How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

Let’s talk about sadness. It really does feel so bad, which is why we often ignore it. But sadness is as part of the human condition as breathing: Crying: One of the most noticeable physical reactions to sadness is crying. Tears are the body's natural response to emotional distress, and crying can help release built-up tension and provide a sense of relief. Changes in Facial Expression: Sadness often manifests through changes in facial expressions, such as a downturned mouth, furrowed brows, and watery or red eyes. Sluggishness and Fatigue: Sadness can lead to a feeling of physical and mental exhaustion. People may feel tired, listless, and lacking in energy when they are sad. Appetite Changes: Sadness can affect appetite in different ways. Some individuals may lose their appetite and have difficulty eating, while others may turn to comfort foods and overeat as a coping mechanism. Sleep Disturbances: Sadness can disrupt sleep patterns. Some people may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, while others may experience increased sleepiness and may oversleep. Muscle Tension and Aches: Chronic sadness or stress can lead to muscle tension and physical aches, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back. This tension can contribute to headaches and other physical discomforts. Immune System Impact: Prolonged or chronic sadness can potentially weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses. Hormonal Changes: Sadness can affect hormone levels in the body. Stress hormones like cortisol may increase, which can have various effects on the body, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Digestive Issues: Some people may experience digestive problems when they are sad, such as stomachaches, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Intense emotions like sadness can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure. Our Bible Study Verse for Today: Psalm 13 WHAT’S THE BACKSTORY? While lament often involves questioning and expressing pain, it typically concludes with a turn toward God. The psalmists and prophets ultimately acknowledge God's sovereignty and mercy, even amid their suffering. Lament is a way of bringing one's troubles before God and seeking His presence and deliverance. Lament also provides an opportunity for theological reflection and growth. It acknowledges the reality of suffering in the world and grapples with questions of God's justice, mercy, and faithfulness. These psalms of lament express raw emotions, questioning God's actions, seeking help, and ultimately turning to God for comfort and deliverance. (Cf: Psalm 22, 42:1-3) WHAT DOES IT MEAN? It’s ok to be sad, and the Bible gives us a way to enter into our sadness with hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NIV): "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope." WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME? What would it be like to make space for sadness…not to dwell there or get stuck there, but to allow yourself to bring the fullness of who you are before God? RESOURCES: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/  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of How to Study the Bible, host Nicole highlights the power of God's Word to transcend cultural differences and unite people in their shared journey of faith. Nicole emphasizes the ever-evolving nature of studying the Bible, encouraging listeners to adopt a lifelong posture of growth and alignment with God's Word. She candidly discusses personal changes and challenges, especially during midlife, while urging the audience to embrace change as an opportunity for spiritual transformation. Nicole emphasizes the importance of confronting complicated emotions, avoiding superficiality, and bringing vulnerability to God as essential steps in the journey of faith. RESOURCES: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/nicoleuniceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nicole is taking time off this summer to enjoy her family and rest. In the meantime, we're re-airing one of her most popular series from the past year - enjoy! Your life is meant to change when you begin to follow Jesus. But for so many of us, that doesn’t happen. Why the disconnect? This series is all about unlocking the good life in Christ, and what it really means to be changed by him. Secrets of the Good Life Series: Week 1: The First Secret of the Good Life: Consider GodWeek 2: Confess and Receive: The Second Secret of the Good Life (Psalm 51)Week 3: How to Fight Fear: The Third Secret of the Good Life This week (week 4), we’re looking at what it means to really choose joy. WHAT DOES IT SAY? Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. If you want to know how to start your day out with God, here it is! “Always” – rejoicing is not limited to when everything is going well in our lives. Joy is not a feeling you have but a choice you make. “Gentleness” – the fruit of our time with God is a gentle spirit, our gentleness should be evident to other people. “Every situation” – nothing is too small “The peace of God… will guard your heart” – his peace will keep you from spiraling into anxiety, or stop you from trying to control everything WHAT’S THE BACKSTORY? Pastoral letters like Philippians give us a view of what’s happening in the church as more people believe and as Christianity is spreading. Pastoral letters set a direction for us. We do not need to be confused about who we are meant to become – the Word shows us. If you’re feeling down, or anxious, this is a great letter for you. The theme of joy echoes throughout Philippians, where Paul is making it clear that joy is based on trusting the sovereignty of God and is always available. WHAT DOES IT MEAN? What does it mean to choose joy? It is about rejoicing not in the circumstances but in who God is within