Episode 49: If a donkey can hear God, what about me?

Episode 49: If a donkey can hear God, what about me?

Jul 21, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

How often do we miss what God is trying to say because we are not looking or listening? At what point are we willing to disobey God? What is our breaking point? Join us in this latest episode of ‘Hearing God’ as we unpack the truths in this story and how Balaam and his talking donkey met and experienced God. This story is a great reminder to first seek God for ourselves and not go running to others to hear from God for us.

Episode Notes:

Background to Balaam and the talking donkey:

  • We read about Balaam in Numbers 22-24
  • Near the end of the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years after fleeing Egypt, The Israelites were camped on the plains, east of the Jordan River across from Jericho.
  • Balak was the King of Moab & had seen what had happened to other nations that stood up to the Israelites. He sent for a prophet, albeit a false prophet, or better still – an unholy prophet, to bless the Moabites and curse the Israelites so the Moabites would win the war. Balaam had a reputation that whoever he blessed won, and whoever he cursed lost.
  • Balak heard and felt threatened by the proximity, the strength and the reputation of the Israelites.
  • Balak was going to pay Balaam well.
  • Balaam told the messengers, stay the night, and I will tell you the answer in the morning.
  • God spoke to Balaam and asked who these men were. Balaam told him. God said, do NOT go with them. You must not curse the Israelites because they are blessed.
  • The next morning, Balaam said go back to your own country, for the Lord has refused to let me go with you. Even at this stage, Balaam didn’t own it himself but blamed God for not letting him go. Subtle difference, but it opened the door slightly.
  • Messengers went back to Balak and told him. Balak sent higher officials and higher financial incentives.
  • Balaam said, “Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God.” But spend the night here so I can find out what else the Lord will tell me. Don’t play with fire – you will get burnt!
  • God said you can go with them, but wait for them to come to you in the morning.
  • First thing, Balaam got up, saddled his donkey and went out to find them.
  • God was angry at him. In Numbers 22:22, we see Balaam riding on his donkey and having two servants with him. The angel of the Lord stood in the road to oppose him.
  • Verse 23 – when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, the donkey turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat it to get it back on the road.
  • Verse 24 – Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path through the vineyards with walls on both sides. When the donkey saw the angel, it pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. Balaam beat the donkey a second time.
  • Verse 26. Then, the angel of the Lord moved ahead and stood in a narrow place with no room to turn. When the donkey saw the angel, it lay down under Balaam. Balaam was angry and beat it again.
  • Verse 28 The Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to make you beat me these three times?”
  • Balaam responded, “You have made a fool of me. If only I had a sword, I would kill you right now.”
  • The donkey said, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden? Have I ever done this to you before?
  • NO said Balaam. (Notice how he was so intent on sinning that he didn’t notice the strange phenomenon of a talking donkey??)
  • Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. Balaam bowed low and fell face down.
  • The angel said – why did you beat the donkey? I came here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one. The donkey saw me and obeyed. If the donkey hadn’t turned away and tried to stop, I would have killed you, but I will now spare your life.
  • Balaam realised he had sinned. He said he would go home.
  • The angel said, no, go with the men, but only say what I tell you to say.
  • When he reaches Balak, he tells him he can only say what God tells him to say.
  • Balak takes him to a mountain overlooking the vast number of Israelites and says curse them. Balaam’s first message – build me 7 altars, sacrifice 7 bulls and 7 rams but he couldn’t curse them.
  • Balak horrified.
  • Balak says, come to another place where you can see the Israelites. He built another 7 altars with a bull and ram on each altar. Chapter 23 vs 19 & 20 “God is not a human, that he should lie, not a human being that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and then not fulfil? I have received a command to bless – he has blessed them and I cannot change it.
  • Balak is very persistent and says, let’s go to one more place to see the Israelites.
  • Verse 24 “Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he didn’t resort to divination as at other times. He blessed Israel willingly.”
  • Balak was angry and sent Balaam home without rewarding him, breaking his promise.
  • Not the end for Balaam – crafty – couldn’t directly curse the Israelites, so told Balak to entice them with idols and prostitutes.
  • Numbers 31:16 “They were the ones who followed Balaam’s advice and enticed the Israelites to be unfaithful to the Lordin the Peor incident, so that a plague struck the Lord‘s people
  • 3 New Testament references all refer to Balaam as a false prophet
  • Revelations 2:14 Speaking against the church at Pergamum: ‘Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.’
  • In 2 Peter 2:15-16, Peter’s talking about false prophets and says: ‘They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam , son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.’
  • Jude 1:1 ‘they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error.’

First Principle: God can speak through unexpected sources.

  • God can use anything, even a donkey.
  • God is all-powerful and will use whoever and whatever He desires to glorify Himself and achieve His purposes.
  • God goes to extraordinary lengths to get our attention.
  • Balaam was meant to be a seer (someone who can see in the spiritual world), but he didn’t see the angel.

Second Principle: Be alert both to watch for God and against the path of sin.

  • Balaam completely missed the phenomenon of a talking donkey!! It wasn’t until God opened Balaam’s eyes to see the angel that Balaam realised what was happening.
  • How often do we miss what God is trying to say because we are not looking or listening?
  • Balaam was a prophet for profit. He was willing to do and say whatever to get rich. He desired prestige, status and riches.
  • At what point are we willing to disobey God? When the price changes as it did with Balaam?

Third Principle: Sin always carries consequences.

