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:

1. Where do you feel pressure to assimilate to “Babylon” in your own life?

2. What might holy resistance look like for you this week?

3. 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 faith
  Living with conviction even in uncertainty
  Understanding prayer and spiritual resilience
  Confidence 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:

1. What does it say?

2. What’s the backstory?

3. What does it mean (timeless truth)?

4. 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 McLeod
Carol 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.