Friends With God

What You Focus On, You Will See | Renew Your Mind

What if renewing your mind is more practical than we make it? In this episode of Friends With God, Joe explores Romans 12:2 alongside Philippians 4:8 and the science of neuroplasticity and attention. From worrying about work and relationships to the simple example of suddenly seeing your dream car everywhere, our minds are constantly being trained by what we focus on. Paul gives us a surprisingly practical roadmap: focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. This isn’t about pretending problems don’t exist. It’s about consciously choosing what gets your attention. Your practice this week: Notice what you’re focusing on, look for what you’re grateful for, and see what begins to change.

What do you do when you don't know what's next?

What do you do when you don't know what's next? In this episode of Friends with God, Joe gets personal about grief, loss, uncertainty, and finding himself in what he calls "the space between," that uncomfortable place where one chapter has ended but the next one hasn't quite revealed itself yet. Through Romans 12:2 and Jeremiah 29:11, Joe explores what it really means to renew your mind and trust that God is still working, even when you can't see the plan. Maybe the unknown isn't empty. Maybe it's preparation. And maybe our daily practice is simply learning to wake up, release control, and say, "Jesus, I can't control this. I give this day to you." Work with Joe - https://stan.store/Joe_Longo

Stop Striving. Stay Connected. | What It Really Means to Abide (John 15:1-8)

A note from Joe: This episode originally aired last week. Following the passing of my sister Mary Lou, I'm taking some time away from recording and revisiting a couple of conversations from last week that feel especially meaningful right now. Thank you for your prayers, love, and understanding. What does it really mean to "abide" in Christ? In this episode of Friends with God, Joe explores one of Jesus' most powerful teachings from John 15:1-8, where Jesus calls Himself the true vine and us the branches. Instead of striving harder, performing better, or trying to earn God's approval, Joe reflects on a much simpler invitation: stay connected. Through everyday examples, practical application, and honest conversation, this episode explores how abiding isn't about doing more. It's about remaining rooted in Christ so that peace, joy, faith, and love naturally grow as the fruit of a life connected to Him. If you've been feeling spiritually exhausted or distracted, this conversation is a gentle reminder that the answer may not be trying harder. It may simply be staying close to the Vine.

Jesus Doesn’t Call You a Servant. He Calls You a Friend. | John 15:12-17

What if your relationship with God was never meant to feel distant? In John 15:12-17, Jesus says something extraordinary: “I no longer call you servants... Instead, I have called you friends.” In this episode of Friends with God, Joe explores the passage that inspired the name of the entire podcast and what it might mean to actually live every day as a friend of Jesus. Friendship isn't built through striving or checking religious boxes. It's built through presence, conversation, trust, love, and simply spending time together. Joe explores how prayer can become an ongoing conversation, how abiding means staying connected, and why Jesus' command to love one another may be far simpler and more powerful than we sometimes make it. What if Jesus isn't waiting somewhere far away for you to find Him? What if He's already sitting across the kitchen table? Grab your coffee. Open up John 15. And let's talk about what it means to be Friends with God.

When Life Doesn't Make Sense: Holding On to God's Hand

What do you do when life suddenly changes and nothing seems to make sense? In this episode of Friends With God, Joe opens up about walking through grief, uncertainty, and unexpected loss while reflecting on two powerful scriptures that found him exactly when he needed them most. Before diving into John 15 later this week, Joe explores Isaiah 41:13 and Romans 15:13, discovering a simple but profound invitation from God: "Don't be afraid. I will help you." If you're navigating a difficult season, wrestling with unanswered questions, or simply trying to trust God one day at a time, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to understand everything to keep holding His hand. ScripturesIsaiah 41:13Romans 15:13