  • Never play with sin.
  • If God says no, don’t keep asking!! Don’t play with evil. Balaam should have sent them away immediately the second time. He already knew God’s thoughts on the matter.
  • Balaam heard, “If you want to go, then go”. Was that God?
  • Balaam didn’t wait for the entourage to come in the morning. He leapt out of bed, got ready, and went out to meet them. So he didn’t follow God’s instructions.
  • Balaam compromised. He opened the ‘back door’ to betrayal and corruption.
  • When we partner with things not of God, we open the back door in our life to consequences not of God.
  • James 4:7 – resist the devil. Don’t get into bed with the devil.
  • Be careful of false prophets. They target people in deception who can’t hear God for themselves and don’t have a true checkpoint.
  • A great reminder to seek God for yourself and not run to others to hear from God for you.

Summary:

  1. God can speak through unexpected sources.
  2. Be alert both to watch for God and against the path of sin.
  3. Sin always carries consequences.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, is there an area of my life where I am ‘playing with fire’, where I’ve opened the door a little bit?”
  • “If there is God, please show me what it is and what I need to do?”

Time Stamps:

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

[3:26] – Background to the story of Balaam.

[11:03] – First Principle: God can speak through unexpected sources.

[12:58] – Second Principle: Be alert both to watch for God and against the path of sin.

[15:24] – At what point are we willing to disobey God?

[16:49] – Third Principle: Sin always carries consequences.

[18:29] – Recap the principles.

[19:00] – Prophetic activation.

[19:56] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[22:09] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Numbers 22-24
  • Numbers 31:16
  • Revelations 2:14
  • 2 Peter 2:15-16
  • Jude 1:1
  • James 4:7

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 48: Hearing God when feeling unseen, uncared for, abused, or overlooked.

Episode 48: Hearing God when feeling unseen, uncared for, abused, or overlooked.

Jul 14, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Hagar’s story includes exclusion, oppression, jealousy, desperation, powerlessness, hopelessness, uncertainty, cruelty, humiliation, impatience, broken promises and flawed people. It is messy and chaotic. It is life. God met Hagar in the middle of her pain and abandonment. God meets us amid our sorrow, pain, brokenness, and desert experience. Join us in this latest episode of ‘Hearing God’ as we unpack all these truths and how Hagar met and experienced God.

Episode Notes:

Background to Hagar:

  • Genesis 16 & 21:8-21
  • Hagar means alien, and she was an alien/foreigner in Sarah and Abraham’s household. She was an Egyptian slave.
  • God had promised Abraham he would be the father of a great nation, but as years went by, nothing was happening. It looked like God wasn’t coming through on His promise.
  • Genesis 16:1 Sarah, Abrahm’s wife, had borne him no children. Sarah was impatient and desperate. She had been pulled out of her comfort zone, traipsed all over the countryside with Abraham, followed her husband where he went, and obeyed him. Sarah said to Abram – take my slave Hagar and sleep with her. Hagar conceived.
  • Genesis 16:4 – Once Hagar was pregnant, she despised Sarah and looked with contempt at her mistress. Hagar wasn’t the innocent girl in this. She’s not spotless.
  • Verse 5 – Sarah is jealous, scared, and losing faith in God and His promise, so Sarah takes matters into her own hands and blames Abraham. Fear can cause us to react in ways we wouldn’t normally – jealousy, anger, etc.
  • Verse 6 – Abraham wipes his hands of it and doesn’t take responsibility. Spineless. Abraham says, “Sarah, you sort it out. It’s your problem.” So Sarah abuses/mistreats her. Interestingly, Sarah & Abraham never call her Hagar but ‘that Egyptian slave’. She was nameless to them.
  • Hagar flees and runs away to die.
  • Verse 7 – an angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert. Talks with her to find out what she is doing.
  • Verse 9 – The angel of the Lord tells her to return to her mistress and submit to her. God will bless her with descendants too numerous to count, but the baby will be a son and live in hostility toward all his brothers. It is interesting to note yet again that in Deuteronomy 23:15-16, the legal code God gave the Israelites regarding runaway slaves was that they shouldn’t be returned to their masters.
  • Verse 13 – first person to name God – El Roi – You are the God who sees me. I don’t know if I would have said that after being told my son would live in hostility toward all his brothers. But it was based on her experience.
  • Hagar’s son Ishmael (means God hears)
  • The next we read of Hagar is in Chapter 21, after Sarah gives birth to Isaac.
  • At the celebration of Isaac’s birth, on the day he was weaned, Sarah noticed Hagar mocking her. Sarah saw the threat that Ishmael was to her child Isaac. When does protection turn to jealousy? She told Abraham to send Hagar away.
  • Abraham was greatly distressed as Ishmael was his son. God said not to be distressed; both sons will have offspring as a nation.
  • Verse 14 – Abraham gave Hagar food and water and sent her and Ishmael away.
  • They wandered until the water was gone. Hagar put Ishmael under a tree, and she went off as she couldn’t watch him die.
  • Verse 17 – God heard her crying, said open your eyes. I’ve supplied a well of water for you both. They then lived in the desert.
  • This second time she was sent away, it was a permanent exile. Both times, an angel of the Lord meets her and saves her.
  • The irony of Hagar’s story is that it flips the power dynamics of the Israelites.
    • The Israelites were a threat to Pharoah once they increased in number. Hagar was a threat to her mistress once she gave birth to a son.
    • The Israelites suffered abuse at the hands of their Egyptian masters. Hagar, the Egyptian, suffered abuse at the hands of Sarah.
    • The Israelites escaped from bondage under the Egyptians. Hagar ran away from her cruel mistress.

First Principle: God sees you.

  • You are not overlooked.
  • Two-way conversation. Calls God – El Roi, the God who sees.

Second Principle: God wants to speak to us personally.

  • Like Hannah and Mary, God spoke to them personally and not through their husbands, saying they would have offspring and their child would be extraordinary and have a unique destiny.
  • The angel of the Lord spoke audibly twice.
  • Every person is important to God.

