Curated Reading for October 26 – November 1
Sermon Series: Countercultural Week 1Sermon Title: A Confident Walk in Tumultuous Times delivered on October 26, 2025
Day 1 READ: Matthew 5:13-16. What are some of the things salt and light have in common? What did Jesus mean when He said if “If salt loses its saltiness”? What are ways we as Christians can easily extinguish our light or lose our saltiness?
Day 1 PRAY: Take a moment to pause and pray, thanking Jesus for His presence in your life and the light He has brought! Thank Him for the opportunity to live in such a time as this and in your locale. Invite Him to show you an area in your life where your light can shine brighter (workplace, campus, family, neighborhood, etc.) Ask Him for the courage and strength to make whatever changes are necessary to shine brighter today.
Day 2 READ: Psalm 46. What words stand out to you or are repeated? How do these words describe God in relation to us? What does this psalm remind us of?
Day 2 PRAY: Thank God that He is a refuge and stronghold for you to run to in your trials and struggles. Thank Him for willingly going to the cross for you and being ever-present with you during whatever you are walking through. Ask Him to give you peace in one specific area you are struggling with. Write down what God is putting on your heart and mind as you pray this prayer.
Day 3 READ: Mark 4:35-41. As you read this passage, what images come to your mind? How do you picture the disciples in the midst of the storm? How do you picture Jesus? How do you picture yourself in similar “storms of your life”? How do you picture Jesus in those moments now? Why does this story bring you comfort and peace in our current troubling times?
Day 3 PRAY: Find some time to be alone with God today. Ask Jesus to show you an area in your life where you need His comfort and presence. Invite Him to show you what he desires for you in the middle of this challenge in your life. Commit to writing down what He reveals to you.
Day 4 READ: Matthew 7:24-27. Jesus paints a picture of two different builders. Compare and contrast the two (foundations, weather, outcomes). What was the main message in Jesus’ story? How does the pull of our culture affect our confidence?
Day 4 PRAY: Thank Jesus for His Word and the relevant and personal truths it gives us in the craziness of our confused culture. Invite Him to show you an area in your life where you might be tempted to compromise His Word or an area where you are not walking with Him in obedience. Ask Him to give you strength to better align your life with Him, His Word, and His will.
Day 5 READ: Luke 21:25-28. Jesus is describing a fearful time in human history yet to come. What are some of the signs of these times? What gives you peace and encouragement? In light of these truths, how should that inform us as we navigate the tumultuous times of our day?
Day 5 PRAY: Pause and thank Jesus for His presence and promise to return one day in all of His glory to right all things. Ask Him to show you that area in your life that tends to cause you undue fear and worry. Invite Him to show you ways to focus on Him and His return as opposed to the troubles of today.
Memorize and Reflect
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Countercultural Weekly Challenge
- Get alone with God – Base Your Confidence in Him
- Get into the Bible – Build Your Confidence in His Word
- Get in a Group – Bolster Your Confidence by Connecting in Community
- Get a New Playlist – Boost Your Confidence by Celebrating our Creator