How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

How do we know who is a genuine believer? And why does it matter to know the difference between conversion and conviction? Those are the questions we're wrestling with in this episode How to Study the Bible. Today, we're studying Daniel 4 in our Living Right Side Up in an Upside Down World series. After dreams, miracles, and multiple warnings, the king still resists repentance—until God graciously brings him low and restores him when he finally acknowledges: “Heaven rules.” Nicole distinguishes religious conviction from Christian conversion, names how pride hides in plain sight, and calls listeners to examine their allegiance—not to personalities, parties, or echo chambers, but to Jesus as Lord. You’ll learn how to read Daniel 4 with context, spot the turn from “the tree” to “the man,” and apply the chapter’s timeless truths to your life today. Key Takeaways from Daniel 4 - Religious conviction does not equal Christian conversion. Interest, morality, or “saying the right words” is not the same as repentance and allegiance to Jesus. Heaven rules. God is sovereign over kings, kingdoms, and timelines—even when He seems slow. Pride is subtle and stubborn. It hides in control, certainty, self-reliance, and power. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. God is patient. Nebuchadnezzar receives 12 months to repent—Scripture shows a God who warns, waits, and still welcomes. Read carefully. Daniel 4 shifts from describing a tree (it/its) to a person (him/his)—a textual clue that the dream is about the king himself. Escape echo chambers. Anchor teaching in Scripture, not personalities or algorithms. Measure fruit, not just words. Repentance is a turn, not a tweak. Conversion means leaving the kingdom of self for the kingdom of God—a new operating system. Recommended Resources and Next Steps - Get the free Daniel Study Guide: Daily 15-minute readings, reflection prompts, and prayer to help you engage Scripture all week. (Find it at NicoleUnice.com/daniel.) Subscribe & Review: If this helped you, follow the show and leave a quick review so others can find the podcast. Share the episode with a friend or small group studying Daniel. Watch the bonus segment on YouTube ("How Am I Meant to Operate as a Christian in a Broken, Fallen World?"): Join the conversation and get the extra content! https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do we do when the heat around us rises and our allegiance to God is tested? This week, we're continuing our Fall Bible Study on Daniel: Living Right Side Up in an Upside Down World. Nicole walks with us through Daniel 3—the fiery furnace moment with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Using the ALIVE Method (What does it say? What’s the backstory? What does it mean? What does it mean for me?), Nicole shows how this ancient story speaks directly to modern disciples who feel pressure to assimilate to cultural idols. Key theme: Perspective matters. True allegiance shows when pressure rises. The three friends’ confession—“even if He does not”—models a courageous, non-anxious faith that resists idolatry and trusts God’s authority over our trials. In this episode, Nicole covers: How to read Daniel 3 with the ALIVE Method so you see the text, its context, its timeless truth, and its personal application. Why allegiance precedes outcomes: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s “even if He does not” (Daniel 3:18) courage shows faith isn’t transactional. Idolatry isn’t only “bad things”: As Tim Keller noted, a good thing that becomes an ultimate thing is an idol. Even noble causes, work, or ministry can become ultimate. (From Keller’s teaching on counterfeits; see Counterfeit Gods for a deeper dive) What to do when the heat rises: Don’t panic—pray. Seek community and God’s wisdom (cf. Daniel 2). How to interpret miracles and suffering: Miracles are a sign of God’s authority; they don’t establish it. And Scripture prepares us not to be surprised by “fiery ordeals.” Living in “Babylon” today: Practice holy resistance without withdrawal—hold firm convictions with humility, love, and clarity. Modern idolatry and competing allegiances: how to spot them, surrender them, and seek God’s kingdom first. Bible Verses Mentioned (linked) Daniel 3 (entire chapter): BibleStudyTools — Daniel 3 Daniel 3:18 (“even if He does not”): Daniel 3:18 1 Peter 4:12–13 (don’t be surprised by fiery ordeals): 1 Peter 4:12, 1 Peter 4:13 Matthew 6:33 (seek first the kingdom): Matthew 6:33 Luke 10:27 / Matthew 22:37–39 (Great Commandment): Luke 10:27, Matthew 22:37–39 Mark 2:1–12 (paralyzed man lowered through the roof—Jesus addresses the deeper need first): Mark 2:1–12 Recommended Resources and Next Steps - Get the free Daniel Study Guide: Daily 15-minute readings, reflection prompts, and prayer to help you engage Scripture all week. (Find it at NicoleUnice.com/daniel.) Subscribe & Review: If this helped you, follow the show and leave a quick review so others can find the podcast. Share the episode with a friend or small group studying Daniel. Watch the bonus segment on YouTube (Who is the “fourth man in the fire?): Join the conversation and get the extra content! https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In week two of our bible study, Living Right Side Up in an Upside Down World, Nicole