Episode 20: Making Time to Hear God.

Episode 20: Making Time to Hear God.

Episode Description:

Do you ever become so busy you ‘forget’ God? Are there times when you are so focused that God doesn’t get a thought? Do you tend to plan and then ask God to bless your plans rather than listen to God’s thoughts first? Join Gary & Jane as they unpack this topic. Hear numerous personal examples of how they intentionally make time to listen to God. Gary & Jane also share how they meditate on God by practising ‘stilling’ their thoughts.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Be intentional

  • Sometimes a barrier to hearing God may be that we don’t make time to hear God.
  • Still my heart Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God” but the whole chapter is about the almighty God and His power and strength and being able to be still and trust God despite our circumstances.
  • Sometimes I am so focused I don’t think about God and what He would like.
  • Sometimes I forget to ask God. So I need to train my mind. Hourly prompts.

Second Principle: Be careful not to go overboard.

  • So heavenly minded we are no earthly good.
  • Have friends who ask God absolutely everything.
  • Be careful of decision overload.
  • If something comes to my attention, giving God the credit.
  • Capture every thought – 2 Corinthians 10:5, Romans 12:2.

Third Principle: Practice ‘stilling’ your thoughts and focussing on God.

  • We all have 168 hours in week. 10,080 minutes. Important how we use them.
  • Dreams – spend 1/3 of our life in bed.
  • Soaking / meditating / stilling our thoughts.
  • Pray at beginning to silence any other voices.

Prophetic activation:

Turn heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him:

  • Father God, what would you like to tell me about how I manage my time?
  • What would you love me to know?
  • What would you love me to stop doing? Start doing?  Change?
  • Holy Spirit, what are you praying for me regarding this?

Time Stamps:

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

[4:17] – First Principle – Be intentional.

[5:48] – Jane shares practical ways she is intentional.

[7:09] – Gary shares a practical example of how he is intentional.

[8:48] – Second Principle – Be careful not to go overboard.

[11:37] – Third Principle – Practice ‘stilling’ your thoughts and focusing on God.

[14:28] – Jane explains how she meditates/soaks/practices stilling her thoughts.

[17:46] – Gary & Jane share more practical examples of intentionally listening to God.

[20:11] – Prophetic activation.

[21:09] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[24:40] – Gary prays for you.

[25:28] – Jane explains about the survey at https://garyandjane.co/survey

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • 2 Corinthians 10:5
  • Psalm 46:10
  • Romans 12:2
  • Matthew 28:18
  • John 14:12
  • Luke 10:19-20
  • 1 Samuel 12:16

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 18: Am I hearing God or is it just me?

Episode 18: Am I hearing God or is it just me?

Episode Description:

Have you ever thought, “Was that God or was it just me?” Often, we can doubt that we hear God because He may sound like our own thoughts or we are unsure what He does sound like. Join Gary and Jane as they unpack this question in this episode of Hearing God. As usual, they share ‘gems’ and examples from the Bible and their own lives. A fantastic question to ask when unsure is, “What happens if it is me and it isn’t God?”.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: Intimacy with God.

  • We need to know God and what He sounds like.
  • The Disciples were with Jesus 24/7 and still didn’t recognise Jesus after He rose again.
  • John 15:26 Jesus said that after He went to Heaven, the Holy Spirit would come as our comforter, advocate, and continue the communication.
  • Misconception of what God sounds like – the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23
  • When I go, “I wouldn’t normally think that”, it’s usually from God.

Second Principle: Capture your thoughts,

  • God speaks spirit to our spirit but also to our soul, our mind. So God can often sound like our own voice.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
  • We need to take charge of our thought life.

Third Principle: Do I have an incorrect theology?

  • Unbelief – don’t believe that God would be interested in us or what He would say about us. This can tie in with our self-worth – do we feel worthy and valued by God, that He would want to talk with me?
  • Disbelief – look to false news/culture/what friends say.
  • Fearful of the outcome if I followed through and it wasn’t God. Lack of trust in God, His goodness, and His Power.
  • Sometimes, we can want God to answer in a different way.
  • What have we got to lose if it is a good outcome?

