SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich

Have you ever wondered why financial breakthrough feels so close yet so far? Bob and Linda Lotich reveal that God is constantly testing us with money—and most of us don't even realize it's happening. In this eye-opening conversation, they break down the three distinct money tests every believer faces, how to identify which one you're in right now, and what God is trying to teach you through it. What You'll Learn: The Three Tests - The Struggling Test - When you have less than you think you need The Surplus Test - When extra money comes your way The Stable Test - When nothing has changed for years Key Insights: Why the habits you build in struggle carry you into surplus The George Mueller story that will transform how you pray about provision How to know if you're in a "rest season" or need to take action Why stability might be the sneakiest test of all The practical "50/50 rule" for handling raises and windfalls How to create your own "stack of stones" to remember God's faithfulness Powerful Quotes: "The habits that we build in the struggle are the habits that carry us into the surplus time." - Bob "We've just been through this too many times." - Bob (during a financial crisis moment) "What do I need to do the job that God's asked me to do? And then the rest of it can just go." - Linda "It's an open book test and you have the teacher who wants to give you the answers." - Bob Biblical Foundations: Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) The Rich Fool (Luke 12) George Mueller's radical faith Israelites and the manna James 1:2-5 on trials and wisdom Action Steps: Identify which test you're in right now - Are you struggling, experiencing surplus, or in a stable season? Create your modern "stack of stones" - Write down a timeline of how God has provided for you in the past Do a self-evaluation - How are you handling your current test? Ask God for wisdom - Is this a season to rest or a season to take action? Set up structures for surplus - Consider implementing the "50/50 rule" for future raises The Bottom Line: You don't have to pass these tests perfectly—none of us do. But God is using money to teach you to trust Him more deeply, steward more faithfully, and expand your belief in what He can do. The question isn't whether you're being tested. The question is: Do you recognize the test? Scripture References: Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of the Talents) Luke 12 (The Rich Fool) James 1:2-5 (Consider it all joy) Proverbs (multiple references to saving and wisdom) Genesis 8:22 (Seedtime and harvest) Resources Mentioned: Simple Money, Rich Life by Bob Lotich - seedtime.com/smrl George Mueller's autobiography - https://www.georgemuller.org/uploads/4/8/6/5/48652749/the-autobiography-of-george-muller.pdf True Financial Freedom course - seedtime.com/tff Mission-Driven Millionaire program - seedtime.com/mdm Ready to grow what God's given you? Get your free copy of Simple Money, Rich Life at seedtime.com/podcast Have a question about which test you're in? Share it in the comments below or email us at [email protected] Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/sMnrFh6o2Ls)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

In all of Scripture, there are only a handful of times when God explicitly tells us to "remember" something. Each time, it's attached to something vital—communion, Christ's resurrection, where we've fallen. But there's one verse where God commands us to remember a principle that much of the church seems to have forgotten entirely. In this episode, Bob and Linda explore 2 Corinthians 9:6: "Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop, but the one who plants generously will get a generous crop." Key Topics Discussed: Why This Verse Matters How God uses the word "remember" throughout Scripture for critical truths The context of 2 Corinthians 8-9 and its focus on generous giving Why this principle of sowing and reaping has been pushed aside by many believers The Enemy's Strategy How biblical principles get twisted and weaponized The 1980s prosperity gospel backlash and its lasting impact Two ditches to avoid: manipulation on one side, scarcity mindset on the other Getting Your Heart Right The crucial difference between giving to people versus giving to the Lord How to avoid being manipulated while still embracing biblical generosity Why you can love your church and still have questions The Multiplication Principle From Genesis to today: God's design for abundance The apple seed illustration that proves God's multiplication DNA How one butterfly's wings can literally change the world Why quiet faithfulness often shapes culture more than loud voices What Happens When We Forget Generosity becomes optional instead of formative Fear replaces faith We settle for what we can maintain in our own strength Our expectations of God begin to shrink Quotable Moments: "God doesn't command that we remember something that is trivial." "When you give to the Lord, that's when you can see the harvest. When you are giving to a person, they can't give you a harvest." "It's easy to be a voice... but there are so many people quietly shaping the culture of their nation." "The butterfly can flap its wings here in Tennessee and literally over in Australia there can be a hurricane—that is how God created things." Challenge: Don't let the enemy's twisting of Scripture cause you to forget what God told you to remember. Sowing and reaping isn't just about farming or fundraising—it's about how God designed His entire creation to multiply. Every smile at the coffee shop, every dollar given in faith, every child raised in love has exponential Kingdom impact. The question isn't whether God's multiplication principle is real. The question is: are you partnering with it or have you forgotten it entirely? Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/ls_6kLhS2rY)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

