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Nicole has written a free Christmas Eve liturgy for you and your family: https://www.nicoleunice.com/christmas 

When you sign up for Nicole’s newsletter, you’ll also be entered to win Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers!

TODAY’S PASSAGE: 1 Kings 1:28-31:

28 Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba.” So, she came into the king’s presence and stood before him.

29 The king then took an oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, 30 I will surely carry out this very day what I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.”

31 Then Bathsheba bowed down with her face to the ground, prostrating herself before the king, and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”

WHAT DOES IT SAY?

- Bathsheba is a key person in David’s kingdom

- Lineage passing

WHAT’S THE BACKSTORY?

- Run down your study notes in 2 Samuel 12
- Trouble in the kingdom, sons ready to kill for the throne
- Backstory of the pain and renewal of David and Bathsheba - a whole new life

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

- So why is Bathsheba mentioned in Matthew 1? (And she’s named Uriah’s wife)
- Advent: as we wait, we can trust in the renewal of all things that is promised through Christ and in Christ’s ultimate return:

Titus 3: 4-6: 

4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME?

God’s plan is uncomfortable- if we didn’t know it before with Tamar and Rahab, Ruth are we getting it by now?

Do not count yourself out -- you are not your own judge.

The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. - 1 Samuel 16:7

FOLLOW NICOLE:
Website: https://nicoleunice.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice/

Get Your FREE Gift from Nicole!
Nicole has written a free Christmas Eve liturgy for you and your family: <a href="https://www.nicoleunice.com/christmas">https://www.nicoleunice.com/christmas </a>
When you sign up for Nicole’s newsletter, you’ll also be entered to win Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers!
TODAY’S PASSAGE: 1 Kings 1:28-31:
28 Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba.” So, she came into the king’s presence and stood before him.
29 The king then took an oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, 30 I will surely carry out this very day what I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.”
31 Then Bathsheba bowed down with her face to the ground, prostrating herself before the king, and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”
WHAT DOES IT SAY?
- Bathsheba is a key person in David’s kingdom
- Lineage passing
WHAT’S THE BACKSTORY?
- Run down your study notes in 2 Samuel 12 - Trouble in the kingdom, sons ready to kill for the throne - Backstory of the pain and renewal of David and Bathsheba - a whole new life
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
- So why is Bathsheba mentioned in Matthew 1? (And she’s named Uriah’s wife) - Advent: as we wait, we can trust in the renewal of all things that is promised through Christ and in Christ’s ultimate return:
Titus 3: 4-6: 
4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME?
God’s plan is uncomfortable- if we didn’t know it before with Tamar and Rahab, Ruth are we getting it by now?
Do not count yourself out -- you are not your own judge.
The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. - 1 Samuel 16:7
FOLLOW NICOLE: Website: <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/">https://nicoleunice.com/</a> YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice">https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice/">https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice/</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice/">https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice/</a>

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do!

But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way.

In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives. 

Topics covered in this podcast:

💡 Three Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible
💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life
💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We've covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!)
💡 Topical Bible study lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and more
💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life
💡 4 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do! But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way. In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives. 
Topics covered in this podcast:
💡 Three Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible 💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life 💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We've covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!) 💡 Topical Bible study lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and more 💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life 💡 4 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture

How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do!

But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way.

In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives. 

Topics covered in this podcast:

💡 Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible
💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life
💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We've covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!)
💡 Topical Bible Study Lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and More
💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life
💡 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do! But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way. In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives. 
Topics covered in this podcast:
💡 Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible 💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life 💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We've covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!) 💡 Topical Bible Study Lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and More 💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life 💡 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture

How To Study The Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

A Bible Study on Bathsheba: How to Wait with Joy

What does it mean to have faith? And what does faithfulness look like over a lifetime? And, is it okay to ask or desire to see signs or proofs of God? We’ll cover all of that in today’s episode, the second part of our two part bible study on Gideon, found in Judges 6-8.

