Wrap Up for 2024

Wrap Up for 2024

Nov 10, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Sharing 14 main principles of how Biblical characters heard God and the application to our life, we also reveal which Biblical character from our series in Season 2 we have related to the most. We also share why this is the last episode for 2024 Season 2 and how we will return in March 2025 with Season 3. Meanwhile, we encourage you to listen to episodes you’ve missed or your favourite ones to inspire you while you wait for Season 3. Thank you so much for listening.

Episode Notes:

Review of 2024:

  • An explanation of why we are taking a break until March 2025 from podcasting.
  • The Bible characters that Gary & Jane felt they learnt the most from, especially concerning hearing God.

14 Main Principles from how the various Biblical characters we covered heard God.

  1. God speaks to us personally and in multiple ways. He desires relationship with us. E.g. Paul, Lazarus, Hagar, Ezekiel, Adam & Eve, Jonah, Mary & Joseph.
  2. Reading the Bible is important. E.g. Nehemiah, Josiah.
  3. God loves questions. E.g. David, Nehemiah, Haggai, Jeremiah.
  4. God works in bizarre ways. E.g. Hosea, Abraham, Balaam & the donkey, Gideon, Jonah, Ruth, Esther.
  5. Practice hearing God. E.g. Samuel, David.
  6. Grow in wisdom and discernment. E.g. Jochebed.
  7. Character is important. E.g. Noah.
  8. Live courageously. Hear God and then courageously step out and obey. E.g., Jochebed, Joshua (who heard God and was still afraid), Deborah, and Daniel (who was counter-cultural).
  9. Identity is important. Hearing God encountering God changes us—for example, Leah, the woman at the well, Gideon, and Saul.
  10. There’s always hope with God. Never give up. E.g. Lazarus, Ezekiel.
  11. Don’t limit God. E.g. Ezekiel.
  12. Position yourself to hear God. E.g. Lydia, Samuel, Jeremiah, Habakkuk.
  13. Act on what you hear. E.g. Lydia.
  14. Just because we can’t see God at work doesn’t mean He’s not working. E.g. Ruth, Esther.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, which Bible verse would You like me to hold on to for 2025?”
  • “God, what do I need to do in preparation for next year, and how does this Bible verse apply to my life?”

Time Stamps:

[2:21] – Gary & Jane share briefly how they have heard God this week.

[9:59] – Gary & Jane share which Bible character they related to the most.

[14:48] – 14 Main Principles from how the Biblical characters heard God.

[18:13] – Prophetic activation.

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

[23:59] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Psalm 23:5 (I incorrectly mentioned Psalm 25:5 – sorry)
  • Song of Solomon 8:14
  • Mark 6:31-33

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 64: Hearing God when life doesn’t go according to plan

Episode 64: Hearing God when life doesn’t go according to plan

Nov 3, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Life often seems to throw us ‘curve balls’, and we can end up living lives different from what we imagined. How we deal with these events is vital. In the Bible, Moses dealt with significant events in his life, especially when he went from a ‘somebody’ living in a royal palace to a ‘nobody’ in the outback. He then discovered what God can do with a person fully devoted to Him. Join us as we unpack how Moses heard God amid these events and how it can relate to our life.

Episode Notes:

Background to Moses:

