Last week, we talked about Abraham and God's promise for a son. That son was Issac, who grew up to have twin boys, Jacob and Esau. This week, we're studying Jacob and what his wrestling match with God can teach us about our own wrestling in life. 

Download the FREE 9-Week Reading Plan!https://nicoleunice.com/oldtestament/.

RESOURCES:

Sign Up for Nicole's Newsletter: https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/

Nicole’s Book: Help My Bible Is Alive!
Ask Nicole a Bible study question: nicole@nicoleunice.com

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/

Last week, we talked about Abraham and God's promise for a son. That son was Issac, who grew up to have twin boys, Jacob and Esau. This week, we're studying Jacob and what his wrestling match with God can teach us about our own wrestling in life. 
Download the FREE 9-Week Reading Plan! <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/oldtestament/">https://nicoleunice.com/oldtestament/</a>.
RESOURCES:
Sign Up for Nicole's Newsletter: <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/">https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/</a> 
Nicole’s Book:<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Help-My-Bible-Alive-Understand/dp/1641580216"> Help My Bible Is Alive!</a> Ask Nicole a Bible study question: <a href="mailto:nicole@nicoleunice.com">nicole@nicoleunice.com</a>
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

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

Jacob: The First Prodigal Son (A Bible Study on Genesis 32-33)

In this best-of episode, Nicole invites us to explore the Lord’s Prayer, found in the Gospels, particularly in Matthew, emphasizing that prayer is not just about saying the right words or following a formula, but about having a personal and intimate conversation with God.

Nicole guides us through the passage in Matthew 6, verses 5-8, where Jesus teaches us how to pray. We’ll examine the contrast between those who pray for show, those who pray in secret, and those who babble like pagans. Nicole highlights the importance of understanding the principles behind Jesus’ teaching, rather than just following a formula. We’ll explore how to create a space for intimacy and connection with our Heavenly Father, and how to experience God in our daily lives.

Nicole shares that prayer is not about getting God to respond to our actions, but about submitting to His will and desires. We’ll discuss how to avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy and instead, cultivate a genuine relationship with God. This episode sets the stage for the rest of the series, where we’ll delve into the Lord’s Prayer and explore its significance in our lives.

If you’re feeling uncertain about your prayer life or wondering if you’re doing it “right,” this series is for you. Join Nicole as we explore the principles of effective prayer and how to deepen your relationship with God.

Want to listen to the rest of the series? We created a playlist on Spotify with each episode. Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2fHv6yxAydcsLstrfoVvPZ

You can also find all of the episodes on this page of Lifeaudio.com: https://www.lifeaudio.com/podcasts/how-to-study-the-bible/?page=24

Connect with Nicole: https://nicoleunice.com/ 

In this best-of episode, Nicole invites us to explore the Lord&rsquo;s Prayer, found in the Gospels, particularly in Matthew, emphasizing that prayer is not just about saying the right words or following a formula, but about having a personal and intimate conversation with God.
Nicole guides us through the passage in Matthew 6, verses 5-8, where Jesus teaches us how to pray. We&rsquo;ll examine the contrast between those who pray for show, those who pray in secret, and those who babble like pagans. Nicole highlights the importance of understanding the principles behind Jesus&rsquo; teaching, rather than just following a formula. We&rsquo;ll explore how to create a space for intimacy and connection with our Heavenly Father, and how to experience God in our daily lives.
Nicole shares that prayer is not about getting God to respond to our actions, but about submitting to His will and desires. We&rsquo;ll discuss how to avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy and instead, cultivate a genuine relationship with God. This episode sets the stage for the rest of the series, where we&rsquo;ll delve into the Lord&rsquo;s Prayer and explore its significance in our lives.
If you&rsquo;re feeling uncertain about your prayer life or wondering if you&rsquo;re doing it &ldquo;right,&rdquo; this series is for you. Join Nicole as we explore the principles of effective prayer and how to deepen your relationship with God.
Want to listen to the rest of the series? We created a playlist on Spotify with each episode. Listen here: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2fHv6yxAydcsLstrfoVvPZ">https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2fHv6yxAydcsLstrfoVvPZ</a>
You can also find all of the episodes on this page of Lifeaudio.com: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/podcasts/how-to-study-the-bible/?page=24">https://www.lifeaudio.com/podcasts/how-to-study-the-bible/?page=24</a>
Connect with Nicole: <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/">https://nicoleunice.com/</a>&nbsp;

How to Pray: A Bible Study on the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:5-8)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/aefbb70e-2703-4f9c-af45-b4f600d164bb/transcript

This is it, friends. Our final episode. And I can't think of a more perfect place to land than right here, in the very process that brought me to this moment of saying goodbye.