Is our money system actually working against faithful stewardship? In this episode, Bob and Linda tackle a conversation almost no one in the church is having—but one every Christian steward needs to understand. Bob opens with a shocking reality: $100 in 1971 now buys about $12 worth of stuff. Same number. Far less value. So what happened? From there, the conversation zooms out to explore inflation, fiat currency, and why Scripture repeatedly condemns unequal weights and measures. Is our modern money system quietly violating biblical principles—and if so, what should believers do about it? This isn't about fear, conspiracy theories, or predicting the end of the dollar. It's about wisdom, stewardship, and preserving the value of what God has entrusted to us so we can live generously and faithfully over the long term. In this episode, we cover: Why saving money can feel like running on a treadmill What changed in 1971—and why it matters to your everyday life The biblical problem with "unequal weights and measures" (Proverbs & Amos) Why fiat currency quietly erodes purchasing power over time How money worked in the Bible: weight, scarcity, and real value Why Bob views gold as a store of value, not an "investment" How Bitcoin compares to gold (and why Bob separates it from other crypto) The hidden danger of keeping all your savings in cash How volatility differs from slow, invisible loss Why this conversation is ultimately about generosity and kingdom impact Key Scriptures (NLT): Proverbs 11:1 – "The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales…" Proverbs 20:10 – "False weights and unequal measures… are detestable to the Lord." Amos 8:5–6 – God rebukes those who manipulate money for gain Genesis 23:16 – Abraham pays with weighted silver Exodus 30:13 – Money measured by the sanctuary shekel Genesis 2:11–12 – Gold appears early in creation—and God calls it good Go deeper: If you want a deeper, step-by-step breakdown of how Bob thinks through gold, Bitcoin, and long-term investing from a Christian perspective, check out the 10x Investing Course mentioned at the end of the episode (https://seedtime.com/10x). The heart of this episode This isn't about gold or Bitcoin being a "savior." God is our provider—always. But wisdom matters. If money quietly loses value every year, that affects families, retirees, and our ability to give generously. As Bob explains, better stewardship today can mean greater generosity tomorrow. Action step for the week: Take 30 minutes to review where your savings are currently stored. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5), and ask this simple question: "Is all of our money sitting in something that loses value over time?" No pressure to act—just awareness, prayer, and learning. Important note: This episode is for education and biblical reflection—not personalized financial advice. Always pray and seek wise counsel before making financial decisions. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/euzv8IC40R0)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

When money is tight, a budget can feel like punishment. Like proof you messed up… or worse, proof your faith is weak. But what if that's backwards? In this episode, Bob and Linda flip the script and show why a budget isn't evidence of failure—it's evidence of faith in action. Drawing from Scripture, psychology, and real-life stories, they unpack why budgeting is actually a weapon God gives us in seasons of financial pressure. If you've ever thought, "If God would just fix this, why do I need a spreadsheet?"—this conversation is for you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why tight money seasons are normal, not a sign God has forgotten you How financial stress literally reduces your brain's capacity—and why structure matters The overlooked budgeting lesson hidden in 2 Kings 4 (the widow, the oil, and God's plan) Why God's miracles often create margin, but structure makes it meaningful How a budget pushes back against chaos, anxiety, and decision fatigue What Scripture really says about money, worry, and priorities (Matthew 6, Haggai 1, Philippians 4) Why a budget can act as a mirror, revealing where money is leaking How real people saw fast wins—even without making more money Key Scriptures Mentioned (NLT): 2 Kings 4:1–7 – God's miracle + human participation Matthew 6:24–34 – You cannot serve God and money; the cure for anxiety Haggai 1:5–7 – Wages put into purses with holes (misaligned priorities) Philippians 4:11–13 – Learning contentment in plenty and in need Big Idea: A budget isn't about restriction—it's about alignment. It's not a punishment used against you, but a tool placed in your hands. When money is tight, God doesn't just say "have more faith." He often gives a plan. Action Step for This Week: Take inventory. Just like the widow in 2 Kings, start by asking: "What do I actually have?" Write it down. No judgment—just clarity. Helpful Resources Mentioned: Simple Money, Rich Life – The "One Category Budget" (best on-ramp if you've never budgeted) https://seedtime.com/smrl The Real Money Method (UNB budgeting approach) https://seedtime.com/realmoney Visit seedtime.com to learn more. Encouragement If You're Struggling: You're not broken. You're not behind. You're not alone. Tight seasons are part of the training—not proof of failure. And a budget might be one of the most practical acts of worship you can make right now. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/VW6BGb25wCk)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

