SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich

They unpack a single commanded memory in Scripture: the sowing and reaping principle about generous giving. They trace how that truth got sidelined by prosperity gospel abuses and scarcity mindsets. They warn about manipulation versus faithful generosity and show how quiet, steady giving multiplies influence over time.

They explore how inflation and the 1971 shift to fiat money quietly erode purchasing power. The conversation highlights biblical concerns about dishonest weights and measures and contrasts Scripture’s money concepts with today’s system. Listeners hear why gold and Bitcoin are discussed as stores of value and why keeping all savings in cash can threaten long‑term generosity.

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.

Serena Ryan, who lived through eviction and a year in an RV, shares lessons on surrender, generosity, and reshaped priorities. Andy Ryan, who rebuilt finances after collapse, talks humility, restoration, and practical stewardship. They discuss tithing that preceded loss, relying on community, the sting of receiving help, and how surrender led to unexpected healing and new stability.

Joshua Becker, founder of BecomingMinimalist.com and author focused on simplifying life. He argues that consumerism can distract from spiritual growth. He contrasts owning less with wanting less. He reframes biblical abundance and links minimalism to discipleship. He offers realistic first steps and shows how small decluttering decisions compound into more time, peace, and generosity.

Is God Warning Us About AI? The Biblical Case for Preparing Now! Before every major disruption in Scripture—famine, flood, exile—God warned His people first. Those who listened didn't just survive… they thrived. So what if we're living in one of those moments right now? In this episode, Bob and Linda wrestle with a question many Christians are quietly asking: What does the rise of AI mean for our work, our finances, and our faith—and how should God's people respond? This isn't fear-based. It's faith-filled preparation. From Joseph storing grain before the famine, to Noah building the ark long before the rain, to Jesus warning His followers before Jerusalem fell—Scripture shows a consistent pattern: preparation is not a lack of faith; it's often the clearest expression of it. In this episode, we cover: Why AI disruption isn't "coming someday" — it's already here What experts (and business owners) are seeing happen to jobs in real time Elon Musk's claim that work may soon be optional—and what that could mean short-term The biblical pattern of warning → preparation → provision Why the story of Joseph matters more now than ever The tension between trusting God and taking wise action How AI might affect not just our work—but our walk with the Lord Why the Holy Spirit can never be replaced (no matter how advanced technology gets) A key idea from the episode: Preparation is the expression of faith when God gives a warning. The goal isn't panic. It's prayer. Not prediction—but discernment. The question we want you to sit with this week: If you knew your income could be reduced or eliminated in the next few years, what would you do right now? We're not giving a one-size-fits-all plan—because this is something only God can speak into personally. But we are inviting you to slow down, get quiet, and ask Him a simple, powerful question: "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Then listen. Scriptures referenced (NLT): Genesis 41 – Joseph prepares for the famine Proverbs 22:3 – "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions…" Luke 12:15–21 – The Rich Fool Luke 21:20–21 – Jesus warns of Jerusalem's destruction Matthew 25:1–13 – The wise and foolish virgins Final encouragement: God is still on the throne. He still provides. And He still speaks to His people. The question isn't whether the world is changing—it is. The question is whether we'll listen, prepare, and walk forward in faith. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/ZVRvsMDC8wc)! 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 wealth isn't about luck, connections, or hustle—but about how you think? In today's episode, we unpack a fascinating story of a 17-year-old dishwasher who spent a decade working inside a high-end country club alongside ultra-wealthy members. What he learned completely dismantled common assumptions about rich people—and surprisingly, many of his lessons line up directly with Scripture. Bob and Linda walk through 7 mindset shifts that separate people who grow wealth from those who stay stuck, and why renewing your mind around money may be the most biblical financial move you can make. This isn't about chasing money—it's about becoming the kind of person God can trust with more. Episode Highlights 1. Rich people aren't greedy—greed is the problem Money doesn't change your heart; it amplifies what's already there. When we believe "all rich people are greedy," we subconsciously sabotage our own growth. 2. Be cool (aka: be kind) True wealth shows up as humility and generosity toward those earlier on the path. Kindness is influence. 3. Wealthy kids inherit a mindset before they inherit money What did you inherit about money growing up? Limiting beliefs can be rewired—especially through God's Word. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." —Proverbs 23:7 (NLT) 4. You don't need school to be successful—but you do need wisdom Education matters, but obedience to God matters more. College doesn't guarantee provision—God does. 5. Stop chasing money; start creating value Money is a result, not a target. It's simply a reflection of the value you bring to others. 6. Money is a learnable skill You don't have to be "good at math" to be good with money. One book, one framework, one habit can radically change your financial future. 7. Focus on becoming who God created you to be Growth, wisdom, and Christlikeness compound over time—and so does stewardship. Key Scriptures Mentioned (NLT) Proverbs 23:7 — "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Romans 12:2 — "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." Matthew 6:26 — God's provision for the birds (and for you) Action Item for This Week Do these three things: Identify one limiting belief you inherited about money. Find one biblical truth that directly contradicts it. Learn one practical thing about how money actually works (book, podcast, or Scripture). Small shifts in thinking can unlock massive change. Wealth doesn't start in your bank account—it starts in your beliefs. 👉 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a mindset reset around money. Friendly Disclaimer This episode is for educational and biblical encouragement purposes only and is not individualized financial advice. Always seek wise counsel and pray through major financial decisions. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/ReosyCIO5zY)! 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.

They unpack seven spiritual habits that quietly shape finances, from fasting and spending fasts to building self-control. They highlight integrity in everyday business choices and the influence of close friends. They connect time stewardship, rest over hustle, and daily gratitude to long-term financial character.