God, what do I need to know about how You made me, my different giftings, and how I best receive from You?
  • Father God, what do I need to know about seeing in the Spirit and what You are doing in the spiritual realm?

Time Stamps:

[1:16] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[8:14] – First Principle – Hearing from God through our natural sight.

[10:55] – Second Principle – Hearing from God through our spiritual sight.

[12:33] – Three types of prophetic visions.

[14:10] – It’s important to see the ‘good’ stuff from God, not focusing on the demonic.

[15:25] – Tips for parenting children seeing the supernatural.

[19:34] – Third Principle – We can grow and develop our ability to see in the Spirit.

[20:16] – Eight steps to grow your spiritual sight.

[24:00] – Recap the principles.

[24:32] – Prophetic activation.

[25:39] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[27:13] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Exodus 3:1-6
  • Acts 2:17
  • Acts 10:3-4, 9-17
  • Acts 7:55-56
  • 2 Kings 6:13-17
  • Acts 12
  • Habakkuk 2:1-2
  • Hebrews 11
  • John 16:13
  • Ephesians 3:20

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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 29 Hearing God through Our Feelings

Episode 29 Hearing God through Our Feelings

Dec 3, 2023 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you ever walked into a room and your emotions have immediately changed negatively? Depending on your location, do you experience distinct shifts in your thoughts, emotions, or dreams? Do you hear God through your feelings? Join Gary & Jane as they share personal examples to help you understand how you can hear God through your feelings. They explain that character, maturity, and wisdom are needed to discern accurately where those feelings come from. They also discuss what a highly sensitive person is and share examples and resources to help unpack this area.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Recognise what is of you and God and what is not.
  • Is something external in the atmosphere impacting you?
  • Great questions to ask if you are unsure if something external is impacting you.
  • You are your mind’s gatekeeper. You have a responsibility to discern what you allow through and what you dwell on. 2 Corinthians 10:5
  • You can change most spiritual atmospheres through words or praise and worship.
  • Vitally important is our character, wisdom, and reading the Bible.
Second Principle – You can change the atmosphere around you.
  • Personal examples.
  • Dawna DeSilva from Bethel Church and her teaching on ‘Shifting atmospheres’.
  • Examples from the Bible of Jesus changing atmospheres.
Third Principle –Having a heart of compassion for others like Jesus did.
  • Numerous examples in the Gospels of Jesus displaying compassion.
  • Highly sensitive people – explanation, examples, and the term ‘DOES’.
  • Resources to help in understanding highly sensitive people.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him:
  • Father God, what do You love about my feelings and how I process information?
  • Father God, what would You like me to know about hearing from You through my feelings?

Time Stamps:

[1:21] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week. [5:19] – First Principle – Recognise what is of you and God and what is not. [8:46] – Great questions to ask if you are unsure if something external is impacting you. [11:26] – Second Principle – You can change the atmosphere around you. [15:58] – Jane’s powerful example with a Vietnam Veteran. [20:25] – Third Principle – Having a heart of compassion for others like Jesus did. [20:57] – Highly Sensitive People [24:16] – Recap the principles. [24:45] – Prophetic activation. [25:54] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener. [27:59] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • 2 Corinthians 10:5
  • Mark 4:37-39
  • Proverbs 18:21
  • Luke 8:41-56

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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 28: Hearing God through asking great questions

Episode 28: Hearing God through asking great questions

Nov 26, 2023 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Should I marry this person? Which career should I choose? Where should I live? Why does God allow suffering? Why did my friend die? These are all common questions, and God loves you asking questions. A great way to hear God is to ask the right questions. Join Gary & Jane as they share great questions to ask God and unpack how to recognise the answer and wait ‘well’ while waiting for the reply.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: God loves questions.

  • Jesus was asked about 183 questions in the Gospels and only answered about three directly.
  • We are worthy to ask God questions.
  • God wants a relationship with us.
  • God has a lot of thoughts and emotions. E.g. Psalm 139:17-18
  • We need to be able to recognise the answer.
  • Connect with God as a person.
  • A great starting place is the Bible.
  • Can God trust you to keep a secret?

Second Principle – Am I asking the right question? We may need to change the question.

  • Questions around suffering and injustice.
  • The waiting can be frustrating.
  • How we wait is important.
  • Important considerations to wait ‘well’.

Third Principle – Ask open-ended questions, especially with major life decisions.

