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.

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:

1. Identify one limiting belief you inherited about money.
2. Find one biblical truth that directly contradicts it.
3. 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.

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.