  • We read about Moses in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
  • Episode 63 – Jochebed Moses’s mother and the events surrounding Moses’ birth.
  • Basically, Pharoah was scared of the Israelites in his country and issued an edict to kill every male baby born. Moses’ mother, Jochebed, courageously hid Moses. He was found by Pharoah’s daughter who paid Jochebed to nurse Moses and bring him up for the first approx. eight years of his life.
  • Moses then went to live in the Royal Palace.
  • Can you imagine the emotions behind this story? The jealousy that Jochebed was being paid to bring up her only son. Jealousy that Moses went to live in luxury and have servants, whereas his brother and sister and friends were servants.
  • Flavius Josephus, a Jewish priest, scholar and historian, wrote in the first century in a manuscript called ‘The Antiquities of the Jews’ (Book 2, chapter 10) that Moses became the General of the Egyptian army and was famous for defeating the Ethiopians. Acts 7:22 says Moses was mighty in speech and deeds. He had power and the ability to do anything. He saw an Egyptian and Israelite fighting and went to intervene and killed the Egyptian. Expecting it to be kept quiet, he was obviously shocked and alarmed the next day when he saw two Israelites fighting, and they challenged him about killing the Egyptian. Moses then ran away and lived as a nomad for 40 years.
  • Hebrews 11:24-25 says, “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” Moses chose between royalty and being a servant.
  • After Moses had lived in the desert for 40 years, God called Moses through a burning bush experience to lead the Israelites in escaping from the Egyptians to cross to the Promised Land.
  • Moses had several mountain-top experiences with God, one of those being when God gave him the 10 Commandments for the Israelites (Exodus 20)
  • His death is recorded in Deuteronomy 34. Due to an incident recorded in Numbers 20 where Moses didn’t obey God but relied on a past experience, God prevented him from entering the Promised Land.
  • He had been leading this grumbling tribe around and around the desert for 40 years, and then he is prevented from seeing the one thing they were aiming for due to not obeying God.
  • 1st 40 years, Moses thought he was a somebody as Pharoah’s ‘grandson’. 2nd 40 years, Moses believed he was a nobody and lived a nomadic lifestyle as a shepherd. 3rd 40 years – discovered what God can do with a person devoted to him.
  • Moses was fluent in both Hebrew and Egyptian culture.

First Principle: Never underestimate God.

  • God is God. He can do whatever He likes. He can and often will do the bizarre and extraordinary.
  • God spoke to Moses through thunder, fire, and lightning.
  • God used Moses in the miraculous parting of the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape from the Egyptians.
  • God performed many miraculous signs. In Exodus 16, God provided manna and food each night for the Israelites in the desert.
  • God spoke to Moses face to face. Exodus 33:11 “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face as one would a friend.”
  • Moses sensed and felt God and had visual and auditory experiences. In Exodus 19, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder.
  • What’s in your hand? Moses, in Exodus 4 – what was in Moses’ hand? Provision. Protection. Promise. Due to his Egyptian background, he had been taught to pick up snakes by the head so they wouldn’t bite you. God said, pick it up by the tail. Obey me, not your Egyptian ways and knowledge.
  • Always an outcome for disobeying God. Due to disobeying God, Moses wasn’t permitted to cross into the Promised Land. God could have waivered that, but He didn’t. Moses died before the fulfilment of the task. I don’t want to die prematurely before the fulfilment of what God has called me to. What about you?

Second Principle: Identity is important.

  • Acts 7:22 says Moses was mighty in speech and deeds. Yet in Exodus 4:10, we see Moses believed he lacked eloquence. Was slow of speech and stuttered. How Moses saw himself did not line up with how others saw him and how he truly was. Unless the trauma of being caught killing the Egyptian and disappearing into the wilderness for 40 years destroyed his self-esteem. Moses lost all confidence in himself. He felt inferior.
  • Thankfully, God sees us differently. God knows us intimately. God believes in us and our potential.
  • Moses had a massive fear of rejection in Exodus 3, telling God what some of the problems he might face could be. Despite God telling and showing him otherwise, he felt inadequate, unworthy, useless, and undeserving.
  • Moses did not trust God enough to believe God could triumph and do whatever through Moses. God gave him three signs – throwing his stick on the ground and it turns into a snake, putting his hand inside his jacket and it becomes leprous, and water turning into blood. Even after all these miraculous signs, Moses doubts.

Third Principle: Pay attention to the unusual.

  • Moses call in Exodus 3:1-6 Moses saw that though the bush was on fire, it did not burn up. So, Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”
  • Whenever you see a strange sight, investigate.

Summary:

  1. Never underestimate God.
  2. Identity is important.
  3. Pay attention to the unusual.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “Father God, when you look at me, what do You think?” or “What’s on Your mind, God, when You see me, when You look at me, when You gaze at me?”
  • “Father God, can You tell me more about that please?”
  • Or “God, how do You see me dressed symbolically at the moment (ie what outfit am I wearing eg Warrior, Princess, Sailor etc)?

