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Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. episodes
- Psalm 7: God Sees, God Shields: When You’ve Been Wronged
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Episode Summary
Psalm 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 psalm for those who need both refuge and reassurance in a world where justice often feels delayed or denied.
Key Takeaways
- God is both the righteous judge and a personal refuge for the wounded.
- Prayer can be a protest—not against God, but to Him.
- True vindication starts with humility, not self-defense.
- God's patience toward evildoers does not equal indifference.
- We can move from protest to praise when we trust God's justice more than our own vindication.
Scripture Focus
- Psalm 7:1–17
- Deuteronomy 32:4
- Psalm 18:2
- Romans 2:4–6
- Proverbs 10:9
Reflect and Respond
- Have you ever been falsely accused or misrepresented? How did you respond?
- What would it look like to entrust your situation to God as your righteous judge?
- Are you trying to fight for justice in your own strength, or are you taking refuge in the Lord?
- What area of your life needs honest examination like David models in verses 3–5?
- What does it mean to you that God is your shield, even when others don’t defend you?
- How can you begin to move from protest to praise before your situation is resolved?
Resources and Links
- Join the Community: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
- Free Navigator Level: https://community.jameslongjr.org
ABOUT LESSONS FOR LIFE
Life can be complicated. God’s Word brings clarity, hope, and direction.
Dr. James Long, Jr. is a pastor, counselor, professor, and biblical coach with more than 30 years of experience helping people navigate emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Through Lessons for Life, James offers biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you grow in your relationship with God, respond to life with greater wisdom, and experience the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
Want to go deeper than the podcast?
Join the Lessons for Life Community for biblical resources, practical growth tools, encouragement, and opportunities for coaching.
Visit the community:
https://community.jameslongjr.orgLISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. wherever you listen to podcasts so you do not miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH JAMES
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjrYouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LessonsforLifeCommunityBiblical hope. Practical wisdom. Lasting change.
12 min - Psalm 6: When Tears Won’t Stop: Finding Mercy in the Depths
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Episode Title: When Tears Won’t Stop: Finding Mercy in the Depths of Psalm 6
Episode Summary
Psalm 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 wait until we are clean or composed. It meets us in the flood of tears. Whether you are battling depression, chronic pain, spiritual despair, or unresolved grief, Psalm 6 will lead you into hope—not by avoiding sorrow, but by facing it in the presence of God.
Key Takeaways
- God’s mercy is not delayed by our sin or our sorrow; it is steadfast and available.
- Lament is a form of worship. Honest cries of anguish are welcomed by God.
- Prayer is not based on how we feel but on who God is.
- Spiritual depression and emotional exhaustion are not signs of faithlessness.
- God's love can restore confidence even when circumstances remain the same.
Scripture Focus
- Psalm 6:1–10
- Romans 5:8
- Psalm 121:4
- 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
Resources and Links
- Join the Community: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
- Free Navigator Level: https://community.jameslongjr.org
ABOUT LESSONS FOR LIFE
Life can be complicated. God’s Word brings clarity, hope, and direction.
Dr. James Long, Jr. is a pastor, counselor, professor, and biblical coach with more than 30 years of experience helping people navigate emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Through Lessons for Life, James offers biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you grow in your relationship with God, respond to life with greater wisdom, and experience the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
Want to go deeper than the podcast?
Join the Lessons for Life Community for biblical resources, practical growth tools, encouragement, and opportunities for coaching.
Visit the community:
https://community.jameslongjr.orgLISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. wherever you listen to podcasts so you do not miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH JAMES
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjrYouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LessonsforLifeCommunityBiblical hope. Practical wisdom. Lasting change.
13 min - Psalm 5: Turning Panic into Prayer: Seeking God’s Steadfast Love
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Episode Title: When Morning Feels Heavy: A Prayer for Clarity and Calm (Psalm 5)
Episode Summary
How 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.
Psalm 5 offers a biblical pattern of prayer for the weary, the slandered, and the spiritually disoriented. If you are longing for direction, justice, or shelter, this psalm offers guidance and comfort.
Key Takeaways
- Prayer is not performance, but preparation. It is a priestly offering of your burdens to God.
- God’s holiness and justice give clarity in a morally confused world.
- Our access to God is based on His steadfast love, not our moral record.
- God’s righteousness leads us when life feels directionless.
- God is our shield and refuge, even when the world feels hostile or uncertain.
