Jethro was the father-in-law of Moses. But he was also the one responsible for Moses’s success as a leader over the people of God. Jethro provides five ways for leaders to thrive. Whether you lead a family, a small group, a large organization, or a fast-paced business, these five practices are imperative.

I. Change Your Approach (vv. 13-18)

II. Instruct the People (vv. 19-20)

III. Build a Team (v. 21)

IV. Trust the Team (vv. 22-23)

V. Take Good Advice (v. 24)

Talk with God: Meditate on Matthew 19:30 as you ask the Lord to strengthen you in each of these five areas.

Talk with others: As a Connect Group, discuss how you can apply these practices to your daily life.

Talk with kids: How did David respond to God’s forgiveness?

Although Solomon composed 1,005 songs (see 1 Kings 4:32), this one is in a class by itself. It was his magnum opus. Solomon called it his song of songs (see Song of Solomon 1:1)! This poetic song was directed to his young bride. Though she often gets overlooked by many who read the Bible, she caught Solomon’s eye. Let’s notice some of her qualities. I’ve put them in the form of four juxtapositions.

I. She’s Unnamed but Not Unnoticed (1:8-10, 15)

II. Passionate but Not Promiscuous (2:4-7)

III. Desirous but Not Dominating (3:6-11)

IV. Irritated but Not Inflexible (5:2-3, 6-10)

Talk with God: Read Genesis 16:13 and Matthew 6:25-34 and spend time in prayer to thank the Lord for His faithfulness in seeing you and providing for you.

Talk with others: Ask your friends and family if they’re feeling overlooked and how you can help support them in this season.

Talk with kids: What special promise did God make to David?

I. Faith

II. Faithful

III. Fainthearted

IV. Fretful

V. Fruitful

I. This Place Had a History (vv. 1-5)

II. This Place Was in Prophecy

III. This Place Was at Capacity (v. 7)

IV. This Place Showcased Humility (v. 7)

We’ve heard this story so many times that it doesn’t surprise us like it ought to. And what boy hasn’t dressed like a shepherd for a Christmas play? But what was an ordinary workplace for these blue-collar sheep farmers became holy ground on this particular night. They were in for five surprises that would stay with them forever. Let’s try to put ourselves in their sandals.

I. The Audience (v. 8)

II. The Angels (v. 9)

III. The Announcement (vv. 10-12)

IV. The Anthem (vv. 13-14)

V. The Accuracy (vv. 15-20)

Talk with God: Ask the Lord for opportunities to turn your workplace into holy ground this week.

Talk with others: Invite a friend or family member to join you for a Christmas Eve service.

Talk with kids: What does it mean to worship Jesus as King?