Get Your Spirit Back: Breaking Free from the Lies Holding You Back - with Pastor Earl McClellan What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your circumstances… but the lies you've believed about yourself? In this powerful, deeply honest conversation, Bob & Linda sit down with Pastor Earl McClellan, lead pastor of Shoreline City Church and author of Get Your Spirit Back, to talk about negative self-talk, fear, calling, identity, and what it really looks like to walk by faith when you're scared. This isn't a hype-up, "just believe harder" episode. It's a grounded, biblical, and deeply human conversation about doing what God's calling you to do even when you don't feel qualified — and learning to see yourself the way God sees you, not the way others have labeled you. If you've ever felt stuck, hesitant, intimidated, or like you're living beneath your potential, this episode is for you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The two powerful questions God asks repeatedly in Scripture — and why they change everything How negative self-talk creates "self-made prisons" (and how to walk out of them) Why Gideon's story resonates so deeply with fear, insecurity, and calling What it means to do the hard thing scared — and why that's often real faith How other people's words (teachers, parents, leaders) quietly shape our identity Why community is essential for spiritual growth — and why "just me and God" isn't enough How to handle criticism, misunderstanding, and being judged for your motives The difference between humility and shrinking back from what God has asked you to do A powerful picture of laying down both criticism and praise before God Key Moments & Themes: "Who told you?" — Identifying the source of the lies you're believing Earl's upbringing with a single mom and how God used unlikely environments to shape his calling The freedom that comes from realizing you cannot control how others perceive you Why tearing down old "altars" from your past is part of stepping into your future The danger of listening to voices that don't have authority in your life Learning to accept God-given responsibility without turning it into pride A Quote You'll Want to Sit With: "The pride isn't stepping forward — the pride is refusing to step into what God has asked you to do." Action Step for This Week: Ask God — honestly and quietly — these two questions: "Where am I really?" "Who told me this about myself?" Then, share what comes up with one trusted, godly person in your life. Don't process it alone. Resources Mentioned: Get Your Spirit Back by Earl McClellan - https://www.amazon.com/Get-Your-Spirit-Back-Self-Talk/dp/0593445643 The story of Gideon (Judges 6–7, NLT) Revelation 4 (the elders laying down their crowns) Final Encouragement: You don't have to feel ready. You don't have to feel confident. You just have to be willing. God isn't asking you to be fearless — He's asking you to be faithful. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/Yahvsl-ry0I)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

A viral clip claims something shocking: any pastor who gets paid by a church will eventually be corrupted by money. It's a bold accusation — and honestly, harder to dismiss than you might think. In this episode, Bob and Linda watch the clip, slow it down, and wrestle with the real tension underneath the claim. Is the modern church system broken? Does money inevitably compromise spiritual leadership? Or is this another example of painting faithful people with too broad a brush? This conversation isn't defensive or dismissive. It's thoughtful, biblical, and honest — especially for anyone who's experienced church hurt, wrestled with money in ministry, or wondered how pastors are actually supposed to live. In this episode, we discuss: The viral argument that "no pastor escapes being corrupted by church money" Why temptation does not equal sin — for pastors or anyone else How this logic breaks down when applied to everyday work and income Why most pastors are not in ministry for the money (and the real stats behind pastor burnout) The unseen pressures pastors carry — isolation, expectations, and spiritual attack What the Bible actually says about paying those who preach the Gospel Paul's tent-making example — and what it does (and doesn't) prove Why rest, Sabbath, and sabbaticals may be more of the solution than changing pay structures How church hurt can quietly turn into distrust of God if we're not careful What it looks like to give pastors grace without excusing real abuse Key Scriptures referenced (NLT): "The Lord has commanded that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it." — 1 Corinthians 9:14 "Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money." — 1 Timothy 6:17 "You cannot serve both God and money." — Matthew 6:24 A key takeaway: Money creates tension — but tension doesn't automatically lead to corruption. The real danger comes from isolation, burnout, lack of accountability, and forgetting how deeply human our pastors actually are. If you've ever wondered whether the church can handle money faithfully — or whether pastors can be trusted at all — this episode offers a more hopeful, biblically grounded way forward. If this episode encouraged or challenged you, share it with someone who loves the Church but struggles with trust. And if you're a pastor listening: you are not alone, you are not invisible, and you are not wrong for receiving support as you serve God's people. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/lXTSQrNK9wE)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