Time Stamps:

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

[8:09] – Background to the story of Moses.

[13:14] – First Principle: Never underestimate God.

[19:44] – Second Principle: Identity is important.

[22:59] – Third Principle: Pay attention to the unusual.

[27:18] – Recap the principles.

[27:39] – Prophetic activation.

[29:13] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[32:32] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Exodus, especially chapters 3, 4, 16, 19, 20, 33
  • Leviticus
  • Numbers, especially chapter 20
  • Deuteronomy
  • Acts 7:22
  • Hebrews 11:24-25

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 63: Hearing God when your faith is tested.

Episode 63: Hearing God when your faith is tested.

Oct 27, 2024 | 0 comments

 

Episode Description:

How do you respond when you’re required to do something contrary to your beliefs and principles? Join us as we unpack how Jochebed in the Bible (Moses’ mother) handled an order as a midwife to not only kill male babies but also the actions she took to save her baby boy. It may be a bit of a stretch to say Jochebed ‘heard’ God. It’s probably more how she responded to God throughout this time. Jochebed was willing to make difficult decisions and great sacrifices, putting her whole family at risk. But God. Just as God quietly orchestrated events in the life of Jochebed, be assured that He is also working behind the scenes in your life.

 

Episode Notes:

Background to Jochebed:

  • Married to Amran, her nephew (Numbers 26:59 and Exodus 6:20).
  • Mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses. Moses was the youngest sibling.
  • Jochebed must have been a woman of character – when you look at her three children: Aaron – High Priest, Miriam, prophetic worshipper and intercessor, and Moses delivered the Hebrews from the Egyptians and led them for 40 years.
  • Read about her and her baby Moses in Exodus 1:8-22, and 2:1-10 and then again in Acts 7:18-22. Plus, Hebrews 11:23.
  • A new king came to power in Egypt, complaining that the Israelites living among them were too numerous. Says, “Come, we must deal shrewdly with them, or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.”
  • So, they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labour, and they made their lives bitter. But the more they abused and oppressed them, the more they multiplied.
  • The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah (Jochebed) and Puah, “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. Then, the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”
  • The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.”
  • So, God was kind to the midwives, and the number of people increased and became even more numerous. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them their own families.
  • Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.”
  • Jochebed became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She hid him for three months. When she could no longer hide him, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch to make it waterproof. Moses was put in the basket and set among the reeds. Miriam stood watch every day.
  • Interestingly, papyrus/bullrushes are soft, flexible, and capable of withstanding pressure and contact with hard and soft objects.
  • Both the Amplified and The Message versions in Hebrews 11:23 say it was an act of faith that Jochebed hid Moses.
  • Verse 5 – Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe and saw the basket among the reeds. She opened it and saw the baby, recognising it as one of the Hebrew babies.
  • Verse 7 – Miriam, an 8-10-year-old, boldly approaches Pharaoh’s daughter and asks, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”
  • Pharoah’s daughter replied yes. Jochebed came, and Pharoah’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So Jochebed took Moses and was paid to nurse him.
  • When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.”
  • God was at work behind the scenes. Co-incidences/God-incidences:
    • Jochebed just happened to put Moses in the right spot on the Nile.
    • Pharaoh’s daughter just happened to see the basket.
    • Moses just happened to cry at the right time.
    • Miriam just happened to be nearby.
    • Jochebed just happened to be available and able to nurse.
    • Pharaoh’s daughter just happened to have enough influence to save baby Moses.
  • I gather Pharoah’s daughter didn’t tell her father that she had saved a Hebrew baby until he was returned to her some 8-10 years later.
  • What are some areas of your life you need to stop holding on to and start trusting God?

First Principle: Preparation is key.

  • How we react in situations begins long before the crisis occurs.
  • With our kids, we discussed certain situations with them when things could go wrong and talked through with them some actions, e.g. at a party and don’t feel safe, code words etc
  • Intimacy with God and reading the Bible are important and they build our faith muscle.
  • Practising hearing the voice of God.
  • Hebrews 11:23 “By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”
  • Moses’ sister acted quickly. She approached Pharoah’s daughter and asked if she wanted someone to nurse the baby for her.

