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  • When God Speaks: A Personal Encounter That Changed My Life

    When God Speaks: A Personal Encounter That Changed My Life

    Have you ever longed to hear God’s voice… but weren’t quite sure how?


    🎧 Listen to the Podcast

    If you would prefer to listen to this message, copy and paste the link below into your browser and listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favourite platform, e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.
    https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/when-god-speaks-a-personal-encounter-that-changed-my-life/


    🌿 When God Drew Near

    I remember several decades ago, I was at one of the lowest and loneliest points of my life.

    I didn’t really know how to pray. I didn’t have the right words. I didn’t understand the “right way” to speak to God.

    But I tried.

    I think all I said was something like…
    “I want You.”

    And then… He came.

    God surrounded me with such overwhelming love, peace, and joy that it stayed with me for days. I found myself crying and laughing, dancing and singing old hymns from my childhood.

    It felt like the warmest, most comforting embrace — a hug that didn’t end.


    🐑 He Knows His Sheep

    “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

    John 10:27 (NIV)

    Even before I understood how to hear Him…
    He was already speaking.
    He was already near.


    🌱 Learning to Hear His Voice

    When I first returned to God, I had such a strong desire to hear from Him again.

    I imagined something dramatic —
    a voice from heaven booming,
    or a burning bush speaking directly to me.

    After all, we read these things in the Bible.

    Adam and Eve walked with God in the garden.
    How beautiful that must have been.

    Perhaps I was a little naïve… but I was hopeful.

    And over time, I’ve come to realise something deeply comforting:

    👉 God is always speaking — we just need to learn to recognize His voice.


    💛 He Speaks in Relationship

    From personal experience, I’ve learned that when we lean in with a sincere heart, we begin to recognise Him.

    Not always in dramatic ways.

    But in gentle, personal, deeply loving ways.

    Sometimes it comes through His Word.
    Sometimes through peace.
    Sometimes through a quiet knowing in our spirit.

    And sometimes… He simply comes close again, just like He did for me all those years ago.


    🌸 A Gentle Invitation

    If you long to hear God’s voice…

    Start simply.

    Draw near.
    Speak honestly.
    Sit with Him.

    You don’t need perfect words.
    You just need a willing heart.

    Because He already knows you.
    And He is already speaking.


    🙏 Prayer

    Lord,
    Thank You that You are near.
    Thank You that You speak to Your children with love and gentleness.
    Help us to quiet our hearts and recognise Your voice.
    Draw us closer to You each day.
    In Jesus’ name, Amen.


    🌿 Activation

    Today, take a few quiet moments and simply say:
    “Lord, I want You.”

    Sit with Him.
    No pressure. No striving.
    Just presence.


    ✨ Right now is always the best time to begin.


    If this message encouraged you, please share the link with someone who might need it today. I’d love to hear how you have heard from God. Please share your story in the comments below.

    And consider subscribing so you don’t miss what’s coming next 🌿


  • When God Speaks: A Personal Encounter That Changed My Life

    https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-emsq9-1a97803

    Have you ever longed to hear God’s voice but weren’t sure how?

    In this deeply personal episode, I share a moment from one of the lowest seasons of my life — when I simply cried out to God, and He met me with overwhelming love, peace, and joy.

    Be encouraged that God is not distant or silent. He is near, He knows you, and He is already speaking. Discover how you can begin to recognise His voice in simple, gentle ways.

  • Listening with Love: How Being Fully Present Reflects Christ

    https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ewvym-1a8f6e4

    Are we really listening when others speak, or just waiting for our turn to respond? In this episode, I explore how listening is a powerful expression of love. Learn how being fully present with others—especially children—can build connection, confidence, and reflect the heart of Christ.

  • A Living Love Letter: When God Speaks

    A Living Love Letter: When God Speaks

    Have you ever opened your Bible and felt like the words were written just for you—right in that very moment?


    If you’d prefer to listen to this message click on the link below and listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, e.g. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.

    https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/when-god-speaks-how-the-bible-becomes-a-personal-love-letter/


    It never ceases to amaze me that when I read the Bible, it speaks directly into my situation.

    No matter what is happening in my life, the Word of God meets me there. It comforts me, strengthens me, and gently guides me forward.

    Sometimes it feels like a lightning bolt from heaven pierces my heart—sudden, powerful, undeniable.
    Other times, it’s a quiet, loving peace that wraps around me and soothes my troubled soul.

    But one thing is certain:
    I have never closed the Bible and thought, “Well, that was a waste of time.”


    The Word That Comes Alive

    For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

    Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

    The Bible is not just a book… it is alive!

    It reaches into the deepest parts of who we are. It reveals truth, corrects us in love, and draws us closer to God.

    And even more than that, the Word is not separate from Jesus—it is Jesus.

    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

    John 1:1 (NIV)

    When we open our Bibles, we are not simply reading words on a page… we are encountering the living Christ.


    When God Speaks Personally

    Have you ever read a passage and suddenly it just jumps out at you?

