Forgiveness is hard—especially when someone deeply wounds you. But today’s episode shows how letting go of bitterness can unlock a freedom that changes everything.

What do you do when someone hurts you so deeply, it feels impossible to forgive?

Holding onto that pain can feel like control—but it’s actually a prison. And if you’ve ever struggled to forgive, you’re not alone.

Today’s devotion explores one powerful act of mercy that stunned the world—and how it mirrors the way Christ forgives us.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why forgiveness isn’t forgetting—and what it actually means
• What happens inside us when we hold on to bitterness
• How the forgiveness we’ve received from God empowers us to forgive others

You don’t have to carry this hurt forever. Letting go might be the most freeing thing you ever do.

Share this episode: https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/35.

WANT SOMEONE TO PRAY WITH YOU?

You don’t have to carry what you’re facing alone. I’d be honored to pray for you.

Click “Send me a text” at the end of these show notes, or leave a voicemail by visiting www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/voicemail.

Whatever you’re walking through—God sees, and I’ll be praying.

SCRIPTURE VERSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Ephesians 4:32

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Feeling spiritually drained? Start here. Download your free copy of my eBook Making Time for Jesus here.

If Fort Knox can protect gold with unbreakable security, how much more secure are you in God’s hands? Today’s devotion explores the incredible promise that you’ve been sealed by the Holy Spirit—forever His, forever safe.

Ever feel unsure about your salvation, like maybe you’ve messed up too much to still belong to God?

In today’s episode, we’ll take a look at one of the most secure places on earth and what it teaches us about how God protects what He values. Then we’ll dig into Ephesians 1:13–14 and discover the rock-solid promise of being sealed by the Holy Spirit.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why the phrase “sealed by the Holy Spirit” is one of the most comforting truths in Scripture
• How your identity and salvation are held securely in God’s hands
• A new reason to walk in confidence, knowing your future is already guaranteed

This is one of those truths worth sharing—so go ahead and pass it on. The link to this episode is https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/34.

NEED PRAYER?

If today’s message stirred something in your heart and you’d like someone to pray with you, I’d be honored.

Click “Send me a text” at the end of these show notes or leave a private voicemail by visiting www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/voicemail. Your request will be held in confidence.

SCRIPTURE VERSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Ephesians 1:13–14 (NKJV)

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”

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If this podcast encourages you, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep sharing God’s Word and bringing these devotions to life each weekday. Become a supporter today.

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Feeling spiritually drained? Start here. Download your free copy of my eBook Making Time for Jesus here.

It’s not a lack of talent that derails most plans—it’s the failure to listen. Today’s devotion explores how listening to wise counsel can protect you from regret and guide you toward lasting success.

Do you ever ignore advice because you think you’ve got it covered?

In today’s episode, we look at the infamous Fyre Festival disaster and how one man’s refusal to listen landed him in prison. Then we turn to Proverbs 15:22 and a quote from a 15th-century theologian to remind us why listening to godly counsel is a sign of strength, not weakness.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• What happens when we ignore wise voices and go it alone
• Why Proverbs 15:22 is a lifeline for decision-making
• One practical step to help you move forward with humility and wisdom

Wise decisions start with humble hearts.

Share this episode with someone who’s facing a big decision today. The link to this episode is https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/33.

NEED PRAYER?

If you’re navigating something heavy or unclear, I’d be honored to pray for you.

Click “Send me a text” at the end of these show notes or leave a private voicemail byto www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/voicemail. Your request will be held in confidence.

SCRIPTURE VERSE MENTIONED:

Proverbs 15:22 (NLT) —

“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.”

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If this podcast encourages you, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep sharing God’s Word and bringing these devotions to life each weekday. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

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Website: https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com

Feeling spiritually drained? Start here. Download your free copy of my eBook Making Time for Jesus here.

The Kingdom of God isn’t a race to the top—it’s a mission we carry together. In today’s devotion, we look at a high-stakes rivalry that turned into cooperation and what Scripture teaches about trading comparison for teamwork.

Do you ever feel like you’re falling behind or trying to prove yourself—even in ministry or relationships?

Today’s devotion takes us back to the height of the Cold War and the space race, where two fierce rivals eventually became unlikely partners. Then, we turn to 1 Corinthians 3 to discover why in God’s Kingdom, we’re not competitors—we’re co-workers on the same mission.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How the U.S. and Soviet Union went from rivals to partners
• What Paul told a divided church about comparison and calling
• How you can shift from competition to collaboration in your own life

You were never meant to build God’s Kingdom alone.

Share this episode with someone you want to serve alongside. You can send them to dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/32

If you’re struggling with comparison, or just need someone to lift you up in prayer, I’d be honored to pray for you.

Click “Send me a text” at the end of these show notes or leave a private voicemail by going to www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/voicemail. Your request will be held in confidence.

SCRIPTURE VERSE MENTIONED:

1 Corinthians 3:5–9 (NLT) —

“What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed… For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”

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Support the show

If this podcast encourages you, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep sharing God’s Word and bringing these devotions to life each weekday. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dailydevotionsforbusylives

Website: https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com

Feeling spiritually drained? Start here. Download your free copy of my eBook Making Time for Jesus here.

When life knocks you down, who helps you back up? Today’s devotion tells the true story of a marathon runner who couldn’t finish alone—and the biblical truth that we were never meant to.

Ever felt like you’re about to fall apart—right before the finish line?