Third Principle: God meets us where we are.

  • God met Hagar in the middle of her pain and abandonment.
  • God meets us amid our sorrow and pain in our desert. Like God met Moses with the burning bush in the desert, God met Hagar.
  • Don’t try to short-circuit God or take matters into your own hands. Like we know better than God – not a good outcome!!
  • God will sustain, love, and rescue us.
  • Sometimes, we are so caught up in our circumstances that we miss God and His best for us.
  • Don’t try to fulfil God’s will in your way. Wait on God.
  • God wants to reveal solutions to us that we can’t see.

Summary:

  1. God sees you.
  2. God wants to speak to us personally.
  3. God meets us where we are.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, where do I need You to come through in my life at the moment?”
  • “God, where am I feeling desperate?”
  • “God, where do I need to feel seen, heard, or known?”

Time Stamps:

[1:30] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[5:13] – Background to the story of Hagar.

[11:49] – First Principle: God sees you.

[18:36] – Second Principle: God wants to speak to us personally.

[21:02] – Third Principle: God meets us where we are.

[27:31] – Recap the principles.

[28:07] – Prophetic activation.

[29:10] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[31:05] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Genesis 16
  • Genesis 21:8-21
  • Deuteronomy 23:15-16

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

  • Please share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Follow and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 47: Hearing God when we don’t see evidence of God at work in our life.

Episode 47: Hearing God when we don’t see evidence of God at work in our life.

Jul 7, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

I don’t want to be known as someone who couldn’t see God’s goodness. Do you? The story of Ruth in the Bible and how she encountered God is a reminder to focus on God’s goodness. The story of Ruth is also full of ‘coincidences’ – times when God chooses to remain anonymous. Join us in this latest episode of ‘Hearing God’ as we unpack all these truths and how Ruth heard and experienced God.

Episode Notes:

Background to Ruth.

  • Chapter 1: Famine in Judah. Elimelek, Naomi & two sons left Bethlehem and went to live in Moab. Elimelek died. The sons married Moabites – Orpah & Ruth. Deuteronomy 7:3 – don’t marry a Moabite. In Deuteronomy 23:3, “No Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, not even in the tenth generation.” It’s weird that the family would choose to go to Moab – it tells something of their attitude and relationship with God. Judges 21:25 (the last verse before Ruth) – Israelites didn’t ask God; they just did what they each thought was right.
  • Both sons then died.
  • Naomi heard that God had come to the aid of His people in Bethlehem by providing food for them.
  • Naomi sets out to return to Bethlehem. Both daughters-in-law go with her. Naomi is extremely bitter about her circumstances and strongly encourages them to return to their mothers. Naomi may also have been a tad embarrassed about having a Moabite Daughter-in-law.
  • Orpah returned home.
  • Ruth has a strong conviction to go with Naomi.
  • Famous verse 1:16 “Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people. Your God, my God”
  • Verse 20 Naomi says, don’t call me Naomi but Mara because the Almighty has made my life bitter.” She blamed God and accused Him of bringing misfortune upon her. You can’t play with fire, do the wrong thing, and then blame God for the consequences!!
  • A perilous journey fraught with danger.
  • Chapter 2 – barley harvest beginning in the town of bread. Ruth took the initiative and went to glean the leftover grain after the workers had harvested the grain and around the outside of fields for widows/orphans. Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 24:19.
  • “Coincidence’ was Boaz’s field – guardian redeemer, Deuteronomy 25:5-10 widow must marry the nearest relative unless they take off their sandal and say no.
  • 2:8 – Boaz turns up at the exact time she is there and tells her to stay in his fields where she will be safe, otherwise may be violated. Boaz tells his workers to give her food and water and leave more barley for her to pick up.
  • Ruth has an extremely successful day 13 kgs/30 pounds – enough for 7 days for 2 people.
  • Chapter 3, Naomi decides Ruth needs to make a move to let Boaz know she is ready to marry again. Boaz was winnowing barley on the threshing floor, sleeping the night there for an early start. Ruth washed, put on perfume and her best clothes, and lay at his feet and uncovered them. Boaz woke up – spread the corner of your garment over me – ie marry me. Very symbolic.
  • Chapter 4 – Boaz says there’s another man closer in relation than me – 1st dibs at redeeming her. Guardian redeemer. Went to city gate. That man just happened to be there at that particular time (another ‘coincidence’). The man said, I would buy Elimelek’s field, but I don’t want to marry Ruth or Naomi. Took off his sandal and gave it to Boaz, so Boaz could marry Ruth.
  • Boaz and Ruth marry – the Lord opens her womb, and she conceives and has a son. Obed. Family line down to Jesus.

First Principle: Just because we can’t see God doesn’t mean He’s not working / present.

  • Even though there’s no mention of God in the book of Ruth, Ruth acknowledges the presence of God in 1:16-17 “But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
  • Tragedies don’t mean that God’s given up on you.
  • Ruth kept believing in God despite her circumstances. An encouragement to look to God not at our circumstances.
  • 2 Bible verses: Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
  • Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
  • God opens Ruth’s womb – Matthew 1 – genealogy of Jesus. Ruth had been married to Naomi’s son for 10 years but no children. Married Boaz and had a son Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of King David, the line of Jesus. I love how the Bible puts it in Ruth 4:13 “So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.” Only mention of God in Ruth.
  • Story of redemption and God’s provision in so many ways. Ruth was empty, now full. Widow now married. Broken and no future to being in the genealogy of Jesus.
  • Naomi was bitter that God hadn’t helped her, but her family deliberately disobeyed God. Naomi couldn’t see God’s goodness. She was basically self-absorbed due to her painful circumstances, and that meant she was blind to how God was working. I don’t want to be known as someone who couldn’t see God’s goodness.
  • Our lens filter is often that which captivates our heart.
  • God chooses you in His story. You may feel that you don’t fit in, but God specialises in the broken, the hurting, the displaced, those who don’t fit in. God is always working behind the scenes.