  • Great questions instead of asking, “God, should I marry this person?”
  • Great questions about where to live?
  • Great questions instead of asking, “Should I accept this job?”
  • Help God put light on issues you haven’t been aware of.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • Father God, how do You see me?
  • Father God, what are You doing in my life at the moment that perhaps I’m not aware of?
  • What would You love to say about the pain in my past?
  • What would You love me to know about my future?
  • What Bible verse do You have for me right now?
  • How can I love someone today?

Time Stamps:

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

[4:03] – First Principle – God loves questions.

[6:33] – We are worthy to ask God questions.

[10:50] – We need to recognise the answer when God replies.

[12:00] – Connect with God as a person. Relationship is important.

[14:27] – Second Principle – We may need to change the question.

[18:10] – How we wait is important.

[20:52] – Third Principle – Ask open-ended questions, especially with major life decisions.

[23:07] – Recap the principles.

[23:45] – Prophetic activation.

[25:11] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[27:31] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Psalm 27:4
  • Psalm 139:13-18
  • Matthew 7:7-11
  • Psalm 91
  • Luke 1:26-38
  • 2 Peter 3:8
  • 1 Samuel 17:34-37
  • Genesis 22
  • Genesis 12
  • Psalm 34:8
  • Joshua 1:9
  • Isaiah 43:1-2

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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 27: Times when we can easily miss hearing God

Episode 27: Times when we can easily miss hearing God

Nov 19, 2023 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

I wonder how much we miss hearing God because we are not paying attention, life circumstances get in the way, or we are not in a healthy relationship with God. Join Gary & Jane as they share various heart and mind attitudes where we can easily miss hearing God. As always, they share engaging personal examples of times when they have heard God and stepped out in obedience.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: When we are not in a healthy relationship with God.

  • Sin or disobedience in our life.
  • Haven’t obeyed quickly.
  • g. Abraham in Genesis 22
  • Darren Wilson’s ‘Finger of God’ movie and how that impacted Gary.
  • Example of Gary driving 5 hours to stand outside the P.O. because God told him to.
  • Other times e.g. unforgiveness, unbelief in hearing God, not actively listening.
  • Inner vows and prayer to break an inner vow.
  • Contrasted with Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:1-4 re positioning.

Second Principle – Busy or distracted, not paying attention.

  • Mind crowded with life’s worries and distractions.
  • Luke 8:5-15 – seed fell among thorns, choked with life’s worries.
  • I wonder how much we miss hearing God because we are not paying attention.
  • Moses in Exodus 3 – investigated the ‘strange’ sight. He saw something unusual and paid attention.

Third Principle – Life circumstances get in the way.

  • False expectations – expect God to act in a certain way and then get disappointed.
  • Looking for something different so don’t recognise it e.g. 1 Kings 19:11-12
  • Grieving e.g. Disciples on the road to Emmaus and Moses in Numbers 20.
  • Times of celebrating.
  • Focused on wanting a particular answer.
  • Storms in life, e.g. the disciples in Mark 6:30-52 and John 6:1-21.
  • Peaceful times in life when everything is ‘easy’.
  • Immediately after a miracle in the Bible, the people often didn’t recognise God.
  • A call to position ourselves, expect God to speak, and posture our hearts towards God.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • Father God, is there a time when I especially miss hearing You?
  • When is that?
  • What do I need to know about those times?
  • What do I need to change or be aware of?
  • Father God, what would You like me to know about those times?

Time Stamps:

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

[5:31] – First Principle – Not in a healthy relationship with God.

[6:33] – Example of Gary driving 5 hours to obey God.

[11:18] – Other times when our heart may not be right with God.

[14:07] – Second Principle – Busy or distracted.

[17:13] – Third Principle – Life circumstances get in the way.

[21:02] – Recap the principles.

[22:05] – Prophetic activation.

[23:10] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[25:12] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Numbers 20
  • Numbers 17
  • Genesis 22
  • Genesis 12
  • 1 Samuel 3:1-4
  • Luke 8:5-15
  • Exodus 3
  • 1 Kings 19:11-12
  • Luke 24:13-35
  • Mark 6:30-52
  • John 6:1-21
  • Isaiah 43:19

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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 26: Hearing God with Katharine Goschnick

Episode 26: Hearing God with Katharine Goschnick

Nov 12, 2023 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Katharine Goschnick is a guest on this episode of the Hearing God Podcast. Katharine has an extensive background in ministering in the prison, schools, and the community. She shares simple but powerful examples of how she hears God and acts on what she hears, as well as how she teaches the many women she disciples to receive from God. Even Katharine’s testimony of how she became a Christian is fascinating. Listen in to Jane and Katharine’s conversation and the numerous examples of how Katharine has heard God in the various facets of her life.