Today we're walking through the actual steps of discernment, a rigorous, Holy Spirit-led process rooted in Ignatian spirituality that is so much more than a pros and cons list. And I want you to know, this process took me seven months to work through for this decision. Seven months of going back and forth, consulting spiritual advisors, wrestling, praying, and waiting. That's very different from how the world tells us to make decisions. But the freedom on the other side of it? There are no words.

The Five Steps of Discernment
Identify the actual decision in front of you
Ask the Holy Spirit to transform your thoughts — work toward sacred detachment
Ask the Holy Spirit to influence your will — gather data, write pros and cons, evaluate findings
Ask the Holy Spirit for spiritual consolation — wait for settled, deep confidence
Confirm the decision and move forward in faith

Want More?
📥 Download the free four-week Decisions study guide at NicoleUnice.com/decisions — includes Nicole's notes from today's episode and reflection prompts for the whole series
📖 Scriptures from today: Matthew 26:39–45 · Romans 12:2 · 2 Peter 1:3–4 · Galatians 6:14 · 2 Timothy 1:7 · Psalm 94:19 · Matthew 11:28
📱 Follow Nicole's next chapter on Instagram @NicoleUniceand on Substack for weekly essays and updates on the church plant in Richmond, Virginia
🙏 Would you pray for Nicole, her husband Dave, and the city of Richmond, Virginia, as they begin this church planting journey?
🎙️ All 300+ episodes of How to Study the Bible remain available — go back and keep exploring God's word!
⭐ Leave a review and share the podcast with someone who needs it — even now that the show is wrapping up, your review helps new listeners find these episodes.
🎧 For more faith-filled podcasts, visit lifeaudio.com

"May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you. May the Lord lift up His countenance unto you and give you His peace, both now and forever, and until we meet in heaven. Amen." — Nicole Unice

This is it, friends. Our final episode. And I can't think of a more perfect place to land than right here, in the very process that brought me to this moment of saying goodbye.
Today we're walking through the actual steps of discernment, a rigorous, Holy Spirit-led process rooted in Ignatian spirituality that is so much more than a pros and cons list. And I want you to know, this process took me seven months to work through for this decision. Seven months of going back and forth, consulting spiritual advisors, wrestling, praying, and waiting. That's very different from how the world tells us to make decisions. But the freedom on the other side of it? There are no words.
The Five Steps of Discernment
<ol dir="ltr">
<li>Identify the actual decision in front of you</li>
<li>Ask the Holy Spirit to transform your thoughts &mdash; work toward sacred detachment</li>
<li>Ask the Holy Spirit to influence your will &mdash; gather data, write pros and cons, evaluate findings</li>
<li>Ask the Holy Spirit for spiritual consolation &mdash; wait for settled, deep confidence</li>
<li>Confirm the decision and move forward in faith</li>
</ol>
<hr>
Want More?
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>📥 Download the free four-week Decisions study guide at NicoleUnice.com/decisions &mdash; includes Nicole's notes from today's episode and reflection prompts for the whole series</li>
<li>📖 Scriptures from today: Matthew 26:39&ndash;45 &middot; Romans 12:2 &middot; 2 Peter 1:3&ndash;4 &middot; Galatians 6:14 &middot; 2 Timothy 1:7 &middot; Psalm 94:19 &middot; Matthew 11:28</li>
<li>📱 Follow Nicole's next chapter on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice/?hl=en">@NicoleUnice</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice/?hl=en"> </a>and on <a href="https://nicoleunice1.substack.com/">Substack</a> for weekly essays and updates on the church plant in Richmond, Virginia</li>
<li>🙏 Would you pray for Nicole, her husband Dave, and the city of Richmond, Virginia, as they begin this church planting journey?</li>
<li>🎙️ All 300+ episodes of How to Study the Bible remain available &mdash; go back and keep exploring God's word!</li>
<li>⭐ Leave a review and share the podcast with someone who needs it &mdash; even now that the show is wrapping up, your review helps new listeners find these episodes.</li>
<li>🎧 For more faith-filled podcasts, visit lifeaudio.com</li>
</ul>
<hr>
"May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you. May the Lord lift up His countenance unto you and give you His peace, both now and forever, and until we meet in heaven. Amen." &mdash; Nicole Unice

The 5 Steps of Discernment: How to Make Godly Decisions for Your Life

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/b7ed142b-a162-4c82-be3c-b4d90178ef2a/transcript

We are so used to having answers at our fingertips. My algorithm serves up what I want, and I don't have to sift through anything or discern it. Slowly, we lose the spiritual muscle it takes to actually wait on the Lord. This week in our series on discerning God's voice, we're talking about the patience that listening requires. If we aren't prepared to wait on the Lord, we risk taking matters into our own hands, or passively missing out on something rich God has for us. So we'll look at what active waiting is, why it's so hard, and what the disciples in Acts 1 teach us about living fully while we wait.