Second Principle: God shows up in the everyday, often insignificant things, not just the miraculous.

  • We can have an active relationship with God regardless of whether we see Him.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
  • Hope is the practice of believing God’s loyal love is true for my situation. “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
  • In Ruth 3:18, Naomi encourages Ruth to sit still and wait. In a season of waiting, it is tempting to try and move things along.
  • Psalm 27:13-14 “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”

Third Principle: Ruth hears from God through coincidences.

  • Chapter 2:3 “As it happened…” she ended up in Boaz’s field, that field, that day, that particular time. God-incident. Another coincidence at the city gate with the guardian redeemer just happening to come along.
  • Love this statement: A coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
  • In the story of Ruth, we see God bringing people in and out of her life, directing her life, shaping the course of her life. The same with our lives. Perhaps you’ve never stopped to consider the major role God has had in your life through certain events.
  • Four women are named in Jesus’ genealogy – Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba. Foreigners, tainted pasts, broken women. Testimony of God’s grace, love and acceptance for everyone.

Summary:

  1. Just because we can’t see God doesn’t mean He’s not working / present.
  2. God shows up in the everyday, often insignificant things, not just the miraculous.
  3. Ruth hears from God through coincidences.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, is there an area in my life I feel a victim in or I’m bitter or I’m looking at it through the lens of disappointment?”
  • “What are Your thoughts on that God?”
  • “God, what response would You love me to take in relation to this?”

Time Stamps:

[1:07] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[6:28] – Background to the story of Adam and Eve.

[13:30] – First Principle: Just because we can’t see God doesn’t mean He’s not working / present.

[20:06] – Second Principle: God shows up in the everyday, often insignificant things, not just the miraculous.

[22:08] – Third Principle: Ruth hears from God through coincidences.

[24:09] – Recap the principles.

[24:42] – Prophetic activation.

[25:47] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[28:07] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Ruth Chapters 1-4
  • Deuteronomy 7:3
  • Deuteronomy 23:3
  • Judges 21:25
  • Leviticus 19:9-10
  • Deuteronomy 24:19
  • Deuteronomy 25:5-10
  • Isaiah 55:8-9
  • Jeremiah 29:11
  • Matthew 1
  • 2 Corinthians 5:7
  • Hebrews 11:1
  • Psalm 27:13-14

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 46: Hearing God before and after being disobedient

Episode 46: Hearing God before and after being disobedient

Jun 30, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

When we create, we partner with God and His creativity is expressed through us. Creativity can be a fantastic way of hearing and experiencing God. Join us in this latest episode of ‘Hearing God’ as we unpack Adam and Eve’s story in the Bible and how they heard and experienced God, both before and after they disobeyed Him.

Episode Notes:

Background to Adam & Eve

  • God created man in His own image.
  • God put man in the Garden of Eden and put him to work to care for it. God gives specific instructions: He commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it, you will certainly die.”
  • God brought all the living creatures to the man and asked him to name them.
  • Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. This speaks of intimacy with the Lord God. Nothing was hidden between God and man.
  • Chapter 3. The serpent asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden?” Notice he didn’t challenge the man who had directly heard from God. For the woman – it was second-hand knowledge. But the man was there with her and could have stopped her!! The woman correctly replies, “We may eat fruit from any trees in the garden but must not eat from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, or we will die.”
  • Serpent challenges: “You will not certainly die, for God knows that when you eat from it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
  • The woman saw the fruit looked great and would give her wisdom, so she took it and ate. She gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. (Thus, the man abdicated his responsibility.) Then the eyes of both were opened, and they realized they were naked, so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
  • We then read the interaction between God and Adam and Eve after they had disobeyed God’s command.

First Principle: God reveals Himself through creation.

  • One of the ways we can hear God is through creation – His creation and also when we create.
  • We are called to co-create with God.
  • Genesis 2:19-20 God brought all the living creatures to the man and asked him to name them.
  • God created us and thinks we are great. Our identity comes from God.
  • We were created in God’s image – that’s probably the most profound revelation. We are in the image of God.

Second Principle:  We can hear God.

  • Audibly talked with Adam and Eve. Two-way conversation. They heard from God and spoke directly to God.
  • They heard God walking in the garden.
  • Cool of the day. Some say it was wind, sounding and feeling like what happened at Pentecost in Acts 2:2. It was more like they felt His presence.
  • Psalm 29:5-9 talks about the power, strength, and majesty of the sound of the Lord. It uses imagery of the sound of the Lord acting upon nature like a powerful storm.
  • God wants to be personally involved in our life. Speaks of God desiring relationship.

Third Principle: Nothing is hidden from God.

  • There is no shame in God. God made the first move towards them.
  • Don’t try and do things in your strength. They sewed fig leaves to cover themselves.
  • God ended up covering them in skin to cover the shame they felt.
  • They became all-knowing – they knew they had done wrong by eating the fruit.
  • The lens through which we perceive God is through which we will hear Him – grace or judgment.
  • God placed Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden with everything they needed. Food, work, companionship, fellowship with God, freedom of choice, and boundaries. God desires a relationship with us, and the best for us.

Summary:

  1. God reveals Himself through creation.
  2. We can hear God.
  3. Nothing is hidden from God.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, what creative gifts have You given me?”
  • “What would You love me to know about these gifts or this creativity?”
  • “What else do I need to know about Your creativity, God, as it’s expressed through me?”

