Living Brightly with Elayne Cross: Recent Episodes
Elayne Cross
Do you want to attend church, go to work, love your family, and ensure your grandchildren will have the same freedom and opportunities you have? Join Elayne as she scrutinizes current events through Biblical Truth weekly. This is the place to hear what the Bible says about current events.
Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by renewing your mind. Religion tells you the most important part of that verse is what comes before that – do not be conformed to this world. Then they encourage you to work and strive to force yourself into some religiously acceptable version of yourself. But the way you don’t conform is by renewing your mind with the help of Holy Spirit. This is the sixth and final episode in the Developing Your Relationship With God series – Renewing Your Mind. The is a partnering with Holy Spirit to be transformed into your first nature, who God created you to be.
The 2 Paradigms in Bible emerge early with Cain and Able and continually reappear as Scripture unfolds. Like Cain and Able you were born into the Attention Paradigm of sin, seeking the attention of those around you. The distinct Relational Paradigm is modeled by people such as Abel, Noah, and Abraham. Listen as Elayne exposes the two divergent perspectives for life in time and space and begin to step fully into a Relational Paradigm.
Your Identity is Who God Created You to Be, not the titles you have or the things you do. There are many facets to who you are including what you do and how you look, but those quantitative things are part of your physical self and you are body, soul, and spirit. Upon salvation God created in you a New Spirit that aligns with who He originally created you to be. You are a new creation not limited or defined by the physical world and you are in relationship with God who will never leave you or abandon you.
Part 3 of the 40 day journey to Develop Your Relationship with God focusing on the character of God and discovering God is Trustworthy. Developing trust is relative to your interpersonal relationship health. Unfortunately, many people have heard storied, made assumptions, and religious baggage that hinders their trust in God. Join Elayne today as she digs into God's character and guides you through an exercise designed to let you trust God more fully.
As you begin to develop your relationship with God you started with talking to Him, praying. Now you need to hear His reply. The primary way God speaks is through Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit leads you into His truth in Bible. God has never stopped speaking and wants to speak with you personally. Unlike all other relationships you cannot see or hear God without a little guidance and practice. Join Elayne as she outlines How to read Bible and hear God speak to you personally in the 42 Episode, Hear God Speak in Bible.
The first step in Developing Your Relationship With God is communicating. Communicating with God is generally referred to as praying but the word prayer has lots of sociological baggage, expectations, assumptions, ritual, and structure. Yes many religions have structured prayers spoken like a mantra, communicating with God is more relational.
Bible uses 40 to signify significant events in individual’s lives or for a group of people, usually the nation of Israel. Join Elayne as she reviews several significant events that include forty and the lessons we can retrieve from them to live brightly and draw closer to God. Moments of potential transformation often include disruption in the normal flow of life you can use to level up closer to God.
As Newlyweds Adam and Madison begin to take their budget seriously, they agree, giving God ten percent is nothing compared to all He has given and provided for them. Join Elayne as they share the thought process behind their realization they want to tithe, and how they fit it into their very tight budget. The Final portion of Adam and Madison money wraps up with part four as they share how the Holy Spirit convicted each of them individually, and together they agreed it was time to trust God by tithing, giving ten percent of their income.
Living without a budget created division and anxiety threatening destruction with the smallest emergency. Taking a chance to confront the depth of their debt, learning to budget, and committing to stay united Adam and Madison have taken control of their money by telling it where to go and what to do. Now just two years away from being completely debt free they have freedom within the budget to go and do more than they could imagine. Join Elayne with part three of money with Adam and Madison, Hello Control.
01:28 Some old habits must be killed
04:03 Admitting we have a problem
05:57 Pay off house in 11 years
07:39 Start with smallest balance
09:07 The B word - Budget
11:41 How much do we actually spend on things? Where is my money going?
16:47 What is the next priority?
18:08 Budget freedom
20:02 Eat those beans and rice!