How to Find Peace in a World Full of Fear | John 14 Explained

Jesus didn't promise a life without trouble. He promised that we would never walk through it alone. In the final episode of our John 14 series, Joe explores Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit, the gift of lasting peace, and what it really means to trust God when life feels uncertain. Instead of living from fear, worry, and the need to control every outcome, we're invited to believe that God is already with us, guiding us every step of the way. This episode is a reminder that peace isn't found when our circumstances change. Peace begins when we remember we're never alone. Wrapping up John 14, Joe reflects on Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit as our Advocate and constant companion. The conversation centers on the difference between living from fear and living from faith. Joe shares how worry and faith both require belief in something unseen, but we get to choose which direction our imagination takes us. He encourages listeners to release control, trust God's direction, and remember that the Holy Spirit is always present, offering wisdom, peace, and guidance. The episode concludes with a practical invitation to pray with gratitude instead of fear and to walk through life believing that God is already working. Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/soundsurfer-46694837/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=297666">Viktor Sklemin</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=297666">Pixabay</a>

What Did Jesus Really Mean by "I Am the Way"? | John 14 Explained

Jesus' words in John 14:6 may be some of the most quoted, and most misunderstood, verses in the Bible. In this episode, Joe explores what it means when Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Rather than approaching the passage as a debate, he reflects on it as an invitation to follow Jesus' example, trust God's direction, and build a genuine friendship with Him. Together we explore faith, miracles, distractions, prayer, and why belief is more than simply saying the right words. It's about learning to live the way Jesus lived, one day at a time. Continuing through John 14, Joe reflects on verses 5 through 14 and Jesus' famous declaration that He is "the way, the truth, and the life." Instead of focusing on arguments or theology, Joe encourages listeners to see these verses as a roadmap for living. He discusses trusting God during uncertainty, recognizing the miracles that often go unnoticed, and moving from performative faith to authentic belief. The episode closes by inviting listeners to ask themselves a simple but powerful question: What would it look like to truly follow Jesus today instead of simply believing ideas about Him? Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/soundsurfer-46694837/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=297666">Viktor Sklemin</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=297666">Pixabay</a>

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

What did Jesus really mean when He said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled"? In the first episode of our John 14 series, we slow down and sit with one of the most comforting passages in all of Scripture. Joe explores what it means to trust God even when life feels uncertain, why worry so easily pulls us away from faith, and how surrender isn't giving up, but giving our burdens back to God. Drawing from his own journey through Christianity, mindfulness, and Kundalini Yoga, Joe shares how one simple practice has continued pointing him back to the words of Jesus: "Give your pain to God and take home peace." Whether you're new to faith or simply looking for encouragement today, this conversation is an invitation to breathe, trust, and walk with God one day at a time. This episode begins a three-part journey through John 14 by focusing on Jesus' opening words: "Do not let your hearts be troubled." Joe explains why Friends with God isn't about proving who's right or wrong, but about honestly exploring Scripture together. He reflects on his own spiritual journey and discusses how God can use every season of life to bring us closer to Jesus. The heart of the episode centers on learning to surrender our worries instead of carrying them alone. Joe encourages listeners to stop trying to control every outcome and instead trust that God understands the bigger picture. He closes with a simple daily prayer and reminds us that peace comes when we release what we were never meant to carry. Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/soundsurfer-46694837/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=297666">Viktor Sklemin</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=297666">Pixabay</a>

What Does It Mean to Be Friends with God? | A New Beginning

Welcome to the very first episode of Friends with God. After five years of podcasting, Joe introduces the heart behind this new journey and shares why he felt called to return to the teachings of Jesus with fresh eyes. This isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking better questions, creating simple daily practices, and learning to walk alongside God one day at a time. Joe reflects on his own path through Catholicism, evangelical Christianity, mindfulness, yoga, and meditation, explaining how each step unexpectedly led him back to Jesus. Along the way, he explores Philippians 4:19, the power of trusting God's provision, and why distractions so often pull us away from remembering that we are never walking alone. If you've ever wanted a simple, honest conversation about faith without pressure or perfection, pull up a chair. You're in the right place. Episode Summary In the premiere episode of Friends with God, Joe shares the story behind the new podcast and the personal journey that inspired it. Rather than presenting himself as a pastor or theologian, he invites listeners to simply explore Scripture together with curiosity and openness. The episode centers around the idea of developing a genuine friendship with God through small daily practices instead of only turning toward God during life's crises. Using Philippians 4:19 as the day's reflection, Joe encourages listeners to believe that God provides everything we truly need and reminds us that the greatest challenge is often the distractions that pull us away from that trust. The episode concludes by introducing the upcoming study through John 14 and inviting listeners to walk this journey together, one day at a time. Music by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/soundsurfer-46694837/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=297666">Viktor Sklemin</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=297666">Pixabay</a> Work with Joe Explore More