Time Stamps:

[0:35] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[4:23] – Background to the story of Adam and Eve.

[9:26] – First Principle: God reveals Himself through creation.

[13:26] – Second Principle: We can hear God.

[18:47] – Third Principle: Nothing is hidden from God.

[23:52] – Recap the principles.

[24:18] – Prophetic activation.

[25:29] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[27:50] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Genesis 1-3
  • Acts 2:2
  • Psalm 29:5-9
  • John 10:3, 14, 27

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

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

Episode 45: Hearing God with Kathryn Yaxley

Episode 45: Hearing God with Kathryn Yaxley

Jun 23, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Kathryn Yaxley is a guest on this episode of the Hearing God Podcast. Kathryn and her husband Peter are good friends of Gary & Jane. They operate a ministry called Kingdom Presence Ministries that equips people to hear God and grow in their journey of hearing God. Listen to Jane and Kathryn’s conversation as they chat about Kathryn’s healing journey, how she first recognised God speaking to her and several powerful examples of actioning what she thought God was saying to her, especially in her thoughts. Kathryn recently wrote the book “Threads of Hope Knots of Pain”.

Background to Kathryn:

  • Married to Peter and lives in Poatina, Tasmania.
  • Written a book and reflective companion journal: Threads of Hope Knots of Pain.
  • Run equipping workshops and reflective healing retreats.
  • National and international ministry – Kingdom Presence Ministries.

Topics discussed with Kathryn:

  • A brief history of how Kathryn became a Christian and her early Christian Walk.
  • The first time Kathryn recognised God speaking to her.
  • How Kathryn best receives from God.
  • A memorable time of Kathryn receiving from God for someone else.
  • A short piece of advice for our listeners in relation to hearing God for themselves.
  • The first time Kathryn heard God in her thoughts, and how she weighed it up – did it line up with God’s character, was it like something in the Scriptures/ something Jesus would do, does it break any commandments of Scripture, and is it something Jesus would like me to do?

Prophetic activation:

Think about something you’ve experienced this week; it could have been a good thing or a moment of challenge that you haven’t unpacked with the Lord yet. Write down briefly (dot points) what happened for you. Then ask this question, “Lord, what do You want to say to me about that event?”. Journal the flow in response to what might come and see what the Lord says to you.

Time Stamps:

[0:51] – Jane introduces Kathryn Yaxley.

[3:12] – Kathryn shares about her book “Threads of Hope Knots of Pain”.

[8:42] – Jane & Kathryn share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[12:31] – Kathryn shares how she became a Christian.

[15:26] – The first time Kathryn recognised God speaking to her.

[15:44] – Kathryn shares how she best receives from God.

[17:49] – Kathryn shares a memorable time receiving from God for someone else.

[19:56] – Advice Kathryn would give anyone wanting to hear God.

[21:51] – An example of weighing up what you hear.

[26:26] – Prophetic activation.

[27:37] – Jane & Kathryn both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[29:58] – Kathryn prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Deuteronomy 31:1-8

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 44: Hearing God when you are called to be a Courageous Leader

Episode 44: Hearing God when you are called to be a Courageous Leader

Jun 16, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Are you in a leadership position and desperately need God’s help? Do you need God to give you a strategy for the way ahead? Do you need courage for something you are facing? Join us in this latest episode of ‘Hearing God’ as we unpack Joshua’s story in the Bible, how he was repeatedly told to be courageous and not afraid, and the unusual strategies God gave Joshua.

Episode Notes:

Background to Joshua.

  • Moses had liberated the Israelites from slavery under the Egyptians. The Israelites had wandered around the wilderness for forty years and were about to enter the promised land, but Moses was prevented from entering due to not trusting God completely at one time.
  • Joshua was first mentioned in the Bible in Exodus 17:8-15. Moses asked Joshua to choose some men and fight the Amalekites. Moses went up to the top of a hill and prayed. When he held his arms up, the Israelites won. When he lowered his arms, the Amalekites won. So Aaron and Hur put out a stone for him to sit on and hold his arms up. The Amalekites were completely wiped out. (The Lord is my Banner.)
  • Numbers 13:16-33. Moses chose 12 men to go into Canaan / the Promised Land, spy it out, and bring back a report about the land, people, towns, city walls, soil, trees, produce, etc. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones with a positive report. The others incited fear and said don’t go. Caleb and Joshua said the Lord is with us.
  • Numbers 27:12-18, the Lord told Moses to lay his hands on Joshua and bless him as the new leader –a man in whom is the spirit of leadership.
  • Deuteronomy 31:1-8. Moses spoke to all the Israelites and said Joshua will lead you into the Promised Land. Moses was about to die and said Joshua would cross over ahead of you. In verse 6 and again in verse 7, he repeats, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because the Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you or forsake you.” When repeated – pay attention!!

First Principle: We can hear God and still be afraid.

  • Joshua told numerous times to be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you.
  • The first thing Joshua does is to tell the Israelites to get ready to cross the Jordan River in 3 days. Meanwhile, he secretly sends two spies to spy out Jericho, the nearest town, up on the hill. They find a prostitute named Rahab and stay with her. The King of Jericho sent men to tell her to send the men out. She said they had already left and hid the men on her roof. The men promised to save Rahab and her family if they were in her house, and a scarlet cord was hanging out the window.
  • Crossing the Jordan River, Joshua did exactly as God commanded him. River flooding but dried up in that spot so they could cross over.
  • Then, a man from each of the 12 tribes would take a stone and pile it up as the memory stones. Joshua 2:6 – In the future, when your children ask you what these stones mean, you can tell them of the miracle.
  • Joshua then proceeds to circumcise every male (as everyone who had been circumcised in Egypt had died in the wilderness, and no-one born in the wilderness had been circumcised.) It was a great time to attack the Israelites, but the neighbouring Kings were afraid as they saw how God was with them and heard the reports about how the Jordan River had dried up until the last of the priests had stepped out of it.