walks through Daniel 2—Nebuchadnezzar’s disturbing dream, the failure of Babylon’s “wise men,” and Daniel’s prayerful response. The chapter unveils a core biblical truth: earthly kingdoms crumble, but God’s kingdom endures. Learn how to respond to a crisis like Daniel, place your trust in what lasts, and live for the unshakable kingdom. Get Our Free Daniel Study Guide (15 minutes/day): nicoleunice.com/daniel What We Cover - Why Nebuchadnezzar demanded both the dream and its interpretation—and what that reveals about fear and power. How Daniel models holy courage: don’t panic—pray, gather your people, seek God. The big picture: God rules history; earthly empires are temporary. How Christ is the cornerstone of a different kind of kingdom that will never be shaken. Key Bible Study Scriptures Daniel 2 (the dream, the statue, and God’s revelation) Isaiah 40 (nations are a drop in a bucket before God) Psalm 2 (earthly rulers rage; God reigns) Luke 20:17; 1 Peter 2:6–7 (Christ the cornerstone) James 1:5 (ask for wisdom) Big Takeaways God rules history—even when rulers rage or cultures shift. Earthly kingdoms are temporary—don’t anchor your identity to what won’t last. Crisis is a cue for prayer—Daniel gathers friends and seeks God’s wisdom. Live for the unshakable kingdom—align loyalties, time, and decisions with Jesus’ reign. This Week's Reflection Questions Where am I subtly placing trust in temporary kingdoms (success, security, institutions, relationships)? When a crisis hits—big or small—do I panic or pray? What one step can shift me toward Daniel’s pattern this week? In what practical ways can I seek first the Kingdom in my work, home, and relationships right now? Resources & Next Steps: Free Daniel Study Guide (15 minutes/day): nicoleunice.com/daniel Share this episode with a friend or small group and study Daniel together. Connect with Nicole: Weekly newsletter: nicoleunice.com/realtalk Instagram & Facebook: @nicoleunice YouTube Bonus: A quick dive on how to pray for wisdom like Daniel—and what to do while you wait for God’s answer. https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nicole begins the new bible study series Living Right Side Up in an Upside Down World with Daniel Chapter 1. Set in Babylon after God’s people are taken into exile, this story introduces Daniel and his friends as they resist assimilation into a foreign culture. By choosing faithfulness—even in something as simple as food—God equips them with wisdom and influence. Together, we’ll learn how to live faithfully in a culture that often presses us to conform, and how exile never has the last word when God is sovereign. What We Cover - Why Daniel and his friends refused the king’s food and what it teaches about holy resistance. How exile is never the end of the story—God works even in scattering. Why respectful courage matters when culture pressures us to assimilate. How God honors faithfulness with His presence and provision. Key Scriptures - Daniel 1 – Daniel’s faithfulness in Babylon. Jeremiah 29:4–7 – God’s call to seek the good of the city, even in exile. Exodus (background) – God’s promise to set His people apart. This Week's Reflection Questions: Where do you feel pressure to assimilate to “Babylon” in your own life? What might holy resistance look like for you this week? How can you seek the good of your city without losing your identity in Christ? Resources & Next Steps Get the FREE Daniel Study Guide, as well as Weekly Notes and Bonus Materials: nicoleunice.com/daniel Share this episode with a friend or group and journey through Daniel together. Instagram: @nicoleunice Bonus on YouTube: What does a Daniel Fast mean today? Watch the extended teaching on YouTube for deeper context. https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Study Daniel with us this fall! If you haven't already, head over to https://www.nicoleunice.com/daniel! The study is FREE and when you sign up, you'll get a free downloadable guide, weekly reflections, and exclusive bonus video content to help you walk through the study. Be sure to subscribe to Nicole's YouTube Channel for exclusive bonus content! https://www.youtube.com/@NicoleUnice Why Study the Book of Daniel?What does it look like to live with courage, clarity, and conviction when everything around you feels uncertain? The book of Daniel tells the story of faith under fire—of ordinary people who stayed rooted in God while living in a culture that didn’t share their values. From exile in Babylon to lion’s dens and prophetic dreams, Daniel shows us that small acts of faith can anchor us in uncertain times. This 12-week journey will help you discover how to live right side up in an upside-down world—with integrity, trust, and unshakable hope. What You'll Discover Practical tools to stay grounded in your faithLiving with conviction even in uncertaintyUnderstanding prayer and spiritual resilienceConfidence in God’s control—no matter what’s happening around you Alive Method and the Big Picture of Daniel Starting next week, Nicole will launch a 12-week study through Daniel—a book of courageous faith in a hostile culture (chs. 1–6) and sweeping prophecy about kingdoms and God’s eternal rule (chs. 7–12). In this intro, she explains why Daniel matters now, how to navigate history + apocalyptic sections, and the simple four-question Alive Method we’ll use each week: What does it say? What’s the backstory? What does it mean (timeless truth)? What does it mean for me (application)? Next Steps Subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast app (Apple | Spotify) Grab the study guide so you’re set for Daniel 1 next week. Invite a friend or group to journey through Daniel with you! