Counseling Through the PsalmsPsalm 2Message OutlineThe nations rebel (Psalm 2:1-3)Rebellion in HeavenRebellion in the Garden of EdenRebellion in our heartsRebellion in the nationsGod is sovereign (Psalm 2:4-9)God laughsGod lead Humanity must submit to God’s Anointed (Psalm 2:10-12)Worship ChristFind your refuge in Christ_____________________________________________________________________________ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFEAre you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! LinksWebsite https://jameslongjr.org/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/ Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast Youtube – https://jameslongjr.org/youtube

Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.

L4L 82 - Is the World Out of Control? (Psalm 2)

Counseling through the PsalmsPsalm 1In our first episode, we start with an overview of how to study the book of Psalms.  We look at how Psalms are laid out, who wrote the Psalms, and how to pray the Psalms. We then start our study with a look at the first psalm. Highlights{01:20} Three keys to Bible study. Learn about God, Love God, Live like God{02:00} What are the Psalms. Praise, Distress, Lament, God’s judgment, Messianic, Enthralment, Wisdom, Trust{05:15} The five books of the Psalms{08:20} What is Meditation, Praying the Psalms{11:25} How to study the Psalms, read – Find the theme – Outline the passage – Find Jesus – Adore, Confess, Supplication.{13:50} Psalm 1{15:31} The two paths of Psalm 1{16:25} The elements of the blessed{29:24} The elements of the wicked{36:00} Concluding thoughts  _____________________________________________________________________________ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFEAre you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! LinksWebsite https://jameslongjr.org/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/ Apple Podcast - https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast Google Podcast - https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast Youtube - https://jameslongjr.org/youtube

LFL 81 - The Keys to a Blessed Life (Psalm 1)

Do you struggle with fear, anxiety, and worry? When you do struggle, where do you turn? When God created us, He created us dependent, and dependent on counsel, and we will be molded, changed and shaped by the counsel to which we listen?Unfortunately, too many people turn to everyone and everything but God for counsel. In this podcast, listen to how God counsels those of us who are fearful. Hear these precious promises from God that can support you during the most times.Blessings.

L4L 80 - God’s Counsel to the Fearful from Isaiah 41:10

MESSAGE OUTLINESober Responsibility: An urgent message from the LORD (Malachi 1:1)Steadfast Loyalty: God professes His love to His People  (Malachi 1:2a)Shocking Reply: His people doubt God’s love for them  (Malachi 1:2b)Striking Rebuttal: God’s love is demonstrated  (Malachi 1:3-4)Strong Promise: Perspective, Proclamation, and Praise of the Greatness the LORD  (Malachi 1:5)Bringing It Home: Christ - Our Loyal Lover CrossCertaintyComfort_____________________________________________________________________________ ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! https://jameslongjr.org/ https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr/ https://twitter.com/drjameslongjrhttps://jameslongjr.org/applepodcasthttps://jameslongjr.org/gogglepodcast https://jameslongjr.org/youtube

L4L 79 - Sermon - Malachi 1:1-5 - "Doubting God’s Love"

No CondemnationRomans 8:1-4In this chapter, Paul continues his discussion of the believer’s battle with indwelling sin. He begins the chapter by affirming that the believer is no longer under the guilt and condemnation of God’s wrath. He is freed from the law of sin and death and is not condemned. Therefore, his salvation is assured. In the first seven chapters, the Holy Spirit is mentioned only once. Now, in chapter 8, Paul mentions the Spirit almost twenty times. The believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit who regenerated him, is sanctifying him, and will resurrect him. The Holy Spirit aids the believer to put to death the deeds of the body (mortify the flesh). He also helps the believer in his weakness and encouraging his prayer life. The believer must endure various difficulties in this life but is kept secure by God. The believer is secured because he was predestined by the promise of God. He is safe and secure because God is for him, and God will not bring a charge against the justified person. Finally, God’s love for the believer is unalterable, unrestrained, and unlimited and nothing in all of the created order will ever separate a believer from it.In short, there can be no success or progress in the Christian life apart from utter dependence on the third Person of the Trinity.Paul closes the chapter with profound teaching about the believer’s absolute security. Not only are we saved by the blood of Christ and indwelt by the Spirit, but we also are safe in the Father’s love. The God who is in control of all things, who has graciously saved us from sin and death, and who has begun the process of transformation in us, will never let us go._____________________________________________________________________________ ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! https://jameslongjr.org/ https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr/ https://twitter.com/drjameslongjrhttps://jameslongjr.org/applepodcasthttps://jameslongjr.org/gogglepodcast https://jameslongjr.org/youtube