In Genesis 34, read when the son of the Hivite King raped Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, Dinah’s brothers convinced all the Hivites to get circumcised and they would allow intermarriage etc. Three days after all the men were circumcised, and while they were in a lot of pain, two of Dinah’s brothers attacked and killed every male in the city.

Second Principle: We can hear God in numerous ways.

  • Episode 4 – the different ways God communicates with us.
  • God spoke verbally to Joshua but also gave him visions. Joshua 5:13 Joshua looked up and saw a man standing with a sword and realised he was an angel from the Lord.
  • How often do we not recognise it is God?
  • God said to march around the city once with all your armed men. Do this daily for six days. On the 7th day, march around the city seven times with the seven priests at the front of the ark blowing trumpets of ram’s horns. When you hear them sound a long blast, have the whole army give a shout, and the wall will collapse.
  • Joshua told the Israelites not to defile themselves with any idols – otherwise, they will be destroyed. Achan disobeyed by taking some idols. The next time they went to war, the Israelites were badly defeated. Joshua cries out to God as to the reason. God replies because Israel sinned by taking some idols. Found Achor had some hidden. Stoned Achan and all his family and animals and possessions and burned and buried them in the Valley of Achor. (Valley of despair redeemed to a door of hope)

Third Principle: God gives us strategies.

  • Joshua 8 – The Israelites destroyed Ai with an unusual strategy of luring the army out and ambushing from behind.
  • Joshua 9 is where Joshua forgot to ask of the Lord and was deceived by the Gibeonites. They wanted an alliance with the Israelites and pretended they were from afar. They had worn and patched sandals and clothes, mouldy bread, and old cracked and mended wineskins. They went to Joshua and said please make an alliance with us to save us from the surrounding countries. Verse 14 – the Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Made a treaty and realised it 3 days later.
  • The sun stands still in Chapter 10. Five surrounding Kings joined forces to attack the Gibeonites. Joshua had to go to their help due to the treaty. Took them by surprise near dawn, they fled, and the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them and killed them. Joshua said, “Sun stand still”. Verse 13 – the sun stood still and delayed going down about a full day until the nation avenged itself on its enemies.

Summary:

  1. We can hear God and still be afraid.
  2. We can hear God in numerous ways.
  3. God gives us strategies.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, is there an area of my life where I need to be courageous and not afraid? What is that? What would it look like to be courageous in that area?”
  • “What else do I need to know about that, God?”

Time Stamps:

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

[4:17] – Background to the story of Joshua.

[7:05] – First Principle: We can hear God and still be afraid.

[12:41] – Second Principle: We can hear God in numerous ways.

[16:37] – Third Principle: God gives us strategies.

[21:09] – Recap the principles.

[21:41] – Prophetic activation.

[22:45] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[24:34] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Exodus 17:8-15
  • Numbers 13:16-33
  • Numbers 27:12-18
  • Deuteronomy 31:1-8
  • Joshua (specifically Joshua 1:1,6-8; 2:6; 5:13; 6; 7; 8; 9:14; 10; 23-24
  • Genesis 34

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 43: Hearing God when you are unsure who is speaking

Episode 43: Hearing God when you are unsure who is speaking

Jun 9, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you ever been unsure if it is God who is speaking to you? Join us in this latest episode of ‘Hearing God’ as we unpack Samuel’s story in the Bible, how he initially didn’t recognise God’s voice but began to hear God, and how hearing God influenced his decision-making. The story of Samuel is an excellent reminder that we are to seek a relationship with God first and foremost, not just chase after hearing God. Relationship and intimacy with Him is what God desires.

Episode Notes:

Background of Samuel

  • 1 & 2 Samuel were originally the one book. Samuel is not found in the book of 2 Samuel.
  • Hannah, his mum, desperately wanted children.
  • She bargained with God, “If you give me a child, I’ll give him back to you, and he will serve you all the days of his life”.
  • 1 Samuel 1-7 – Hannah and the rise of Samuel as prophet and leader of Israel.
  • 1 Samuel 8-31 – The downfall of Saul & the rise of David. In chapter 8 – the Israelites go to Samuel and demand a king. Samuel is distraught. He prayed to God. God replied, “They are not rejecting you. They are rejecting me.” Go first to God when you are upset.
  • 1 Samuel 8, Saul is looking for lost donkeys. Let’s ask the seer where they are. Samuel hears from God that Saul will be the King. Around chapters 13-15 – Saul looks great but lacks integrity. Samuel confronts Saul and warns the Israelites that they need a King who is humble and faithful to God.
  • 2 Samuel – God’s covenant with David as King.
  • Samuel’s name means “I have asked of the Lord. I am listening. I am a listener.” And “God hears you.”

First Principle: God is persistent. He keeps chasing us and doesn’t give up.

  • Eli, the priest, was old. The lamp had not yet gone out. Samuel positioned himself next to the ark. He lay down before the time of sleeping. He made time. God called to Samuel 3 times. Samuel keeps saying, “Here am I”, but God only speaks after Samuel shows he is willing to listen. “Speak for your servant is willing to listen.”
  • Do we want to hear God’s heart?
  • Are we willing to spend time chasing God? Positioning ourselves.
  • Eli’s evil sons surround Samuel, but he doesn’t allow them to influence him.
  • Are we allowing the evil ways of the world to affect our commitment to God and our character and purity?

Second Principle: Keep practising. Explore ways of recognising God’s voice.

