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.

Everyone online makes entrepreneurship look like the ultimate path to freedom—but the truth is far more complicated.

After 18 years of building SeedTime, Bob & Linda open up about what most people never say out loud: the failures, the mental load, the pivots, the spiritual battle, and why starting a business isn't automatically God's will for everyone.

If you're dreaming of quitting your job… or you already have a business and feel the weight of it… this honest, hope-filled conversation will help you discern your next step with wisdom, peace, and biblical grounding.

What We Cover

• Why 95% of their entrepreneurial attempts failed (and why that's normal)
• The truth behind "being your own boss" (spoiler: you still have bosses)
• The 87% mental-health struggle rate among founders
• How social media romanticizes entrepreneurship—and how Christians should see it differently
• When hating your job doesn't mean God is calling you to start a business
• What Scripture actually teaches about work, calling, and servanthood
• How prayer sustained SeedTime (including years of praying daily over the book)
• Why purpose—not profit—is the only sustainable fuel for entrepreneurs
• The friend who lost everything building a business… only to discover God's better plan in a "regular job"
• The role of humility, long checklists, and constant pivots in real-life entrepreneurship

Scripture Mentioned (NLT)

• Colossians 3:23 — Work willingly as though working for the Lord.
• Mark 10:44 — "Whoever wants to be first must be the servant of all."

Who This Episode Is For

✓ The employee dreaming of quitting a job they hate ✓ The entrepreneur who feels tired, discouraged, or unseen ✓ The Christian wrestling with calling, purpose, or career direction ✓ Anyone wondering, "Is entrepreneurship really for me?"

Share This Episode

Know someone wrestling with career decisions or dreaming about starting a business? Send this their way—they'll thank you later.

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.

Pastor and bestselling author Mark Batterson joins Bob to unpack one of the most misunderstood principles of growth: the way breakthroughs actually happen—gradually, then suddenly.

From Warren Buffett's compounding to Jim Carrey's famed $10M check, to the long arc of ministry, writing, generosity, and family life, this conversation is a hopeful reset for anyone who feels "behind."

In This Episode

• Why most "overnight success" stories take decades
• What 95-year-olds say they would do differently (and how it should change our lives today)
• The "25-year time machine" mindset that makes ordinary moments priceless
• Why young adults often underestimate what God can do in 10–20 years
• How Mark pastors a church with seven properties and zero debt — and the long-term mindset behind it
• Turning your church "inside out": how NCC generates $2M/year through marketplace engagement
• The hidden power of giving goals (and the difference between getting vs. giving goals)
• The surprising truth about Buffett's wealth: it's not returns… it's time
• Mark's take on grand gestures, faith steps, and why God honors long obedience
• Bob's story of writing a 5-year giving goal that seemed impossible—and what God did
• What to do when your dream is taking way longer than you thought

Key Quotes

• "You'll overestimate what you can do in two years and underestimate what God can do in ten." —Mark Batterson
• "Faith is taking the first step before God reveals the second." —Mark Batterson
• "The greatest risk is taking no risks." —Mark Batterson
• "We decided to do a ten-year book launch. Let's give it a decade and see if it's any good." —Bob Lotich

Timestamps

00:00 — Why get-rich-quick thinking never works

01:00 — Introducing Mark Batterson & the story behind Gradually, Then Suddenly

02:00 — What 95-year-olds regret most

04:00 — The "25-year time machine" for parenting and life

05:00 — Why we plan vacations better than our futures

07:00 — The power of long-range thinking (and why it's so rare)

08:00 — Why most people quit right before the breakthrough

10:00 — Bob's 10-year book launch strategy

12:00 — Early results vs. long obedience

14:00 — The myth of the fast start: Circle Maker sales + slow beginnings

16:00 — Teaching a generation to love "gradually"

19:00 — Mark's 29-year pastoral journey and miraculous property story

21:00 — Why NCC's venue generates $2M/year

24:00 — What church leaders can learn from marketplace strategy

28:00 — Jim Carrey's $10M check and the power of a grand gesture

29:00 — Bob's five-year giving goal that changed everything

32:00 — How giving goals open doors for God to move

34:00 — What to do with dreams that are taking too long

35:00 — Closing encouragement + where to get the book

Resources & Links

• Mark Batterson's new book: Gradually, Then Suddenly
• The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
• Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
• Perennial Seller by Ryan Holiday

If You Enjoyed This Episode

Please leave a rating & review — it helps more people discover the show and live with biblical wisdom about money, purpose, and calling.

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.

In this tender, emotional episode, Bob and Linda open up about a simple idea that completely reframed how they parent: the "$50,000 Moment."

It started with a story Bob read — one so moving he couldn't finish it without crying — about a dad who imagined paying $50,000 to relive a single bedtime with his 10-year-old. That thought experiment changed him, and now it's changing the Lotich household too.

If you're a parent (or even if you aren't), this episode will recalibrate how you see the people in your life and remind you of the beauty tucked into ordinary days.

In This Episode:

• The story that made Bob stop checking the clock at bedtime
• Why we forget the voices of our kids at different ages
• The biblical wisdom behind remembering the brevity of life
• How to recognize "$50,000 moments" in real time
• Why presence is a discipleship practice—not a personality trait
• What Jesus and Mr. Rogers both modeled about "holy slowness"
• How this principle applies to more than kids
• A tender story about Bob's uncle and what it taught him about presence

Scripture Mentioned (NLT):

• Psalm 90:12 — "Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom."

