Today we’re wrapping up our One Word 2026 series with the final two invitations: enthusiastic and trusting. I wanted this whole month to feel unhurried—like space to look back on 2025 with gratitude, and then ask God, “How do You want to grow me in 2026?” And here’s what I’ve realized: enthusiasm isn’t something we manufacture by willpower. Real, lasting enthusiasm comes from being filled with God—and I love that the word itself traces back to that idea. If you’ve felt tired, distracted, discouraged, or even a little apathetic, I’m inviting you to consider what it would look like to be ardently alive, fueled by the Spirit. Then we talk about trust—because so many of us are carrying unknowns, losses, or things we can’t control. Trust is choosing to rely on God’s character when the outcome isn’t clear. We’ll look at Zacchaeus (Luke 19), the centurion (Matthew 8), and we’ll end with a reminder that God’s holiness means He is truly worthy of our trust.

What We Cover:


Discover what “enthusiastic” originally meant—not just high energy, but being “in God” and Spirit-filled.


Identify the real enemy of enthusiasm: indifference and apathy that grows when we’re overwhelmed and disconnected from God’s strength.


Learn how spiritual enthusiasm shows up in real life through Zacchaeus: curiosity, bold response, generosity, and immediate heart-change in Jesus’ presence.


Understand trust as steady reliance on God’s character, not on what you can control, predict, or prove.


Be invited to name your modern “chariots and horses”—the things you’re tempted to rely on for security (money, approval, control, success, relationships, etc.).


See what extraordinary faith looks like in the centurion: trusting Jesus’ authority without needing visible proof.


Walk away with two simple affirmations to practice daily if either word becomes your focus for 2026.

Bible Verses Mentioned:


Romans 12:11


Luke 19


Psalm 20:7


Matthew 8:5–13

Resources Mentioned:


Free One Word 2026 companion/reflection guide:Nicoleunice.com/newyear

Today we&rsquo;re wrapping up our One Word 2026 series with the final two invitations: enthusiastic and trusting. I wanted this whole month to feel unhurried&mdash;like space to look back on 2025 with gratitude, and then ask God, &ldquo;How do You want to grow me in 2026?&rdquo; And here&rsquo;s what I&rsquo;ve realized: enthusiasm isn&rsquo;t something we manufacture by willpower. Real, lasting enthusiasm comes from being filled with God&mdash;and I love that the word itself traces back to that idea. If you&rsquo;ve felt tired, distracted, discouraged, or even a little apathetic, I&rsquo;m inviting you to consider what it would look like to be ardently alive, fueled by the Spirit. Then we talk about trust&mdash;because so many of us are carrying unknowns, losses, or things we can&rsquo;t control. Trust is choosing to rely on God&rsquo;s character when the outcome isn&rsquo;t clear. We&rsquo;ll look at Zacchaeus (Luke 19), the centurion (Matthew 8), and we&rsquo;ll end with a reminder that God&rsquo;s holiness means He is truly worthy of our trust.
What We Cover:
<ul data-start="1819" data-end="2753">
<li data-start="1819" data-end="1934">
Discover what &ldquo;enthusiastic&rdquo; originally meant&mdash;not just high energy, but being &ldquo;in God&rdquo; and Spirit-filled.
</li>
<li data-start="1935" data-end="2077">
Identify the real enemy of enthusiasm: indifference and apathy that grows when we&rsquo;re overwhelmed and disconnected from God&rsquo;s strength.
</li>
<li data-start="2078" data-end="2242">
Learn how spiritual enthusiasm shows up in real life through Zacchaeus: curiosity, bold response, generosity, and immediate heart-change in Jesus&rsquo; presence.
</li>
<li data-start="2243" data-end="2354">
Understand trust as steady reliance on God&rsquo;s character, not on what you can control, predict, or prove.
</li>
<li data-start="2355" data-end="2523">
Be invited to name your modern &ldquo;chariots and horses&rdquo;&mdash;the things you&rsquo;re tempted to rely on for security (money, approval, control, success, relationships, etc.).
</li>
<li data-start="2524" data-end="2646">
See what extraordinary faith looks like in the centurion: trusting Jesus&rsquo; authority without needing visible proof.
</li>
<li data-start="2647" data-end="2753">
Walk away with two simple affirmations to practice daily if either word becomes your focus for 2026.
</li>
</ul>
Bible Verses Mentioned:
<ul data-start="2808" data-end="2884">
<li data-start="2808" data-end="2828">
Romans 12:11
</li>
<li data-start="2829" data-end="2844">
Luke 19
</li>
<li data-start="2845" data-end="2863">
Psalm 20:7
</li>
<li data-start="2864" data-end="2884">
Matthew 8:5&ndash;13
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2886" data-end="2889">
Resources Mentioned:
<ul data-start="2918" data-end="3319" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">
<li data-start="2918" data-end="2999">
Free One Word 2026 companion/reflection guide: <a href="https://nicoleunice.kit.com/newyear">Nicoleunice.com/newyear</a>
</li>
</ul>

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

To find more from Nicole, visit https://nicoleunice.com/.

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
To find more from Nicole, visit <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/">https://nicoleunice.com/</a>.

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

To find more from Nicole, visit https://nicoleunice.com/.

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
To find more from Nicole, visit <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/">https://nicoleunice.com/</a>.

How To Study The Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

Enthusiastic and Trusting: Two Invitations for a Stronger Year Ahead

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/ab861efd-1150-4da4-9c94-b3dd016f1d2f/transcript