I preach, teach, and write about many biblical topics. I share instruction, advice, and practical steps to help people live out their faith. I encourage people to share Jesus’ message through both words and actions.

Most of the time, I feel like people ignore what I’m saying. When they do listen, it barely goes beyond surface level and gets forgotten quickly.

However, I’ve noticed that people respond differently when the message becomes personal.

A sermon on marriage hits differently when your own marriage is struggling and you need help.

Teaching about welcoming guests on Sunday morning means more when your own family visits church for the first time.

Words about resurrection hope carry greater weight when someone you love is battling cancer.

The challenge for followers of Jesus is to take His words personally at all times. To read and listen, knowing that there is something that can apply to us right now.

What Jesus says and what the Church teaches matters to you personally, whether you realize it now or not. This weekend at worship, as you listen to people explaining the Bible, ask yourself, “Where can I personalize what I am hearing?”