    Almost as if you’ve never seen it before, even though you’ve read it many times?

    That is the Holy Spirit bringing the Word to life.

    This is often called a rhema word. It’s a personal, timely message from God to your heart.
    I absolutely love when this happens. It reminds me that God is not distant. He is speaking, guiding, and drawing us closer every day.


    A Love Letter We Can Drift From

    God has been speaking to humanity through the Bible for thousands of years.
    It is His love letter, revealing His heart and His deep desire for relationship with us.

    And yet, like the Israelites in the Old Testament, we can be so easily distracted.

    Life gets busy.
    Other desires creep in.
    We drift.

    But the truth remains:

    Nothing in this world can offer lasting peace.

    Only God brings true life, joy, love, and peace.


    Finding a Rhythm That Works

    My husband and I enjoy following the Verse of the Day on YouVersion, and it’s such a beautiful way to stay connected daily.

    But if I’m honest, I’ve struggled in the past to maintain a deeper Bible reading routine.

    I would start with enthusiasm… and then life would take over.

    At one point, a friend suggested reading the New Testament in three months. I tried, but it felt overwhelming. I found myself rushing just to finish, without truly taking anything in. So, I stepped back.

    And that’s okay.

    Because this journey isn’t about pressure, it’s about connection.


    The Power of Reading Together

    What changed everything for me was simple, but powerful:

    I invited someone to do it with me – one chapter at a time.

    Using an app called Through the Word, we created a small group where we could share thoughts, voice messages, and reflections. Suddenly, I wasn’t just reading, I was engaging.

    I listened more carefully.
    I noticed more deeply.
    I grew more intentionally.

    And something beautiful happened…

    Not only did my relationship with God deepen, but my relationship with my friend grew as well.


    An Invitation for You

    If you’ve struggled to stay consistent, you are not alone.

    Why not try this:

    • Start small, just a chapter a day
    • Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you before you begin
    • Share the journey with a friend or family member

    You may be surprised at how alive the Word becomes.


    Prayer

    Lord, thank You for Your Word, alive, powerful, and full of love.
    Thank You that You speak to us personally through Scripture, guiding us, comforting us, and drawing us closer to You.
    Help us to hunger for Your Word and to make space for You in our daily lives.
    Open our hearts to hear Your voice clearly, and give us the discipline to stay connected to You.
    In Jesus’ name, Amen.


    Activation

    This week, take one simple step:

    👉 Choose one Gospel (like John or Mark)
    👉 Read just one chapter a day
    👉 Ask: “Lord, what are You saying to me today?”
    👉 Share one insight with a friend

    Let this be the beginning of something deeper.


    Now is always the best time to begin.


    If this message encouraged you, please share it with someone who might need it today.

    I’d love to hear how you read the Bible. Feel free to share your story in the comments.

    And consider subscribing so you don’t miss what’s coming next 🌿



    Please see links to a couple of Bible Apps I enjoy. I do not have any affiliation with either of these.

    https://www.youversion.com

    https://throughtheword.org

  • When God Speaks: How the Bible Becomes a Personal Love Letter

    https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xtyy4-1a8bcf8

    Have you ever felt like the Bible was speaking directly to your situation? In this episode, we explore how God’s Word is alive, personal, and full of love. Be encouraged to build a simple, meaningful Bible reading rhythm and discover how God speaks to you through Scripture.

  • Simple Ways to Share Your Faith: Practical Evangelism for Everyday Life

    https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-s6stn-1a76e2c

    Sharing your faith doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. In this episode, we explore simple, practical ways to share the love of Jesus through everyday moments, acts of kindness, and your personal testimony. Be encouraged, you don’t need to have all the answers, just a willing heart.

  • A Love Story Written by God: Celebrating 67 Years of my husband

    https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-gq5ng-1a6e202

    In this episode of the Jesus 4 Generations Podcast, I share a powerful personal story about learning to surrender life’s pressures to God. Discover how Jesus invites us to exchange our burdens for His peace and how trusting Him can transform even the most overwhelming seasons.

  • A Love Story Written by God:  Celebrating 67 Years of My Husband

    A Love Story Written by God:  Celebrating 67 Years of My Husband

    Sometimes the greatest blessings in our lives arrive quietly, in moments we almost didn’t attend, places we never expected to go, or conversations that begin with a simple glance. When we look back, we can see the gentle hand of God guiding our steps all along.

    Today, my beautiful husband Peter turns 67, and I would love to share a little of our story, and how God brought him into my life at just the right time.


    If you’d prefer to listen to this message, click on the link below and listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen to The Jesus 4 Generations Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, e.g. Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

    https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/a-love-story-written-by-god-celebrating-67-years-of-my-husband/


    When God Meets Us in Our Hardest Seasons

    Many years ago, I was a single mother with a beautiful baby boy.

    While I was pregnant, a lovely Christian woman befriended me during my pre-natal hospital visits. Through her kindness and faith, she helped lead me back to God.