Episode Notes:

  1. Prophetic Intercession
  • Jane learnt prophetic intercession through praying for Katharine’s ministry.
  • If you get a positive thought for someone, let them know.
  • Graham Cooke – “The worst thing you’re going to do is to bless them in the wrong area”.
  • We hear God, but we don’t always recognize it.
  • If we spend time with God and we’re close to Him and at peace, trust your thoughts are from God if they align with Scripture.
  1. Katharine’s journey of becoming a Christian and her growth in this area.
  • Lordship/control of Katharine’s life.
  • Katharine prays for people wanting to become a Christian.
  • Transformation in Katharine’s desire to read.
  • Prophetic journalling and the S.O.A.P. method.
  1. Encouragement
  • Encouragement if tired or burnt out.
  • Encouragement to pray from being seated in High Places with God.
  • Recognize you can hear God, you do hear God, you will hear God.

Prophetic activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God, reflect on where you are in hearing God, and then draw a line. Ask Father God:

  • What do I need to leave behind?
  • What do I need to trust you for, Father God?
  • What things am I thinking/believing that are not from you, God?
  • Father God, what do you want me to step into?
  • Then step over the line.

Time Stamps:

[0:47] – Jane introduces Katharine Goschnick.

[1:53] – Katharine & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[8:30] – How Jane learnt prophetic intercession through praying for Katharine’s ministry.

[11:05] – Encouragement to let people know if you have a ‘positive thought’ for them.

[13:23] – Katharine’s experience of becoming a Christian.

[17:51] – Katharine prays for people who want to become a Christian.

[19:19] – Katharine shares the change in her desire for reading.

[20:50] – Anything I hear in my spirit has to line up with the Bible.

[23:37] – Prophetic journalling and the S.O.A.P. method.

[24:56] – Encouragement if you are tired or burnt out.

[28:00] – Examples of hearing God when praying in prison.

[33:36] – Katharine & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[36:10] – Katharine encourages us to pray being seated with God in the Heavenly Realms.

[38:58] – Prophetic activation.

[41:05] – Katharine prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Colossians 1:27
  • Psalm 34:8
  • Exodus 5:1, 8:1, 9:1
  • Matthew 4:1-11
  • Deuteronomy 33:27
  • Matthew 25:1-9
  • Matthew 5:16
  • Psalm 23:2-3
  • Isaiah 61:1-3
  • Proverbs 3:26
  • Ephesians 2:6
  • John 10:27-28

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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 25: How Our Personality Can Impact How We Relate to God

Episode 25: How Our Personality Can Impact How We Relate to God

Nov 5, 2023 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

There is a kaleidoscope of ways we can hear and relate to God. Often, it can depend on how we are ‘wired’ or our personality. This episode of Hearing God unpacks several personality types and how each type may best hear God. How we relate to God and hear from Him may also depend on the season of life we are currently in. Join Gary & Jane as they share various methods you may find helpful in hearing from God and relating to Him.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: God made us unique and wonderful.

  • Psalm 139:13-18
  • Eric Liddell – “I believe God made me for a purpose – but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
  • Different learning styles – e.g. kinesthetic, auditory, visual, writing, logical, intrapersonal, interpersonal, music, etc
  • Different personality types.

Second Principle – Don’t compare yourself with others.

  • Galatians 6:4
  • We change and grow over time.
  • It’s important how we interpret and discern our experiences.

Third Principle – Find your best way of connecting with God, but don’t limit yourself to only that way.

  • View it as a continuum.
  • Ask yourself, “What do I do to feel close to God?”
  • Often a combination of practices.
  • It may depend on the season we currently find ourselves in.
  • Soul Shepherding website – soulshepherding.org
  • Intellectual vs experiential (thinker vs feeler).
  • Structured vs spontaneous.
  • Solitude vs community.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • Father God, what aspect of my personality do you like the most?
  • Father God, why did you create me this way?
  • Father God, what can you tell me about my (temper, procrastination, etc)?