In this episode, we unpack one of the most powerful moments from the London Marathon and why Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 reminds us we were created for connection. Whether you’re the one reaching out or the one being carried, this devotion is for you.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• What a viral moment in a marathon teaches us about true friendship
• What Scripture says about why we all need help sometimes
• Why you need a faith community—and how to take the first step

Someone you know might be barely holding on.

Share this episode and help carry them one step closer to hope. https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/31

NEED PRAYER?

If you’re feeling worn out or trying to walk alone, I’d be honored to pray for you.

Click “Send me a text” at the end of these show notes or leave a private voicemail by going to www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/voicemail and leave me a voicemail. I will hold your request in confidence and pray for you regularly.

SCRIPTURE VERSE MENTIONED:

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NLT) —

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”

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Support the show

If this podcast encourages you, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep sharing God’s Word and bringing these devotions to life each weekday. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dailydevotionsforbusylives

Website: https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com

Feeling spiritually drained? Start here. Download your free copy of my eBook Making Time for Jesus here.

At his lowest moment, Kevin Hines jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge—and immediately wanted to live. Today’s devotion offers hope for anyone battling despair and reminds us how one simple question could save a life.

What if one question could stop someone from ending their life?

At age 19, Kevin Hines jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge. The moment he let go, he regretted it. Miraculously, he survived—and now shares his story to help others. In today’s devotion, we look at what Psalm 34:18 says about God’s nearness in our darkest moments, and how we can be part of someone else’s rescue.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The heartbreaking truth Kevin realized the moment he jumped
• What Psalm 34:18 promises to the crushed and brokenhearted
• Why asking “Are you OK?” might be the most powerful thing you do today

If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please don’t wait.

Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential help.

NEED PRAYER?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I’d be honored to pray for you.

Click “Send me a text” at the end of these show notes or leave a private voicemail at www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/voicemail. You’re not alone—and I’ll hold your request in confidence.

Bring Suicide Intervention Training to your church or organization

You can learn how to save a life in as little as 2 hours. Go to https://stresscaredoc.com/suicide-intervention-training to find out how to bring this training to your church or organization.

SCRIPTURE VERSE MENTIONED:

Psalm 34:18 (NLT) — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

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Support the show

If this podcast encourages you, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep sharing God’s Word and bringing these devotions to life each weekday. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dailydevotionsforbusylives

Website: https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com

Feeling spiritually drained? Start here. Download your free copy of my eBook Making Time for Jesus here.

Parenting can feel like herding cubs across a busy road—frustrating, exhausting, and never-ending. But today’s devotion brings hope from God’s Word for every weary parent who wonders if their love is really making a difference.

Ever feel like no one sees how hard you’re working to love your kids well?

Maybe you’re tired of repeating yourself, praying the same prayers, or feeling like you’re getting nowhere. Today, we’ll look at one mama bear’s chaotic street-crossing adventure and what Galatians 6:9 says to every parent who’s wondering, “Is any of this working?”

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why your everyday love matters more than you think
• What Scripture promises to those who keep showing up, even when they feel worn down
• One truth to hold on to when parenting feels more frustrating than fruitful

Know someone trying their best to love their kids through a hard season?

Send this episode their way—you might be the encouragement they didn’t know they needed today.

NEED PRAYER?

If parenting or loving others is wearing you out, I’d be honored to pray for you.

Just click “Send me a text” at the end of these show notes, or tap the microphone icon in the bottom right corner at www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com. I’ll hold your request in confidence and pray for you regularly.

SCRIPTURE VERSE MENTIONED:

Galatians 6:9 (NLT) — “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

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Support the show

If this podcast encourages you, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep sharing God’s Word and bringing these devotions to life each weekday. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dailydevotionsforbusylives

Website: https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com

Feeling spiritually drained? Start here. Download your free copy of my eBook Making Time for Jesus here.

We only get one life—and it’s easy to waste it chasing things that don’t matter. In today’s devotion, we’ll hear what Jesus and hospice patients have in common when it comes to living a life you won’t regret.

What would you do differently if you knew your time was almost up?

That’s the question one palliative care nurse asked her dying patients—and what they shared is a wake-up call for the rest of us. Jesus told a story in Luke 12 about a man who had it all—except what mattered most. Let’s talk about how you can live a life of peace, not regret.

What would you do differently if you knew your time was almost up?

That’s the question one palliative care nurse asked her dying patients—and what they shared is a wake-up call for the rest of us. Jesus told a story in Luke 12 about a man who had it all—except what mattered most. Let’s talk about how you can live a life of peace, not regret.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The five most common regrets people have at the end of their lives
• Why Jesus warned against “bigger barns” thinking—and what to build instead
• One step you can take today to start living for what really matters

Don’t wait for a crisis to reorder your priorities. The good news is—you can live with purpose now and finish with peace later.

NEED PRAYER?

If this episode stirred something in you, I’d be honored to pray for you.

Click “Send me a text” at the end of these show notes or leave me a voicemail by tapping the microphone icon in the bottom right corner at www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com. I’ll hold your request in confidence and pray for you regularly.

https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/voicemail/

Luke 12:16–21

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Support the show

If this podcast encourages you, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep sharing God’s Word and bringing these devotions to life each weekday. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dailydevotionsforbusylives

Website: https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com

Feeling spiritually drained? Start here. Download your free copy of my eBook Making Time for Jesus here.