Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.

Are you feeling discontent? Do you wish there was a way to break free from the constant discouragement, depression, and sadness that have been holding you back from living a full life? Does this sound like you? Are you constantly going back to your old life and bad habits? Does it seem that Christianity has made little difference in your life? Would people from your past see a radical change in your life, or are you the same as you were? There is hope! You can change. Hear in this message how you can break free from the chains of darkness! Stop living in futility. Learn to lead a biblically transformed life! Hear how the Lord Jesus Christ can set you FREE!

Psalm 65 - Our Generous God James Long, Jr. Sundays in the Psalms 1. The psalmist praises the God of amazing grace (Psalm 65:1-4) Seven things we are told about our gracious God 1. God, who is worthy of praise (vs. 1) 2. God, to whom we should make vows (vs. 1) 3. God, who hears our prayer (vs. 2) 4. God, who forgives our sins (vs. 3) 5. God, who chooses His people (vs. 4) 6. God, who welcomes us into His presence (vs. 4) 7. God, who satisfies (vs. 4) 2. The psalmist praises the God of awesome power (Psalm 65:5-8) Three things we are told about our strong God 1. God is our Savior (vs. 5) 2. God is our Strength (vs. 6) 3. God is our Sovereign (vs. 7-8) 3. The psalmist praises the God of abundant provision (Psalm 65:9-13) Abundant provision: Well-watered lands (vs. 9-10) Abundant provision: Overflowing wagons (vs. 11-12) Awesome Praise: Vibrant and joyous worship (vs. 13) The Gospel in Psalm 65 _______________ 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! Links Website 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

Outline - A Transformed Life (Ephesians 4:25-32) 1. Be truthful/honest (Stop Lying) 2. Be a Peacemaker (Stop Sinful Anger) 3. Be Diligent - Put Effort in (Stop Stealing) 4. Be Gracious in Speech (Stop Corrupting Talk) 5. Be Forgiving (Stop Bitterness) The Gospel in Ephesians 5:1-2 _______________ 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! Links Website 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

Outline - Time for Change (Ephesians 4:17-24) Two Metaphors: Walking and Wearing 1. The Way We Walk (Warning) Must no longer walk (like the world) Futility Beliefs: Darkness, Ignorance, Hardness Behaviors: Unfeeling, Given over, Covetous and Corrupt 2. What We Wear (Way of Hope) True Learning Learned Jesus Ministry of the Word of God 3. New Way of Thinking and Living (A Wholly New You) Renewed in your mind The Gospel in Ephesians 4:20-24 _______________ 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! Links Website 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

Psalm 64 - A Prayer for the Fearful James Long, Jr. Sundays in the Psalms / Psalm 64 Section # 1 - Psalm 64:1-6 - David’s Complaints and Concerns 1. The psalmist prays to God for protection (Psalm 64:1-2) • David’s plea: Hear me • David’s petition # 1: Preserve me from fear • David’s petition # 2: Protect me from my foes 2. The psalmist is suddenly attacked by his enemies (Psalm 64:3-6) David describes his fears • The enemies secretly plot • Their swords of attack (The enemies use their tongues as weapons) • Their strategies • Their sudden attacks • Their scheming • Their self-importance Section # 2 - Psalm 64:7-10 - David’s Certainty and Comfort 3. The psalmist’s enemies are suddenly attacked by God (Psalm 64:7-9) • God shoots them down, and they are brought into judgment, suddenly • The wicked will be exposed, judged, and brought to ruin • Humanity will fear God and ponder what He has done 4. The psalmist takes refuge in God alone (Psalm 64:10) • The righteous will take refuge in God • The upright in heart will rejoice _______________ 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! Links Website 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

