FamilyLife Today® on ElSitioCristiano.com

Dave and Ann Wilson

FamilyLife Today® is a weekday podcast featuring fun, engaging conversations that help families grow together with Jesus while pursuing the relationships that matter most. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.elsitiocristiano.com/donate/84

Episodes

  1. 04/16/2025

    Unpacking the Golden Calves in Our Modern Hearts: Nana Dolce

    In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson explore the powerful story of the golden calf from the Book of Exodus, focusing on the dangers of idolatry and the human tendency to replace God with false idols. The discussion is centered around the devotional book ""You Are Redeemed,"" written by Nana Dulce, which highlights God’s redeeming love for His people, particularly through the lens of the Exodus narrative.The episode opens with a light-hearted conversation about the golden calf, but quickly transitions into a deep dive into how idolatry manifests itself in modern life. The hosts address the fact that while many of us would scoff at the idea of physically worshipping an idol like the golden calf, the more subtle idols in our lives, such as career, money, and even family, can take the place of God in our hearts. One of the hosts mentions a quote that compares our hearts to “idol factories,” suggesting that idolatry is an ongoing temptation for everyone.The conversation then moves to the idea that God chose Israel before they obeyed and that His love for them was unconditional. Even as Israel failed miserably in their idolatry with the golden calf, God’s grace and love were evident in His commitment to them. The episode highlights the significance of the Exodus 19 passage, where God reminds Israel that He had already chosen them, long before giving them the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. This foundational truth is emphasized—obedience to God is a response to His grace and redemption, not the cause of it.As the hosts examine the story of Aaron and the golden calf, they reflect on the hypocrisy of trying to worship both an idol and God simultaneously, much like some modern-day attempts to Christianize or spiritualize wrong actions. A powerful example from Frederick Douglass' autobiography is shared, showing the disturbing contradiction of people who claimed to follow Christ but lived in opposition to His teachings. This hypocrisy is connected to how people today might use God’s name to justify actions that are clearly idolatrous.The discussion doesn’t just focus on conviction, but also on grace. The hosts remind the audience that though we are all guilty of idolatry in some form, God’s love is steadfast and His grace is ever-present. Christian community, the hosts argue, plays a crucial role in helping one another recognize and tear down the idols in our hearts. Accountability and being open to correction is key to maintaining our focus on God.Toward the end of the episode, the hosts discuss how to “tear down idols,” offering practical advice on how to relinquish control of things that hold us captive, like our children or our desire for financial security. Giving is suggested as a way to break the grip of idols, particularly in areas where people often place their trust, such as money.The episode concludes with a lighthearted exchange about supporting FamilyLife financially, tying it back to the theme of idolatry, and encouraging listeners to give in order to help spread the message of redemption. Nana Dulce also mentions her video devotional series ""Unseen,"" which is available for those seeking to deepen their spiritual journey. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.elsitiocristiano.com/donate/84/29

  2. 04/15/2025

    Exodus, Jesus, and Finding God's Provision in the Wilderness: Nana Dolce

    In this episode of the podcast, Nana Dolce, a guest and author, discusses the powerful themes from the Old Testament book of Exodus, particularly how it points toward Jesus. The conversation begins with a reflection on favorite Old Testament books, where Nana shares her deep affection for Exodus, highlighting its role as a foreshadowing of Jesus, the greater Redeemer. The Book of Exodus is seen as a narrative of God’s deliverance, with significant moments like the burning bush and the Red Sea crossing, and Nana connects this historical story to the Christian journey of salvation.The main topic of the episode is Week 3 of Nana's devotional “You Are Redeemed,” focusing on God’s provision. This section explores the Israelites’ journey after their deliverance from Egypt, especially their struggle with thirst in the wilderness. Despite their miraculous escape from Pharaoh's army and the parting of the Red Sea, the Israelites quickly begin to complain about their thirst. This transition from praise to grumbling serves as a reminder of human weakness and our tendency to forget God’s provisions when faced with new challenges.The conversation includes an illustration about a man named Chaz Powell, who walked the Zambezi River trail in Africa without adequate water, underscoring the desperation of thirst and the crucial need for water. Nana draws parallels to the Israelites’ experience, showing how their situation led them to bitter water at Mara, which, despite their hope, turned out to be undrinkable. However, God shows mercy by healing the water and providing them with sweet water and leading them to Elam, where they find twelve springs of water.The episode dives deeper into how God's provision is not just about physical sustenance, but also about spiritual healing. Nana shares that even in moments of longing and dissatisfaction, God provides us with the living water that satisfies, as seen in the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well in the New Testament. The episode touches on real-life issues like disappointment and unmet desires (such as in marriage) and encourages listeners to trust that God, through Jesus, is the ultimate source of fulfillment.The conversation also highlights the importance of prayer and spiritual practices in finding contentment. The hosts share insights on how moms and women, in particular, can turn to prayer to combat feelings of fatigue and dissatisfaction. There’s a recurring theme that despite feeling empty or frustrated, turning to Jesus and acknowledging the dryness in one’s soul leads to sweet mercy and a renewed sense of hope. The hosts emphasize that by relying on God’s strength and grace, even in the mundane aspects of life (like parenting and marriage), individuals can experience God’s provision in deeply meaningful ways.The episode ends by promoting Nana's devotional series, encouraging listeners to engage with the devotional to experience more of God's redeeming power in their lives. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.elsitiocristiano.com/donate/84/29

