Hey friends, we're pausing our walk through John to speak to the moment we're in, at the beginning of January, to answer a question that I often get asked: What does God want for my life? How can I discern his will for me?

To that end, this week, we're studying Romans 12:1-2 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:

Sign up for Nicole's newsletter and get regular encouragement straight to your inbox: https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/

Help! My Bible is Alive!

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

Hey friends, we're pausing our walk through John to speak to the moment we're in, at the beginning of January, to answer a question that I often get asked: What does God want for my life? How can I discern his will for me?
To that end, this week, we're studying Romans 12:1-2 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:
Sign up for Nicole's newsletter and get regular encouragement straight to your inbox: <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1727966241794000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0tVRclOME9LHyn54IIEPfh">https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/</a>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Help-My-Bible-Alive-Understand/dp/1641580216">Help! My Bible is Alive!</a>
Nicole&rsquo;s Newest Book: <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/not-what-finding-strength-purpose-through/9781496448651/pd/44865X">Not What I Signed Up For&nbsp;</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!&nbsp;
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>

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

What Does God Want for Me in 2025? Discerning God's Will for Your Life

In this episode, I walk through Mark 5:1–20 and invite us to slow down and really feel the story of the demon-possessed man Jesus meets in Gentile territory. This isn’t just a dramatic miracle account—it’s a powerful picture of what Jesus does wherever evil has dehumanized, isolated, or destroyed. As we study the story together, I unpack the backstory behind the tombs, the pigs, the word “Legion,” and why this moment matters so much. At the heart of it, we see that Jesus values one human life so deeply that no financial cost compares to the worth of restoring a person made in God’s image. And we’re reminded that one of the greatest gifts Jesus gives us after He restores us is a story to tell.

What We Cover: 


You’ll see how Mark 5 reveals Jesus’ authority over evil.


You’ll learn why this miracle is really a story about human dignity and restoration.


Discover how dehumanization is one of the clearest signs of evil at work.


You’ll understand why the man’s healing shows the precious worth of every human being.


You’ll learn why Jesus tells this man to go and tell his story—and what that means for your own testimony.


You’ll be invited to consider how your own story of healing, freedom, or restoration can become a witness to others.

Resources mentioned:
Check out Nicole's website and subscribe to her weekly newsletter: https://nicoleunice.kit.com/ 


Nicole’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice

In this episode, I walk through Mark 5:1&ndash;20 and invite us to slow down and really feel the story of the demon-possessed man Jesus meets in Gentile territory. This isn&rsquo;t just a dramatic miracle account&mdash;it&rsquo;s a powerful picture of what Jesus does wherever evil has dehumanized, isolated, or destroyed. As we study the story together, I unpack the backstory behind the tombs, the pigs, the word &ldquo;Legion,&rdquo; and why this moment matters so much. At the heart of it, we see that Jesus values one human life so deeply that no financial cost compares to the worth of restoring a person made in God&rsquo;s image. And we&rsquo;re reminded that one of the greatest gifts Jesus gives us after He restores us is a story to tell.
What We Cover:&nbsp;
<ul data-start="1249" data-end="1812">
<li data-section-id="cnmcsv" data-start="1249" data-end="1312">
You&rsquo;ll see how Mark 5 reveals Jesus&rsquo; authority over evil.
</li>
<li data-section-id="16y8tqj" data-start="1313" data-end="1403">
You&rsquo;ll learn why this miracle is really a story about human dignity and restoration.
</li>
<li data-section-id="k3dx7v" data-start="1404" data-end="1483">
Discover how dehumanization is one of the clearest signs of evil at work.
</li>
<li data-section-id="10dgzug" data-start="1484" data-end="1576">
You&rsquo;ll understand why the man&rsquo;s healing shows the precious worth of every human being.
</li>
<li data-section-id="1lyt81g" data-start="1577" data-end="1689">
You&rsquo;ll learn why Jesus tells this man to go and tell his story&mdash;and what that means for your own testimony.
</li>
<li data-section-id="eijwpz" data-start="1690" data-end="1812">
You&rsquo;ll be invited to consider how your own story of healing, freedom, or restoration can become a witness to others.
</li>
</ul>
Resources mentioned:
<ul data-start="2895" data-end="3213" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">
<li data-start="2895" data-end="2973">Check out Nicole's website and subscribe to her weekly newsletter: <a href="https://nicoleunice.kit.com/">https://nicoleunice.kit.com/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li data-start="2974" data-end="3060">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice">Nicole&rsquo;s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice</a>
</li>
</ul>

How Jesus Restores What Evil Tries to Destroy | Mark 5 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/83a2c3cc-fb0b-496f-ae62-b407014297bb/transcript

In Mark chapter 4, we shift from rapid action into Jesus’ teaching—especially through parables, stories that place a familiar picture beside a spiritual truth and invite us to wrestle with what God is saying. This chapter is full of abundance language, which is why I’m calling it “How to Be Wealthy.” Jesus begins with the parable of the sower, and then He explains what it means: the seed is the Word of God, and the “soil” is what happens inside a person as they hear it.