Scripture Focus
- Psalm 5:1–12
- Romans 3:13
- Psalm 121:4
- 2 Samuel (context for David’s struggle)
Reflect and Respond
- What emotions do you most often carry into your mornings, and how can Psalm 5 reshape your daily rhythm?
- Are you carrying wounds from betrayal, slander, or misrepresentation?
- What would it look like to prepare your prayers intentionally each day?
- Where in your life do you need God to make a straight path right now?
- Do you truly believe that God’s steadfast love secures your place in His presence?
- Who in your life needs encouragement and refuge right now?
Resources and Links
- Join the Community: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
- Free Navigator Level: https://community.jameslongjr.org
Subscribe and Follow
Listen to Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. on your favorite podcast platform:
- Apple Podcasts: https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
- Spotify: https://jameslongjr.org/spotify
- Amazon Music: https://jameslongjr.org/amazonmusic
- Google Podcasts: https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast
- YouTube: https://jameslongjr.org/youtube
Connect and Share
- Instagram: @drjameslongjr – https://jameslongjr.org/instagram
- Facebook: https://jameslongjr.org/facebook
- YouTube: https://jameslongjr.org/youtube
- Hashtag: #LessonsForLifePodcast
ABOUT LESSONS FOR LIFE
Life can be complicated. God’s Word brings clarity, hope, and direction.
Dr. James Long, Jr. is a pastor, counselor, professor, and biblical coach with more than 30 years of experience helping people navigate emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Through Lessons for Life, James offers biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you grow in your relationship with God, respond to life with greater wisdom, and experience the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
Want to go deeper than the podcast?
Join the Lessons for Life Community for biblical resources, practical growth tools, encouragement, and opportunities for coaching.
Visit the community:
https://community.jameslongjr.orgLISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. wherever you listen to podcasts so you do not miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH JAMES
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjrYouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LessonsforLifeCommunityBiblical hope. Practical wisdom. Lasting change.
15 min - Psalm 4: Sleeping in Peace When Life Is in Pieces: Trusting God in Psalm 4
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Psalm 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 cry
- David’s honest plea for help during betrayal and emotional distress
- The rhythm of resilience: remember, rehearse, and re-ask
- The power of anger rightly processed: reflection over reactivity
- God’s presence as better than abundance or approval
- Joy that is rooted in God’s covenant love, not changing circumstances
- Peace that defies panic, anchored in the character of God
Reflection Questions:
- What situation in your life right now feels confining or emotionally suffocating?
- How do you tend to respond when you feel slandered or betrayed?
- What does it practically look like for you to "be angry and not sin"?
- Do you truly believe that God's presence is better than comfort or abundance? Why or why not?
- What helps you calm your heart at night—and how could Psalm 4 become part of your evening routine?
- Who in your life needs to be reminded that they are set apart and heard by God?
Closing Prayer:
Father, when the noise of life grows loud and my emotions rise, teach me to pause, reflect, and rest in Your presence. May Your face shine upon me and give me joy that calms my heart and peace that settles my soul.Resources and Next Steps:
- Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://community.jameslongjr.org
- Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
- Download devotionals, attend live meetups, and access biblical life training to grow emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.
Listen and Subscribe:
Listen now on the Lessons for Life Podcast:- Apple Podcasts: https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
- Spotify: https://jameslongjr.org/spotify
- Amazon Music: https://jameslongjr.org/amazonmusic
Or search Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. on your favorite podcast app.
Connect and Share:
- Instagram: @drjameslongjr – https://jameslongjr.org/instagram
- Facebook: https://jameslongjr.org/facebook
- YouTube: https://jameslongjr.org/youtube
- Hashtag: #LessonsForLifePodcast
Hashtags:
#Psalm4Study, #ChristianCounseling, #EmotionalHealth, #RestInGod, #SpiritualResilience, #BiblicalPeace, #LessonsForLifePodcast, #SleepAndScripture, #SanctifiedEmotions, #PeaceThroughChrist, #HopeInHardTimes, #AnxietyAndFaithABOUT LESSONS FOR LIFE
Life can be complicated. God’s Word brings clarity, hope, and direction.
Dr. James Long, Jr. is a pastor, counselor, professor, and biblical coach with more than 30 years of experience helping people navigate emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Through Lessons for Life, James offers biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you grow in your relationship with God, respond to life with greater wisdom, and experience the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
Want to go deeper than the podcast?