  3. 04/11/2025

    Wrestling with God, Doubt and Finding True Peace: Lisa Victoria Fields

    In this engaging and insightful podcast episode, Dave and Ann Wilson dive into the topic of faith, questioning God, and navigating life’s challenges, especially when those challenges lead to feelings of resentment or doubt toward God. The discussion starts by emphasizing the importance of asking children—and even oneself—when they've felt resentment toward God. The hosts share personal experiences, including one host reflecting on the loss of her sister and the deep, unresolved questions that came with that loss. The conversation then transitions into addressing the belief gap between what people often expect from God and what they experience in reality. Lisa Fields, the guest speaker and author, shares her wisdom, acknowledging that doubt, questioning, and wrestling with God is a natural and important part of spiritual growth. She suggests that these struggles don’t signify the death of faith but rather the key to it. The hosts also discuss how wrestling with faith brings believers closer to understanding their beliefs and the concept that theological growth is not just about memorization but about heartfelt conviction.Lisa Fields emphasizes that wrestling with difficult questions allows people to form stronger beliefs that are rooted in both knowledge and personal experience. She talks about the importance of recognizing pain points in people’s struggles—such as peace, provision, protection, and purpose—and how people often look for peace in temporary solutions, like drugs, relationships, and other distractions, rather than in God. A significant part of the conversation touches on the concept of peace, explaining that true peace is not about the absence of negative emotions but about the assurance of God's presence in the midst of trials. Fields also shares her personal story of heartbreak, where she had to wrestle with forgiveness after being betrayed by someone close to her, illustrating how faith, forgiveness, and personal growth can intersect. She also talks about how peace with God, peace with others, and peace within are all necessary to experience true inner peace.The episode further explores the idea that many people, particularly younger generations, struggle with finding purpose and meaning in life, often seeking it in things like social media validation or material success. The hosts emphasize that true purpose comes not from what we do but from who we become in Christ. Fields challenges the notion of purpose tied to achievement, instead shifting the focus toward becoming a person of integrity, compassion, and love. As the conversation wraps up, the hosts encourage parents and believers to engage deeply with the Bible and to understand the full scope of what Scripture promises and teaches, which includes not just prosperity but the reality of trials and suffering.The episode concludes by stressing the need for families to navigate these faith struggles together, acknowledging that faith can be complicated and sometimes disappointing but that God uses these challenges to grow us. Lisa Fields’ book "When Faith Disappoints: The Gap Between What We Believe and What We Receive" is highlighted as a resource for those wanting to bridge this gap and engage in deeper conversations about faith, doubt, and the complexities of spiritual life. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.elsitiocristiano.com/donate/84/29

  4. 04/10/2025

    Navigating Doubt and Finding Community When Your Faith Disappoints: Lisa Victoria Fields

    In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson engage in a deep and insightful conversation with Lisa Fields, the founder and CEO of the Jude 3 Project. They explore themes of faith, doubt, disappointment, and the emotional struggles Christians often face when their experiences seem to conflict with their beliefs. The conversation opens with a question about a book titled "When Faith Disappoints," which deeply resonates with the hosts, particularly Dave, due to his own past struggles with faith crises.Lisa shares that the book is, in part, a memoir of her own faith journey, including her struggles as a seminary student who faced a crisis of faith. Dave and Lisa discuss an emotionally impactful moment in Dave's life when he questioned the reality of his faith after encountering the harsh realities of the world, like terrorism and violence against innocent children. Lisa recounts a memorable conversation with her professor, where, instead of offering deep theological explanations, her professor simply said, “me too,” which helped validate her doubts and let her know that her struggles were normal.The discussion then shifts to Lisa’s ministry, the Jude 3 Project, which she started as a passion project to equip Black Christians with apologetics and engage skeptics. She reflects on the lack of representation of African Americans in the apologetics space and her motivation to fill that gap. The project began humbly, but grew to serve a significant need within her community. Dave and Lisa also discuss the challenges of working in ministry while dealing with the pressures of maintaining a personal connection with God. Both share their own experiences of burnout, disillusionment, and the crucial importance of community and therapy in overcoming these crises of faith.The hosts talk about the emotional toll that disappointment can take on a believer, emphasizing that doubt is a normal part of the Christian journey and should not be repressed. Lisa emphasizes that it’s important for Christians, especially parents, to create spaces where young people can vocalize their doubts and disappointments. She believes that listening to their struggles without judgment and offering shared vulnerability helps foster a safe environment for growth.Finally, the episode touches on the rising trend of Gen Z exploring spirituality outside of traditional Christianity, seeking supernatural experiences and peace. Lisa and Dave discuss how understanding this generational shift can offer opportunities to engage young people in conversations about faith in a way that respects their experiences and questions.The conversation is heartfelt and practical, offering listeners valuable insights on navigating doubt, disappointment, and spiritual growth. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.elsitiocristiano.com/donate/84/29