Prophetic activation:

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

  • Father God, where are you in relation to me right now?
  • (Is He beside me, in front of me, behind me, across the room, can’t see him?)
  • Father God, what do I need to know about this?
  • For a few moments, change your focus to your earthly father.
  • Father God, I forgive my earthly father for being distant, for not hugging and giving me physical comfort, for making me feel seen and not heard, for ….
  • Father God, I am sorry for believing you would be the same and I repent of that and I ask you Father God to forgive me for believing that you wouldn’t ….
  • Father God, what would you love to show, tell, or give me now?

Time Stamps:

[0:55] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[4:14] – First Principle – Intimacy.

[5:18] – Need to know what God’s voice sounds like.

[6:26] – When I wouldn’t usually think that, I know it’s from God.

[11:29] – Second Principle – Capture your thoughts.

[12:39] – God speaks to our spirit and soul, thus He can sound like our own voice.

[15:33] – Third Principle – Do I have an incorrect theology?

[17:26] – What happens if it was me and it wasn’t God?

[19:12] – Prophetic activation.

[21:29] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[22:59] – Gary prays for you.

[23:47] – Jane explains about the survey at https://garyandjane.co/survey

 

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • John 15:26
  • 1 Kings 19:1-12
  • Galatians 5:22-23
  • Philippians 4:7
  • Jeremiah 29:11
  • Judges 4:17-21
  • John 10:14
  • 2 Corinthians 10:5
  • 1 Corinthians 13:9
  • Daniel 5

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 17: When I thought I heard God, but it didn’t come true

Episode 17: When I thought I heard God, but it didn’t come true

Episode Description:

Have you ever felt God said something to you, but it didn’t come true? Did you believe God said you would get a certain amount when selling your house, but you had to settle for less? Did the person you felt God say to marry, end up divorcing you? In this episode of Hearing God, Gary and Jane unpack this important topic of ‘when I thought I heard God, but it didn’t come true’. They use examples from the Bible, stories from their own lives, and examples from friends. They also share vital principles to keep in mind when making life decisions.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: What did you ask God, and what did God say

  • Unpack what God really did say.
  • My memory tends to adjust things over time, so I find it helpful to write down what I feel God is saying, especially if it is a big thing.
  • What do the wise people in your life say?
  • What does Scripture say – usually quiet on specifics of which person to marry, job,
  • What are the motives behind what you did?
  • Am I asking God the right question?

Second Principle: Timing

  • A classic Bible example is that Abraham and Sarah said they would have children.
  • Do we short-change God working a miracle, or do we get impatient?
  • Do we act now, but what we hear from God is for later?

Third Principle: What’s your faith quotient?

  • Look at what is influencing my decision – is it someone manipulating me or standing to gain from me doing a certain thing, or are my desires overpowering God’s voice?
  • What’s the real motive behind your decision or action?
  • Sense of peace. Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Important Principles:

Don’t make big life decisions or act on just one way of receiving from God.

Caution to not elevate hearing the voice of God above the Bible.

Important questions to ask include:

  • What does the Bible say?
  • Does it line up with the character of God?
  • What do the wise, discerning, and trusted people in my life say?
  • What do I believe I heard God say?
  • Do I have an internal sense of peace?

Prophetic activation:

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

  • Lord, has there been a time in my life when I have short-changed you or a miracle by acting too quickly?
  • What do I need to know about that?
  • What else would you like to share with me?
  • Is there anything you would love me to do in response?

Time Stamps:

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

[4:35] – First Principle – What did you ask God, and what did God say?

[4:56] – Jane shares a time when she remembered incorrectly.

[7:19] – Am I asking God the right question?

[8:49] – Second Principle – God’s timing may differ from ours.

10:18] – Do we short-change God working in our life and give up waiting for a miracle?