Join the Lessons for Life Community for biblical resources, practical growth tools, encouragement, and opportunities for coaching.
Visit the community:
https://community.jameslongjr.orgLISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. wherever you listen to podcasts so you do not miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH JAMES
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjrYouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LessonsforLifeCommunityBiblical hope. Practical wisdom. Lasting change.
13 min - Psalm 3: Finding Peace in Panic: How Psalm 3 Calms the Anxious Soul
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Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or abandoned?
Psalm 3 was written for moments like this.David wrote it while fleeing from his own son—betrayed, afraid, and surrounded by enemies. And yet, in the middle of the chaos, he found peace. Not because his problems disappeared, but because his God was near.
💬 “You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” (Psalm 3:3)
In this episode of Counseling Through the Psalms, we walk through Psalm 3 and discover how to move from panic to peace, from shame to security, and from crisis to confidence in the Lord.
🎧 Listen now on the Lessons for Life Podcast:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Or search Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. on your favorite app.
📖 Let the Psalms counsel your soul.
Because peace is not the absence of problems—it’s the presence of God.#Psalm3 #CounselingThroughThePsalms #LessonsForLifePodcast #ChristianCounseling #FaithOverFear #BiblicalHope #EmotionalHealth #GodIsMyShield
ABOUT LESSONS FOR LIFE
Life can be complicated. God’s Word brings clarity, hope, and direction.
Dr. James Long, Jr. is a pastor, counselor, professor, and biblical coach with more than 30 years of experience helping people navigate emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Through Lessons for Life, James offers biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you grow in your relationship with God, respond to life with greater wisdom, and experience the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
Want to go deeper than the podcast?
Join the Lessons for Life Community for biblical resources, practical growth tools, encouragement, and opportunities for coaching.
Visit the community:
https://community.jameslongjr.orgLISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. wherever you listen to podcasts so you do not miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH JAMES
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjrYouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LessonsforLifeCommunityBiblical hope. Practical wisdom. Lasting change.
12 min - Psalm 2: The Reign of Christ in a Rebellious World
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Episode Title: The Reigning King: Finding Refuge When the Nations Rage (Psalm 2)
Episode Summary
In 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. Whether you are facing political unrest or personal turmoil, Psalm 2 points you to the safety found only in the Son.
Key Takeaways
- The world’s unrest is rooted in rebellion against God’s authority.
- God is not alarmed—He has already installed His King.
- Christ is the rightful heir of all nations, offering both judgment and mercy.
- Refuge is not found in self-rule but in submission to Christ’s reign.
- Psalm 2 teaches us to respond with reverent joy and holy surrender.
Scripture Focus
- Psalm 2:1–12
- Acts 13:33
- Hebrews 1:5
- Revelation 19:15
- Romans 8:1
- 2 Peter 3:9
Resources & Links
- Full Blog Article: Read it here
- Join the Community: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
- Free Access to our Community: jameslongjr.org/community
Subscribe & Follow
Never miss an episode!
Follow Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. on your favorite podcast app:- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Google Podcasts
- YouTube
Connect & Share
- Instagram: @drjameslongjr – https://jameslongjr.org/instagram
- Facebook: https://jameslongjr.org/facebook
- YouTube: https://jameslongjr.org/youtube
- Hashtag: #LessonsForLifePodcast
ABOUT LESSONS FOR LIFE
Life can be complicated. God’s Word brings clarity, hope, and direction.
Dr. James Long, Jr. is a pastor, counselor, professor, and biblical coach with more than 30 years of experience helping people navigate emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Through Lessons for Life, James offers biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you grow in your relationship with God, respond to life with greater wisdom, and experience the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
Want to go deeper than the podcast?
Join the Lessons for Life Community for biblical resources, practical growth tools, encouragement, and opportunities for coaching.
Visit the community:
https://community.jameslongjr.orgLISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. wherever you listen to podcasts so you do not miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH JAMES
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjrYouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LessonsforLifeCommunityBiblical hope. Practical wisdom. Lasting change.
12 min - Psalm 1: The Blessed Life: Rooted in God's Word, Flourishing in Every Season
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📖 Episode Title: The Blessed Life: Rooted in God’s Word, Flourishing in Every Season (Psalm 1)
Episode Summary
In 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 your soul needs.
Key Takeaways
- True blessing is not found in circumstances but in being rooted in God’s Word.