Key Takeaways:

1. You won't realize the value of a moment until it's gone. Bob shares how he can no longer remember what his now-11-year-old sounded like as a six-year-old—and how that realization hit him like a ton of bricks.
2. Future you would pay anything to get today back. The "time-machine thought experiment" reframes bedtime, routines, and interruptions as priceless opportunities.
3. Presence is a form of love—and discipleship. Looking at the way Jesus interacted with people, we see an invitation to slow down and be with those around us.
4. This isn't just about kids. Parents, friends, coworkers, church community members—none of us are guaranteed another moment together.
5. You don't have to create regrets. You can create reminders. Bob calls them $50,000 moments—a cue to pause, breathe, and fully engage.

Practical Ways to Apply This:

• Ask yourself during ordinary moments: "If I had to pay to relive this, how much would I spend?"
• During bedtime or stressful transitions, picture your 80-year-old self watching.
• Treat others—kids, friends, the barista, the bus driver—as people God placed in your path today.
• Practice the "Fred Rogers pause": give full attention to whoever is in front of you.

Links & Mentions:

• Gradually, Then Suddenly by Mark Batterson
• Let's Retire Retirement by Derek Coburn

Share This Episode

If you know a parent in the thick of it, or someone who needs a reminder to slow down and savor what matters—send this to them.

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.

Just a 4-minute little reminder today! What if one short, 29-word sentence from the Bible could shift the atmosphere in your home, change how you see your finances, and remind you that God Himself has placed His name on you?

In this episode, Bob & Linda dive into the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6 — a prayer that God commanded to be spoken over His people. You've probably heard it before, maybe even sung it in church, but chances are you've never fully realized its power in your daily life

📖 Scripture highlight: "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace." (Numbers 6:24–26, NLT)

💡 This week's action step: Speak the Aaronic blessing out loud once a day—over yourself, your family, or your finances. Notice how it shifts your mindset and brings peace.

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."

In this episode, I sat down with PJ Vescovi — financial advisor, pastor, and author of The Great Money Reform — and this one's going to challenge you in the best way possible.

We dove deep into the 5 keys to being a truly good steward, not just in theory, but in daily decisions. PJ's insights are fire — especially his stories around radical generosity, godly work ethic, and the real reason you're not walking in financial freedom.

This isn't your average money conversation. This is faith, finance, and focus colliding in a way that'll leave you rethinking how you spend, give, invest, and even parent.

If you've ever asked:

• "How do I know if I'm being obedient with my money?"

• "Am I managing my finances with intentionality, or just winging it?"

• "Why is God calling me to give something that doesn't make sense financially?"

Then this episode is your blueprint.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• PJ Vescovi's book: The Great Money Reform — https://amzn.to/4qOTuN0

• Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud — http://amzn.to/3XMPfA0

• Atomic Habits by James Clear — https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

• Get our award-winning book Simple Money, Rich Life — http://seedtime.com/free

Let's be a generation that stewards well — not just for ourselves, but for the Kingdom.

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/pCExM8e7A18)!

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 900 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.

71% of Americans admit they're losing sleep over money—but Jesus already gave us the cure in the most famous sermon ever preached.

In this episode, Bob and Linda unpack the surprising connection between mammon, anxiety, and misplaced treasure—and share the one simple prayer that can break financial fear and open the door to God's peace and provision.

They walk through Matthew 6:19–34, revealing how birds and lilies understand something most believers forget: your value isn't in what you own—it's in who owns you.

What You'll Learn:

• The hidden link between serving mammon and constant money stress
• Why Jesus' words in Matthew 6 are a direct cure for financial anxiety
• The "treasure principle" that keeps peace and provision flowing
• How comparison steals your provision (and how to stop)
• A practical, Biblical step you can take today to renounce financial fear

Scripture References (NLT):

• Matthew 6:19–34 — "You cannot serve both God and money."
• Philippians 4:6–7 — "Don't worry about anything; pray about everything."
• Genesis 8:22 — "Seedtime and harvest will never cease."

Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel! (https://youtu.be/BkqokuEOHM8)

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.

What if the greatest danger in our giving isn't how much we give—but why we give?

In this episode, Bob and Linda unpack one of the most shocking stories in Acts 5: the tale of Ananias and Sapphira.

Why did God respond so severely—and what does it reveal about our own struggles with wealth, legacy, and generosity? Together, we wrestle with the tension between leaving an inheritance (Proverbs 13:22) and practicing radical generosity (Acts 4, Matthew 6:33).

You'll hear how this tension has played out in our own finances, and we'll share a 4-part framework to help you align your money with God's priorities—without guilt, fear, or legalism.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the story of Ananias & Sapphira still convicts believers today.
• The hidden danger of looking generous versus being generous.
• How Barnabas modeled the right heart posture in giving.
• 4-part biblical framework for wealth + generosity: Provide, Preserve, Prioritize, Pivot.
• Practical questions to evaluate your heart when it comes to money

Scripture Anchors (NLT):

• Acts 5:1–11 — The sobering story of Ananias & Sapphira.
• Proverbs 13:22 — "Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren…"
• Matthew 6:33 — "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…"
• 1 Timothy 5:8 — "Those who won't care for their relatives… have denied the true faith."

Listen & Share:

If this conversation challenged you, would you share it with a friend? Let's normalize radical obedience and kingdom generosity in today's world.

Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel! (https://youtu.be/_AonHZ0jWnk)

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.