L4L 78 - Romans 8:1 "No Condemnation"

In this last message from Daniel 4, we learn that God rules. This fact should humble us and comfort us.MESSAGE OUTLINENebuchadnezzar’s praise to God (Daniel 4:1-3)Nebuchadnezzar calls the wise men of Babylon to come to interpret the dream - but only Daniel can interpret the dream (Daniel 4:4-9)Nebuchadnezzar recall the dream  (Daniel 4:10-17)Vision # 1 - The dream  (Daniel 4:10-12) Vision # 2 - Watcher - calls for the tree to be cut down  (Daniel 4:13-15a)The tree is personified  (Daniel 4:15b-19)Nebuchadnezzar asks Daniel to interpret the dream  (Daniel 4:18) Daniel interprets the dream  (Daniel 4:19-27) Dream fulfilled (Daniel 4:28-37)God is in Charge: Our Hope in Troubling TimesWe must remember that God is in charge Daniel 4:35As a result, we should be humble and comfortedPut your hope in God alone (Daniel)Chapter 1 - God gaveChapter 2 - God reignsChapter 3 - God deliversChapter 4 - God rules______________________________________________________________________________ ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! https://jameslongjr.org/ https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr/ https://twitter.com/drjameslongjrhttps://jameslongjr.org/applepodcasthttps://jameslongjr.org/gogglepodcast https://jameslongjr.org/youtube

L4L 77 Sermon - Daniel 4:1-37 "God Rules: Be Humbled and Take Comfort"

In this last message from Isaiah 40, we learn how God is the only hope.MESSAGE OUTLINEGod Confronts  Our Doubts and Despair (Isaiah 40:27)Precious Promise #1: God never overlooks (steps over) His childrenGod Calls  Us to Remember (Isaiah 40:28-29)Precious Promise #2: God clearly understands our problemsGod Urges Us to Concede  Who Were Are (Isaiah 40:30)God Commits  to Spiritually Renew Us and Give Us Hope (Isaiah 40:31)Precious Promise #3: God will reward our patience with His strengthGod Draws/Drives Us to  ChristPrecious Promise # 4 - God gives us the greatest gift and our only hope – His precious SonGod Himself Is Your Only Comfort and Hope (Nehemiah 8:10)______________________________________________________________________________ ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! https://jameslongjr.org/ https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr/ https://twitter.com/drjameslongjrhttps://jameslongjr.org/applepodcasthttps://jameslongjr.org/gogglepodcast https://jameslongjr.org/youtube

L4L 76 Sermon - Isaiah 40:27-31 "God: Our Only Hope"

