172. How to Know God Better: Practical Ways to Encounter Jesus Daily

If you have ever thought, “God feels far away,” you are not alone. Many believers know God is real, but still struggle to sense His nearness in everyday life. In this episode, Louise Reid and Ali McFarlane talk with Matt Johnson about a practical, relational way to encounter Jesus, grow revelation of God, and learn to notice His presence in ordinary moments.

What you will learn in this episode

• How to become aware that Jesus is with you, even when you feel nothing
• A simple way to reconnect with God using your “memory muscles”
• Why joy and laughter matter in spiritual health
• How to help children build secure connection with Jesus early
• How Emmanuel-style ministry helps people encounter Jesus, not just talk about Him

Chapters

00:00 Intro: “Knowing God” and fresh revelation

02:10 Ali on losing singing, gaining new revelation

08:56 Louise on carrying God’s presence and why it matters

15:24 How to reconnect with Jesus using memory and simple prayer

26:01 Joy is the Atmosphere of Heaven

35:19 Final encouragement: enjoy God forever

Episode Summary

Louise Reid shares a life message that many believers need right now: carry the presence of God so people get a revelation of Jesus just by being near you. She explains that connection with God often begins with a simple shift, becoming aware that Jesus is already with you. From there, she encourages believers to remember moments where they felt close to God and to “chew” on those memories, because remembrance can reawaken hunger, faith, and expectation.

Ali McFarlane adds that Louise is “shiny,” meaning her life clearly shows time spent with Jesus. They also talk about how encounter ministry can help people experience Jesus personally. Louise describes Emmanuel-style prayer as “midwifing” an encounter where Jesus does the work, and the person walks away saying, “Jesus is amazing,” not “That counselor is amazing.”

A key thread in this conversation is joy. Louise highlights the kindness of God and the humor of God, reminding listeners that the gospel is good news. They also talk about how laughter helps people connect, and how a joyful atmosphere can make hard conversations safer and more fruitful. The episode closes with a simple invitation: stop striving, start noticing, and learn to enjoy God, because we were made for relationship with Him.

Quotes from the Episode:

• “Becoming aware of His presence changes everything.”
• “Remember a time you felt close to Jesus, then talk to Him about it again.”
• “The gospel is good news. Why are we so miserable?”
• “I love helping people encounter Jesus, then they leave saying, ‘Jesus is amazing.’”

Resources mentioned

• “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him for ever” (Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q1).
• Emmanuel prayer approach (inner healing and encounter-focused ministry)
• PowerTV.app - Podcast power resources and activations (36:11)

If this episode helped you, share it with a friend who feels distant from God. And comment your biggest takeaway: What helps you notice Jesus in everyday life?