SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich

What if the clearest wisdom for living well only shows up at the end of life?   After spending 15 years in hospice care, one nurse noticed a haunting pattern: when people are dying, the masks come off—and they all say remarkably similar things. Regrets.    Realizations. Truths they wish they'd acted on sooner.   In this episode, Bob & Linda unpack the 7 life lessons repeated again and again by people on their deathbeds—and how we can live differently now, without waiting for "someday." This isn't about morbid curiosity. It's about clarity.   "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." — Psalm 90:12 (NLT)   What You'll Learn 1. "I should have loved more—and differently" Why winning arguments often costs us relationships—and how to choose kindness before it's too late. 2. Forgiveness brings freedom (even physical peace) Stories of people who couldn't let go… until their final moments—and why forgiveness may be more urgent than we think. 📖 Matthew 6:14–15 (NLT) 3. Presence is the greatest gift you can give Why distraction is the modern disease—and how being fully present matters more than anything you can buy. 4. "I saved my joy for later… and later never came" The trap of someday living, money, and the tension between saving wisely and actually enjoying life. 5. The best things in life were free Dying people didn't miss achievements or possessions—they missed ordinary moments they were too busy to notice. 6. Regret comes from what you never tried Why people don't regret failure—they regret playing it safe and never starting the thing. 7. Peace comes when you stop pretending What happens when image management finally falls away—and how to live with that freedom now.   "Don't wait until your last breath to live free—start today." 👉 If this episode helped you, share it with someone you love and leave a review—it helps more people find the show.   Educational Disclaimer This episode is for biblical encouragement and general financial education—not personalized financial advice. Always seek wise counsel for your specific situation.     Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/J43rtDyLzEs)! 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 today's episode, Bob & Linda explore one of the most overlooked spiritual tests in the Christian life: how to stay dependent on God in the midst of blessings. Drawing from Joshua 11, they unpack the strange moment where God tells Israel to hamstring the horses and burn the enemy's chariots—the ancient equivalent of destroying tanks after a battle. Why would God command that? Because victories can be just as spiritually dangerous as trials. Through personal stories—from unexpected financial provision, to early blogging years, to painful seasons of health challenges—Bob & Linda reflect on how easy it is to place trust in the "chariots" of modern life: savings accounts, credit cards, systems, friendships, therapy, comfort, or even spiritual routines. This episode is an invitation to ask the Holy Spirit: "What chariot in my life have I started to rely on more than God?" It's a vulnerable, practical conversation about dependence, provision, and the subtle ways our security can shift from the Lord to the blessings He provides. (Scripture from NLT.)   Big Takeaways God sometimes blesses us with success—but the real test comes after the victory. "Chariots" today can be anything we lean on before we lean on God—money, strategies, credit cards, relationships, even good systems. Joshua's obedience protected Israel's dependence; Solomon's disobedience eroded his. Trusting God doesn't mean rejecting tools—it means refusing to let tools replace Him. Obedience may feel costly, but it leaves room for God's provision to be unmistakable.   Key Scriptures (NLT) Joshua 11 — God commands Israel to cripple the horses and burn the chariots. Psalm 20:7 — "Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God." Deuteronomy 17:16 — Instruction to future kings not to store up horses. Matthew 14 (referenced) — Jesus' exhausting day of grief, ministry, feeding the 5,000, walking on water, and praying through the night.   Highlighted Quotes from the Episode "Getting the blessing is one thing—keeping God at the center is another." "Some victories make you feel strong. God wants you to stay dependent." "You can have a blessed life and still miss what God is trying to form in you." "You're not called to trust the tool—only the One who provides it." "Ask the Holy Spirit: What chariot am I still holding onto?"   Timestamps 00:00 — The surprising test after a breakthrough 02:00 — Why did God tell Joshua to burn chariots? 04:15 — Dependence vs. self-reliance when life is going well 06:30 — Modern "chariots": money, comfort, systems, relationships 10:00 — A real inheritance story: when provision can become a trap 11:00 — Bob's personal story: the blog, losing his job, and losing their "income lifeline" 13:30 — How challenges can strengthen faith more than comfort 15:00 — Jesus' exhausting day: grief, ministry, storm 17:00 — Joshua vs. Solomon: a tale of two responses 20:00 — Is God asking you to lay something down? 25:00 — Guided prayer: "Lord, show me my chariots" 26:30 — Final verse + encouragement   Weekly Action Item Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal ONE "chariot" in your life—a place where you've subtly shifted trust from God to a tool, resource, or comfort. Write it down and pray: "Lord, show me how to surrender this and depend on You again."   CTA If you want help building money systems that support your trust in God rather than replace it, visit our SeedTime Money Resources Page for our latest guides and tools.     BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime).   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/4bPH1z_soAs! 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.