21:55 Being aggressive with snowball debt reduction.
23:45 Six month emergency fund
24:28 Emergency – roof damage
26:53 knowing your Budget is having power
As we continue our visit with Adam and Madison we have learned adult money problems and debt can sneak up on you to overwhelming proportions. Part 2 for newlyweds Adam and Madison as panic mode set in and they discover they have no clue how to handle the financial crisis brewing. Laying everything out in the open in the first step but now that reality had proven they have few skills and tools to deal with the debt, they start with what they know and take control. Listen as they take a chance on some old CD’s given to them from a parent. Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey guides them to gain control of their money.
Newlyweds starting life together after college; dating, graduating, marring, managing money, aka debt. Hear how newlyweds Adam and Madison ran straight into nearly one hundred thousand dollars in debt and realized what they were doing was not working.
3:05 Honeymoon Challenges
6:19 Paying for college
9:46 New life in a new place
12:24 Big Girl Job
14:14 Can you afford this?
17:46 Debt discovery process
22:17 Debt for two and income for one
25:12 You & I versus we & us
28:22 Local church home
Passover, Pascha, Easter, Holy Week, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, so many terms to cover one holiday or Holy Day. Join Elayne as she unpacks and clarifies the significance of this very important day of remembrance
Four questions Jews ponder to remember and reflect on the Exodus
- On all nights we eat wheat (bread) why on this night do we only eat crackers (unleavened bread)?
- On all nights we eat vegetables why on this night do we eat bitter vegetables?
- On all nights we do not dip in salt water even once why on this night do we dip twice?
- On all nights we sit or recline why on this night must we all recline?
These questions lead to discussions making clear distinctions between an average night from this very special night highlighting tears of slavery, hurried exit, bitterness of slavery, and reclining in freedom.
Four questions Christians can use to remember and reflect on Easter
- On all holidays the date remains the same why on this holiday does the date change?
- On all Sundays we attend church why on this Sunday do more people attend church?
- On all weeks we do not recognize the days why during this week do we have special name?
- Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Silent Saturday, and Easter Sunday
- On all Sundays we eat food why on this Sunday do we receive gifts and candy?
- Hunt for eggs, wear special clothes, or any other special things you do to celebrate Easter to remember all Jesus has done
These questions lead to discussions making clear the distinction between an average Sunday and Holiday and the significance of this week, this Sunday, and this Holiday. Jesus and Christianity’s roots in Judaism and the foreshadowing of the Exodus story, the significant steps in Jesus Journey to the cross and resurrection and the celebration of life provided through His sacrifice.
Taking Jesus to work can be a scary concept in corporate culture, but being intentional in bringing Him along can change the culture of your work space. Join Elayne today with guests who work in corporate America and have found some great tools for letting their light shine. Chad and Richelle Gibson share how they use the gifts of the Holy Spirit and other truths to represent Christ at work in an act of service to God and as a means to change the atmosphere and culture.
Seeing someone do something does not always mean what you think. Similarly, if some people respond in a given manner doesn't mean all will. Learning to identify your own issues starts with confronting them in a novel way. It’s more about personal expectations than another’s character. Who has the problem? Instinctively the world revolves from your vantage point and through the lens of your experiences. As you begin to confront yourself and allow Christ to transform you into the person He created you to be, you inevitably hit juxtapositions of realities. Can you believe your eyes or accept not everything is as you have known it to be.
Two individuals with unique life experiences and dating tragedies working through expectations and failure to build something to last takes dedication, communication, and willpower. Today we hear one side of the process needed to confront past experiences, expectations, and errors to build something better and lasting with your life mate - aka spouse
Where men see respect women seek security. Elayne continues the second series of Dinner at the Crosses discussions with her husband, Nate, and Ross as they unravel the male female perspectives during dating and what it looks like for Christians to seek a mate. This is clean though some statements may not be suited for all ages.
