Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

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?

As the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall progressed, opposition intensified. Ridicule, discouragement, and fear are three tactics Israel's enemies used then, and our enemy—Satan—continues to use. Fear is the trap; it's the worst way to live—to live fearfully instead of confidently. In this message, Pastor Skip Heitzig points to Nehemiah's example of integrity and selflessness, which was motivated by reverence for God rather than the pursuit of personal gain.

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?

After Nehemiah is struck with the desire to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, we see how God's people from all walks of life came together to aid the cause. Diversity of activities, but the same God; many gifts, but the same spirit. His people were able to work toward a shared vision despite ridicule and discouragement. In this teaching, Pastor Skip Heitzig shows us how opposition can't stop the Lord's work when His people work together for His purpose.

I. FaithII. FaithfulIII. FaintheartedIV. FretfulV. 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?

In this second message of our Holy Ground series, we come to an unnamed city in the hill country of Judah, where Mary’s cousin lived. But I hope you realize that the real emphasis shouldn’t be on holy places where God once moved, but holy people in whom God now dwells. Mary was one of them. She is our sister in Christ and a great example to us. Let’s notice five attributes.I. She Was Hopeful (vv. 39-45)II. She Was Worshipful (vv. 46-55)III. She Was Scriptural (vv. 46-49)IV. She Was Needful (v. 47)V. She Was Helpful (v. 56)Talk with God: Ask the Lord to give you His heart for those around you this Christmas and throughout the coming year.Talk with others: Encourage your friends or Connect Group to stay grounded in the Word through the holiday season.Talk with kids: Why is it important to understand that Jesus is not just a baby born two thousand years ago?

During this Advent season, we want to look at the familiar Christmas story through a different lens: the actual places these events happened. They were common—even unremarkable—places. Yet, because of what happened there, they became Holy Ground. Through our short journey together, perhaps we’ll become more appreciative of the places and circumstances God has placed us in.I. An Ordinary Place (v. 26)II. An Unordinary Person (vv. 26-29)III. An Extraordinary Prediction (vv. 30-34)Talk with God: Reflect on your walk with the Lord over the past year and thank Him for the mundane places in your life that He chose to make holy ground.Talk with others: Reach out to friends or family who may be struggling with loss or grief this holiday season and pray with them.Talk with kids: Why do you think God chose ordinary people to be Jesus’ parents?