We see four outcomes—seed snatched away, seed that sprouts fast but has no root, seed choked by worries and wealth and desires, and seed that lands in good soil and multiplies. The invitation isn’t Bible trivia; it’s transformation. Jesus is showing us that true wealth is the abundance of God’s kingdom—a rich life marked by fruit, freedom, and spiritual growth. And the question becomes deeply personal: what is choking the Word in me—and how can I cultivate good soil so the Word can take root and produce?

What We Cover: 


Parables require attention: Jesus teaches in stories to invite curiosity, openness, and deeper engagement—not passive listening.


The seed is the Word: the central issue is what happens to God’s Word inside a person over time.


The threat isn’t always “bad things”: worry, wealth’s deception, and competing desires can quietly choke what God is growing.


Fruitfulness is connected to reception: hearing isn’t the same as accepting—accepting the Word involves repentance, turning, and letting truth reshape reality.


Abundance is God’s work: you cultivate depth; God brings the multiplication.


A rich life is kingdom-rich: wealth is redefined as a life full of God’s presence, freedom, love, and fruit—not merely money or influence.


A practical diagnostic: identify what consistently chokes the Word in you, and remove or limit it so your heart can become good soil.

Resources mentioned:
Check out Nicole's website and subscribe to her weekly newsletter: https://nicoleunice.kit.com/ 


Nicole’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice

In Mark chapter 4, we shift from rapid action into Jesus&rsquo; teaching&mdash;especially through parables, stories that place a familiar picture beside a spiritual truth and invite us to wrestle with what God is saying. This chapter is full of abundance language, which is why I&rsquo;m calling it &ldquo;How to Be Wealthy.&rdquo; Jesus begins with the parable of the sower, and then He explains what it means: the seed is the Word of God, and the &ldquo;soil&rdquo; is what happens inside a person as they hear it.
We see four outcomes&mdash;seed snatched away, seed that sprouts fast but has no root, seed choked by worries and wealth and desires, and seed that lands in good soil and multiplies. The invitation isn&rsquo;t Bible trivia; it&rsquo;s transformation. Jesus is showing us that true wealth is the abundance of God&rsquo;s kingdom&mdash;a rich life marked by fruit, freedom, and spiritual growth. And the question becomes deeply personal: what is choking the Word in me&mdash;and how can I cultivate good soil so the Word can take root and produce?
<hr data-start="1600" data-end="1603">
What We Cover:&nbsp;
<ul data-start="1624" data-end="2527">
<li data-start="1624" data-end="1758">
Parables require attention: Jesus teaches in stories to invite curiosity, openness, and deeper engagement&mdash;not passive listening.
</li>
<li data-start="1759" data-end="1861">
The seed is the Word: the central issue is what happens to God&rsquo;s Word inside a person over time.
</li>
<li data-start="1862" data-end="1993">
The threat isn&rsquo;t always &ldquo;bad things&rdquo;: worry, wealth&rsquo;s deception, and competing desires can quietly choke what God is growing.
</li>
<li data-start="1994" data-end="2159">
Fruitfulness is connected to reception: hearing isn&rsquo;t the same as accepting&mdash;accepting the Word involves repentance, turning, and letting truth reshape reality.
</li>
<li data-start="2160" data-end="2242">
Abundance is God&rsquo;s work: you cultivate depth; God brings the multiplication.
</li>
<li data-start="2243" data-end="2387">
A rich life is kingdom-rich: wealth is redefined as a life full of God&rsquo;s presence, freedom, love, and fruit&mdash;not merely money or influence.
</li>
<li data-start="2388" data-end="2527">
A practical diagnostic: identify what consistently chokes the Word in you, and remove or limit it so your heart can become good soil.
</li>
</ul>
Resources mentioned:
<ul data-start="2895" data-end="3213" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">
<li data-start="2895" data-end="2973">Check out Nicole's website and subscribe to her weekly newsletter: <a href="https://nicoleunice.kit.com/">https://nicoleunice.kit.com/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li data-start="2974" data-end="3060">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice">Nicole&rsquo;s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice</a>
</li>
</ul>

How to Be Wealthy: Understanding the Parable of the Sower in Mark 4

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/b4d3093d-a017-4f71-9f21-b3fd010227a0/transcript

Today we’re in Mark chapter 3, and I’m calling this episode “The Secret to Being Yourself,” because this chapter shows us how Jesus moves through intense pressure without losing His center. The crowds are pressing in, the religious leaders are watching Him like hawks, and even His own family shows up thinking He’s out of His mind. And yet—Jesus doesn’t get pulled around by expectations, fear, or public opinion. He stays anchored in one thing: obedience to the Father.