So many people today are struggling with disillusionment, stress, and anxieties. People need hope. But, where can they turn for lasting hope? The Scripture defines hope as a confident expectancy. It also tells us that God alone is the believer&apos;s hope. We pray that this message will deepen your faith, trust, and confidence in God alone. James&apos;s message is entitled "Behold Your God." He preached from Isaiah 40:12-24. MESSAGE INTRODUCTIONReview of Isaiah 40:1-11Hear the comforting voice of Gospel Grace (Isaiah 40:1-2). Comfort and Pardon. Comfort and tenderness follow the ending of Jerusalem&apos;s warfare and the pardoning of her iniquity.Hear the comforting voice to those in the wilderness of their lives (Isaiah 40:3-5). Prepare the Way. Across wilderness and desert, the way of the Lord is to be prepared, and His glory will be revealed to all.Hear the comforting voice of the Eternal Word of God. (Isaiah 40:6-8). All Flesh Is Grass. In contrast to withering and fading people, the Word of God stands forever.Hear the voice of invitation, calling us to Behold Our God and to bring the good news of our God (Isaiah 40:9-10). Good Tidings. Zion is commanded to shout the good tidings that the Lord God comes to rule with might and to tend His flock like a shepherd.Invitation: Behold Your Powerful and Present God: (Isaiah 40:9-11)Behold Your God: the Conquering Warrior (Isaiah 40:9)Behold Your God: Sovereign Lord (Isaiah 40:10)Behold Your God: Tender Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11)That is what He is promising you, but is He able to do it? It is one thing to desire to do something. It is another thing to have the capability and capacity to do it? One can want to do something, and may even will to do something, but do they have the ability to do it?What we will find in Isaiah 40:12-24 is that God is Able!MESSAGE OUTLINEUnlimited Power: The Creator God (Isaiah 40:12)Unsearchable Wisdom: The All-Knowing God (Isaiah 40:13-14)Ultimate Authority: The All-Powerful (Great) God (Isaiah 40:15-17)Uniqueness of God: The Only (Surpasses All Idols) God (Isaiah 40:18-20)The Invincible Sovereignty (Isaiah 4:21-26) ______________________________________________________________________________ ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! https://jameslongjr.org/ https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr/ https://twitter.com/drjameslongjrhttps://jameslongjr.org/applepodcasthttps://jameslongjr.org/gogglepodcast https://jameslongjr.org/youtube

L4L 75 - Sermon - Isaiah 40:12-24 - "Behold Your God"

Isaiah 40 is one of the truly magnificent chapters of the Bible. Its opening mood is enchanting: comfort, tenderness, peace, pardon. Its commission is superb: Prepare the way of the Lord! Its prediction is dazzling: The glory of the Lord shall be revealed! Its depiction of humanity is devastating: All flesh is grass! Its portrayal of the Holy One is majestic: everlasting God, Creator of heaven and earth, whose fingers span the heavens and nightly reckon the stars by name. Its illustration of the mighty God&apos;s guardianship is captivating: Like a shepherd, He will feed, carry, and gently lead His flock. Magnificent, indeed!MESSAGE INTRODUCTIONHear the comforting voice of Gospel GraceHear the comforting voice to those in the wilderness of their livesHear the comforting voice of the Eternal Word of God Hear the voice of invitation, calling us to Behold Our God and to bring the good news of our GodMESSAGE OUTLINEComfort (vs. 1) Emphasized comfortExclusive comfortEverlasting comfortExtravagant comfortA voice calling (vs. 3)The King is comingOur hearts need to be preparedJesus, the glory of the Lord, will be revealed to the whole worldTHE GLORIOUS GOD IS WITH USA voice says (vs. 6)Be assured, people fade, but God is dependable  - Commission - Cry out: Be assured/ Be certainPeople are unreliable. Life is short. God is sovereignTrust the Word of God that enduresInvitation: Behold Your Powerful and Present God: (Isaiah 40:9-11)Bring good news (vs. 9)Behold Your God: the Conquering WarriorBehold Your God: Sovereign LordBehold Your God: Tender Shepherd ______________________________________________________________________________ ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! https://jameslongjr.org/ https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr/ https://twitter.com/drjameslongjrhttps://jameslongjr.org/applepodcasthttps://jameslongjr.org/gogglepodcast https://jameslongjr.org/youtube

L4L 74 - Sermon - Isaiah 40:1-11 - "God: Our Only Comfort"

In this message from Daniel 1:1-21, we learn how to honor God when our culture does not.Message Outline1. The PRESSURES that the FacedSEPARATIONINDOCTRINATIONVALIDATION2. The PRINCIPLES AND PROMISES in which they had FaithGod’s Grace is Displayed In His judgmentsGod’s Grace is Displayed In His WordGod’s Grace is Displayed In His calling you, His own3. The PATH they resolved to FollowVertical: Our Relationship with GodFELLOWSHIP with GodFAITHFUL to the WordFIND your security in God’s salvation and your identity in your union with ChristHorizontal: Our Relationship with Other BelieversINTIMACY – Community with other believersINSTRUCTION – Being taught and teaching others biblical truthsINFLUENCE – One another passages-----------------------------------------------------------------------About James Long, Jr. and Lessons for LifeAre you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! • https://jameslongjr.org/  • https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr/  • https://twitter.com/drjameslongjr • https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast • https://jameslongjr.org/gogglepodcast  • https://jameslongjr.org/youtube