Living brightly even in dark moments, or times when you choose poorly does not eliminate the possibility that God may use you if you are willing to boldly speak about Him even when your life is a literal mess. Bold testimony's can spring from bold statements in the most unlikely of situations. Join Elayne in another series of Dinner at the Cross' discussions, starting today with Christian Juice.
Three facets of stewardship are individual, communal, and by commission. Who are you stewarding? What does stewardship look like? How does the Holy Spirit assist in stewardship?
One of Merriam-Webster’s definitions of stewardship is “The careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care”. Dictionary.com defines a steward as “a person who acts as the surrogate of another, or others, especially by managing property, financial affairs, and estate, etc. Wikipedia defines stewardship as “the acceptance or assignment of responsibility to shepherd and safeguard the valuables of others”.
Figuring out who God created you to be is vital to establishing a firm foundation to stand on as the world comes to discourage or berate you. The hard realities of living a life that is a positive reflection of Christ has unique challenges for unmarried men in the current societal norms for relationships. Lust, illicit sex, and natural make drives clash with honor for all women and protecting your mind and future wife from a poisonous imagination. How to live brightly as a unmarried Christian man poses unique struggles women just do not understand. Finding a wife and a church that support you in the place you are in your walk are discussed along with more. This is part three of Dinner at the Cross's, look for episodes 26 and 27 if you want to listen through from the beginning or go to elaynecross.com for additional notes related to these discussions.
We continue our after dinner discussion and discuss the challenges of freewill verses serving God knowing you fail daily. Living out obedience in the flesh verses surrendering to God. Is it all about you or have you shifted your focus to serving God? Enjoy this interesting and intriguing discussion at the dinner table of faith, revenge, failing God and toxic religion.
- 1:43 Faith Comes by Hearing
- 7:02 Freewill
- 8:06 Moses’ v Jacob’s Blessings
- 10:55 Revenge v Resolution
- 14:51 Levi v Simian
- 19:46 How are you happy knowing you fail God
- 22:15 Toxic Religion
- 25:12 Experiencing Grace
- 27:40 No-one deserves to be saved
- 31:00 Quality time with God
www.ElayneCross.com/Jesus www.ElayneCross.com
How do you define success? Is it about you and your needs or are you striving for something bigger than yourself? The first of three segments where we talk about success, church, and translations of Bible. These may be questions you’ve considered or points of contention between those around you. We have an open and sometimes passionate discussion about this and more.
- 1:31 Defining Success
- 3:56 Ultimate Goal is serving God
- 6:44 Family Time v Work Time
- 9:41 Filling your skill toolbox
- 11;39 What is the Church?
- 15:07 What Divides
- 20:17 Who Preserves the Word
- 25:28 English Translations
- 29:16 History of Church and Bible Translations
- 32:51 Is one translation better than the rest?
4 take aways from the story of Noah and the flood for 2022. This short story if packed with evergreen concepts to help you be the light of the world and stand apart from the darkness and chaos.
This first portion of scripture starts well but quickly goes very bad, so why did God preserve it in His Word and what does it have for Christians in 2022? What is with this beautiful garden that quickly leaves Adam and Eve seeking more. So much to see and so little time to share so we will focus on the cherubim and the Tree of Life. Are cherubim mentioned anywhere else in the Books of Moses (Torah)? Can we access the Tree of Life after we die? What about now? And how does this all relate to having a relationship with Jesus? Come and find out.
Learning about God, studying His Word, and developing your relationship with Him is never ending. Today we jump into that cycle with the last and the first Torah portion, or Parshah, that covers Deuteronomy 33, 34 and Genesis 1 through 2:3 encompassing Moses last day with Israel before they cross the Jordan and finally enter the Promised Land and the first account of Creation in Genesis 1:1-2:3. And what does this have for us today? A little of this and that but a common thread of justice for all and Torah for the faithful.
