November 23 – 29

Curated Reading for November 23 – 29

Sermon Series: Countercultural Week 5
Sermon Title: A Thankful Life in a Grumbling World delivered on November 23, 2025

View Sermon Notes →
Day 1 READ: Philippians 2 (Focus on 2:14-15). What does a grumbling and arguing spirit look like, and why is it so spiritually dangerous? How can a Christian’s life shine like a star when they replace grumbling with thankfulness?
Day 1 PRAY: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where grumbling has crept into your heart, life, and words. Pray for the power you need to lift up thanks instead of complaints.
Day 2 READ: Exodus 16 (Focus on 16:2-4). How is there a cultural acceptance of and engagement in grumbling and complaining in our world today? Why does this dishonor God and move people away from thankfulness?
Day 2 PRAY: Pray against the cultural spirit of grumbling and ask God to make you a beacon of thankfulness. Pray for strength to bring a thankful spirit into your home.
Day 3 READ: 1 Corinthians 10 (Focus on 10:9-11). What are some of the serious consequences we can end up living with when we engage in consistent grumbling? What lessons do we learn from God’s people in their desert wandering (about the cost of complaining)?
Day 3 PRAY: Confess where you have a grumbling spirit and ask God to show you some of the consequences you have brought on your own life (and the lives of those you love).
Day 4 READ: Philippians 4 (Focus on 4:6-7). What happens in our lives and hearts when we replace anxious thoughts with passionate prayer? How can thankfulness help decrease the intensity of anxiety?
Day 4 PRAY: Think about where you feel anxiety and pray about these things. Lavish thanks and praise on God for His presence, power, and grace (in the midst of hard times).
Day 5 READ: 1 Thessalonians 5 (Focus on 5:16-18). What will a normal day look like if you commit to rejoice always and follow through on this commitment? What does it mean to give thanks in all circumstances (notice it does not say to give thanks for all circumstances!)?
Day 5 PRAY: Lift prayers of joy for five things that make your heart celebrate. Lift prayers of thanks for five things you are grateful for.

Memorize and Reflect

Philippians 2:14
Do everything without grumbling or arguing…

Countercultural Weekly Challenge

  1. Get alone with God – Base Your Confidence in Him.
  2. Get into the Bible – Build Your Confidence on His Word.
  3. Get in a Group – Bolster Your Confidence by Connecting in Community,
  4. Get a New Playlist – Boost Your Confidence by Celebrating our Creator.