Second Principle: Discernment is necessary.

  • Hiding the baby would have put her whole family at risk. Do you think Jochebed clearly thought through her plan from beginning to end and considered the consequences, even if it was a great sacrifice for her and Amram?
  • Jochebed had to let go and trust God.
  • Go to God yourself, not through others. Yes, seek wise counsel, but don’t rely on others hearing God for you. Prophetic words should affirm that which you are already sensing from God.
  • The whole Covid experience worldwide – I wonder if we as a society ‘failed’ that test. Not that it was a test, but fear undoubtedly reigned prominent, even amongst Christians.
  • James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.“
  • Colossians 3:15 “Let peace be your umpire.”

Third Principle: Be courageous.

  • Hebrews 11:23 – an act of faith that Jochebed hid Moses.
  • Courage to fear God, not man. Sometimes, we can let our fear override our faith or misplace fear. Jochebed was courageous and showed steadfast faith in God’s promises and provision.
  • Jochebed’s name means ‘Jehovah glorified’. She certainly brought glory to God in her actions.
  • Courage to trust God and place the situation in His hands. Not only with her baby but all the Hebrew babies. She was wise, righteous, and God-fearing. God is not into child sacrifice.
  • Trusting God often requires both decision and action.
  • Deuteronomy 31 has the command to “Be strong and courageous” three times, and Joshua 1 has it four times. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lordyour God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
  • One thing we can be certain of is that we will experience trials of our faith. We don’t want those trials to rock the foundations of our faith.
  • Courage may look like creativity, sacrifice, and trust.
  • The reward for fearing God is the Torah – Jochebed feared God and didn’t kill the Hebrew baby boys. She gave birth to Moses, through whom the Torah was given.
  • Trust that God is working behind the scenes.
  • As God quietly orchestrates events in the life of Jochebed, be assured that He is also working behind the scenes in your life.

Summary:

  1. Preparation is key.
  2. Discernment is necessary.
  3. Be courageous.

 

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “Father God, what would You like me to pray for myself at the moment?” (You might like to include ‘and my kids’ if you have kids.)

 

Time Stamps:

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

[5:39] – Background to the story of Jochebed.

[12:02] – First Principle: Preparation is key.

[14:43] – Second Principle: Discernment is necessary.

[20:03] – Third Principle: Be courageous.

[23:44] – Recap the principles.

[24:06] – Prophetic activation.

[25:03] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[27:12] – Gary prays for you.

 

Resources / Links Mentioned:

 

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Numbers 26:59
  • Exodus 6:20
  • Exodus 1:8-22; 2:1-10
  • Acts 7:18-22
  • Hebrews 11:23
  • James 1:5
  • Colossians 3:15
  • Deuteronomy 31
  • Joshua 1

 

Connect with Gary & Jane:

 

Support the show:

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

 

 

 

 

Episode 62: Did Abraham get it wrong in hearing God?

Episode 62: Did Abraham get it wrong in hearing God?

Oct 20, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Was Abraham mentally unstable? Did he really hear God tell him to kill his son? What if God asked us to do something bizarre? How would we respond? There were also other occasions when Abraham made some questionable choices. It’s probably not that much different to us at times. Perhaps that’s part of the tension of living by faith. Join us as we unpack the story of Abraham in the Bible and the significant times he heard God. This episode also looks at the principle of returning to the last time you heard God if God appears silent.