  • Samuel didn’t at first recognise God’s voice. Three times, he thought it was Eli.
  • Ask for assistance.
  • Word of caution. We can be like Samuel, worship God, serve him, and have a close presence with God, but not recognise God.
  • Samuel sought wise counsel.
  • Samuel learnt to distinguish God’s voice from his inner voice. 1 Samuel 8:7 The will of God over your own desires/will.
  • Seek a relationship with God first, not just chase after hearing His voice. Intimacy with God is vital. Knowing the Father.
  • Psalm 27:8, “My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
  • Episode 3, the four different voices we can hear and what God’s voice sounds like.
  • Age is irrelevant to God. God has no limitations.
  • If we want to hear God’s voice, we position ourselves where God is. Close physically and spiritually.
  • God’s voice is personal.

Third Principle: Obey what God is telling you

  • Eli’s eyes dim physically and spiritually. Eli hadn’t disciplined his sons.
  • God told Samuel that everything that had been prophesied against Eli for not restraining his sons would come true – the priesthood would be taken away, and the sons would die early.
  • Samuel was afraid to tell Eli. Eli was courageous enough to demand Samuel tell him. 1 Samuel 3
  • 1 Samuel 15:26 God refused to speak to Saul as he had disobeyed God.

Summary:

  1. God is persistent. He keeps chasing us and doesn’t give up.
  2. Keep practising. Explore ways of recognising God’s voice.
  3. Obey what God is telling you

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, how can I ‘position’ myself to hear You better, or just to know You greater / to know You more intimately?”
  • “God, what would that look like?”

Time Stamps:

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

[5:18] – Background to the story of Samuel.

[9:56] – First Principle: God is persistent. He keeps chasing us and doesn’t give up.

[13:04] – Second Principle: Keep practising. Explore ways of recognising God’s voice.

[17:00] – Seek a relationship with God first, not just hearing His voice.

[20:44] – Third Principle: Obey what God is telling you.

[22:13] – Recap the principles.

[22:55] – Prophetic activation.

[23:49] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[25:30] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • 1 & 2 Samuel (specifically chapters 1-8, and 13-15 and verses 1 Samuel 8:7, 1 Samuel 15:26 and all of 1 Samuel 3)
  • Psalm 27:8

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 42: Hearing God while Living an Influential and Extraordinary Life

Episode 42: Hearing God while Living an Influential and Extraordinary Life

Jun 2, 2024 | 0 comments

 

Episode Description:

Have you ever wanted to do more with your life? Have you felt called to have a greater vision and stop playing small? Have you ever wanted to make your life count by influencing other people? Join us in this latest episode of ‘Hearing God’ as we unpack Deborah’s story in the Bible, how she heard God, and how it can apply to your life. Deborah didn’t play small. She lived an influential and extraordinary life, fully committed to God and fearlessly trusting Him.

 

Episode Notes:

Background to Deborah

  • The story of Deborah is found in Judges 4-5.
  • The introduction to Deborah starts with Judges 4:1 “Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord…. The Lord sold them into the hands of Jabin King of Canaan.” Sisera was the commander of Jabin’s army and severely oppressed the Israelites.
  • Deborah was leading Israel when the Israelites cried out to God to be rescued from the tyranny.

First Principle:  We are all called to live extraordinary lives.

  • Deborah was fully committed to God.
  • Deborah went into battle fearlessly trusting in God.
  • She was willing to contend for God. To stand and declare the truth of His word.
  • Deborah was the wife of Lappidoth (meaning light). She was considered to be the mother of Israel.
  • She was a Judge, Prophet, Military leader, and Worshipper. She healed and empowered the nation.
  • She was an intercessor and sought God’s battle plan.
  • Judge – settling disputes and making decisions. She held court between 2 cities (unlike men who sat at the city gates). Under a palm tree (symbol of justice). Open, neutral place, maybe near her home.
  • Discerning.
  • She knew the times and seasons of God.
  • Solomon – 1 Kings 3:9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. God was pleased with him.
  • Deborah didn’t play small—an encouragement to enlarge your vision. Don’t play small.

Second Principle: When I pray, do the heavens shake?

  • Judges 4:5
  • Put your relationship with God first.
  • What authority do we have in the heavenlies?
  • Deborah heard the battle strategy from God and took God at His word.
  • She sent for Barak, a mighty warrior, to lead the Israelite army. She told him to take 10,000 men to Mt Tabor. Meanwhile, she would lead Sisera and his huge army to the Kishon River and put him into Barak’s hands.
  • Barak says, “If you go with me, I will go. But if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.”
  • Where have all the courageous men gone?
  • Deborah replies that she will go with him but that the honour of the outcome will be given to a woman. Sisera will be delivered into the hands of a woman.
  • The Lord rerouted Sisera as it poured with rain, and the dirt roads near the river became muddy, and the chariot wheels got stuck. Siera fled on foot. Israelites defeated them.

Third Principle: Community is important to God.

  • Our relationship with God impacts others.
  • An outworking of our relationship with God is empowering others to succeed.
  • Deborah nurtured the nation.
  • Jael – Sisera fled to Jael’s tent because of an alliance between him and her husband’s family. She invited him in, and he lay down. Jael covered him with a blanket. She gave him warm milk to help him sleep. He asked her to stand by the tent flap and protect him. Jael didn’t lie. She picked up a tent peg and hammer and drove the peg through his temple.
  • Jael could easily be overlooked and dismissed as ‘just a housewife’ / tent keeper.
  • She stepped up to the plate at the right moment. Did she hear from God? Don’t know, but it seemed the right courageous thing that she was equipped to do right at that moment.