Time Stamps:

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

[5:02] – First Principle – God made us unique and wonderful.

[7:12] – Example of Erice Liddell

[8:56] – Second Principle – Don’t compare yourself to others.

[10:25] – Third Principle – Find your best way of connecting with God.

[12:49] – Intellectual verse experiential.

[16:43] – Structured vs spontaneous.

[20:25] – Solitude vs community.

[24:11] – Prophetic activation.

[25:12] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[27:08] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Psalm 139:13-18
  • Galatians 6:4

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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 24: Hearing God through our Dreams Part 3

Episode 24: Hearing God through our Dreams Part 3

Oct 29, 2023 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

A large percentage of our communication occurs without words—the same with dreams. Since our dreams are a personal communication from God, the symbols and their interpretation are often unique and personal. In dream interpretation, we need to be careful to chase the dream giver (God) and not the dream. This episode of ‘Hearing God through our Dreams’ is part 3 in a 3-part series on dreams and their interpretations and outlines a quick and easy method to enable you to unpack your dreams. Join Gary & Jane as they share examples from their dreams and the interpretations.

Episode Notes:

  1. Symbols in dreams.
  • Symbols are often personal and unique in our dreams.
  • Use of Dream Dictionaries.
  • Chase the Dream Giver and not the dream.
  1. Meaning of symbols.
  • Biblical meaning – rule of first mention.
  • Personal understanding.
  • Idioms, colloquial language, puns/play on words.
  1. What to do with your dream.
  • Treat it like a prophetic word.
  • Pray for wisdom and revelation.
  • Unpack/interpret it.
  • The Holy Spirit is our tutor. Have a dynamic conversation with God.
  • Test it.
  • Seek wise counsel.
  • Keep the interpretation simple.
  1. Jane’s method – quick.
  • Emotion on waking.
  • Summarize the dream in 30 seconds.
  • What is the main (primary) event, action, and focus?
  • Main characters – at least 90% of the time, it is not about the person in the dream but what that person represents to you.
  • Is there a situation in your life currently that fits with the above ie what else is happening in your life at the moment?
  • Is the dream literal or parabolic/symbolic?
  • List out the main 5-7 points/symbols from the dream.
  • Have you had a similar dream before?
  • Pull everything together to interpret it.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to confirm and seek wise counsel.
  • Apply the outcome.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • Father God, can you please tell me more about my favourite (something that’s personal for you eg colour, number, object, jumper, etc)?
  • Father God, can you please highlight something about it I have either forgotten or am not aware of?

Time Stamps:

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

[3:28] – Use of symbols in our communication.

[3:47] – Intimacy with God is the goal.

[4:40] – Use of Dream Dictionaries.

[6:39] – Meaning of symbols in dreams.

[9:15] – What to do with your dream.

[9:39] – Chase the Dream Giver.

[12:41] – My method – quick

[13:52] – Dream Questions to help you unpack your dream.

[16:27] – Examples of dreams and their interpretation.

[19:13] – Prophetic activation.

[20:14] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[21:40] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Jeremiah 1:11-12
  • Genesis 40:8
  • Daniel 1:17
  • John 16:13-15

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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 23: Hearing God through Our Dreams Part 2

Episode 23: Hearing God through Our Dreams Part 2

Oct 22, 2023 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

God has a purpose with our dreams – that of intimacy and an invitation to draw closer to Him. Our dreams can be likened to a treasure hunt of searching out what God is trying to communicate to us through the third of our life we are asleep. This episode of ‘Hearing God through our Dreams’ is part 2 in a 3-part series on dreams and their interpretations and covers the types and purposes of dreams. Join Gary & Jane as they share numerous Biblical examples of different types of dreams as well as a number of dreams with the outworking that has influenced and changed the world.

Episode Notes:

  1. Types / Purposes of Dreams
  • Warning / guidance (a heads up. a caution, a call to intercession).
  • Revelation about our future calling and destiny.
  • Wisdom and insight, ideas for inventions, business plans, strategy from heaven to glorify God.
  • God encounters – with God, His nature, or angels.
  • Reveal secrets
  • Evangelism / Salvation
  • Correction
  1. Modern day dreams / Inventions
  • Some examples are the sewing machine, the creation of Google, books, movies, famous song lyrics, adjustments to sporting style, the arrangement of the periodic table, the theory of relativity, the discovery of both the structure of the atom and DNA, etc.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • Father God, is there a strategy that you would love to download to me now about an issue in my life?
  • Father God, can you please reveal to me more about that strategy.
  • Father God, can you please show me something in my life I need to adjust or tweak.

