Shows
Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Trusting God in Silence: How to Overcome Spiritual Despair (Psalm 13)Send us a textTrusting God in Silence: How to Overcome Spiritual Despair (Psalm 13)When God feels distant and silence seems unending, how do you hold on? In Psalm 13, David gives voice to anguish and models a pathway from sorrow to trust. This episode explores how lament, prayer, and praise can lead weary hearts out of despair and into renewed faith.Episode HighlightsDavid’s repeated cry, “How long, O Lord?” captures the agony of spiritual silenceLament is not a lack of faith but a faithful protest grounded in God...2025-08-0309 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Finding Courage in Chaos: How Psalm 9 Strengthens the Wounded SoulSend us a textEpisode Title: Finding Courage in Chaos: How Psalm 9 Strengthens the Wounded SoulEpisode SummaryPsalm 9 is a psalm of defiant praise. In a world marked by trauma, injustice, and fear, David shows us how to worship with a wounded heart and how to trust God's justice even when it feels delayed.In this episode of Counseling Through the Psalms, James Long, Jr. walks us through the tension between lament and praise, helping us rediscover the courage to rejoice when life feels anything but safe. Whether y...2025-07-3010 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Crowned with Glory: Rediscovering Your Worth in the Majesty of God (Psalm 8)Send us a textEpisode TitleCrowned with Glory: Rediscovering Your Worth in the Majesty of God (Psalm 8)Episode SummaryDo you ever feel small, unseen, or unimportant?Psalm 8 speaks directly into those moments of insecurity. In this episode of Counseling Through the Psalms, James Long, Jr. explores how David takes us from awe at God’s majesty to wonder at our worth. This psalm affirms that even though we are small in the grand scale of creation, we are not forgotten—we are crowned with glory and...2025-07-2911 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.God Sees, God Shields: When You’ve Been Wronged (Psalm 7)Send us a textEpisode SummaryPsalm 7 is a powerful guide for those who have been slandered, falsely accused, or deeply wounded by injustice. In this episode of Counseling Through the Psalms, James Long, Jr. helps us explore how David moves from protest to praise—not by denying the pain of injustice, but by entrusting it to God’s perfect justice.When your name is attacked or your heart is weary, this psalm shows you how to search your conscience, cry out for truth, and rest in the righteousness of God. It is a ps...2025-07-2811 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.When Tears Won’t Stop: Finding Mercy in the Depths (Psalm 6)Send us a textEpisode Title: When Tears Won’t Stop: Finding Mercy in the Depths of Psalm 6Episode SummaryPsalm 6 is a lifeline for the crushed, the grieving, the guilt-ridden, and the spiritually weary. In this episode of Counseling Through the Psalms, James Long, Jr. guides us through one of the most raw and vulnerable passages in the Psalter. We hear the groans of a broken soul and learn how honest lament can become the doorway to mercy.David’s prayer teaches us that God’s love does not wai...2025-07-2712 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Turning Panic into Prayer: Seeking God’s Steadfast Love (Psalm 5)Send us a textEpisode Title: When Morning Feels Heavy: A Prayer for Clarity and Calm (Psalm 5)Episode SummaryHow do you begin your day when anxiety, betrayal, or emotional exhaustion hits before your feet even touch the floor?In this episode of Counseling Through the Psalms, James Long, Jr. walks through Psalm 5—David’s honest, early-morning cry for help and guidance. This psalm begins with groaning and ends with singing, showing us how to move from desperation to devotion, even when surrounded by lies, fear, or confusion.Ps...2025-07-2614 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Sleeping in Peace When Life Is in Pieces: Trusting God in Psalm 4 (Psalm 4)Send us a textPsalm 4 offers powerful wisdom for those who feel overwhelmed, betrayed, or restless in the dark of night. In this episode, James Long, Jr. explores how David moved from pressure and panic to peace and prayerful confidence—even when life was falling apart. This psalm teaches us how to process emotional pain, respond to slander, and rest in the presence of God.Episode Highlights:Psalm 4 as an evening prayer companion to Psalm 3's morning cryDavid’s honest plea for help during betrayal and emotional distressThe rhythm of resilience: remember, rehe...2025-07-2512 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.The Reign of Christ in a Rebellious World: Hope from Psalm 2Send us a textEpisode Title: The Reigning King: Finding Refuge When the Nations Rage (Psalm 2)Episode SummaryIn this episode of Counseling Through the Psalms, James Long, Jr. walks us through Psalm 2, a powerful reminder that even when the world feels out of control, God is not. Nations may rage, people may rebel, and anxiety may rise, but Psalm 2 anchors us in the reality that Christ reigns.Discover how this psalm offers clarity for the confused, peace for the anxious, and a call to repentance for the rebellious...2025-07-2311 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.The Blessed Life: Rooted in God's Word, Flourishing in Every Season (Psalm 1)Send us a text📖 Episode Title: The Blessed Life: Rooted in God’s Word, Flourishing in Every Season (Psalm 1)🎙️ Episode SummaryIn this foundational episode of Counseling Through the Psalms, James Long, Jr. explores the opening chapter of the Psalter—Psalm 1—and its timeless wisdom about the path to a blessed life. Learn how to resist spiritual drift, develop delight-driven habits in God's Word, and cultivate stability