    But those were not easy days.

    Many of my former “friends” had distanced themselves from me, and I was experiencing rejection from several directions. Life felt uncertain and lonely.

    My mother kindly offered to look after my baby one evening if I attended a Catholic Charismatic Prayer Meeting she had heard about from her local priest.

    That first Friday night, I walked in feeling a mixture of trepidation and anticipation, unsure of what to expect.


    The Night Our Eyes Met

    There was a Mass that evening, and Peter happened to be bringing the offering plate around.

    When he handed the plate to me, our eyes locked.

    Later that evening, we found ourselves talking together. Over the following months our friendship grew, and eventually we went on a date.

    Less than a year later we were married.

    Some rumours circulated among family and friends that I must have been pregnant, but our next child was born exactly forty weeks after our wedding night!

    Life has certainly had its ups and downs over the years, but I can honestly say that our love has grown stronger and deeper with time.


    Learning What Real Love Looks Like

    Scripture says:

    “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

    Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

    When I look back, I see some important things.

    Before Peter came into my life, I had often dated domineering men. I was used to feeling small, as though my needs and opinions did not matter.

    Meeting Peter was completely different.

    First of all, we met in a Christian environment, something I never expected.

    While we were dating, we would sing hymns and Christian songs together and talk about God.

    That foundation changed everything.


    A Husband Who Reflects Christ’s Love

    Peter has been a magnificent husband and father.

    He is deeply loyal, loving, and committed to our family. He has always supported our children and me in every season of life.

    In fact, I would never have had the courage to study nursing if it had not been for Peter’s unwavering encouragement and belief in my abilities.

    As the years have passed, our relationship has grown not only in love but also in faith.

    Now we:

    • Read the Bible together
    • Pray together
    • Support each other in everything we do
    • Pursue God together
    • Serve others together

    These things were quite foreign to my earlier experience of relationships.

    I grew up with a very hardworking and strong mother who had to carry much of the responsibility herself. My father provided financially, but emotional encouragement was less common in those days. He was a man of his generation, hardworking, shaped by his experiences serving in the Vietnam War.

    Because of this, Peter’s love and devotion were something entirely new to me.


    God’s Design for Marriage

    The Bible gives a powerful description of how husbands are called to love their wives:

    “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies.”

    Ephesians 5:25-28 (NIV)

    When I reflect on our life together, I can see clearly that God orchestrated our meeting.

    He knew that together we would be stronger than we ever could have been apart.

    Over time we have developed a deep understanding of each other. We often describe ourselves as two halves of one whole.

    Friends sometimes ask why we don’t do more things separately, but the truth is we simply do life better together.


    A Heart Full of Gratitude

    Today I want to thank God for blessing me with a husband who:

    • Perseveres through difficult seasons
    • Loves me faithfully and unreservedly
    • Continued to believe in us when I had given up
    • Is a wonderful father, father-in-law, and grandfather
    • Is deeply loved by all who know him

    Peter, my life is so much richer because you are in it.

    I am truly blessed.

    Happy 67th birthday, my love.


    Prayer

    Heavenly Father,

    Thank You for the gift of love and the blessing of marriage. Thank You for the way You guide our lives and bring the right people into our journey at the right time.

    Lord, I thank You for Peter and for the years we have shared together. Continue to strengthen our marriage, deepen our faith, and help us to serve You side by side.

    May our relationship reflect Your love to our children, grandchildren, and everyone around us.

    In Jesus’ name,
    Amen.


    Activation

    Take a moment today to thank God for the people He has placed in your life.

    If you are married, tell your spouse one thing you deeply appreciate about them.

    If you are waiting for the right partner, trust that God is able to orchestrate your story in ways you cannot yet see.

    And if you are walking through a difficult season in your marriage, ask God to renew your love and strengthen your commitment to one another.

    God is the author of beautiful redemption stories, including ours.


    Thank you so much for joining me today at Jesus 4 Generations.

    If this message encouraged you, please consider sharing it with a friend or family member who might be blessed by it as well.

    I’d love to hear how God has orchestrated circumstances in your life to bless you with someone who encourages you. Please share your story in the comments. And if you would like to follow along with future messages, reflections, and devotionals, you can subscribe below.

    Until next time, may God bless you and your family, and may His peace guide you in every season of life.


    And remember, now is always the right time to begin.


  • Small Acts, Big Impact: How Simple Kindness Can Change Lives

    https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6dfrs-1a618b1

    Small acts of kindness can have a powerful impact. In this episode of the Jesus 4 Generations Podcast, we explore how everyday moments: prayer, encouragement, and generosity; can bring God’s love and hope to the people around us.

  • How to Apologize: Christian Humility & Restoring Relationships

    https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-f8gzx-1a57384

    Have you ever felt that sick feeling in your stomach when you realize you were wrong? In this episode, I share a personal story about taking responsibility, embracing biblical humility, and discovering how God restores relationships and replaces fear with peace.