Is it okay to ask God for signs, as Gideon did? God knows we long for signs, and has answered that in the person of Jesus. It says in Scripture: You will be given a sign. This will be a sign among you. The virgin will give birth to a baby, and we will call him Jesus. The sign that we have that God can overcome and that God is the one who orders our steps, orders our days, and controls life and death is in Jesus. 

Gideon's story is a powerful reminder of the human nature of faith, which can falter and require reassurance. God's responses to Gideon's requests for signs teach us about His patience and willingness to strengthen our faith, even when we doubt. When we remember what God has done for us in the past, it can strengthen our faith in him in the present and for the future.

THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:

Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For 

When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide! 

Find all of Nicole's books and resources on Amazon or Barnes & Noble

What does it mean to have faith? And what does faithfulness look like over a lifetime? And, is it okay to ask or desire to see signs or proofs of God? We’ll cover all of that in today’s episode, the second part of our two part bible study on Gideon, found in Judges 6-8.
Is it okay to ask God for signs, as Gideon did? God knows we long for signs, and has answered that in the person of Jesus. It says in Scripture: You will be given a sign. This will be a sign among you. The virgin will give birth to a baby, and we will call him Jesus. The sign that we have that God can overcome and that God is the one who orders our steps, orders our days, and controls life and death is in Jesus. 
Gideon's story is a powerful reminder of the human nature of faith, which can falter and require reassurance. God's responses to Gideon's requests for signs teach us about His patience and willingness to strengthen our faith, even when we doubt. When we remember what God has done for us in the past, it can strengthen our faith in him in the present and for the future.
THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:
Nicole’s Newest Book: <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/not-what-finding-strength-purpose-through/9781496448651/pd/44865X">Not What I Signed Up For </a>
When you go to <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor/">NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor</a> you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide! 
Find all of Nicole's books and resources on<a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/nicoleunice/list/1RSVU2ZK7YHKC?linkCode=spc&amp;tag=nicoleunice-20&amp;domainId=influencer&amp;asc_contentid=amzn1.ideas.1RSVU2ZK7YHKC"> Amazon </a>or <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Nicole%20unice">Barnes &amp; Noble</a>

Is It Okay to Seek Signs from God? (A Bible Study on Judges 6-8)

Today, we're delving into the Old Testament, specifically Judges 6 through 8, to discuss the story of Gideon. This narrative is deeply personal to me, as it reflects my own experiences and the lessons I've learned about faith. What do we do when our faith falters, when we have questions? This story has so much to teach us.

The context of Judges reveals a cycle of rebellion among the Israelites, who have turned away from God and are suffering the consequences. Despite their struggles, God sends messengers and judges to guide them back, but they often ignore these figures. This backdrop sets the stage for Gideon's story, which unfolds during a particularly challenging time for Israel.

Gideon, the least in his family and from the weakest clan, is found by an angel of the Lord while secretly threshing wheat to avoid it being stolen by the Midianites. The angel greets him as a "mighty warrior," which is ironic given Gideon's humble circumstances. Gideon questions why they have been abandoned by God if He is truly with them. The angel responds by encouraging Gideon to go in the strength he has, assuring him that God will be with him to defeat the Midianites.

Gideon's faith is hesitant, but he engages with the angel, asking for a sign to confirm the message. After receiving a miraculous sign, Gideon is convinced and embarks on a mission to tear down an altar to a foreign god and build one for the Lord instead. Despite his fear, he follows through, and his father defends his actions when others question them.

As we conclude this episode, we see Gideon's faith beginning to grow, even from a place of doubt and weakness. Next week, we'll continue with Gideon's story, discussing the significance of asking for signs and what it means for our faith. I invite you to read Judges 6, 7, and 8 to prepare for our next discussion about Gideon and the concept of laying out a fleece before God.

Three questions we can always ask the Bible as we study:
What is this story teaching me about people?
What is this story teaching me about God?
What is this story teaching me about God's interactions with people?

THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:

Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For 

When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide! 