Psalm 63 - Your Love is Better than Life James Long, Jr. Sundays in the Psalms Themes: Love; Song of Suffering and Waiting for Deliverance, Security Message Exposition: Psalm 63:1-11 1. The psalmist contrasts his present experience in the wilderness with his passionate desire for God (Psalm 63:1-4) 2. The psalmist's soul is satisfied in God (Psalm 63:5-7) 3. The psalmist finds his security in God. The Psalmist’s soul is clinging to God (Psalm 63:9-11) The Gospel in Psalm 63 _______________ 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! Links Website 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

Psalm 62 - Finding Rest in God Alone James Long, Jr. Sundays in the Psalms Themes: Rest; Song of Suffering and Waiting for Deliverance Message Exposition: Psalm 62:1-12 1. The psalmist declares his trust in God (Psalm 62:1-2) 2. The psalmist confronts his enemies (Psalm 62:3-4) 3. The psalmist preaches to himself (Psalm 62:5-7) 4. The psalmist instructs others (Psalm 62:8-10) 5. The psalmist hears God and reminds himself of God’s character and promises (Psalm 62:11-12) The Gospel in Psalm 62 _______________ 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! Links Website 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

Psalm 61 - Feeling Overwhelmed? Does God Feel Distant? James Long, Jr. Sundays in the Psalms / Psalm 61 The Psalmist feels far away from God (Psalm 61:1-2) God hears you when you are in danger God hears you when you are distant God hears you when you are discouraged The Psalmist turns to the “Rock” (Psalm 61:2) The “Rock” is higher than the psalmist As the psalmist did, we must be led to the “Rock” The Psalmist reminds himself of the God in Whom he trusts (Psalm 61:3-4) Metaphor # 1 - A refuge Metaphor # 2 - A strong tower Metaphor # 3 - A tent Metaphor # 4 - Sheltering wings The Psalmist prays that God will fulfill His promises (Psalm 61:5-7) The Psalmist promises to praise God continually (Psalm 61:8) The Gospel Proclaimed _______________ 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! Links Website 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

In this message, I want you to consider • One passage – Psalm 98 • One hymn – Joy to the World • One consistent message - Jesus Message Outline  One Passage: Psalm 98: 1. Call to worship for the people of God - God is Savior (PSALM 98:1-3) 2. Call to worship for all the people of the earth - God is King (PSALM 98:4-6) 3. Call to worship for the created order - God is Judge (PSALM 98:7-8)  One Hymn: Joy to the World Stanza # 1 - Humans, Heaven, and Nature are to praise God Stanza # 2 - We are to praise God because of His saving work. Repeated praise should burst forth from us as we consider anew His saving of us Stanza # 3 - We no longer are slaves to sin, Satan, or death. God has rescued us from the penalty of sin. He is progressively rescuing us from the power of sin. And, one day, He will rescue us ultimately from the presence of sin. Stanza # 4 - Be amazed at what God has done for you. He is the God of truth and grace, righteousness and love. He will make all things right.  One Consistent Message: Jesus Christ

Tonight, I want you to consider • One passage • One hymn • One consistent message Message Outline  One Passage: Luke 2:10-11 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  One Hymn: Silent Night Stanza # 1 - Jesus’s birth was miraculous Silent night, holy night. All is calm; all is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace Stanza #2 - Jesus’s birth brought about wonder and worship because of the coming Savior Silent night, holy night. Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar. Heavenly hosts sing ‘Alleluia!’ Christ the Savior is born Stanza # 3 - Jesus’s birth was a gift of love and redeeming grace Silent night, holy night! Son of God love’s pure light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face. With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus Lord, at Thy birth; Jesus Lord, at Thy birth  One Consistent Message: Jesus Christ • Jesus is good news to a sinful world • Jesus is joyful news to a discouraged and defeated world • Jesus is eternal hope for a hopeless world _______________ 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! Links Website 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