the circumstances. Principle for the week: Joy comes from unshakable promises. Psalm 16:8: I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Isaiah 54:10: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Romans 14:17: For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME? We must separate happiness and joy. Joy comes from things that can never be taken away. Joy is a practice. Make a list! Who does God want you to become? From these verses, we would say “always rejoicing” and “gentle” – is that the intention of your lives? Year after year, are you growing in these things? Make another list – what promises of God can you rejoice in each day? What attributes of God can you rejoice in today? RESOURCES: 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/nicoleuniceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever wondered how your fear overlaps with other people’s fears? I think we’d find we are far more fearful that we realize. There is healthy fear, and unhealthy fear. One of the roles of Christianity is a new way to understand what fear is and how God helps us be confident even in the most trying circumstances. Today, we’re going to look at what God has given us to fight the fear in our lives.   If you missed the previous episodes in the series, check them out here! The First Secret - Apple: https://apple.co/49ta4cq Spotify: https://sptfy.com/Q6ci  The Second Secret - Apple: https://apple.co/49zvd4U Spotify:  https://sptfy.com/Q6cy   In a 2022 survey of Americans, almost 9 out of 10 reported daily anxiety about inflation, with over 60% reporting daily anxiety over everything from health to relationships to global events.  Our recent history as a culture is full of trials that tempt us toward fear, whether it presents itself as a low rumble of worry always operating in the background of our mind, or a crippling anxiety that controls our every decision. When it comes to fear, the Bible has good news and bad news for us. First, the bad news: fear is as present a reality today as it was when the Bible was written, and there is no promise that circumstances will improve in a way that would give us reason not to fear. But the good news? What God promises us is not deliverance from fearful circumstances, but deliverance from a fearful heart. In Genesis 50, Joseph’s first words for his brothers were “do not be afraid.” The good news Joseph gave to his brothers pales in comparison to the good news we find in Jesus, who repeatedly affirms that we do not need to be afraid. In Christ, we can live in uncertainty and still have peace. (For the 19-30% of Americans with an anxiety disorder, simply “trusting God” is not the answer to a complicated illness. If your anxiety interferes with your ability to lead a normal life, there are treatments that can help alongside of your spiritual practices). The secret of the good life is NOT that suffering won’t happen, but that we can be different people, people without fear, because of Christ.   Verses This Week: John 14: 26-27:  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Deuteronomy 31:6-8: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Hebrews 13:5-7: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.   Practical Steps to Fight Fear: Watch out for what clutters your life. What we fear is often what we think we need to live in peace. Good things become ultimate things, Tim Keller says. When these good things become idols, we fear losing them so much we create anxiety around them. Practice contentment. This is like changing the channel in your brain and choosing to focus on what God has given you and his promises to you. Look for role models. Being in local community is so important for this reason. You need real, in the flesh human beings, who are role models for what it looks like to live out the Christian life.Remember: healthy fear is an instructor; unhealthy fear is a taskmaster. RESOURCES: 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/nicoleuniceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today, we’re going to be working through Psalm 51, and we’re going to work through it as a devotional using the Alive Method. I encourage you to get out your bible and journal as you listen. NOTE: If you missed the episode about the first secret of the good life, you can listen to it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!    WHAT DOES IT SAY? Notice what you notice. Write down what stands out to you – that is God speaking to you through his Word. That alone is a beginning of a conversation with the Spirit. In Psalm 51: David acknowledges specific sin He longs for restoration, asking for it (“grant me a willing spirit”) A willingness to talk about your sin to testify to the grace of God   WHAT IS THE BACKSTORY? This is the psalm David wrote after his sin with Bathsheba (listen to our episode on this story).   WHAT DOES IT MEAN? We cannot move into a place of joy and peace if we have unconfessed sin or thought patterns that do not align with the glory of God and the truth of his Word and promises to us.   WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME? 1. Do you have a practice of regular confession? If you feel blocked or dull in your study of God’s Word, consider what you need to confess to God. What places do you live in fear, anxiety, self-pity, or self-hatred? Are you able to say, “This thought pattern in me, does not represent the glory of God.” (If you have a clinical thought pattern problem, you might need outside therapies! Or you may not have a clinical crisis but still carry stuck thought patterns). 2. After confession, we draw on God’s righteousness: A huge part of our faith is understanding that we throw ourselves onto the goodness of God, that we claim his character and his actions as the way we live and move (completely counter-cultural to the messages of today). I don’t have to claim to be righteous, I’m drawing on God’s righteousness. I need to own up to my mistakes and faulty and self-focused thinking. Two verses to memorize: Psalm 71:2: In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. 