Summary:

  1. We are all called to live extraordinary lives.
  2. When I pray, do the heavens shake?
  3. Community is important to God.

 

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, what would it look like for the ‘Heavens to shake’ when I pray? For my prayers to be answered?”
  • “Father God, is there an adjustment I need to make for this to happen?”

 

Time Stamps:

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

[3:30] – Background to the story of Deborah.

[4:27] – First Principle: We are called to live extraordinary lives.

[9:19] – Deborah didn’t play small. Enlarge your vision.

[10:48] – Second Principle: When I pray, do the heavens shake?

[15:33] – Third Principle: Community is important to God.

[18:03] – Recap the principles.

[18:28] – Prophetic activation.

[19:34] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[21:35] – Gary prays for you.

 

Resources / Links Mentioned:

 

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Judges 4-5
  • 1 Kings 3:9, 16-28

 

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 41: Hearing God when the Rules are Broken

Episode 41: Hearing God when the Rules are Broken

May 26, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Even though it meant breaking numerous rules, Jesus took a ‘shortcut’ to meet with a woman. They engaged in a robust debate, and even though the woman was unnamed, she had a voice, and it was heard. Join us in this latest episode of ‘Hearing God’ as we unpack the story of Jesus interacting with the Samaritan woman at the well and how it can apply to your life. We also unpack words of knowledge.

Episode Notes:

Background to the story:

  • Samaria was a region in Israel. Over the years, foreigners had taken up residence here and intermarried, so there was ‘mixed’ parentage/blood.
  • The Jews thought Samaritans were filthy people and inferior to them. They would never speak to a Samaritan, let alone touch them.
  • Galilee was another region to the north of Samaria. To get from Judah to Galilee, you needed to either go through Samaria or go an incredibly long way around it. The Jews would choose to travel the long way so they could avoid any contact with Samaritans.
  • Jesus stopped at Sychar at Jacob’s well. (Genesis 33:19) – thought to be Shechem.
  • Samaritans worshipped on nearby Mount Gerizim, whereas the Jews worshipped at the Temple in Jerusalem. There was a longstanding rivalry about the true place of worship.
  • The Bible passage is in John 4:1-42.
  • Jesus stops at the well. The disciples decide to go to get lunch. A woman comes along. Jesus had a lengthy conversation with her. The disciples return. The woman flees to town and tells everyone. The townspeople all come out to meet Jesus and hear him. Jesus and the disciples then stay in the town two days, and many believe.

First Principle: There are no shortcuts with Jesus.

  • Jesus wasn’t one for taking shortcuts in life, so I’m sure He had a purpose in cutting through Samaria – reaching this woman and her community.
  • Jesus waits for this woman at the 6th hour – midday. Not the time when you would go out to the desert in the blazing sun to draw water.
  • The timing tells us about the woman – shunned by others.
  • It was culturally taboo for Jesus to talk to a woman at midday with no one else around.
  • Spiritual taboo for Jews and Samaritans to interact.
  • Engaged in a robust debate. Even though this woman is unnamed, she had a voice, and it was heard. Jesus hears us. It is the longest recorded conversation Jesus had with a person that was recorded in the Bible.
  • This woman heard, saw, felt, and touched Jesus.

Second Principle: Jesus is deeply interested in every person. There’s no shame with Jesus.

  • Jesus doesn’t condemn. No judgement.
  • This woman had had five husbands – may not have been promiscuous or had a ‘tarnished’ reputation.
  • Perhaps she married at 13, then widowed. Levitical law – husband’s brothers/relatives marry her.
  • Man currently with not husband – she may have been a concubine or 2nd
  • The woman was curious. Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Third Principle: Encountering Jesus, hearing Jesus, changes us.

  • She became an evangelist. After chatting with Jesus and hearing his heart for her, she left her water jar (like Simon Peter and his brother Andrew left fishing nets in Matt 4:18-20 and Mark 1:16-18) to follow Jesus. She embraced her calling. The first evangelist. The disciples were told to evangelise in Matt 28:19. This woman did it on her own initiative.
  • She raced back to town, told everyone, and then they came out to meet Jesus. She must have had some sway in the community because the people trusted her and allowed Jesus to stay for two days.
  • Verse 39 – many believed because of the woman’s testimony.
  • Photini was her name. Recorded on Ancient manuscripts. She ended up in Emperor Nero’s court and brought Nero’s daughter Domnina and her Domnina’s servants to Christ.
  • Photini was thrown in prison along with her sisters and sons. Tortured and skun alive. Martyred for her faith.
  • This interaction is a great example of how to share your faith. Start with mutual/casual conversation, then go deeper.
  • Many believed because of the word of knowledge. (This is a fact that you don’t know normally, but it is revealed to you supernaturally.)

Summary:

  1. There are no shortcuts with Jesus.
  2. Jesus is deeply interested in every person. There’s no shame with Jesus.
  3. Encountering Jesus, hearing Jesus, changes us.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, is there a shortcut I’ve tried to take in my life? What is it, and what would You like me to do about it?”
  • “Where in my relationship with You, God do You desire me to go deeper?”

Time Stamps:

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

[5:19] – Background to the story of the Woman at the well.

[8:31] – First Principle: There are no shortcuts with Jesus.

[13:00] – Second Principle: There is no shame with Jesus.

[19:02] – Third Principle: Encountering Jesus, hearing Jesus, changes us.

[22:51] – Recap the principles.

[23:22] – Prophetic activation.

[24:30] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[25:54] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • John 4:1-42
  • Genesis 33:19
  • Jeremiah 33:3
  • Matthew 4:18-20
  • Mark 1:16-18
  • Matthew 28:19

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

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

Episode 40: Hearing God When It Goes Against Current Culture

Episode 40: 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.