Episode Notes:

Background to Abraham:

  • We read about him in Genesis, chapters 11- 25. He is called the Father of Nations.
  • In Genesis 11:27 – 32, we see where Abram’s father Terah took Abraham, his wife Sarah, and his nephew Lot from Ur of the Chaldeans (South Bank to the Euphrates River in Iraq) to go to Canaan (modern-day Israel). After about 1,000 miles, they stopped in Haran (thought to be in Turkey) and settled there.
  • In Genesis 12, after Terah died, God called Abraham to continue to Canaan to fulfil that which his father hadn’t done. God said to Abraham that he would make him a great nation and would bless him.
  • On the way to Canaan, they stopped in Egypt for a while, and since he was afraid that the Pharaoh would kill him because Sarah was so beautiful, he told Sarah to pretend to be his sister. Pharoah took Sarah as his wife, but God inflicted diseases upon Pharoah and his household – until it came out that Sarah was in fact, Abraham’s wife. Pharoah said, take her back and go. Leave.
  • Abraham then went back to where he had last heard God near Bethel. (Great principle!!)
  • Abraham and Lot had too many animals to live together, and the servants were fighting, so they separated. Lot chose the choice land of the plain that looked fertile but was next to an evil people.
  • This was when God said to Abraham, I will give you all this land you can see and make your offspring like the dust of the earth ie too numerous to count. (13:16).
  • Genesis 15 – look up to the sky – I will give you children as numerous as the stars.
  • Genesis 16 – Sarah is frustrated with not having any children and sick and tired of waiting. So she takes matters into her own hands, giving her maid Hagar to Abraham to have sex and get pregnant.
  • Hagar gives birth to Ishmael.
  • Genesis 17 – the Lord appeared to Abraham when he was 99. And talked with him. Changed his name from Abram to Abraham. Name changes are usually related to times of covenant or promise regarding the future.
  • Also told him that within 12 months, Sarah would have a child.
  • Genesis 18 – The Lord appeared to Abraham as 3 men standing before him at the entrance to his tent on a hot day. A vision. I wonder if he thought he had heat stroke. They reinforced the fact that within 12 months, Sarah would have a child. Abraham walked with these 3 men as they were leaving, and they all looked down towards Sodom and Gomorrah. Two men (angels) turned towards Sodom, but the Lord stayed and chatted with Abraham, telling him he would destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham said, if there are 50 righteous people in the city, will you spare it? Yes, said the Lord. Abraham then bargained the Lord down – what about 45, 40, 30, 20 and finally 10 righteous people? Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed in chapter 19.
  • Chapter 20, Abraham once again pretended Sarah was his sister for King Abimelek.
  • Chapter 21, Isaac is born, and due to jealousy between Sarah and Hagar, Hagar and Ishmael are sent away to die.
  • Chapter 22 God said to Abraham, take your son, your only son Isaac and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there on the mountain. Early the next morning, Abraham got up, loaded his donkey and went with Isaac and 2 servants. After 3 days of travelling, he told his servants to wait there and took Isaac further, saying that they would soon return to the servants. Isaac saw the wood, the fire, and the knife, but there was no meat, so he asked where the lamb was for the burnt offering. Abraham said God will provide. He built an altar, bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. He raised his hand with the knife to kill Isaac when the angel of the Lord called out to him to stop, now that he knew Abraham feared the Lord. Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in a thicket, which they sacrificed instead.
  • Genesis 23 Sarah died.
  • Genesis 25 Abraham died.
  • Throughout Genesis 12-22, we read numerous times how Abraham heard God through God speaking audibly to him and God appearing in both visions and in person to Abraham. Abraham dialogued with God. He wrestled with God.

First Principle: God has a specific call for you.

  • God has a call for each of us. He has gifted us and created us for great things. He has a plan for us. Jeremiah 29:11
  • God had a call on Abraham’s life.
  • Generational call – finish that which our ancestors didn’t e.g. go to Canaan/Israel.

Second Principle: Practice and build credibility with hearing God’s voice.