What We Cover

Almost all of us are waiting on something. We're waiting for a relationship to begin, for the next step in our career, for a diagnosis to clear, for grief to pass. But we don't have to wait passively. We can wait actively.

Here's how I define it: active waiting is living in the present moment to the fullest, so we can actively look for signs of what's to come. It doesn't mean we stop existing or stop serving. That's the opposite of active waiting.

In this episode, we talk about:
Why waiting feels so vulnerable. It makes us face how little control we actually have, and it puts us in a position of surrender.
Jesus's last words before His ascension. His command was to wait, along with clear marching orders to be His witnesses.
How the disciples stayed active in the waiting. They prayed, gathered, made decisions together, and rejoiced until the Holy Spirit came.
Why none of us are in a waiting room. Whether you're in a season of active service or a season where you have to trust and rely on your relationship with God, you have a role to play in the kingdom.
The question I hear so often: Should I keep asking God for the answer? If asking brings you into deeper alignment with Him, keep asking. But if it makes you more impatient and self-absorbed, stop asking and start serving. God has not forgotten you or your request.

This is the day the Lord has made. Even without the answer, you can rejoice and be glad in it, and trust that He has heard your prayer.

Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 5:3, Psalm 27:14, Psalm 38:15, Psalm 130:5, Psalm 118:24, Psalm 37:4, Acts 1:3–11, Ecclesiastes 3:1

Want More?
Grab the free decision-making guide:nicoleunice.com/decisions
Book mentioned:Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life by Henri Nouwen

We are so used to having answers at our fingertips. My algorithm serves up what I want, and I don't have to sift through anything or discern it. Slowly, we lose the spiritual muscle it takes to actually wait on the Lord. This week in our series on discerning God's voice, we're talking about the patience that listening requires. If we aren't prepared to wait on the Lord, we risk taking matters into our own hands, or passively missing out on something rich God has for us. So we'll look at what active waiting is, why it's so hard, and what the disciples in Acts 1 teach us about living fully while we wait.
What We Cover
Almost all of us are waiting on something. We're waiting for a relationship to begin, for the next step in our career, for a diagnosis to clear, for grief to pass. But we don't have to wait passively. We can wait actively.
Here's how I define it: active waiting is living in the present moment to the fullest, so we can actively look for signs of what's to come. It doesn't mean we stop existing or stop serving. That's the opposite of active waiting.
In this episode, we talk about:
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>Why waiting feels so vulnerable. It makes us face how little control we actually have, and it puts us in a position of surrender.</li>
<li>Jesus's last words before His ascension. His command was to wait, along with clear marching orders to be His witnesses.</li>
<li>How the disciples stayed active in the waiting. They prayed, gathered, made decisions together, and rejoiced until the Holy Spirit came.</li>
<li>Why none of us are in a waiting room. Whether you're in a season of active service or a season where you have to trust and rely on your relationship with God, you have a role to play in the kingdom.</li>
<li>The question I hear so often: Should I keep asking God for the answer? If asking brings you into deeper alignment with Him, keep asking. But if it makes you more impatient and self-absorbed, stop asking and start serving. God has not forgotten you or your request.</li>
</ul>
This is the day the Lord has made. Even without the answer, you can rejoice and be glad in it, and trust that He has heard your prayer.
Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 5:3, Psalm 27:14, Psalm 38:15, Psalm 130:5, Psalm 118:24, Psalm 37:4, Acts 1:3&ndash;11, Ecclesiastes 3:1
Want More?
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>Grab the free decision-making guide: <a href="https://nicoleunice.kit.com/discernment">nicoleunice.com/decisions</a></li>
<li>Book mentioned: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061686158?lv=shuf&amp;channelId=500&amp;plpRedirect=mhFallback">Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life by Henri Nouwen</a></li>
</ul>

Waiting for God's Voice: What to Do When God Hasn't Answered Yet

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/e769f23c-c65f-43aa-8afa-b4d2013e160d/transcript

Jacob: The First Prodigal Son (A Bible Study on Genesis 32-33)

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