and fruitfulness no matter what season you're in.If you feel spiritually dry or distracted by worldly voices, Psalm 1 offers the clarity and direction...2025-07-2314 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Enduring Temptations: The Promise of God's Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 10:13)Send us a textDiscover how to transform life's temptations into stepping stones toward spiritual growth with James Long Jr. as your guide. Have you ever felt isolated in your struggles, thinking you're the only one facing a particular temptation? Learn the empowering truth: you're never alone, and there's always a path to victory. Through the wisdom of 1 Corinthians 10:13, James highlights the universal nature of temptation and the unwavering faithfulness of God. By recognizing shared human experiences and God's promises, you'll find a supportive community and a roadmap to overcoming life's challenges.Join us for an...2024-10-1205 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.The Power of Listening: Transforming Conversations and RelationshipsSend us a textIs it possible to transform your relationships simply by changing how you communicate? Discover the power of divine wisdom as I, James Long Jr., guide you through the profound teachings of James 1:19-20 in this episode of Lessons for Life. These verses offer timeless guidance on being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger—an approach that not only nurtures healthy relationships but aligns us with God's righteousness. We'll explore how this wisdom echoes through Proverbs and Jewish traditions, providing a foundation for communication that fosters understanding and peace.Th...2024-10-0405 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Speak Life: Using Words to Encourage and EmpowerSend us a textCan our words truly transform lives? Discover the profound impact of Ephesians 4:29 as Pastor James Long Jr. unpacks the power of our speech in today's episode of Lessons for Life. With a focus on intentional communication, James shares how our words can either uplift or harm those around us. Through thoughtful reflections and practical advice, he encourages us to align our conversations with the love of Christ, promoting growth, healing, and understanding in every interaction.Join us as we explore three actionable steps to harness the power of our speech: pausing before...2024-10-0104 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Transforming Your Speech: The Power of Words in Life and RelationshipsSend us a textCan a single word ignite a firestorm? Discover the transformative power of your speech in today's soul-stirring episode of "Lessons for Life" with Pastor James Long Jr. Drawing from James, chapter 3, Pastor James unpacks the profound impact our tongues have on our lives and relationships, for better or worse. From the destructive potential of careless words to the redemptive power of godly speech, this devotional will challenge you to reconsider how you use your voice in light of divine teachings.Join us as Pastor James offers practical steps to harness this...2024-09-2705 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Bitterness is DestructiveSend us a textCan bitterness really infiltrate your heart without you even noticing? Join Pastor James Long Jr. in an eye-opening exploration of Hebrews 12:15, as he sheds light on the insidious nature of bitterness and its far-reaching impact on our spiritual and relational lives. Discover the root cause of bitterness and learn practical strategies for guarding your heart, pursuing forgiveness, and seeking accountability to prevent the spread of this destructive emotion. This episode offers a transformative journey towards peace, hope, and joy by embracing God's grace and uprooting bitterness from your life.Pastor James, with...2024-09-2305 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Identity in Christ: I am a Adopted Child of GodSend us a textDiscover the profound transformation that comes from understanding your identity in Christ with Pastor James Long Jr. In this episode of "Lessons for Life," Pastor James, with his rich background as a pastor, counselor, and university professor, unravels the deep meaning of being adopted into God's family. By examining Ephesians 1:5, we explore how this divine adoption gives us a new identity, a relationship with our Heavenly Father, and an eternal inheritance. Pastor James sheds light on how these truths can fill us with awe, gratitude, and unwavering confidence.Gain practical insights on...2024-09-1804 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Identity in Christ: "I am a Saint"Send us a textWhat if you could truly grasp the depth of your identity in Christ and transform your life with that powerful understanding? In this episode of Lessons for Life, Pastor James Long Jr. unpacks Ephesians 1:18 and reveals the immeasurable power and value God places on us as His saints. He explains how embracing our identity, not based on our own merit but on Christ’s finished work on the cross, can lead us to live a life filled with peace, hope, and joy.Join us as Pastor Long provides practical steps to he...2024-09-1205 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Transforming Conflict: Embracing Humility and GraceSend us a textWhat if the conflicts in your life are a reflection of your own heart's desires? Join me, James Long Jr., as we explore this provocative question through the lens of James 4:1-6. In this eye-opening episode, we discuss how our internal battles often manifest as external quarrels, and how our pursuit of worldly satisfaction can make us enemies of God. Together, we’ll uncover the profound truth that our discontent stems from either failing to ask God for what we need or asking