  • Did Abraham really hear God’s voice when he believed God said to take his son and sacrifice him on an altar? What if it wasn’t God? What if Abraham was mentally unstable?
  • God is not into child sacrifice, murdering kids, or anything like that. Incompatible with God’s nature and character.
  • So Abraham believes God told him to do that, and for once in his life, he immediately obeys and sets out the next morning before Sarah is awake. Obviously, he was being secretive. Obviously, he hadn’t told Sarah, or I reckon they would have been up half the night debating if he should do it. Instead, he sneaks away extremely early the next morning, meaning he doesn’t have to face Sarah. I mean, imagine if God hadn’t provided a ram as the sacrifice. Imagine if Abraham had had to slaughter Isaac. Imagine coming back to Sarah and the response. I mean, did he consider all this stuff beforehand? Was he having some sort of mental breakdown? Or had he developed such intimacy over the years, especially those times when he hadn’t been obedient that he knew that he knew that he knew the voice of God.
  • Abraham does say in chapter 22 verse 5, we will return to you. Meaning him and his son would return to the servant. There was a lot of symbolism in that chapter of Abraham believing God would provide the lamb for the sacrifice.
  • Our context informs our decisions. Remember how Abraham argued with God over the number of righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah and convinced God to reduce the number of 50 to 10? I find it extremely interesting that Abraham doesn’t argue with God over such a significant issue as being asked to kill your son. Perhaps it was because Abraham was surrounded by people worshipping other gods who needed sacrifices to appease him – not a good argument though, as he was in charge of the area he lived in.
  • God’s voice always leads to healing, life, restoration, hope, and justice.
  • What if we were asked to do something so bizarre by God? Would you do it if your spouse believed it wasn’t right? If others said don’t do it?
  • Tension of living by faith. Trusting in God. Not knowing the end result. Was God bringing Abraham into a deeper level of trust?
  • Importance of knowing the nature and character of God. Build history and trust. Abraham had already journeyed with God for over 40 years – built credibility, trust, relational knowledge and not just blind faith. Intimacy with God.
  • John 10:3-4 the sheep know the shepherd’s voice. God’s voice becomes more real than logical reasoning.
  • Hebrews 11:8-19 “By faith Abraham trusted God” By faith 4 times “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice.
  • Are we called to trust God blindly?
  • Is it okay to ask God to confirm what He has said to you? Does that mean you don’t have faith?
  • I think of the Apostles in the New Testament. They did some crazy stuff and went places everyone said don’t go as you will be killed. They went anyway.
  • What about the Moravians in the 18th Century? They packed their coffins when they went overseas as missionaries as they knew they wouldn’t return home.
  • Deuteronomy 30:11-20 telling the Israelites to choose life, not death, with their decisions.

Third Principle: Clean up your mess

  • Sarah and Hagar mishap – took shortcut. Yes, it was Sarah who said take my servant, but Abraham willingly had sex with her.
  • Twice, Abraham tried to pass his wife off as his sister. Surely, he would have learnt after the first time. Both times thinking only of himself.
  • Obviously, Abraham had a lot of character issues.
  • Imagine the lack of credibility and trust with Sarah after setting off to sacrifice Isaac.
  • Traumatising Isaac. Can you imagine lying on the altar, tied up with a crazy dad holding a knife over you to kill you? Scar you for life. Interestingly, his son Isaac was quite weak and passive and had everyone pandering to him over the years. I wonder how that traumatic event affected his life and character.
  • Also, if you are having trouble hearing God, go back to the last time you heard God. What’s changed since then? Is there something you haven’t obeyed God in?

Summary:

  1. God has a specific call for you.
  2. Practice and build credibility with hearing God’s voice.
  3. Clean up your mess.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “Father God, is there something I need to repent of, or someone I need to ‘clean up my mess’ with and ask forgiveness? If so, can You please bring it to my mind now?”

Time Stamps:

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

[4:38] – Background to the story of Abraham.

[13:16] – First Principle: God has a specific call for you.

[17:13] – Second Principle: Practice and build credibility with hearing God’s voice.

[25:07] – Third Principle: Clean up your mess.

[28:27] – Recap the principles.

[28:47] – Prophetic activation.

[29:53] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[31:52] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Genesis chapters 11-25
  • Jeremiah 29:11
  • John 10:3-4
  • Hebrews 11:8-19
  • Deuteronomy 30:11-20
  • Isaiah 40:31

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 61: Hearing God in the face of adversity.

Episode 61: Hearing God in the face of adversity.

