Christians. Sisters. Best Friends. Do you ever have people in your life that it seems God has just placed there? We need to appreciate those people, even if they don’t stay long. Some people are placed in our lives for a lifetime, while others are for only a short time.  God knows what we need and who we need at each season. We should support and encourage who we have in our lives right now.  Christina and Melissia talk about those people who are walking with them, showing them encouragement and supporting what they are being called too. ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭CSB”When David had finished speaking with Saul, Jonathan was bound to David in close friendship, and loved him as much as he loved himself. Saul kept David with him from that day on and did not let him return to his father’s house. Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as much as himself. Then Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his military tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.“‬‬You can find usWebsite:https://christiansinthegritty.buzzsprout.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/christiansinthegrittyTikTok: christiansinthegrittyInstagram: christians.in.the.grittyChristians in The Grittyhttps://christiansinthegritty.buzzsprout.com

Christians. Sisters. Best Friends. We need to remember when Jesus returns we are not going to miss it! He will come like a thief in the night but also he will be heard and known! Before he comes people will say, “There he is it’s Jesus”. Do not be fooled. We will know when Jesus returns! We need to be ready, share Jesus with others, and do his work. We want to hear him say, good job! ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬-‭11‬ ‭CSB‬‬”But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the dark, for this day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness. So then, let us not sleep, like the rest, but let us stay awake and be self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled and put on the armor of faith and love, and a helmet of the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.“‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭23‬-‭28‬ ‭CSB‬‬”“If anyone tells you then, ‘See, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note: I have told you in advance. So if they tell you, ‘See, he’s in the wilderness! ’ don’t go out; or, ‘See, he’s in the storerooms! ’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.“Mentioned in this Episode:You Version- https://www.bible.com/LifeBible- https://www.lifebible.com/Podcast Home: https://christiansinthegritty.buzzsprout.com/Christians in The Grittyhttps://christiansinthegritty.buzzsprout.com

Christians. Sisters. Best Friends.As Christians should we be excluding people from our lives, our situations, or even our church? Well, let's begin by saying we should be treating all people with love. Showing others the love of Jesus is a staple of Christianity.  So why then are we asking the question of exclusion? Sometimes we need to be careful who we are around, letting influence us. Having boundaries and not allowing someone in our physical life, doesn't mean that we can't love them in ways that doesn't lead us astray. In this episode Christina and Melissia discuss this question, addressing many scenarios that always lead back to the heart and protecting our walk with God. Many times, this means that the person you are excluding from a situation, is yourself. Galatians 6:11 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.James 5:19-2019 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.Mentioned in this Episode:The Deep End with LecraeHome - Life BibleChristians in The Grittyhttps://christiansinthegritty.buzzsprout.com

Christians. Sisters. Best Friends.In this episode Christina and Melissia will take you through each day of Holy Week. They share some scripture and discuss it. Holy week is the week leading up to Easter, Resurrection Sunday. There were misconceptions from many of the early Jews that Jesus would come as a military leader. Wanting to be delivered from their oppressors, many of the people were thinking of their "now" needs instead of the needs of their soul. Jesus was about to give them the perfect sacrifice in himself, and they couldn't see past their physical needs.  The week of Jesus' death and resurrection is full of drama and wonders. Betrail, guilt, blood money, torture, forsakenness, hate, disbelief, darkness, earthquakes and death are some of the dramas that fill the week.  BUT then LIFE, hope, belief, the savior, the perfect sacrifice, work finished, prophecies fulfilled, love conquers, and He is Risen! When Jesus was dying on the cross the world went dark, the sun forbear to shine! When it was finished, the sacrifice was complete, the veil was torn. We no longer have that veil division from God and the Holy Spirit can live in us! Praise God!Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ CSBhttps://bible.com/bible/1713/mat.28.5-7.CSB”The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”Matthew 28:16-20 CSB”The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”“Mentioned in the episode:Life Bible: https://lifebible.com/LifeWise Acadamy: https://lifewise.org/interest/The Chosen: https://thechosen.tv/en-usAlice Cooper talks about Jesus:https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie/videos/969516247163556/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6vChristians in The Grittyhttps://christiansinthegritty.buzzsprout.com

Christians. Sisters. Best Friends.Often, we do not know what exactly God's will is for us. We may feel a calling from God and dive in feet first, without waiting for God's timing. How often do we muddy things up trying to take control of the situation instead of trusting God to lead us through. While waiting we should be seeking wisdom and submitting our obedience to God. Christina and Melissia talk about how often God's timing is often waiting on us. Waiting for us to submit, to grow, and to obey. If you find yourself not knowing our next step, take that time to grow in your faith. It's likely God is just waiting on you to be ready. Exodus 14:15-3115The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. 16Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. 17And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. 18And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” 19 Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, 20coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night. 21Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, 25clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.” 26Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.” 27So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the Lord threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. 28The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. 29But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 30Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.Mentioned in this episode:Hillsdale College Online CoursesBible Study Courses | Free, Online Courses with BibleProject™TikTok- @christainsinthegrittyInstagram- christians.in.the.grittyJonathan and Jesus TrailerRed Sea Crossing & Mt. Sinai Christians in The Grittyhttps://christiansinthegritty.buzzsprout.com