Prepare for next time by reading Genesis 1:1 through 6:8 asking God the following while you read;
- What do You have to show me about You?
- What do You have for me today and in my current situation?
- How can this make me live brightly in this dark world that others may seek You?
Looking into the final Feast that God commanded the children of Israel to remember every year and how it can help you know God more. The children are commanded to remember what God has done for them and promised through 7 feasts-holy days, 4 in the spring and 3 in the fall. This last feast requires 7 days living in a booth or tent. Learn how it connects to Jesus and draws all of us closer to God.
We do not choose our parents and the experiences life throws at us, but we must choose to grow in adulthood. Despite your upbringing and despite your experiences if you want to know peace you must experience unrest and learn to walk through that to become the person God created you to be. Join Elayne as she discusses 3 lessons she learned on her journey to shed adolescence and reach adulthood.
I sat down with Jack from the Critical Truth Project. Jack is from England and has lived in the US for several years. This is a fun and informative look at the differences and similarities between the United Sates and the United Kingdom. We talk a little politics, a little religion and even mention a jumper.
We are born from the recombination of information from our parents’ genes, the Christian Church is born from Jesus – fully God and Fully man. His church has many members but are all part of one body and we must learn to celebrate and honor those parts in love.
Full Show notes at https://elaynecross.com
If we forget our history we are bound to repeat it. Join Elayne as she reviews the work of Nehemiah, Ezra, and Haggai in rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem through the struggles and success and the political environment we find ourselves in today.
The lessons learned by the Israelite in rebuilding the Temple, Trump was forced to face as well. It should be no surprise these are common to all of us. What are they and how can you be prepared to confront them when they seek to hold you back?
Links will be in the show notes on https://elaynecross.com
the meaning of words are being changed and new terms like Populist and Nationalist are used as derogatory name calling begging the question, Who is the real bad guy? Are these negative or just a way to sound superior to manipulate the masses? Our enemy can only gain ground if we give it to him so why are we? What do Christians need to do to push back against the chaos being pushed into the English language?
In The Pilgrims Progress John Bunyan mentions 4 reasons people backslide or fall away from their faith. Join Elayne as she examines these 4 examples in light of scripture and letting your light shine.
Elayne uses a river and its banks to describe to two extremes of environmental stewardship. On one side is the admirer and on the other is the active doer. But is that all it takes? Should we be in the water? What does it require to take your responsibility to tend this garden, the earth, seriously? Can the environment be your idol? For some it can be allowed to get out of balance with what God has planned. Have you made the environment an idol in your life? Are you ignoring your duty to be a good steward?
7 Tools for Raising Great Children Future Leaders
1 Be the Best You, You Can Be
2 Be Fully Connected & Committed to Your Spouse
3 Build an Effective Environment
(Keep Your Love On by Danny Silk)
4 Hold Family Meetings
5 You Are Raising Adults NOT Children
(Loving Your Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk)
6 Remain a United Front
7 Keep Your Word - Praise Often
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray he said “Pray in this way, Our Father who is in Heaven”. Why address God as Father? Does that mean anything to men? Join Elayne as she defines the role of men and fathers and their vital role in Living Brightly and preserving our freedoms.
Liberty is messy because people make choices individually but ultimately we still need each other to flourish. While discussing the gift of Liberty and the United States, Elayne delves into recognizing God’s move in our freedom and our need for community. To keep the American light burning bright we must move again toward unity. Not sameness but as an intricate divinely inspired machine, each dependent on each other.
On July 2 1776 a decision was reached to declare independence from Brittan and on July 4th Independence was declared. The very existence of the United States of America is in part from those willing to risk everything; their wealth, life, and sacred honor for an opportunity to forge out a new nation not run by kings or dictators but by the people for the people. God helped their cause and in turn God has used the United States of America to impact the world. Christians, and our Jewish brothers and sisters, have a duty to celebrate our liberties that come from God and filter through all people as we continue Living Brightly.