Oct 13, 2024 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Despite being described in the Bible as a man after God’s own heart, David had many failings. Yet, repeatedly, he displayed courage in the face of adversity and quickly repented when he was wrong. When David was faced with a problem, he enquired of the Lord. When he had trouble hearing God, he did the work to distinguish God’s voice from the noise around him and the ‘noise’ within him. Join us as we unpack the story of David in the Bible, the principles we can learn from it, and how to apply them to our lives in hearing God.

Episode Notes:

Background to David:

  • You can read about David in 1 Samuel chapters 16-31, 2 Samuel, right through to 1 Kings 2:10, where he died.
  • Shepherd boy, youngest of 8 sons of Jesse
  • 17 years old – anointed and prophesied over by the prophet Samuel as a future King. 1 Samuel 16:12-13
  • Defeated giant Goliath with a stone and sling.
  • Served under King Saul, then became a fugitive. Hid in a cave.
  • 30 years old – anointed King over Judah for 7 ½ years. It can take a long time for God’s will to come to pass. It wasn’t an easy journey for David.
  • Then anointed King over Israel for 33 years.
  • 70 years old – died after being King for 40 years.

First Principle: Ask God for His perspective on things.

  • Jesse sent David to see how the three older brothers were going in the army. Giant – 1 Sam 17 Israel & the Philistines were at war, each on a hill with a valley between them. Goliath was nearly 10 feet tall with bronze armour and spear. 40 days Goliath challenged Israelites to come and fight him.
  • David’s courage in the face of adversity. Intimidation from Saul, his brothers and Goliath. Eyes remained on God and not on the natural circumstances. Knew God could do the impossible.
  • Also, God had equipped him in the past while caring for sheep. 1 Samuel 17:34-37
  • Use what’s in your hand. 1 Samuel 23:6-13 (David and the ephod – enquire of God)
    • Don’t wear someone else’s armour – your way of hearing God.
    • Bible – God’s Word – way of getting info to you
  • You don’t always need to hear God before you take the next step. Use wisdom and what you have been equipped to do.
  • Listen to the right people. 1 Samuel 23:14-23
  • Enquire of the Lord.

Second Principle:  Value the Presence of God.

  • David valued the presence of God. He did everything possible to return the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. 2 Sam 6:1-23. He recognised the value of the ark as the earthly throne of the God of Israel. Restoring the ark to a place of prominence in the nation acknowledged the Lord’s Kingship and rule.
  • Worship passionately.
  • Didn’t hold back with emotions.
  • Relationship with God is top priority.
  • Psalm 100:4 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” The Message version ‘Enter with the password – ‘Thank you’”

Third Principle: Stay close to God.

  • 2 Sam 11:1-27 – David commits adultery with his army captain Uriah’s wife Bathsheba, then kills him. He had stayed home and placed himself in a vulnerable position.
  • A man after God’s own heart. 2 Sam 12 – he realised his error and quickly repented.
  • Enquire of God. Seek confirmation. Frequently, David enquired of the Lord. 1 Sam 23:1-4 battle plans fighting the Philistines.
  • If you can’t hear God, do the work to distinguish God’s voice from the noise around you and the noise within you.
  • Psalm 13 – David’s dark moment. “How long, Lord, will you hide your face from me?”

Summary:

  1. Ask God for His perspective on things.
  2. Value the Presence of God.
  3. Stay close to God.

Prophetic activation:

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

  • “God, what do You call me? Do You have a name for me?”
  • “God, why do You call me that?”
  • “Father God, what would it take for me to be called ‘a person after Your own heart’?”

Time Stamps:

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

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

[6:25] – First Principle: Ask God for His perspective on things.

[11:17] – Second Principle: Value the Presence of God.

[16:49] – Third Principle: Stay close to God.

[20:50] – Recap the principles.

[21:14] – Prophetic activation.

[22:19] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[24:54] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • 1 Samuel 13:14
  • 1 Samuel chapters 16-31, specifically 16:12-13; 17; 23:1-23;
  • 2 Samuel, specifically 6:1-23; 11:1-27; 12;
  • 1 Kings 1-2:10
  • Acts 13:22
  • Psalm 100:4
  • Psalm 13
  • Psalm 119:105

Connect with Gary & Jane:

Support the show:

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