Christians. Sisters. Best Friends.The definition of encourage is to inspire with courage, spirit, and hope. We as Christians are called to encourage. The Bible talks of the importance of lifting each other up throughout scripture. It is easy to see the negative in a person’s actions, their personality, whatever it is that doesn’t appeal to us. When we take our focus and shift it to the good, to what that person is doing right, encouraging that can bring such great works. Accountability for our fellow Christians and discipline for our children is important, but not for reasons of punishment, but rather for guidance. The worth of a person comes from God. We are all growing and learning, if we are not we are stale. We are to motivate others, especially in their Faith! ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭ESV”Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.“‬‬‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬”His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.“Mentioned in this episode:You Version- https://www.youversion.com/No Drama Discipline- https://drdansiegel.com/book/no-drama-discipline/Ice Camp- https://www.miraclecamp.com/Christians in The Grittyhttps://christiansinthegritty.buzzsprout.com

Christians. Sisters. Best Friends.Our prayer life is so important. Without prayer, our walk with God becomes stale. Keeping a constant communication open with God is a vital way of knowing which way God is calling you. We need to seek God's guidance in all aspects of our life. Even when we lose our keys or feel nervous in a strange environment.  Talking to God about our shortcomings, asking for forgiveness or for God to reveal our weaknesses to us even when we can't see them for ourselves. Our prayer life demonstrates our relationship with God. How well do we really know him? How do we see God? In this episode Melissia and Christina talk about these things, as well as when to pray and what Jesus says about prayer. They discuss using the Bible for confirmation and to fleece or not to fleece. Matthew 6:5-18The Lord’s Prayer5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.  Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be  your name. 10  Your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.11  Give us  this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts,as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And  lead us not into temptation,but  deliver us from  evil. 14  For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.Fasting16 “And  when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others.  Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.2 Peter 1:19-21'We also have the prophetic word strongly confirmed, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from the prophet’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.'Mentioned in this episode:Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl - Kindle edition by TerKeurst, Lysa. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.Christians in The Grittyhttps://christiansinthegritty.buzzsprout.com

Christians. Sisters. Best Friends. God often uses the least of these, over and over. The one who not many, if any at all, would expect to do great things. These are often the ones God calls up to do the big things. Kind of like two sisters who decided God was calling them to Podcast. Ha! In this episode they talk about David who was the smallest of his brothers! Only a Shepard who was still in his youth when God had him anointed by Samuel to one day be king! Even when God calls us to do big things we need to make sure we keep the Glory on God! As we can see with Saul, God gives and he will take away! There are some big lessons in the journey Melissia and Christina take in this episode. Lessons of trusting God, obeying God, and of standing up for what is right!‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭15‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭CSB‬‬”Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel, “I regret that I made Saul king, for he has turned away from following me and has not carried out my instructions.” So Samuel became angry and cried out to the Lord all night. Early in the morning Samuel got up to confront Saul, but it was reported to Samuel, “Saul went to Carmel where he set up a monument for himself. Then he turned around and went down to Gilgal.”“‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭CSB‬‬”So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully on David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. Now the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and an evil spirit sent from the Lord began to torment him, so Saul’s servants said to him, “You see that an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our Lord command your servants here in your presence to look for someone who knows how to play the lyre. Whenever the evil spirit from God comes on you, that person can play the lyre, and you will feel better.”“Mentioned in this episode:The Chosen- https://thechosen.tv/en-usLiberty Bible Church-https://www.facebook.com/share/v/vG3U2tpGYS6U4mtz/?mibextid=WC7FNeBecoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl, by Lysa TerKeurst-https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-More-Than-Bible-Study/dp/0310338808Christians in The Grittyhttps://christiansinthegritty.buzzsprout.com

Christians. Sisters. Best Friends.Have you ever lost yourself in a song praising our God? It can be such an overwhelming but amazing feeling. It can be such a personal experience and feels like you are somehow more closely connected to God. The Bible talks about singing and dancing and praising God with song. The Bible also talks about the singing and praising we will do in Heaven!In this episode, Christina and Melissia talk about a concert they recently attended. They witnessed God in that place! Listen as they tell stories of Worship and Praise. They talk about community and what sharing your story can do for others. Psalms‬ ‭71‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭CSB‬‬“Therefore, I will praise you with a harp for your faithfulness, my God; I will sing to you with a lyre, Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you because you have redeemed me.”‭‭Mentioned in this episode:Winter Jam- https://jamtour.com/Katy Nicole- https://www.katynichole.com/CAIN- https://www.caintheband.com/Crowder- https://www.crowdermusic.com/Lecrae- https://lecrae.com/Seventh Day Slumber-https://seventhdayslumberofficial.com/NewSong- Newsong · Home (newsongonline.com) SEU Worship- https://www.seuworship.com/Find Your People by Jennie Allen- https://www.jennieallen.com/find-your-peopleChristians in The Grittyhttps://christiansinthegritty.buzzsprout.com

Christians. Sisters. Best Friends.Christina and Melissia are going to battle for God hosting this Podcast. When we go to battle for God we need to expect and be prepared for the spiritual battle that is sure to emerge. In this episode, they speak of just such a night. Christina and Melissia were under severe attack, each separately, but also together at the same time. They had to go to war with prayer and the word of God as their weapons. They tell of their experience and of how to equip yourself with the Armor of God! Our God is for us! We are his children! Through the Holy Spirit and the authority we are given through Jesus Christ, they are able to defeat the enemy and the stronghold he was trying to take in their homes! Praise God for His protection and for His Word!The Whole Armor of GodEphesians 6:10-20 ESVFinally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, [18] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, [19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.Luke 10: 17-20 ESV17 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”Mentioned in Episode:Life Bible App- Bible - Life BibleYou Version- Home - YouVersionChristians in The Grittyhttps://christiansinthegritty.buzzsprout.com