Episode 20: Making Time to Hear God.

Episode 20: Making Time to Hear God.

Oct 1, 2023 | 0 comments

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 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

Sep 10, 2023 | 0 comments

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

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

Aug 27, 2023 | 0 comments

 

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.

Episode 14: If I Can Pray, I Can Prophesy.

Episode 14: If I Can Pray, I Can Prophesy.

Aug 20, 2023 | 0 comments

Episode Description:

Have you ever prophesied? It may be easier than you think. In this episode of ‘Hearing God’, Gary & Jane unpack the difference between prayer and prophecy and show that if you can pray, you can prophesy. Both prayer and prophecy have the same root of faith. The releasing action is prayer or prophecy. We pray and prophesy by first listening to God in our spirit to see what He’s praying for and then partnering with God to release that. As usual, Gary & Jane share practical strategies and powerful personal examples.

Episode Notes:

First Principle: If you can pray, you can prophesy.

  • Prayer is a dialogue, not a one-way communication.
  • The difference between prayer and prophecy.
  • Both prayer and prophecy have the same root of faith. The releasing action is prayer or prophecy.
  • We pray by first listening to God in our spirit to see what He’s praying.
  • Jesus is always interceding on our behalf. Hebrews 7:25.
  • Prophecy is co-creating with God by speaking into being the seed of what God wants to do.

Second Principle: I practice stilling my thoughts and emotions to sense God’s flow of thoughts and emotions within me.

  • Habakkuk 2:1-2
  • Psalm 46:10
  • Position our hearts and thoughts in the affection and wonder of God.

Third Principle: Write it down. Practice.

  • Habakkuk 2:2
  • Write out your prayers and God’s answers.
  • Does it line up with Scripture and God’s character?
  • Keep it simple.
  • Change the wording of your prayer to a simple prophetic statement.

Fourth Principle: Speak Life.

  • Pray the outcome. Decree and declare.
  • Isaiah 55:11
  • We build up our authority in the spiritual realm.

Prophetic Activation:

Turn your heart and thoughts to Father God and ask Him how He sees an area of your life that concerns you.

  • “Father God, what is your heart for that area?”
  • “God, what would you love the outcome to be?”
  • “Holy Spirit, what are you praying for me in that area?”
  • “Father God, is there a Bible verse you would love to encourage me with?”

Time Stamps:

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

[3:05] – First Principle – if you can pray, you can prophesy.

[5:15] – The difference between prayer and prophecy.

[7:29] – Second Principle – practice stilling your thoughts and emotions.

[9:26] – Third Principle – Write it down. Practice.

[12:49] – Fourth Principle – speak life.

[13:50] – Jane gives an example of how she prays for healing.

[16:43] – We can build up our authority in the spiritual realm.

[17:14] – Jane shares a powerful testimony of speaking life over a situation.

[20:10] – Prophetic activation.

[21:15] – Gary & Jane both share a prophetic word for a listener.

[23:09] – Gary prays for you.

Resources / Links Mentioned:

Bible Verses Mentioned:

  • Psalm 25:14
  • Psalm 100:4
  • Hebrews 7:25
  • Jeremiah 33:3
  • Habakkuk 2:1-2
  • Psalm 46:10
  • Judges 4
  • Isaiah 55:8-11

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.