  5. 04/08/2025

    How to Create a "Rule of Life" for Your Home: Jennifer Pepito

    In this podcast episode, Jennifer Pepito returns to discuss creating a "sacred home" and how families can live intentionally and peacefully by establishing routines and habits that honor God and foster connection. The conversation begins with an exploration of the concept of a "sacred home," which Jennifer clarifies is not about perfection but about setting a home apart for the Lord, even in the midst of chaos. She reflects on her own journey of parenting and the importance of establishing habits that promote peace and spiritual growth within the home.Jennifer introduces the idea of a "rule of life," which she likens to a family mission statement, offering structure and guidance for daily living. Drawing inspiration from the Rule of St. Benedict, she and her husband created a family mission statement that helped them focus on their core values—like a love for nature, missions, and time spent together—while making decisions in line with those values. They prioritized certain family essentials and, throughout their life together, chose to sacrifice materialism and structured activities in favor of a simpler, more meaningful life that aligned with their spiritual beliefs.The conversation dives deeper into specific habits that can make a home more peaceful and sacred, beginning with the first: the habit of work. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of teaching children the value of hard work and how this principle can foster not only practical skills but also spiritual maturity. Through examples like her own family’s tradition of hard work in manual labor, she explains how work is a reflection of one's spiritual life and relationship with God.The podcast also touches on the importance of spiritual practices like prayer and Bible study, suggesting that they are not always about immediate joy but about the discipline of showing up regularly and putting in the work. Jennifer points out that habits are the framework through which values like spirituality, responsibility, and community are lived out in daily life. She encourages moms and dads to be intentional with their time, to avoid distractions like social media, and to practice simple actions—like eye contact, hugs, and spending time outside—to create meaningful connections with their children.The discussion moves to focus on the necessity of balance in family life. Jennifer, despite her busy schedule as an entrepreneur and mother of six children, emphasizes the importance of pacing oneself and not overcommitting. She encourages listeners to write down their vision for family life and to regularly audit how their time aligns with their goals. Jennifer advises moms to avoid feelings of guilt, offering practical solutions for making time for connection, including a "connection challenge" that includes simple actions like giving your children a 30-second hug or looking them in the eye for 20 seconds a day.The episode also addresses the needs of working moms, who may feel torn between their jobs and their families. Jennifer emphasizes that it's possible to nurture both roles, offering the "connection challenge" as a simple way to reclaim precious time with children. She encourages mothers not to feel guilty for needing to work outside the home, but to ensure they are creating meaningful connections with their children and maintaining balance.The episode ends with a profound reflection on the importance of family legacy. Jennifer and her co-host stress that the most important thing parents can do is create a godly legacy that will endure beyond their lives. Ultimately, it’s about creating a life centered on Christ and prioritizing relationships over material pursuits. They encourage listeners to embrace small, manageable habits that will help build a sacred, peaceful home, one step at a time. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.elsitiocristiano.com/donate/84/29

  6. 04/07/2025

    Habits for a Sacred Home - Finding Peace and Purpose in Motherhood: Jennifer Pepito

    In this podcast episode, Dave and Ann Wilson discuss the concept of a "sacred home" with Jennifer Pepito, a mother, author, and entrepreneur. Jennifer, who has seven children and has been homeschooling for years, shares her journey and insights into creating a home environment rooted in faith and devotion to God. She introduces her book "Habits for a Sacred Home," which draws inspiration from the Rule of St. Benedict, focusing on developing habits that bring peace, structure, and connection in the midst of life’s chaos.The conversation explores the challenges of motherhood, particularly raising children in today’s uncertain world. Jennifer speaks candidly about the struggles of fear, control, and perfectionism, emphasizing the importance of consecrating one’s home to God. Through personal stories, such as her own struggles with perfectionism and a challenging experience with her daughter’s eating disorder, she highlights the significance of grace and attunement to God in creating a peaceful home environment.Jennifer also addresses the fears and anxieties modern moms face, from worries about homeschooling to concerns over societal changes. Despite the chaotic nature of family life, Jennifer encourages moms to build spiritual disciplines and healthy habits that align with God's will for their lives. She stresses that living with a Christ-centered perspective helps moms foster stability, hope, and a sense of purpose in their homes.In addition to personal insights, the episode delves into practical advice on nurturing sacred homes. Topics like prayer, connecting with children, setting boundaries, and cultivating routines based on faith are discussed. The conversation also touches on the idea of "sacred chaos," suggesting that while homes may not always be perfect, they can still be holy and dedicated to the Lord. The episode encourages listeners to surrender their homes to God, marking them as consecrated spaces where His presence can dwell. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.elsitiocristiano.com/donate/84/29

4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

FamilyLife Today® is a weekday podcast featuring fun, engaging conversations that help families grow together with Jesus while pursuing the relationships that matter most. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.elsitiocristiano.com/donate/84