Mayflower Compact https://www.mayflowercompact.org/
William Bradford https://www.history.com/topics/colonial-america/william-bradford
Madison County Alabama Schools https://www.al.com/news/2022/07/federal-judge-approves-madison-county-schools-desegregation-plan-whats-next.html
Chicken Little begins with an acorn falling and ends with many acorns saving Henny-Penny's life. Though this has been a unique year of win's for both sides - SCOTUS is fighting against evil that has tried to dismantle our Representative Republic by returning to the Constitution.
Terror erupts when tragedy is eminent but we cannot prevent all tragedy. Evil is in the world and the world desperately needs followers of Christ to seek God’s Wisdom and formulate plans and preparedness to lower the anxiety and fear by being a Bright Light in the darkness. We all ponder how people cope without God – we can and must step into that void and offer thoughtful solutions to complex problems. Current school shooting debacles need more than prayer – we need planning, preparing, and real life saving options to change the potential for evil to flourish. We have an enemy but it is not human, it is spirit so we must fight it in Spirit.
What begins with Y – Yielding. Today Elayne completes BRIGHTLY by finalizing the fourth and final wall representing your interpersonal relationships with others. First we focused on a personal intimate relationship with God through BRIG. Now the final element completes your structure. We all are free to decide how we will live our lives. Today Elayne investigates the iconic red-pill/blue-pill choice we all must make. God created us to live in relationship with Him but He refuses to force us. You must choose if you will yield to God or not. Whom will you serve?
God created in us a desire to control our life free from external control. Unfortunately, or fortunately, He also created us to live in communities or tribes. What does that mean? Elayne investigates how living from a spiritual perspective with God enables you to exercise your freedoms and love others in their freedom.
Maybe you like to do things your way. Even if you do, it's virtually impossible to live successfully and abundantly alone. The sixth in a series on what it means to Live BRIGHTLY looks at the beauty and purpose of a tribe from the intimate husband-wife family to the nation or culture. When you use your unique gifts and talents to help me and allow me to help you we are all better for it. In fact, it is the plan of Creator God to make us interdependent and unique.
The fifth in the series defining what it means to Live BRIGHTLY. In the beginning God created man in His likeness and His image. What does this mean? It means that every person you encounter is made in God's likeness and His image. If you honor God you should also honor others. What does honor mean? Honor is an element of respect for others and not putting one person above another. It is respecting the touch of God in everyone. Celebrating their unique gifts and talents.
Human parents give us good gifts but they are limited by their own flesh. Your Heavenly Father expressed His greatest gift by sending His Son Jesus Christ but He didn't start or stop there. He gave us His word - Bible. He preserves Bible through changes in language and culture. You have individual gifts He has given you and waiting for you to seek out. Religion, experiences, & beliefs can get between you and His gifts. The fourth in the series on what it means to Live BRIGHTLY.
What does it mean to live BRIGHTLY? This is the third and an eight part series defining brightly One Letter At A Time. What begins with I? Identity. Understanding who God created you to be ,apart from the titles you possess and the things you do but, first and foremost as a child of God establishes a solid foundation to live life regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in. Identity brings clarity to who you are and a deep relational bond with Father God.
Second of eight in a series defining what it means to Live BRIGHTLY. Learning to let your light shine by Living Brightly requires you learn to REST. God knows how important rest is and made it very clear by not just telling us but by showing us. In six days He created all we see and don't see and on the seventh day? He Rested. Not because He needed rest but as an example for how important Rest is for us. What Begins With R? REST!
We all believe something. Beliefs are expressed in the social causes you support, your political ideas, and your overall opinion of ...well... just about everything. What do you believe? Do you believe God? What happens when you don't define what you believe? You'll fall for ...well... just about anything tugging your heart. To let your light shine by Living BRIGHTLY requires defining your beliefs. This is the first in a series explaining what it means to live BRIGHTLY, one letter at a time. E001