1 John 1:9: if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 3. The more we consider, confess, and spend time with Jesus, the more we love what we love and detest what he detests: As we hang out more with Jesus, we want to be more like Jesus. As we look at ourselves clearly and objectively, we are going to discover that we don’t like the ways of wickedness, bit by bit. Sure, we keep failing and falling, but our desires begin to be for what God desires. It’s hard to spend time with the creator of the universe and keep claiming that we oversee our reality and our view of the world IF we are willing to confess and receive. LISTEN TO THE NEXT EPISODE: "How to Fight Fear (The Third Secret of the Good Life)" - Apple: https://apple.co/3SR5Gg9 Spotify: https://sptfy.com/Q6cp    RESOURCES: 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/nicoleuniceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does the good life look like, according to Jesus? We have an opportunity to be a winsome follower of Jesus. If people were to see that hope in me and ask me about it, what would I say? How would I describe what the good news of Jesus is and the true, full life he offers us? The spiritual questions of this generation are centered on personal and societal pains, and how to choose joy, purpose and selflessness for the good of others. In this series, we’ll tackle these ideas and show how Jesus gives us the answers to our pressing questions about ourselves and the world. The first secret to a good life in our faith is to cultivate the posture of considering. To consider means a thoughtful engagement. It requires us to focus and pay attention. Psalm 8 – “When I consider the work of your hands.” We need to create space to be intentional about thinking. RELATED EPISODES: "Confess and Receive" - The Second Secret of the Good Life (A Bible Study on Psalm 5) - Apple: https://apple.co/49zvd4U Spotify:  https://sptfy.com/Q6cy   How to Fight Fear (The Third Secret of the Good Life) - Apple: https://apple.co/3SR5Gg9 Spotify: https://sptfy.com/Q6cp    Most of us don’t make space to intentionally think, because when we do, it brings up negative feelings – anxiety, un-dealt with emotions, and places where we feel grief or loss or out of control. But when we disconnect from bad feelings, we disconnect from the good feelings of joy, hope, and love. To feel the fullness of joy, we also have to engage with the things that are difficult. Considering, then, is the first step to a more joyful life. What might this look like in our lives? Well, first, it might look like a 5-10 minute quiet walk or spending time to explore something outside of yourself and away from technological distractions. What our culture tends to do is look inside ourselves to find meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. This “Gospel according to Oprah” sounds so good but it doesn’t work. John 4:24 tells us a better way. “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” This is objective truth. Do you believe this?   Your Practice For This Week: Consider – Who Is God? 1. Read how God reveals himself in creation: Job 38 2. Then, consider how God reveals himself through creation AND through his care for mankind: Isaiah 40:25-31 3. Finally, read Psalm 8:1-4, and consider how God reveals himself, is mindful of us, AND has provided dominion, glory, and honor to us. What does it mean for me? When I feel unsure about where I stand in the world or how to make my way through it, I need to practice God-centered mindfulness we are called to; not to reflect on our own problems but to consider the glory of God and then place ourselves within his glory   FOLLOW NICOLE:Ask Nicole a Bible study question: nicole@nicoleunice.com Website: https://nicoleunice.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nicoleuniceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleuniceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In the episode, Nicole emphasizes the importance of celebrating as a spiritual practice and its impact on experiencing life with freedom – celebration is God’s design for human flourishing. She explains that celebrating is not just a mindset, but also a practice. We work through a Bible study on Luke 15 to see God’s heart for celebration and why it’s a practice we ought to regularly engage in. WHAT DOES IT SAY?  Luke 15 – The Parable of the Prodigal Son The Younger Son - the son “came to his senses” – he the younger son was just released to himself. He was like released from his obligations and he found himself in this place where he's like, what am I doing? He finally names reality. The Father - runs to his son and restores his identity and honor before the son can even explain himself. We get this concept of like this guy, this kid, this young man doing everything wrong and being met with compassion and celebration. He also leaves the party to meet his older son – he gives the same care and compassion to both. The Older Son – Jesus is talking to the “older sons” – the Pharisees and Scribes. The punchline of the whole parable is the conversation with the older brother saying, look, didn't you don't can't you see we had to throw a party. This is worth celebrating and you can come to. WHAT IS THE BACKSTORY? The Old Testament deeply valued parties. If you read through the books of the law, through Leviticus, a lot of the directions are about all the parties that God wants to throw. If you look at how tithe was spent, right, you know, the 10 percent - when you give money, that was supposed to pay for three things specifically. It was supposed to support clergy and worship maintenance. You know, the workings of the temple. It was supposed to care for the poor and it was supposed to pay