As we begin a brand-new year, I want to help you slow down and listen for God’s invitation in your life. In this episode, we kick off our One Word 2026 series — a simple, prayerful way to reflect on where you’ve been and discern how God may be inviting you to grow in the year ahead.

I introduce the heart behind choosing a spiritual “one word,” not as a goal to achieve, but as a posture to receive. We explore two of the six words I’ll be offering this month — confidence and diligence — and look at how Scripture invites us to grow, not by relying on our own strength, but by trusting God’s faithfulness over time.

Through biblical stories, key verses, and honest reflection, this episode is about beginning the year grounded, hopeful, and open — confident in who God is, and willing to keep showing up faithfully, even when growth feels slow.

Main Takeaways:

Listeners will walk away with:


A clear understanding of what “One Word 2026” is and how it can guide spiritual growth throughout the year


Why spiritual confidence is rooted in Christ, not self-assurance or performance


How insecurity can hold us back, and how God invites us into a settled, faithful confidence


Why diligence matters in long seasons, especially when progress feels slow or unseen


How perseverance fits into God’s formation process, not as striving, but as faithful presence


Biblical examples of confidence and diligence through the lives of David and Nehemiah


Simple affirmations that can shape daily prayer and intention throughout 2026

Bible Verses Referenced


Philippians 1:3–11


Philippians 1:6


2 Corinthians 3:4–5


1 Samuel 17


1 Samuel 17:37


1 Samuel 17:45


Galatians 6:9

Resources Mentioned:


One Word 2026 Reflection Guide
NicoleUnice.com/newyear

As we begin a brand-new year, I want to help you slow down and listen for God&rsquo;s invitation in your life. In this episode, we kick off our One Word 2026 series &mdash; a simple, prayerful way to reflect on where you&rsquo;ve been and discern how God may be inviting you to grow in the year ahead.
I introduce the heart behind choosing a spiritual &ldquo;one word,&rdquo; not as a goal to achieve, but as a posture to receive. We explore two of the six words I&rsquo;ll be offering this month &mdash; confidence and diligence &mdash; and look at how Scripture invites us to grow, not by relying on our own strength, but by trusting God&rsquo;s faithfulness over time.
Through biblical stories, key verses, and honest reflection, this episode is about beginning the year grounded, hopeful, and open &mdash; confident in who God is, and willing to keep showing up faithfully, even when growth feels slow.
Main Takeaways:
Listeners will walk away with:
<ul data-start="1728" data-end="2405">
<li data-start="1728" data-end="1842">
A clear understanding of what &ldquo;One Word 2026&rdquo; is and how it can guide spiritual growth throughout the year
</li>
<li data-start="1843" data-end="1930">
Why spiritual confidence is rooted in Christ, not self-assurance or performance
</li>
<li data-start="1931" data-end="2030">
How insecurity can hold us back, and how God invites us into a settled, faithful confidence
</li>
<li data-start="2031" data-end="2123">
Why diligence matters in long seasons, especially when progress feels slow or unseen
</li>
<li data-start="2124" data-end="2225">
How perseverance fits into God&rsquo;s formation process, not as striving, but as faithful presence
</li>
<li data-start="2226" data-end="2319">
Biblical examples of confidence and diligence through the lives of David and Nehemiah
</li>
<li data-start="2320" data-end="2405">
Simple affirmations that can shape daily prayer and intention throughout 2026
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2407" data-end="2410">
Bible Verses Referenced
<ul data-start="2479" data-end="2617">
<li data-start="2479" data-end="2501">
Philippians 1:3&ndash;11
</li>
<li data-start="2502" data-end="2521">
Philippians 1:6
</li>
<li data-start="2522" data-end="2545">
2 Corinthians 3:4&ndash;5
</li>
<li data-start="2546" data-end="2561">
1 Samuel 17
</li>
<li data-start="2562" data-end="2580">
1 Samuel 17:37
</li>
<li data-start="2581" data-end="2599">
1 Samuel 17:45
</li>
<li data-start="2600" data-end="2617">
Galatians 6:9
</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned:
<ul data-start="2653" data-end="2954">
<li data-start="2653" data-end="2719">
One Word 2026 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

Starting 2026 with Intention: Confidence, Diligence, and God’s Direction

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/a728bdfa-4072-4875-880c-b3d0000d0475/transcript