Nicole Weider (@NicoleWeider) is a former model and actress who founded the online community Project Inspired (@projectinspired), which focuses on helping girls find their inner beauty. Nicole is married to Eric, and lives in California with their son. She’s the author of Project Inspired: Tips and Tricks for Staying True to Who You Are (Zonderkidz, 2015).

Where do you live and go to church?

Nicole Weider: My family and I live in Los Angeles, and we go to a Presbyterian church near our house.

Why is reading the Bible important to you?

Nicole Weider: Reading the Bible is so important to me, because it’s time I really get quiet with God and I listen to what He’s telling me. I always feel close to God when I’m reading the Bible, and I learn something new each time I read it.

When did you first start reading the Bible and what was the first book of the Bible you ever read?

Nicole Weider: I started reading the Bible when I was 24, after I gave my life to Jesus and became a Christian. I started with the book of Matthew, because I wanted to read what Jesus said, and I wanted to get to know Him personally.

Name a Bible character you resonate with and why.

Nicole Weider: I resonate with the book of Esther, because she risked everything to follow what God was calling her to do. I also love her story because she used her beauty to give God glory, and by saving her people instead of using it to boast about herself.

What are you reading in the Bible at the moment?

Nicole Weider: I’m reading the book of Psalms, it’s one of my favorite books of the Bible. I love how David expresses all kinds of emotions with God, and yet He knows God can handle it and help him.

Where do you read the Bible?

Nicole Weider: I always read my Bible in bed, before I go to sleep. It also helps me sleep better, and it comforts me as well.

How do you read the Bible: print edition? digitally online? digitally on tablet? digitally on phone? audio?

Nicole Weider: I only read an actual printed Bible. I love to turn the pages, and highlight passages with my pen and star certain Scriptures.

What’s one thing from the Bible that’s stuck in your brain at the moment?

Nicole Weider: My favorite Scripture, which is “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, seek his will in all you do and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6. I always think of this Scripture when I’m not sure what to do with a certain decision, or when I need guidance from God. It really helps me.

Name one part of the Bible you keep coming back to again and again and why.

Nicole Weider: The book of Matthew; I love reading Jesus’ words to his disciples and to the people. It’s so powerful and personal. Every time I read it, I learn something new.

What advice would you give someone struggling to read the Bible each day?

Nicole Weider: My best advice is to pick a scheduled time each day, and read at the same time. I would recommend reading at night in bed, because it’s quiet and it’s a great time for reflection.

Anything else you’d like to say?

Nicole Weider: I’m so glad I gave my life to God and started reading the Bible. When I started reading his Word, it truly transformed my thinking, which changed the way I lived dramatically for the better! It gave me hope and purpose for my life. The Bible saved my life.

If you’d like to read more about Nicole, and her new book for young women, you can buy her book here in the Bible Gateway Store.