for all the awesome parties that they were supposed to throw in God's honor with God multiple times a year. What This Parable Teaches Us about the Spiritual Practice of Celebration What Jesus is saying is here's the Good News of God. The Father is throwing a party that will last forever. The God of the universe is throwing a divinely awesome party and he wants all his kids to be there. And that includes the selfish younger brothers and resentful older brothers. Won't you come to the party that the Father's throwing? That is how Jesus is painting the picture of what the gospel is, which means that celebration is actually fundamental to the heart of what the gospel is about, of what God has done in Jesus and what he's what he's completing through the work of Jesus on the cross and will complete in the new heaven and the new earth. You cannot take celebration out! “The more I considered Christianity, the more I found that while it had established a rule and order, the chief aim of that order was to give room for good things to run wild.” – G.K. Chesterton Celebration As a Spiritual Discipline – First, consider: Why do we struggle to believe that our God is a God of celebration? It is a form of trust to choose joy and celebrate what is good and pure in your life. It is a form of surrender to choose joy. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you need refreshment? Do you need rest? Most people would say “yes.” We’re not talking entertainment or leisure here. We’re talking about deep, restorative rest. Join us this week as we work through a Bible study on the Sabbath, reading about how they worked out the Sabbath law in the Old and New Testaments, and learning how it was applied then, so we can look at how we can find deep, regular Sabbath rest today. WHAT DOES IT SAY? 23 One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples began breaking off heads of grain to eat. 24 But the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Look, why are they breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?” 25 Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you ever read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 26 He went into the house of God (during the days when Abiathar was high priest) and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. He also gave some to his companions.” 27 Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” - Mark 2:23-28 WHAT’S THE BACKSTORY? 8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11 Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. - Mark 2:27 WHAT DOES IT MEAN?- The Sabbath honors God - The Sabbath is a command, but it’s not meant to create rules to break - The Sabbath is an opportunity, not an obligation WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME? - From sundown to sundown - Sabbath rest from work - it’s meant to be a time of refreshment  - What does refreshment look like to you? (For me: Run, read, rest) RESOURCES: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/nicoleuniceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One of the paradoxes of Jesus is that he lived a perfect life without sin and had perfect communion with his Father, yet he still needed to withdraw from ministry success and pray. This observation challenges the notion that rest and solitude are only necessary for those who are burnt out or overwhelmed. Instead, it suggests that even in the midst of busyness and productivity, intentional rest and solitude are essential for reconnecting with God and being who we are meant to be. RESOURCES: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/nicoleuniceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleunice/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.unice/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One of the most fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith is that the Bible is God’s Word—and these words speak to us. The Scriptures spoke to generations before us, and will speak to generations after us until Christ returns. This is why we love to study the Scriptures inductively—taking into account the context of the text, making observations, drawing reasonable inferences, and applying these truths to our lives as the Holy Spirit guides us.   BEGIN WITH PRAYER  Begin in  prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your time today.   INTRO QUESTIONS Spend a few minutes reflecting on the past week. Think through the following questions: Were you able to spend time drafting a digital rule of life? If so, how did it go for you? What did you notice about your current digital habits? Did anything surprise you or give you pause? Was there anything you tried that you found helpful? Was there anything frustrating?   SCRIPTURE READING Read the following scripture passage: Psalm 119:9-16   APPLICATION Careful study of the Bible is essential to a healthy Christian life and community. And it is not the only way to let our lives be shaped by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. Lectio divina, Latin for “divine reading,” is a devotional reading of Scripture that has existed for over 1,700 years. This practice emerged when literacy rates were low, and accessibility to written texts were few and far between. Communities of believers used this method to enable followers of Jesus—with or without a copy of the Bible (or an ability to read it)—to receive God’s Word and consider how to respond.   Practicing this spiritual discipline opens us up to more ways to hear from, experience, and respond to God—individually and communally. A benefit of lectio divina is that there is less temptation to read solely in order to consume information (a temptation to study inductively). In whatever way you interact with the Bible, Scripture is meant to be read with ears open to hear God’s voice through his Word and respond!   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.