Time Stamps:

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

[2:14] – Dreams are a gift from God. Follow on from part 1 in Episode 22.

[2:59] – Some examples of dreams in the Bible.

[3:35] – Types / Purposes of Dreams.

[12:27] – Modern day inventions as a result of a dream.

[17:57] – Prophetic activation.

[19:06] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[20:24] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Matthew 2:13
  • Daniel 7
  • Job 33:14-18
  • Proverbs 25:2
  • Isaiah 55:11
  • Genesis 41:1-39
  • Genesis 20:3
  • Matthew 27:19
  • Matthew 1:20-23, 2:13,19-20,22
  • Matthew 2:12
  • Genesis 37:5-10
  • Luke 2:19
  • Genesis 40:5-23
  • Judges 7:13-15
  • Genesis 31:10-13
  • Genesis 28:11-22
  • Daniel 2:29
  • 1 Samuel 28:6
  • Acts 10:9-23

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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 22: Hearing God through our Dreams Part 1

Episode 22: Hearing God through our Dreams Part 1

Oct 15, 2023 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Dreams are a gift from God. As with any gift, it is useless if we don’t unpack it. The Talmud says a dream that is not interpreted is like a letter that is not read. We roughly spend a third of our life asleep – why not make use of it by receiving from God, as dreams are the purest form of a prophetic word you will ever receive. Join Gary & Jane as they begin to unpack the difference between dreams, visions, and nightmares, address night terrors in children, and inspire you to begin to record your dreams. Jane shares how nightmares often reveal your identity and expose the enemy’s plans. This episode is part 1 of a 3-part series on dreams and their interpretations.

Episode Notes:

Dreams are a gift from God.

  • Dreams are an invitation from God to draw closer to Him and to come to know Him at a greater level. Dreams open up the mysteries of God.
  • Our spirit is awake as we sleep. Song of Songs 5:2 “I was asleep but my heart was awake.”
  • It bypasses our minds to get our attention and bring things to the forefront.
  • Dreams are the purest form of a prophetic word you will ever receive.
  • The word for ‘dream’ in ancient Hebrew is chalowm. Unpacking the four meanings of that word gives a fuller understanding of the word ‘dream’ – the mystery hidden from you is being brought to you and revealed.
  • Proverbs 25:2 When God hides something in a dream, it is an invitation into a conversation to search out and to find out more, to go on a journey with God.

God uses dreams for evangelistic purposes.

  • God speaks through dreams to those who don’t know Him as Lord, such as King Nebuchadnezzar in the Bible in Daniel 2:28.
  • Over 4/5 of Muslims have never met a Christian. Thus, God needs to get their attention somehow. Many dream of a man in white (Jesus) and become a Christian through meeting Jesus in their dreams.

Difference between dreams, visions, and nightmares.

  • A dream refers to the events or series of thoughts and images seen in our mind whilst asleep.
  • The Bible also talks about visions – Peter was awake and praying and saw a vision/trance of the unclean food (Acts 10:9-23). John was awake for his vision recorded in Revelation (Revelation 1:9-20).
  • A nightmare occurs when the enemy tries to shut down communication between God and us. The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). The enemy fears us stepping into our identity and calling. There’s a calling on our life that scares the enemy, and he will come while our defences are down – or when we are asleep.
  • Nightmares are a lie from the enemy, a lie that we end up believing about ourselves. Thus, we need to redeem that which the enemy is trying to rob from us.
  • Often reveals the strategy of the kingdom of darkness, exposing the enemy’s plans.
  • It usually highlights a truth about our authority in God.
  • Nightmares can be common in children and reveal generational strongholds that must be dealt with to bring freedom. If a door opens, fear will enter and usher in shame, guilt, and condemnation. A nightmare is a heads-up, a warning, a caution. Nightmares are always redemptive. Psalm 24:1
  • The enemy is counterfeit. Counterfeit to be like God. Usually chaotic if from the enemy as God is a God of order and not chaos.
  • Praying Medic says: “The enemy shows us things of darkness in order to draw us into them as a participant, while God reveals darkness to help us defeat it….. God has a redemptive purpose in all He does…..” (Praying Medic, Seeing in the Spirit Made Simple (2015))
  • Don’t focus on what the devil is doing/saying – prophesy to the devil. Switch it. Faith trumps fear. If he comes in this way, stand and declare in your authority.
  • James 4:7 “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
  • Night terrors – kids’ brains are trying to process stuff they’ve witnessed, usually on television. It is quite common when the television goes all day in the background. When tsunamis, floods, bushfires etc, kids see the news flashes.
  • Dreams reveal things about ourselves, God’s plans, the enemy’s plans for our lives, and they can also be processing past events or unresolved issues that we may well have ‘brushed’ over and felt that the event no longer impacts us. In His wisdom, God knows far greater, and sometimes that may be the only way we will start to process the past hurt or situation.

