SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich

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.

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.

In this episode, Bob and Linda unpack spiritual habits found in Scripture that quietly shape financial outcomes—habits that have nothing to do with spreadsheets or hustle culture, but everything to do with becoming the kind of person money can be trusted with.
 
These aren't the usual "Christian money tips." They're deeper.
 
And once you see them, you can't unsee them.
 
 
🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode
Bob and Linda walk through 7 overlooked spiritual disciplines that directly affect how we earn, spend, save, and steward money:
Why fasting trains your "no muscle"—and why self-control matters more than budgeting

How integrity in the small things (the ones no one sees) protects your finances long-term

The quiet power of choosing the right friends—and how the wrong voices shape your future

Why wasting time eventually leads to wasting money (Ephesians 5:16)

How rest, not grinding, invites God's provision (and why Chick-fil-A is a case study)

Why gratitude shifts you from scarcity to abundance (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

The biblical formula for prosperity and success most people skip (Joshua 1:8)

Along the way, they share personal stories—from fasting and spending fasts, to integrity decisions that cost them in the moment but paid off long-term—and explain why God's math often looks different than ours.
 
📖 Scriptures Referenced (NLT)
Matthew 6

2 Corinthians 9

Proverbs 13:20

Ephesians 5:16

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Joshua 1:8

 
📣 Share This Episode
Know someone who's frustrated with their finances and feels stuck?
Send them this episode—it might reframe everything.
 
Educational content only. This episode is not individualized financial advice.
 
 
Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/lcpak8giDn4)!
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.

Spiritual abuse around money almost made us stop giving altogether.
 
We've seen manipulation from the pulpit.
We've witnessed leaders mishandle funds.
We've felt the tension between honoring God and distrusting institutions.
 
And yet… we still tithe.
 
In this episode, Bob and Linda have an honest, nuanced conversation about why they chose not to let other people's failures steal something God wanted to use for their freedom.
This is not a legalistic defense of tithing.
 
It's a heart-level conversation about obedience, trust, healing, and separating God's command from human hypocrisy.
 
If you've ever thought:
"I don't trust where the money goes"

"I've seen too much abuse"

"Is tithing even for today?"

"I want to honor God, but I'm conflicted"

This episode is for you.
 


Key Scriptures (NLT)
Proverbs 3:9–10 — Honor the Lord with your wealth

Deuteronomy 8:18 — God gives the power to create wealth

Matthew 6:33 — Seek first the Kingdom

Luke 6:38 — Give, and it will be given to you

2 Corinthians 9 — Sowing and reaping with the right heart

Matthew 23:23 — Jesus affirms tithing without legalism

 
Action Item for This Week
Take 10 quiet minutes and pray this simple prayer:
"God, what does generosity look like for me right now?"
Write down what comes to mind.
Don't rush it. Don't rationalize it.
Just ask… and listen.
 
Don't let someone else's disobedience steal your opportunity to trust God.
👉If this episode helped you, share it with someone who's wrestling with giving—or spiritual hurt around money.
 
Gentle Disclaimer
This episode is for biblical and educational purposes only and is not personalized financial advice. Pray, seek wise counsel, and follow the Holy Spirit's leading in your own giving decisions.
 
Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/0ECDgwsssrs)!
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.