[11:35] – God can take a long time to act quickly.

[12:01] – Third Principle – What’s your faith quotient?

[13:41] – Gary & Jane share how they practice hearing God with finances.

[15:24] – Important Principles.

[16:39] – Caution not to elevate hearing the voice of God above the Bible.

[17:57] – Jane shares about ‘2 Pairs Each’.

[19:32] – Jane shares about the finances for the trip to Mozambique.

[23:27] – Prophetic activation.

[24:44] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[28:27] – Gary prays for you.

[29:15] – Jane explains about the survey at https://garyandjane.co/survey

 

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • 1 Corinthians 2:16
  • Genesis 15-19
  • Philippians 4:7
  • Ephesians 3:20

Connect with Gary & Jane:

 

Support the show:

  • Share this podcast with someone who would value hearing from God.
  • Subscribe and leave a rating + review on your favourite podcast listening app.
  • If God is leading your heart to donate or support the show in any way, please visit https://buymeacoffee/garyandjanM Thank you so much.
Episode 16: How else can God talk to me?

Episode 16: How else can God talk to me?

 

Episode Description:

This episode of Hearing God expands upon the various ways God communicates with us, as explained in Episode 4. Gary & Jane unpack this topic, encouraging you to read the Bible and never underestimate God and what He can and will do. They share numerous Bible stories and practical examples of how God has supernaturally communicated with them.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: There are no formulas with God.

  • When we think we have worked out God, He smashes all formulas.
  • God prioritises relationship with us over rules.
  • Don’t disregard God communicating with you if it’s not the usual way you receive from God.

Second Principle: Various ways God can communicate with us.

  • Remember – God is outside of time, what we can think etc, so if God wants to do something new, He will.
  • The Bible
    • 2 Timothy 3:16 – all Scripture is God-inspired
    • Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
    • Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is alive and active.
    • Romans 15:4 – Bible written to teach us, encourage us and give us hope.
    • Sounds like a prophetic word from 1 Cor 14:3
  • Supernatural manifestations
    • Moses & burning bush Exodus 3:1-4
    • Fleece – Judges 6:37-40 – Gideon didn’t trust God and still needed a fleece even after a powerful encounter with an angel.
    • Soul blinded by a light flashed from heaven, then sight restored in Acts 9:1-19
    • Balaam and the donkey in Numbers 22:1-35
    • Daniel 5:5 fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the wall plaster.
    • Acts 5:1-10 Ananias & Sapphira struck dead after lying.
    • Often say to God, you have done it before, you can do it again.
  • Character of God
  • Co-incidences or God-incidences
  • Dreams, visions, mystical sense eg angels
  • Nature
  • Music and lyrics
  • Signs, numbers, colours
  • Smells
  • Miracles
  • Supernatural manifestations of weather
    • John 12:27-30 – God speaking to Jesus after Jesus was predicting his death. Some thought an angel had spoken from heaven; others heard thunder. What is your ear inclined to?
    • John 14:12 – Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing and even greater works than these.
  • Other people
  • Wise advice eg people or books
  • Holy Spirit – John 14:26 – Jesus said the advocate would come and teach us all things.

Important Principles:

  • God can do and will do whatever He wants.
  • Don’t underestimate God. Don’t box God in with your preconceived ideas.
  • Be open to God speaking to you however He wishes.

 

Prophetic Activation:

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

  • If I were a food, what would I be and why?
  • What would I taste like, the colour, texture, smell, how you eat it, things it pairs with etc.
  • Don’t forget to ask God why that particular food.

 

Time Stamps:

[2:18] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[4:30] – First Principle – there are no formulas with God.

[5:27] – Example of daughter hearing from God.

[6:46] – Gary shares what he would say to someone unsure if they heard God.

[7:53] – Second Principle – God speaks in various ways in the Bible.

[8:08] – How the Bible describes itself.

[9:06] – Bible stories of supernatural manifestations.

[10:17] – Encouragement from Jane to mature, grow up, and trust God.