with impure motives. Discover how the humility and grace offered by...2024-09-1106 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living as Bold Witnesses for ChristSend us a textReady to discover the power of living as a true witness for Christ? Today, Pastor James Long Jr. shares how the Holy Spirit empowers us to boldly carry the message of Jesus to all corners of the earth. Based on Acts 1:8, James explores the profound implications of being a witness, not just through our words but through our everyday actions and interactions. From personal anecdotes to biblical insights, this episode is packed with transformative wisdom, showing how our lives can reflect God's grace in our homes, workplaces, and communities.Tune in...2024-09-1005 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Living Peaceably with All: Practical Steps to Cultivate HarmonySend us a textWhat does it really mean to live peaceably with all? Join Pastor James Long Jr. on Lessons for Life as he unpacks the challenging yet essential command from Romans 12:18, guiding us through practical steps to cultivate peace in our relationships. You'll discover insightful reflections on balancing firm convictions with the pursuit of harmony and learn why our responsibility is to ensure we are not the source of discord, even when conflict seems inevitable.Pastor James offers heartfelt wisdom on embodying humility, forgiveness, and grace, encouraging us to actively seek peace and...2024-09-0505 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Resolving Disputes with Grace and ForgivenessSend us a textEver wondered why Paul urges believers to resolve disputes within the church rather than taking them to secular courts? Pastor James Long Jr., a board-certified professional counselor, and university professor, unpacks 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, offering profound insights on how unity and reconciliation should triumph over personal rights and justice. Join us in this powerful episode of Lessons for Life as Pastor James guides us through the biblical approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of grace and forgiveness in handling disagreements among believers.Pastor James Long Jr. doesn't just focus on the...2024-09-0407 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Navigating Conflict with GraceSend us a textWhat if conflicts in your life could be transformed into opportunities for healing and unity? Discover how Pastor James Long Jr., a seasoned counselor and professor, illuminates the compassionate path of conflict resolution laid out by Jesus in Matthew 18:15-20. This episode of Lessons for Life isn't just about resolving disputes; it's about fostering peace, hope, and joy through practical and spiritual guidance. Pastor James shares heartfelt teachings and prayers that encourage us to handle conflicts with humility, patience, and love, always aiming to restore relationships and honor God.Join us...2024-08-3105 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Identity in Christ: I am a Member of God's HouseholdSend us a textWhat if you could transform your sense of belonging and identity with a single profound truth? In our latest episode, Pastor James Long Jr. explores the powerful message of Ephesians 2:19, revealing how our faith in Christ makes us cherished members of God's household. Through heartfelt reflection and practical guidance, Pastor James encourages us to embrace our identity as God's children, build stronger communities within the church, and live with unwavering confidence in God's promises.Join us as we unpack three key principles that can revolutionize your spiritual journey: embracing your divine...2024-08-2904 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Facing Your Own ShortcomingsSend us a textHave you ever considered the idea that true clarity and compassion come from confronting your own faults first? Join us in this enlightening episode as we unpack the profound teachings of Jesus from Matthew 7:3-5 with our special guest, James Long Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor. We explore the vital importance of self-examination before attempting to help others, emphasizing humility and grace. James shares his valuable insights on recognizing our own shortcomings and embracing God’s grace, setting the stage for transformative personal growth.Through practical steps and deep re...2024-08-2605 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Identity in Christ: I am a Light to OthersSend us a textHave you ever wondered how your life can shine as a beacon of hope in a dark world? In this episode of Lessons for Life, join Pastor James Long Jr. as he unpacks the profound message from Ephesians 5:8-9 and teaches us how to walk as children of light. With his extensive experience as a counselor and university professor, James offers practical and actionable steps to reflect Christ's goodness, righteousness, and truth in our daily lives. Discover how embracing your identity in Christ can not only transform your personal journey but a...2024-08-2305 minLessons for Life with James Long, Jr.Listening with WisdomSend us a textCan rushing to conclusions impact your relationships and decision-making? Find out as Pastor James Long Jr., with nearly 35 years of experience in pastoral counseling, unpacks the rich wisdom of Proverbs 18:13 and 18:17 in this spiritually enriching episode of Lessons for Life. By listening intently and seeking the full picture, James shows us how to align our actions with God's character, fostering empathy, patience, and discernment in our interactions.Join us as James shares practical steps to enhance your listening skills and offers heartfelt prayers to guide you towards embodying grace and love...2024-08-2205 min