L4L 73 - Sermon - Daniel 1:1-21 "How to Honor God When Your Culture Does Not"

Do you struggle with guilt and condemnation? God has the solution: Justification, by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone.                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------About James Long, Jr. and Lessons for LifeAre you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! • https://jameslongjr.org/  • https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr/  • https://twitter.com/drjameslongjr • https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast • https://jameslongjr.org/gogglepodcast  • https://jameslongjr.org/youtube

L4L 72 - Burdened By Guilt? Justification is God's Answer

There is nothing like a good meal with a group of people with whom you enjoy spending time. Food and fellowship can be so enjoyable. Added to that, when you have family and close friends, the connection can be so sweet.There are times, though, that people will be at that gathering with whom you have struggles. Maybe they are people that have hurt you at that meal.What kind of host would you be with people that you enjoy and love? And what kind of host would you be to those who hurt and harm you?What kind of meal would you serve them? It is easy to think of putting together an excellent meal for those that love you and treat you well.But how about the person that has not treated you well?The gospel teaches us something radical. We are called to display and demonstrate the truth of the gospel to even those who are our enemies.In this message, taken from Mark 14:12-31, hear how the Lord Jesus Christ prepared to host a meal for His disciples on the very last night before His crucifixion. In this meal, Jesus redefined the Jewish holiday of Passover. Jesus established a new Passover. His blood which was "poured out for many," represents the blood of the Passover lamb. In this, Jesus initiated a new covenant with God&apos;s people. There is also a prediction of Judas&apos;s betrayal and the disciples&apos; abandonment that stands in stark contrast to Jesus’s faithfulness to God&apos;s purpose and plan.  MESSAGE OUTLINE1.    Preparing to betray Christ (treachery) (Mark 14:10-11)2.    Preparing to host a meal (Mark 14:12-16) Prediction of the betrayal (Mark 14:17-21)3.    Passover redefined - Promise of redemption - the institution of the Lord&apos;s supper (Mark 14:22-26)4.     Prediction of failure (Mark 14:27-31)·       The promise of Salvation and Security·       Hymn - Come Thou Fount of Many Blessings ____________________________________________________ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! • https://jameslongjr.org/   • https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr/  • https://twitter.com/drjameslongjr • https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast • https://jameslongjr.org/gogglepodcast  • https://jameslongjr.org/youtube

L4L 71 - Mark 14:12-31 - The Perfect Host and The Perfect Meal

Are you feeling overwhelmed with stress? Do you find yourself struggling with anger and bitterness? Or your relationships and reconciled and full of unresolved conflicts? Do you feel like the pressures of life weigh you down?I want you to know that there&apos;s hope! God has given us in His word principles and practices that will help us to "de-stress" our lives. In this lesson, learn what God says about how you can have peace, hope, and joy in the midst of the chaos and confusion of life.____________________________________________________ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! • https://jameslongjr.org/  • https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr/  • https://twitter.com/drjameslongjr • https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast • https://jameslongjr.org/gogglepodcast  • https://jameslongjr.org/youtube

L4L 70 - How to De-Stress Your Life

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show! • https://jameslongjr.org/  • https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr/  • https://twitter.com/drjameslongjr • https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast • https://jameslongjr.org/gogglepodcast  • https://jameslongjr.org/youtubeTo get more L4L content sent directly to your device as they become available, you can subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher!https://mailchi.mp/jameslongjr.org/signup

L4L 69 - 1 Peter 1:3-5 - Our Living Hope

L4L 68 - Romans 8:1-39 - The 'Ifs' of Romans 8

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life's biggest questions and helps us find God's solutions to life's struggles. Learn the power of living by God's grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

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Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.

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