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In today’s special bonus episode, we’re featuring a powerful teaching from Significant Woman with Carol McLeod titled “Living With Significant Purpose.” Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that your life is no accident. You were intentionally designed by God, created as His masterpiece, and placed in this moment of history for a divine purpose. Drawing from Psalm 139, Jeremiah 29, Acts 17, and Ephesians 2, Carol unpacks how every detail of your life was carefully crafted by a loving Creator. Through personal reflections—from sweet moments with her granddaughter to her battle with breast cancer—Carol points to one resounding truth: your life matters to God, and history wouldn’t be complete without your story. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why your life is no accident but part of God’s divine plan How Scripture affirms your worth and identity in Christ Practical ways to use your unique gifts to glorify God The eternal joy of living fully alive in Jesus Meet Today’s Guest: Carol McLeodCarol McLeod is a best-selling author, speaker, and Bible teacher passionate about helping women embrace their God-given identity and purpose. She hosts the podcast Significant Woman, where she equips and encourages listeners to live with faith, hope, and joy. 🌐 Learn more about Carol and her book, Significant: Becoming a Woman of Unique Purpose, True Identity, and Irrepressible Hope, at www.carolmcleodministries.com 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, Nicole explores what it truly means to pray for others. Whether it’s praying for someone you love or for someone who frustrates you, Scripture gives us clear direction. Nicole walks through Matthew 5:44, Matthew 6:9–13, and John 17:20–23 to show how Jesus teaches us to pray—for enemies, for loved ones, and for the unity of all believers. Along the way, she offers a framework that helps us move beyond vague or self-centered prayers into bold, confident intercession that aligns with God’s will. Want to be a part of our community Bible Study? Sign up for our Fall Study on Daniel at nicoleunice.com/daniel. We start next week! 🧠 Main Takeaways Pray for those who bother you.Jesus commands us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute (or irritate) us—this is how we show we are true children of God (Matthew 5:44). Pray for those you love.The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13) provides a model: pray for God’s kingdom to come, His will to be done, and for His provision, forgiveness, and protection in the lives of those close to you. Pray for unity.In John 17, Jesus prayed for future believers—you and me—that we would live in such unity with one another and with God that the world would know who Jesus is. Shift your prayer focus.Instead of only asking God to “fix” people, pray with confidence for God’s presence, provision, and glory to be revealed in their lives. 📜 Bible Verses Referenced Matthew 5:44 – Read on BibleStudyTools.com Matthew 6:9–13 – Read on BibleStudyTools.com John 17:20–23 – Read on BibleStudyTools.com 🙌 Calls to Action (CTAs) Practice this week – Choose one person and pray for them every day for seven days, using Jesus’s framework. Join the conversation – Share prayer requests or insights in the How to Study the Bible Podcast Community on Facebook. Subscribe & Share – Help others grow in their prayer life by forwarding this episode. 🔗 Resources & Links Nicole’s website: NicoleUnice.com Sign up for Real Talk Newsletter: nicoleunice.com/realtalk Connect on Instagram and Facebook Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Drawing from Romans 7:18–8:1, Nicole tackles a deeply relatable struggle: the disappointment we feel when we fall short of our own standards. In this episode, she walks listeners through the Apostle Paul’s admission of this struggle—wanting to do right but failing to do so—and points to Jesus as the ultimate answer. Rather than gritting our teeth and trying harder, we are invited to fix our eyes on Christ, who offers forgiveness, removes condemnation, and gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us toward life and peace. Want to be a part of our community Bible Study? Sign up for our Fall Study on Daniel at nicoleunice.com/daniel Main Takeaways You’re not alone in your struggle.Even Paul—the great church planter and author of much of the New Testament—wrestled with doing what he didn’t want to do. The Christian life isn’t about “getting better” at religion.As we draw closer to God’s holiness, we become more aware of our sin—but also more dependent on His grace. Shame hides us from God, grace draws us near.Sin’s power is not just in the act but in the shame that follows, which keeps us from God’s healing presence. The Holy Spirit is a gentle force.He moves into every corner of our lives, shining light on what needs healing—not to condemn, but to restore. Fix your eyes on your Savior, not your sin.Victory is already won in Christ; your identity is secure as a beloved child of God. 