Today I’m taking us into Mark 1, because sometimes life gets a little off-kilter—and when it does, I really believe we need to return to the basics and refocus on who Jesus is. Mark is the shortest and most action-packed Gospel, and it’s such a powerful place to start (or start again), especially if you’re feeling spiritually disoriented or overwhelmed by all the competing voices around you.

In this first chapter, we watch the story move fast: prophecy fulfilled, John the Baptist preparing the way, Jesus baptized, Jesus tested in the wilderness, and then Jesus stepping into ministry—calling ordinary disciples and bringing wholeness everywhere He goes. And by the end of the chapter, we land on this stunning moment where a man with leprosy asks, “If you are willing…” and Jesus responds, “I am willing.” That’s the heartbeat of this episode: Jesus is willing to cleanse, heal, forgive, and restore. The question I want to leave us with is: Am I willing to come to Him?

What We Will Cover in Our Study of Mark 1 -

• A clear overview of Mark 1 and how quickly it introduces Jesus’ identity, authority, and mission.

• Understand why Mark opens with Old Testament prophecy and what that signals about Jesus as Messiah.

• See the purpose of repentance as a heart-level “turning” that prepares the way for Jesus in our lives.

• Notice the pattern: affirmation → wilderness → ministry (Jesus is declared beloved, then tested, then sent).

• Learn what discipleship looks like in Mark: ordinary people called to follow Jesus up close.

• Recognize Jesus’ authority in real-life categories: spiritual oppression, sickness, fear, and isolation.

• Catch the significance of Jesus touching the leper: compassion over ceremonial distance; holiness moving toward suffering.

• Walk away with a personal invitation: Jesus is willing—will I bring my need to Him?

Resources mentioned:

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

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

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This is a "best of" episode, which I’m calling this episode “The Potential for Joy.” I know that might sound like an unexpected title for a passage about foot washing—but stay with me, because Jesus gives us a picture here that can genuinely reshape the way we think about joy and peace. We’re sitting in the tension of the Last Supper: Jesus knows the cross is coming, He knows Judas will betray Him, and He also knows all authority has been given to Him. And then—this is the shocking part—He gets up, wraps a towel around His waist, and washes His disciples’ feet. Even Judas’.

What Jesus is showing us is that true spiritual power doesn’t flex—it serves. And joy isn’t just something we chase through circumstances; it’s something that grows out of love, security in Christ, and humble obedience. I’ll also give you a simple challenge for the week: spend time in Scripture (or worship) daily, and then share one thing you received with someone else. I really believe you’ll feel your joy rise—not because life got easier, but because your mind is being renewed by what’s true.

What We Cover:

• See what real power looks like in the Kingdom of God: Jesus uses His authority to serve, not to elevate Himself.

• Understand the spiritual meaning behind foot washing: it’s not just hospitality—it’s a living metaphor for Jesus cleansing, loving, and forming His followers.

• Notice what changed Peter’s response: following Jesus means letting Him love you in the places you’d rather hide or control.

• Be confronted by Jesus washing Judas’ feet: love and humility aren’t based on what someone “deserves.”

• Reframe joy as a deeper reality, not a mood: joy grows from security in Christ + humility + obedience, even when life is hard.

• Learn why renewing your mind matters: transformation happens as we intentionally fill our minds with God’s Word and truth.

• Get a practical one-week challenge: read Scripture (or listen to worship) daily and share one verse or takeaway with someone—text it, say it, post it, anything.

What Does It Mean for Me?

If you want to experience life with Jesus, you have to let him love you. You have to let him care for you. You have to let him see you for who you really are, which is a person who does need to be cleansed, right? And Jesus is saying to them, like, hey, you don't need to do this over and over again. It's not like a baptism over and over again. You already know me, you're clean and you're in me, but this is an act of me caring for you. This is an ongoing, this is what ongoing relationship looks like with me. What I'm doing for you, I am asking you do to for others.

THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:

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Today we’re wrapping up our One Word 2026 series with the final two invitations: enthusiastic and trusting. I wanted this whole month to feel unhurried—like space to look back on 2025 with gratitude, and then ask God, “How do You want to grow me in 2026?” And here’s what I’ve realized: enthusiasm isn’t something we manufacture by willpower. Real, lasting enthusiasm comes from being filled with God—and I love that the word itself traces back to that idea. If you’ve felt tired, distracted, discouraged, or even a little apathetic, I’m inviting you to consider what it would look like to be ardently alive, fueled by the Spirit. Then we talk about trust—because so many of us are carrying unknowns, losses, or things we can’t control. Trust is choosing to rely on God’s character when the outcome isn’t clear. We’ll look at Zacchaeus (Luke 19), the centurion (Matthew 8), and we’ll end with a reminder that God’s holiness means He is truly worthy of our trust.

What We Cover:

• Discover what “enthusiastic” originally meant—not just high energy, but being “in God” and Spirit-filled.

• Identify the real enemy of enthusiasm: indifference and apathy that grows when we’re overwhelmed and disconnected from God’s strength.

• Learn how spiritual enthusiasm shows up in real life through Zacchaeus: curiosity, bold response, generosity, and immediate heart-change in Jesus’ presence.

• Understand trust as steady reliance on God’s character, not on what you can control, predict, or prove.

• Be invited to name your modern “chariots and horses”—the things you’re tempted to rely on for security (money, approval, control, success, relationships, etc.).

• See what extraordinary faith looks like in the centurion: trusting Jesus’ authority without needing visible proof.

• Walk away with two simple affirmations to practice daily if either word becomes your focus for 2026.

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Romans 12:11

• Luke 19

• Psalm 20:7

• Matthew 8:5–13

Resources Mentioned:

• Free One Word 2026 companion/reflection guide: Nicoleunice.com/newyear

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.