- Spiritual drift begins subtly—with the voices we listen to.
- Meditation is not passive—it is active, transformative engagement with Scripture.
- The godly life is like a tree: rooted, nourished, fruitful, and resilient.
- The counsel you follow today shapes the destiny you walk toward tomorrow.
Scripture Focus
- Psalm 1:1–6
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17
- John 17:17
- Matthew 7:13–14
- Romans 3:10–12
Reflect and Respond
- What voices or influences are shaping your thinking right now?
- Are you experiencing spiritual drought or flourishing fruit?
- Do you delight in God’s Word—or merely read it out of duty?
- What might it look like to meditate “day and night” this week?
- Who in your life needs encouragement from Psalm 1?
Resources & Links
- Full Blog Article: Read it here
- Join the Community: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
Subscribe & Follow: Never miss an episode!
Follow Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. on your favorite podcast app:- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Google Podcasts
- YouTube
Connect & Share
- Instagram: @drjameslongjr – https://jameslongjr.org/instagram
- Facebook: https://jameslongjr.org/facebook
- YouTube: https://jameslongjr.org/youtube
- Hashtag: #LessonsForLifePodcast
ABOUT LESSONS FOR LIFE
Life can be complicated. God’s Word brings clarity, hope, and direction.
Dr. James Long, Jr. is a pastor, counselor, professor, and biblical coach with more than 30 years of experience helping people navigate emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Through Lessons for Life, James offers biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you grow in your relationship with God, respond to life with greater wisdom, and experience the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
Want to go deeper than the podcast?
Join the Lessons for Life Community for biblical resources, practical growth tools, encouragement, and opportunities for coaching.
Visit the community:
https://community.jameslongjr.orgLISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. wherever you listen to podcasts so you do not miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH JAMES
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjrYouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LessonsforLifeCommunityBiblical hope. Practical wisdom. Lasting change.
15 min - How to Handle Difficult People with Wisdom and Grace
Send us Fan Mail
ABOUT LESSONS FOR LIFE
Life can be complicated. God’s Word brings clarity, hope, and direction.
Dr. James Long, Jr. is a pastor, counselor, professor, and biblical coach with more than 30 years of experience helping people navigate emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Through Lessons for Life, James offers biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you grow in your relationship with God, respond to life with greater wisdom, and experience the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
Want to go deeper than the podcast?
Join the Lessons for Life Community for biblical resources, practical growth tools, encouragement, and opportunities for coaching.
Visit the community:
https://community.jameslongjr.orgLISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. wherever you listen to podcasts so you do not miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH JAMES
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjrYouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LessonsforLifeCommunityBiblical hope. Practical wisdom. Lasting change.
7 min - Wisdom for Friendships: Setting Boundaries Without Guilt
Send us Fan Mail
ABOUT LESSONS FOR LIFE
Life can be complicated. God’s Word brings clarity, hope, and direction.
Dr. James Long, Jr. is a pastor, counselor, professor, and biblical coach with more than 30 years of experience helping people navigate emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Through Lessons for Life, James offers biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you grow in your relationship with God, respond to life with greater wisdom, and experience the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
Want to go deeper than the podcast?
Join the Lessons for Life Community for biblical resources, practical growth tools, encouragement, and opportunities for coaching.
Visit the community:
https://community.jameslongjr.orgLISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. wherever you listen to podcasts so you do not miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH JAMES
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjrYouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LessonsforLifeCommunityBiblical hope. Practical wisdom. Lasting change.
8 min - Single or Married? How to Live Fully with Gospel Wisdom
Send us Fan Mail
ABOUT LESSONS FOR LIFE
Life can be complicated. God’s Word brings clarity, hope, and direction.
Dr. James Long, Jr. is a pastor, counselor, professor, and biblical coach with more than 30 years of experience helping people navigate emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Through Lessons for Life, James offers biblical wisdom and practical tools to help you grow in your relationship with God, respond to life with greater wisdom, and experience the hope and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
Want to go deeper than the podcast?
Join the Lessons for Life Community for biblical resources, practical growth tools, encouragement, and opportunities for coaching.
Visit the community:
https://community.jameslongjr.orgLISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr. wherever you listen to podcasts so you do not miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH JAMES
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjrYouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LessonsforLifeCommunityBiblical hope. Practical wisdom. Lasting change.
8 min
About Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.
From the publisher's feed
Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join James, a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 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!