📜 Bible Verses Referenced Romans 7:18–8:1 – Read on BibleStudyTools.com Romans 8:5 – Read on BibleStudyTools.com Psalm 103:12 – Read on BibleStudyTools.com Matthew 3:17 – Read on BibleStudyTools.com 🙌 Calls to Action (CTAs) Memorize Romans 8:1 – Remind yourself daily: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Join the Facebook Community – Share your own “Lord, hear my prayer when…” prompt in the How to Study the Bible Podcast Community. Subscribe & Share – Encourage someone else who struggles with self-disappointment by sending them this episode. 🔗 Resources & Links Connect with Nicole on Instagram Follow on Facebook Email Nicole: hello@nicoleunice.com More resources at NicoleUnice.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Anger isn’t automatically sinful, but it can quickly lead to sin if left unchecked. Through Psalm 4:4, Proverbs 14:29, and Ephesians 4:26–27, Nicole unpacks what Scripture says about handling anger in a healthy, God-honoring way. She shares how anger can mask deeper emotions like hurt, disappointment, or betrayal, and why inviting God into those raw moments is key. Continuing the Lord, Hear My Prayer series, Nicole explores one of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—human emotions: anger. Listeners will discover how to pause, reflect, and search their hearts before responding—and how to prevent giving the enemy a “foothold” in their lives. Want to be a part of our community Bible Study? Sign up for our Fall Study on Daniel at nicoleunice.com/daniel 🧠 Main Takeaways God can handle your emotions—even when you can’t.You don’t need to hide your anger from Him. Anger itself is not sin, but it’s dangerous territory.Scripture calls us to “be angry and do not sin” (Psalm 4:4; Ephesians 4:26). Quick-tempered reactions lead to foolishness.Proverbs 14:29 reminds us patience brings understanding, but a hot temper leads to regret. Anger needs an outlet—but not a destructive one.Turn it over to God for correction and direction instead of lashing out or turning it inward. Anger often covers softer emotions.Naming what’s really underneath can help you heal. Unchecked anger gives the devil a foothold.Don’t let bitterness, cynicism, or resentment take root. 📜 Bible Verses Referenced Psalm 4:4 – Read on BibleStudyTools.com Proverbs 14:29 – Read on BibleStudyTools.com Ephesians 4:26–27 – Read on BibleStudyTools.com Hebrews 4:16 – Read on BibleStudyTools.com 🙌 Calls to Action (CTAs) 📝 Practice Psalm 4:4 this week.The next time you feel angry, pause, search your heart, and be silent before God. 💌 Share your “Lord, hear my prayer when…”Send your prayer topics to Nicole via Instagram or Facebook. 🎧 Subscribe & Share.Don’t miss the rest of this series—share with a friend who struggles with anger or needs encouragement. 🔗 Resources & Links Connect with Nicole on Instagram Follow on Facebook Submit questions or prayer requests: hello@nicoleunice.com More resources at NicoleUnice.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sadness often brings physical, emotional, and spiritual fatigue—and many of us don’t know how to handle it. We try to medicate it, ignore it, or compare it away. But Scripture gives us another path: the ancient practice of lament. In this episode of the Lord, Hear My Prayer series, Nicole tackles one of the hardest yet most human emotions. Nicole walks through Psalm 13, demonstrating how lament provides a sacred rhythm for processing pain: from complaint, to calling on God, to choosing trust and praise. She also weaves in powerful modern applications and gentle encouragement for listeners to bring their sadness with God, not away from Him. Want to be a part of our community Bible Study? Sign up for our Fall Study on Daniel at nicoleunice.com/daniel Main Takeaways Sadness is human—and it’s sacred when brought before God.It's not weak or wrong to be sad; it’s part of life. Unprocessed sadness can even affect your physical health. Lament is the biblical way to navigate sorrow.Psalms show us how to name our pain honestly and turn toward hope in God. Psalm 13 provides a spiritual framework for sadness: Be honest about what you feel. Ask God to show up. Choose to trust and remember His past faithfulness. Don’t minimize your sadness or compare it away.Whether you're grieving small goodbyes or deep losses, bring your full heart to God. Sadness + Hope can coexist.1 Thessalonians 4:13 reminds us: “We do not grieve like those who have no hope.” 📜 Bible Verses Referenced Psalm 13 1 Thessalonians 4:13 🙌 Calls to Action (CTAs) Want to be a part of our community Bible Study? Sign up for our Fall Study on Daniel at nicoleunice.com/daniel 💌 Share your story or question for the series!Send your own “Lord, hear my prayer when…” topic to Nicole via email at hello@nicoleunice.com or DM her on Instagram or Facebook. ✍️ Practice lament this week.The next time you feel sad, take it to God using Psalm 13. Speak it aloud. Write it in a journal. Let God meet you there. 🎧 Subscribe and share.Don’t miss the rest of the Lord, Hear My Prayer series. Share this episode with a friend who might need permission to feel—and heal. 🔗 Resources & Links 📱 Connect with Nicole on Instagram or Facebook 💌 Submit your listener stories: hello@nicoleunice.com 📝 Follow Nicole’s reflections and resources: NicoleUnice.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.