The source of dreams:

  • Demonic – often an invitation to intercession or revelation on overcoming the enemy.
  • God – often related to our calling/destiny or containing divine strategy or ideas.
  • Self – processing life or the day’s events. Often, dreams can pinpoint an issue that’s currently in our life but hasn’t risen to the surface yet or something that we’ve been asking questions about but haven’t found a solution to. God can still speak through these.
  • Look at the fruit to discern the source.

Preparing for a Dream:

  • Limit alcohol, drugs/chemicals and prescription drugs (eg sleeping tablets). The more alert your brain is, the clearer you can hear and see from God.
  • Be careful what you watch and read before bed. If you fill your mind with scary movies or stories before sleep, then expect that that may influence your thoughts while asleep.
  • Sleeping atmosphere – quiet, relaxing, peaceful environment contributes to calmer sleep, thoughts, and hearing from God while asleep.
  • Have a recording device (or journal & pen) by your bed to document your dream.
  • Look at your attitude towards dreams. Be intentional and expectant. Show God that you want to hear from Him during your sleep. Confess any inner vow you have made about not wanting any dreams.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • Father God, is there a dream I’ve had in the past that I’ve ignored or brushed over where you were trying to tell me something? Can you please remind me of that dream?
  • Father God, please show me what I need to know about dreams and my attitude towards them?

Time Stamps:

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

[2:44] – Dreams are a gift from God.

[5:01] – Preparation for dreaming.

[8:04] – Dreams bypass our minds to get our attention.

[9:35] – The meaning of the word ‘dream’.

[11:18] – God uses dreams as a method of evangelism.

[12:37] – The difference between dreams, visions, and nightmares.

[17:39] – Examples of redeeming nightmares.

[18:59] – Jane addresses night terrors.

[21:10] – The sources of dreams.

[22:24] – Encouragement to look at the ‘fruit’ of the dream if unsure of the source.

[23:02] – Preparation for a dream (expanded)

[24:00] – Prayer for those who have ‘shut’ down their dream life because of fear.

[25:06] – Prophetic activation.

[26:60] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[27:23] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Song of Songs 5:2
  • Proverbs 25:2
  • Daniel 2:28
  • Joel 2:28
  • Acts 2:17
  • Acts 10:9-23
  • Revelation 1:9-20
  • John 10:10
  • Psalm 24:1
  • James 4:7
  • 1 John 1:9
  • Ephesians 6:10-18
  • Galatians 5:22-23
  • Galatians 6:7-9

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe 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 21: Hearing God when God is silent

Episode 21: Hearing God when God is silent

Oct 8, 2023 | 0 comments

 

Episode Description:

Are you in a place where God is silent or appears silent? Join Gary & Jane as they unpack this topic and explore why it may appear that God is silent. They touch on numerous reasons why we may feel God is silent and not recognize God communicating with us. Throughout this episode, Gary & Jane encourage you to be honest with God and to turn your heart to Him. They emphasize that, above all, God desires a relationship with you.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Be honest.

  • Be honest with God.
  • The problem is always on our end, not with God. He hasn’t moved.
  • Usually, we think God is silent when things haven’t worked out like we thought they should.
  • God is not a vending machine. We want a roadmap that explains everything.
  • God wants a relationship. It doesn’t require faith if God tells me exactly everything to do.
  • God’s character doesn’t change 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”.
  • Don’t critique God.
  • Lean into Him.
  • Not the time to pull away.
  • Desert experience. Ask, ‘What are my current circumstances? – valley of dry bones, grief, trauma, disappointment with God.
  • Journal your pain, but don’t camp there. Journal also your miracles so you can remind yourself. You are responsible for the seeds you plant in your heart.
  • Don’t allow the enemy to fester disappointment and bitterness.
  • Those times invite us to grow and explore, to change our position and posture.
  • Be honest with a trusted person.