Message Outline 1. The Psalmist claims that God has rejected the nation (Psalm 60:1-3) 2. The Psalmist voices his confidence of victory in God (Psalm 60:4) 3. The Psalmist cries out in prayer (Psalm 60:5) 4. The Psalmist receives God’s response (Psalm 60:6-8) 5. The Psalmist learns two lessons about trusting in God(Psalm 60:9-12) a. Lesson # 1 Only God can give the victory b. Lesson # 2 We must trust confidently in God and His help 6. The Gospel Proclaimed a. Christ is our banner! b. We must repent _______________ 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! Links Website 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 0:00 Introduction 0:08 Psalms 5:42 Psalm 60 - The Banner of God 7:49 God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us. 10:12 You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its breaches, for it totters. 11:31 You have made your people see hard things you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger. 13:34 The Psalmist voices his confidence of victory in God (Psalm 60:4) 13:52 You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah 17:35 The Psalmist cries out in prayer (Psalm 60:5) 17:51 That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer 19:25 The Psalmist receive God's response (Psalm 60:6-8) 20:01 God has spoken in his holiness: With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Vale of Succoth. 24:43 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? 26:18 Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! 28:05 With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes. 29:43 Christ is our banner! 33:44 1. True repentance includes? a. Confession b. Change 34:29 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. 35:47 Repentance is an Attitude and Action that must be repeated throughout the Christian's life on earth

Message Outline 1. The Psalmist appeals to God (Psalm 59:1-5) 2. The Psalmist describes his enemies (Psalm 59:6-8) 3. Refrain: Watching (Psalm 59:9) 4. The Psalmist’s second appeal to God (Psalm 59:10-13) 5. The Psalmist’s second description of his enemies (Psalm 59:14-16) 6. Refrain: Singing (Psalm 59:17) _______________ 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! Links Website 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

Conflict is something that we all will encounter. Many will experience conflict daily. As you listen to this teaching, you will learn the powerful and practical principles you are looking for to forever change how conflict looks in your life. In this teaching on conflict resolution, James teaches us the PAUSE acrostic from Ken Sande's Peacemaker Ministries. 1. Prepare in advance 2. Affirm the relationship 3. Understand interests 4. Search for creative solutions 5. Evaluate _______________ 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! Links Website 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

In this message from Ephesians 1:15-23, we study Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians. Paul thanks God for His gracious work in their lives, as evidenced by their faith and love (vs. 15-16). Then, Paul prays that God would work in them to deepen their knowledge of Him and a deeper understanding of three truths: 1. the hope to which God has called them, 2. the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, 3. and the immeasurable greatness of His power towards us who believe (vs. 17-19). Paul closes his prayer with praise for the exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ as seen in His resurrection, ascension, enthronement, and headship over the church (vs. 20-23). This all leads to a pivotal question for all of us. In fact, it is life’s biggest question! Do you know God? _______________ 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! Links Website 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

Join us in November for a Thanksgiving Prayer Initiative entitled, “We Give Thanks.” During this month, we will be pondering, personalizing, praying, and practicing a verse a day to express gratitude and thankfulness to Our Great God and Savior. We will be posting the devotional daily on our Facebook page, and you can get a copy of them by email. We are looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in and through your life. Blessings, James For more information on this Prayer Initiative go to https://jameslongjr.org/developing-a-grateful-heart/ ______________________________________________________________________________ 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/googlepodcast https://jameslongjr.org/youtube

There are so many of us today who are struggling with this heaviness. It just weighs us down. So many problems…so much pain We fight it, and then we give in to it. We lose hope. We lose contentment. All that Christian contentment doesn’t feel like it’s real for some of us. For those who are going through the problem of a heavy heart right now, I pray that you would feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the Word. Let it wash over you. Fuel you, salve your pain and comfort your fears. May it give you clarity in the midst of the chaos that’s in your mind. Our mindsets affect us For some of us, our perspective is causing us to struggle with a heavy heart. Our perspective is messed up, because, we get so focused on our problems, or on our past. We get so focused on our sin and on other people and what they’ve done to us that we miss Christ. As the writer to the Hebrews told us, to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith. There is hope! In this message, receive counsel for your heavy heart and learn about the key to lasting peace and joy. _____________________________________________________________________________ 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! Links Website 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