[16:09] – Other ways God can speak.

[16:34] – Supernatural manifestations of weather.

[21:14] – Important Principles.

[21:41] – Prophetic activation.

[22:27] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[24:32] – Gary prays for you.

 

Resources / Links Mentioned:

 

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Judges 4:16-22
  • 2 Timothy 3:16
  • Psalm 119:105
  • Hebrews 4:12
  • Romans 15:4
  • Psalm 32:8
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3
  • Exodus 3:1-4
  • Exodus 14
  • Judges 6:37-40
  • Acts 9:1-19
  • Numbers 22:1-35
  • Joshua 10
  • Acts 5:19
  • Acts 12:3-19
  • Daniel 5:5
  • Acts 5:1-10
  • John 12:27-30
  • John 14:12
  • John 14:26

 

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 15: Does God Think I’m Worth Talking To?

Episode 15: Does God Think I’m Worth Talking To?

 

Episode Description:

When we believe God wants to talk to us, it changes the way we believe, think, and feel about ourselves. We realise we are seen, heard, noticed, valued, and begin to feel worthy. When I recognise how God speaks to me, it can change the way I feel about myself. Does God really think I’m worth talking to? Yes. Gary & Jane unpack this topic looking at both personal and christian identity and share many practical strategies and examples.

Episode Notes: 

First Principle: Our identity as a Child of God

  • When we have a relationship with God, we are adopted into His family as His son/daughter.
  • The Bible is full of statements about our identity.
  • Ephesians 2:10 – His workmanship
  • 1 Peter 2:9 – chosen race, royal priesthood
  • Ephesians 1:5- adopted as God’s child
  • 2 Corinthians 5:20 – ambassador for Christ with all the privileges of an ambassador.
  • Importance of reading the Bible
  • When we realise the authority we carry as a child of God it changes the way we pray – John 14:12.

Second Principle: Our unique identity

  • Your specific individual identity
  • How you are known in Heaven
  • Jamie Winship – book “Living Fearless – exchanging the lies of the world for the liberating truth of God”.
  • Ask Jesus what He calls you, how He refers to you.
  • Is there a nickname God uses for you?
  • 1st thought principle – encouraging, aligns with Scripture, not condemning.
  • If it appears negative, ask God what you need to know about that.
  • Jane gives examples about hpw being called a healer or builder may mean various things.
  • May be shame associated with our identity.
  • Prayer
    • Silence the voice of the enemy.
    • Father God, is there a lie I’m believing about myself?
    • Is there a false name/identity I call myself?
    • Lord please shine your light on the truth.
    • Please show me my true identity.

Third Principle: Other ‘clues’ as to your identity

  • Meaning of your name.
  • Prophetic words that speak of identity.

Fourth Principle: Think outside the square.

  • If God calls you builder, it might not be building with your hands, it might be building people, building wealth and resources, it might be related to building blocks – eg teacher
  • Ask God questions to seek clarification.

Prophetic activation:

Turn heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him:

  • God, what do you want me to know about my identity?
  • God, what do you want me to do in relation to that?
  • God, is there a favourite nickname you call me?
  • How am I known in Heaven?

Time Stamps:

[0:55] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[2:55] – First Principle – our identity as a child of God.

[5:40] – Jane shares about realising the authority she has as a child of God.

[7:27] – Second Principle – our unique identity.

[7:45] – Jamie Winship (Living Fearless) and Jennie Allen’s podcast.

[9:17] – Is there a nickname God calls you?

[12:18] – Jane gives examples of different meanings of the one role.

[12:57] – Jane shares how shame may be associated with a name and leads in prayer.

[15:24] – Third Principle – other clues to your identity.

[17:36] – Fourth Principle – think outside the square.

[18:32] – Prophetic activation.

[19:24] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[21:38] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned: 

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Ephesians 2:10
  • 1 Peter 2:9
  • Ephesians 1:5
  • 2 Corinthians 5:20
  • John 14:12

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.