We watch Jesus heal on the Sabbath and expose what really matters in the kingdom of God—mercy, restoration, and full life. We also see how quickly opposition escalates, and how willing people are to protect power when Jesus disrupts their system. But the comfort in all of it is this: when following Jesus costs you approval, you’re not alone. Jesus shows us that belonging isn’t just about bloodlines or popularity—it’s about being part of a new family formed around God’s will. And I want us to walk away asking: Am I willing to trust God’s timing and obey Him—even when it disappoints other people?

What We Cover:

- Understand what Mark 3 reveals about Jesus’ priorities: mercy, restoration, and life—not legalism.

- See why Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath becomes a flashpoint and what it teaches about “the higher law” of love.

- Notice what makes Jesus righteously angry: stubborn hearts that miss opportunities to love and heal.

- Learn why opposition escalates so quickly—and how people will unite across differences to protect power.

- Grasp the “Messianic secret” idea (Jesus repeatedly limiting publicity) and how expectations about the Messiah shaped reactions.

- Reflect on discernment: the danger of calling good evil (and evil good) when you’re spiritually misaligned.

- Be encouraged that Jesus understands relational pressure: even family misunderstanding doesn’t derail Him.

- Take away a defining principle: Obedience to the Father is the pathway to your most free, grounded self.

- Leave with two heart-questions: Do I trust God’s timing? Am I living from obedience—or from approval?

Resources mentioned:
Check out Nicole's website and subscribe to her weekly newsletter: https://nicoleunice.kit.com/ 


Nicole’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice

Today we&rsquo;re in Mark chapter 3, and I&rsquo;m calling this episode &ldquo;The Secret to Being Yourself,&rdquo; because this chapter shows us how Jesus moves through intense pressure without losing His center. The crowds are pressing in, the religious leaders are watching Him like hawks, and even His own family shows up thinking He&rsquo;s out of His mind. And yet&mdash;Jesus doesn&rsquo;t get pulled around by expectations, fear, or public opinion. He stays anchored in one thing: obedience to the Father.
We watch Jesus heal on the Sabbath and expose what really matters in the kingdom of God&mdash;mercy, restoration, and full life. We also see how quickly opposition escalates, and how willing people are to protect power when Jesus disrupts their system. But the comfort in all of it is this: when following Jesus costs you approval, you&rsquo;re not alone. Jesus shows us that belonging isn&rsquo;t just about bloodlines or popularity&mdash;it&rsquo;s about being part of a new family formed around God&rsquo;s will. And I want us to walk away asking: Am I willing to trust God&rsquo;s timing and obey Him&mdash;even when it disappoints other people?
<hr data-start="1860" data-end="1863">
What We Cover:
- Understand what Mark 3 reveals about Jesus&rsquo; priorities: mercy, restoration, and life&mdash;not legalism.
- See why Jesus&rsquo; healing on the Sabbath becomes a flashpoint and what it teaches about &ldquo;the higher law&rdquo; of love.
- Notice what makes Jesus righteously angry: stubborn hearts that miss opportunities to love and heal.
- Learn why opposition escalates so quickly&mdash;and how people will unite across differences to protect power.
- Grasp the &ldquo;Messianic secret&rdquo; idea (Jesus repeatedly limiting publicity) and how expectations about the Messiah shaped reactions.
- Reflect on discernment: the danger of calling good evil (and evil good) when you&rsquo;re spiritually misaligned.
- Be encouraged that Jesus understands relational pressure: even family misunderstanding doesn&rsquo;t derail Him.
- Take away a defining principle:&nbsp;Obedience to the Father is the pathway to your most free, grounded self.
- Leave with two heart-questions:&nbsp;Do I trust God&rsquo;s timing? Am I living from obedience&mdash;or from approval?
Resources mentioned:
<ul data-start="2895" data-end="3213" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">
<li data-start="2895" data-end="2973">Check out Nicole's website and subscribe to her weekly newsletter: <a href="https://nicoleunice.kit.com/">https://nicoleunice.kit.com/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li data-start="2974" data-end="3060">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice">Nicole&rsquo;s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice</a>
</li>
</ul>

The Secret to Being Yourself (Is Obedience) | Mark 3 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/f72a37b8-c041-422b-a215-b3f700e199be/transcript

What Does God Want for Me in 2025? Discerning God's Will for Your Life

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How To Study The Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

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