Find all of Nicole's books and resources on Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Today, we're delving into the Old Testament, specifically Judges 6 through 8, to discuss the story of Gideon. This narrative is deeply personal to me, as it reflects my own experiences and the lessons I've learned about faith. What do we do when our faith falters, when we have questions? This story has so much to teach us.
The context of Judges reveals a cycle of rebellion among the Israelites, who have turned away from God and are suffering the consequences. Despite their struggles, God sends messengers and judges to guide them back, but they often ignore these figures. This backdrop sets the stage for Gideon's story, which unfolds during a particularly challenging time for Israel.
Gideon, the least in his family and from the weakest clan, is found by an angel of the Lord while secretly threshing wheat to avoid it being stolen by the Midianites. The angel greets him as a "mighty warrior," which is ironic given Gideon's humble circumstances. Gideon questions why they have been abandoned by God if He is truly with them. The angel responds by encouraging Gideon to go in the strength he has, assuring him that God will be with him to defeat the Midianites.
Gideon's faith is hesitant, but he engages with the angel, asking for a sign to confirm the message. After receiving a miraculous sign, Gideon is convinced and embarks on a mission to tear down an altar to a foreign god and build one for the Lord instead. Despite his fear, he follows through, and his father defends his actions when others question them.
As we conclude this episode, we see Gideon's faith beginning to grow, even from a place of doubt and weakness. Next week, we'll continue with Gideon's story, discussing the significance of asking for signs and what it means for our faith. I invite you to read Judges 6, 7, and 8 to prepare for our next discussion about Gideon and the concept of laying out a fleece before God.
Three questions we can always ask the Bible as we study:
<ol>
<li>What is this story teaching me about people?</li>
<li>What is this story teaching me about God?</li>
<li>What is this story teaching me about God's interactions with people?</li>
</ol>
THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:
Nicole’s Newest Book: <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/not-what-finding-strength-purpose-through/9781496448651/pd/44865X">Not What I Signed Up For </a>
When you go to <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor/">NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor</a> you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide! 
Find all of Nicole's books and resources on<a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/nicoleunice/list/1RSVU2ZK7YHKC?linkCode=spc&amp;tag=nicoleunice-20&amp;domainId=influencer&amp;asc_contentid=amzn1.ideas.1RSVU2ZK7YHKC"> Amazon </a>or <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Nicole%20unice">Barnes &amp; Noble</a>

When Faith Falters, Gideon’s Story Shows Us It’s Okay to Ask Questions (A Bible Study on Judges 6-8)

While Nicole is on a break, we're replaying some of your favorite episodes from the archives. Be sure to grab a copy of Nicole's latest book Not What I Signed Up For!

This short letter is rich, deep, and will challenge how we have looked at Bible study so far. This pastoral letter, written by an older Christian, encourages us toward assurance and confidence in our faith.

As we begin to open this letter, remember that this letter has a tone of fellowship, joy, and blessing. 

Big Overview of the Letter:
Circular themes of true doctrine, obedient living, fervent devotion

Walking through 1 John 1 with the Alive Method:

1. What does it say?
Themes of light/darkness, cleansing, sin

2. What’s the back story? 
Connection back to the gospel of John 
Circular themes--keep a list of questions 

3. What does it mean? 
There is a process to forgiveness 
There is a path to our righteousness 

4. What does it mean for me? 
The practice of confession 

While Nicole is on a break, we're replaying some of your favorite episodes from the archives. Be sure to grab a copy of Nicole's latest book <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/not-what-finding-strength-purpose-through/9781496448651/pd/44865X">Not What I Signed Up For!</a>
This short letter is rich, deep, and will challenge how we have looked at Bible study so far. This pastoral letter, written by an older Christian, encourages us toward assurance and confidence in our faith. As we begin to open this letter, remember that this letter has a tone of fellowship, joy, and blessing. Big Overview of the Letter: Circular themes of true doctrine, obedient living, fervent devotion Walking through 1 John 1 with the Alive Method: 1. What does it say? Themes of light/darkness, cleansing, sin 2. What’s the back story?  Connection back to the gospel of John  Circular themes--keep a list of questions  3. What does it mean?  There is a process to forgiveness  There is a path to our righteousness  4. What does it mean for me?  The practice of confession

A Bible Study on Bathsheba: How to Wait with Joy

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How To Study The Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

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