Jesus said, "Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."   But does that really mean Christians should never talk about giving?   In this episode, Bob and Linda tackle one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible—and why misreading it has quietly hurt generosity, discipleship, and spiritual growth in the church.   Sparked by a viral clip referencing Matthew 6, they walk through what Jesus was actually addressing (motive, not visibility), why public generosity shows up all over Scripture, and how sharing testimonies—when done with the right heart—can inspire radical obedience in others. This isn't about bragging.   It's about obedience, clarity, and letting God get the glory.       What You'll Learn in This Episode Why Matthew 6 is about motive, not secrecy How applying "give in secret" consistently would silence prayer and testimony too The difference between generosity that inspires vs generosity that performs Why public generosity is everywhere in Scripture (Barnabas, the Macedonian church, Zacchaeus, the widow's mite, Mary anointing Jesus) How generosity becomes contagious when stories are shared Practical ways to check your heart before sharing a testimony When God says "share it" — and when He says "keep it quiet"   Key Scriptures Mentioned (NLT) Matthew 6:1–4 — Giving with the right motive Acts 4–5 — Barnabas vs. Ananias & Sapphira Luke 19:8–9 — Zacchaeus' public repentance and generosity 2 Corinthians 8–9 — The Macedonian church & contagious generosity   A Key Takeaway God isn't after secrecy for secrecy's sake. He's after hearts that give for His glory, not human applause. Some generosity should be quiet. Some testimonies are meant to be shared. The wisdom is knowing the difference—and having the courage to obey either way.     Action Item for This Week Ask God one simple question in prayer: "Is there a generosity story You want me to share—or one You want me to keep private?" Then obey, even if it feels uncomfortable.     Generosity isn't about being seen—it's about letting God be seen. 👉 If this episode helped clarify something you've wrestled with, share it with a friend who needs this conversation.     Disclaimer: This content is for educational and spiritual encouragement only and is not individualized financial advice. Always pray and seek wise counsel as you apply biblical principles to your own life.   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/en12Gf9uDCU)! 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 of us were taught that faith means "trying really hard to believe" — especially with our finances. But in the Bible-study-style episode, Bob & Linda unpack Hebrews 11, Romans 10:17, and Jesus' "abide" teaching to reveal a surprising truth: 👉  Biblical faith isn't mustered. It's received. And once you see that, anxiety shrinks, striving stops, and finances shift. Join Bob & Linda as they walk through their own misconceptions about faith, why effort-based Christianity wears us out, and how to let God grow real, evidence-bearing faith in your financial life. This one is equal parts devotional, Bible study, and super pracitical conversation. What We Cover Why "trying harder to have faith" never works What Hebrews 11 actually teaches about faith as "evidence" Linda's family devotions and how teaching Scripture unlocks new revelation The surprising connection between faith, abiding, and legal authority in Scripture How faith grows (and why it's not through willpower) Why community + hearing the Word matters What Noah, Sarah, and Abraham teach us about doing hard things "by faith" How to apply faith to money without resorting to wishful thinking Why budgeting, paying bills, and taking small obedient steps are acts of faith How to pray Scripture over your finances when you feel uncertain   Key Scriptures (NLT) Hebrews 11:1 — "Faith shows the reality of what we hope for…" Romans 10:17 — "Faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News…" Psalm 46:10 — "Be still and know that I am God." John 15 — Jesus' teaching on abiding James 1:22 — "Be doers of the word, not hearers only."   Memorable Moments "If faith is evidence, it can't originate from me." "Abiding produces fruit — not effort." "Sometimes the faith God gives you feels like hope… but with legs." "Faith without works is dead — but striving isn't a fruit of the Spirit."   Practical Takeaways Immerse yourself in Scripture and let God give you faith rather than trying to manufacture it Look for the "tiny mustard seed" God is already giving you Identify one Scripture that keeps getting highlighted — that may be where God wants you to act Don't avoid financial decisions out of fear; small steps are how faith grows Teach what you're learning (to kids, friends, spouse) — it expands revelation    Resource Mentioned   📘 Prayers for Finances (Free PDF) — Scripture-based declarations to build faith in your money life. Grab it at: SeedTime.com/prayer   Episode Takeaway You don't need more willpower — you need to abide, hear the Word, and act on what God gives you. Faith grows where striving stops. BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime).     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. 

Today, Bob & Linda open up about one of the hardest seasons of their marriage — a months-long battle over a life-altering decision that left them in tears, confusion, and deep disunity. What they learned in that painful stretch has become the backbone of how they help couples navigate money disagreements today… especially when one spouse feels called by God to give and the other isn't on board. If you've ever wrestled with:"What do I do when I feel God nudging me to give — but my spouse isn't there?"…this episode will minister to you deeply. Together, they unpack four biblical principles for staying unified, honoring God, and discerning His timing — without forcing agreement or abandoning conviction.   KEY TOPICS COVERED ✔️ The Lowe's Parking Lot BreakdownBob shares the raw story of the only moment he thought their marriage might not make it — and how God used that season to refine both of their hearts. ✔️ Why the enemy always pushes "either/or" thinkingAnd how God always has a third option you haven't seen yet. ✔️ What to do when you feel called to give… and your spouse doesn't.A practical, grace-filled approach that protects unity and honors conviction. ✔️ The timing principle: when a word from God is real, but not for right now. A simple budgeting tool that can reduce giving conflicts instantly:Using individual "spending money" accounts without hiding money. ✔️ How to pray when you're frustrated, angry, or absolutely sure you're right.(With two real prayers Bob & Linda actually use.)   SCRIPTURES MENTIONED (NLT) James 1:2–5 — Endurance, wisdom, and the refinement of trials. Romans 8:28 — God working all things for good. Ephesians 5 — Mutual love and honor in marriage. 1 Peter 5:7 — Cast your cares on Him. THIS WEEK'S ACTION STEP Set aside one night to pray. Don't solve the issue. Don't debate it. Simply pray for unity, wisdom, and softened hearts — together if possible. If your spouse is not a believer or unwilling: Pray alone and gently reaffirm to them, "I'm not going to move forward without your blessing." Then… go on a date. Restore friendship first.     ABOUT SEEDTIME MONEY Bob & Linda Lotich help Christians transform their finances through biblical wisdom, simple systems, and a heart for generosity. Follow for practical steps, honest stories, and hope-filled conversations about money & purpose. BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime).   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.