Second Principle: Go back to the last time you heard God.

  • What did He say?
  • Have you obeyed Him?
  • What’s happened in your life since?
  • Have you moved from God or have an issue with Him?
  • Am I offended by God?
  • Am I disappointed with God?
  • On the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:13-32 – the two disciples were walking along when Jesus came alongside them, and they didn’t recognize Him. Perhaps you are not recognizing God amid what you are going through.
  • May need to repent of unconfessed sin.
  • Don’t judge God by what He didn’t do.
  • Look at your theology. Do you believe God is always good?
  • In 1 Samuel 13:14, we see David is called a man after God’s own heart, but in Psalm 22:1-2, David writes, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? 2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.”
  • Psalms always end up worshipping and praising God apart from 2 Psalms, one being Psalm 88.
  • Psalm 13:1-2 – lamentation “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?”
  • Has God already answered you, but you haven’t recognized it? Isaiah 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated you from your God, your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”
  • Psalm 66:18 “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;”
  • Wrong motives: James 4:3 “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
  • The answer may still be coming: Daniel 10 – fasted for two weeks until heard God.
  • Grow faith and dependence – Luke 18:1-7 the parable of the persistent widow.
  • Am I quiet enough to hear the whisper (1 Kings 19:12)?
  • May be looking for a different answer or way of receiving.

Third Principle: Is God wanting to use my situation to increase my trust?

  • Remember His faithfulness.
  • Importance of memory stones – In Joshua 4:1-18, God told Joshua to get 12 memory stones after crossing the Jordan River.
  • When God appears silent, it doesn’t mean He is unresponsive.
  • Fight the good fight. John 16:33
  • Look at your theology, your beliefs about God.
  • We live life. Life has pain. Philippians 4:4-7. We wouldn’t be given those instructions if life was easy.
  • Invitation to grow and explore with God.
  • Keep showing up. Keep reading the Bible. Keep the lines of communication open.
  • Psalm 37:4
  • Deuteronomy 31:6
  • 1 Kings 18:43-44
  • It may be a time of being patient and trusting God is working behind the scenes.

Fourth Principle: Silence can be a sign of intimacy.

  • Oswald Chambers (an early 20th Century Scottish evangelist and teacher) wrote in “My Utmost for His Highest” – “When you cannot hear God, you will find that He has trusted you in the most intimate way possible with absolute silence, not a silence of despair, but one of pleasure, because He saw that you could withstand an even bigger revelation.”
  • God is near in the silence.
  • James 4: 8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
  • Trust God for His Presence despite how I feel.

Prophetic activation:

Sit quietly before God for about 10 minutes.

  • Start with an awareness of your surroundings and acknowledge the sounds.
  • Invite God to come and sit with you.
  • Delight in being with God.
  • Ask, “Lord, what would you love to say to me?”

Time Stamps:

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

[3:14] – First Principle – Be honest.

[7:56] – Jane encourages listeners to journal and have ‘memory stones’ (Joshua 4).

[9:18] – Gary explains a ‘prophetic act’ may be appropriate.

[9:41] – Second Principle – Go back to the last time you heard God.

[10:25] – Don’t judge God by what He didn’t do.

[11:16] – Jane shares why Psalms can be helpful to read.

[13:16] – Am I looking for a different answer?

[15:44] – Third Principle – Is God wanting to use my situation to increase my trust?

[17:19] – Jane encourages you to keep the lines of communication open with God.

[19:42] – Fourth Principle – Silence can be a sign of intimacy.

[21:16] – Prophetic activation.

[22:35] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[24:36] – Gary prays for you.

 

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Joshua 4:1-18
  • 1 Samuel 13:14
  • Psalm 22:1-2
  • Psalm 88
  • Psalm 46:10
  • Psalm 13:1-2
  • Isaiah 59:2
  • Psalm 66:18
  • James 4:3
  • Daniel 10
  • Luke 18:1-7
  • 1 Kings 19:11-12
  • Philippians 4:4-7
  • John 16:33
  • Psalm 37:4
  • Deuteronomy 31:6
  • 1 Kings 18:16-46
  • James 4:8
  • Isaiah 43:19
  • Luke 24:13-32 (the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus)

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