What if obedience doesn't lead to the breakthrough you expected? Andy and Serena Ryan did "the right things." They took a biblical money course. They committed to tithing. They tried to steward their finances faithfully. And then everything fell apart. They lost income. Fell behind on rent. Needed food pantries and church assistance. And eventually—after months of praying for a miracle—they packed up their family and moved into an RV in someone else's backyard. This episode isn't a prosperity story. It's a surrender story. In one of the most vulnerable conversations we've ever had on the podcast, Andy and Serena share how their financial collapse became the very thing God used to reshape their hearts, heal their marriage, humble their pride, and prepare them to steward money in a way they never could before. Their turnaround didn't come from a check in the mail. It came when they stopped clinging to how they thought life had to go—and released it to God. In this episode, we talk about: Why radical generosity without clarity can still lead to chaos The hidden danger of "YOLO money" and living paycheck-to-paycheck—even with faith What it feels like to receive help when you've always been the helper The difference between humility and humiliation How to discern God's voice when everyone around you is saying something different Why surrender often comes before provision—not after How living with less brought more joy, peace, and community than they'd ever known What changed when they finally stopped fighting God's plan and trusted His timing Andy and Serena also share how God eventually restored stability—not instantly, not painlessly, but faithfully—and how they're now paying off debt, rebuilding their credit, and stewarding money with a completely new mindset. If you're walking through financial stress, uncertainty, or a season that doesn't look anything like what you prayed for, this conversation will remind you: rock bottom is not the end of your story. "Sometimes the things we look to for hope are the very things we need to release to God." Scripture referenced (NLT): "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones…" — Luke 16:10 "That is why we never give up… our present troubles are small and won't last very long." — 2 Corinthians 4:16–17 This episode is for encouragement and education—not individualized financial advice. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/JIdhLJ68Eoo)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

Most Christians agree that materialism is bad… but few of us have ever connected the clutter in our garages to the condition of our hearts. In this episode, Bob sits down with Joshua Becker (author of Uncluttered Faith and founder of BecomingMinimalist.com) to explore a provocative idea: what if consumerism isn't just a money issue—but a spiritual one? Joshua makes the case that the things we own—and the things we want—may be quietly choking out our fruitfulness, distracting us from God's best, and stealing time, energy, and joy we didn't realize we were losing. And yes… we even ask the question: Is your Amazon cart spiritual warfare? In this conversation, you'll discover: Why Jesus said riches, pleasures, and worries choke out spiritual fruit—and why that sounds a lot like modern America The difference between owning less and wanting less (and why the second one matters more) Why abundance in the Bible doesn't mean "more stuff" How clutter quietly costs you time, attention, peace, and generosity The surprising connection between minimalism and discipleship Why getting rid of "just a few towels" actually can change your life How to take a realistic first step—without living out of a backpack Joshua also reframes some of the most well-known verses in Scripture, showing how deeply Jesus tied our spiritual lives to our relationship with money and possessions—and how freedom often starts with subtraction, not addition. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your stuff, confused about God's promises of abundance, or stuck chasing things that never quite satisfy, this episode may change how you see everything you own. Key Scriptures Mentioned (NLT): Luke 8:14–15 – The parable of the soils Matthew 13:44–46 – The hidden treasure & pearl Luke 18:22 – The rich young ruler Philippians 4:11–13 – Contentment in Christ Matthew 6:33 – Seeking the Kingdom first About Today's Guest: Joshua Becker is the founder of BecomingMinimalist.com and the author of multiple bestselling books, including Uncluttered Faith. His work helps people align their homes, finances, and lives with what matters most. 👉 Learn more at BecomingMinimalist.com Action Item for the Week: Pick one small area of your home (a drawer, a shelf, or a closet) and remove duplicates or items you no longer use. As you do, ask: "What might this be freeing me up for?" Sometimes the blessing you're praying for is waiting on the clutter you're willing to release. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who feels overwhelmed by their stuff—and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/257_beM66U8)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.