The Next Step of Faith | Why Inspire Create Manifest Is Becoming Friends With God

After five years of Inspire Create Manifest, Joe announces the final episode of the podcast and shares the heart behind its next evolution. Beginning August 3, the show becomes Friends With God: One Day at a Time, a podcast documenting one ordinary person's journey of developing a genuine relationship with God through the teachings of Jesus. Joe explains that this is not about becoming a preacher, theologian, or biblical scholar. It's about becoming an average person who is willing to follow where God is leading, even when it feels uncertain. Throughout the episode he reflects on how the podcast has continually evolved, from The Daily Shot of Inspiration to Inspire Create Manifest, and now into a show centered on friendship with God. He shares the fear of changing direction, the temptation to worry about what others might think, and the realization that growth requires giving ourselves permission to evolve. Drawing inspiration from John 15:15, where Jesus says, "I no longer call you servants... I call you friends," Joe invites listeners into a simpler, more personal way of approaching faith, not through religion or performance, but through relationship. The episode closes with an invitation to walk together one day at a time as Friends With God.

• Transcript

Follow the Nudge, Why Your Next Chapter Begins with Trust

There comes a moment when life asks you to stop forcing the next step and start trusting it. In this episode of Inspire Create Manifest, I share a very personal transition, both in my own spiritual journey and in the evolution of this podcast. As we approach five years of Inspire Create Manifest, I'm reflecting on what it means to follow divine inspiration, even when it leads somewhere unexpected. We explore why growth requires courage, how fear often appears right before meaningful change, and why trusting God doesn't mean having all the answers. It simply means being willing to take the next step. I also share the powerful connection between John 10:10, Christ Consciousness, and the simple practice of paying attention to what genuinely brings you alive. If you've been feeling the quiet pull toward something new, this conversation is your reminder that you don't have to understand the entire path before you begin walking it. In this episode you'll discover: • Why following the nudge is often more important than having a perfect plan. • How fear can become a doorway instead of a roadblock. • The deeper meaning of John 10:10 and living life more fully. • Why your attention shapes the reality you experience. • How to embrace change without abandoning who you are. If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, share it with someone who needs this message, and leave a comment below. Question for you: What nudge have you been feeling lately, and what's one small step you can take this week to trust it?

• Transcript

Something Is Changing... And I Think It's Time to Tell You

For the last two years, something has been quietly changing behind the scenes. In this deeply personal episode, Joe opens up about his growing relationship with Jesus, the courage it takes to follow an inner calling, and why becoming more honest has changed everything. This isn't about abandoning the past or becoming someone new. It's about listening to the quiet voice within, letting go of the noise, and trusting where God is leading, even when the next step isn't completely clear. Joe also reflects on the backlash people often receive when they choose authenticity over expectation, and why following your own path requires courage, compassion, and faith. Whether you're reconnecting with your faith, questioning your direction, or simply feeling that something inside you is shifting, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and trust what is unfolding. If you're in your own "space between," schedule a Clarity Call and learn more about Joe's six-week coaching experience in the show notes. Schedule Your Call

• Transcript

YOU FORGOT YOU HAVE A CHOICE

In this episode of the Inspired Create Manifest Podcast, Joe explores the powerful message of Colossians 3:2: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." In a world filled with notifications, fear-based headlines, endless opinions, and constant distractions, it's easy to lose ourselves in the noise. Joe shares why the real battle isn't happening out there, it's happening within our own minds and awareness. Together, we'll explore how to reclaim our attention, reconnect with peace, trust more deeply, and stop giving our power away to things that don't deserve it. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, distracted, worried about the future, or disconnected from your inner knowing, this episode is a reminder that you always have a choice. Reflection Question: "Is what I'm focusing on helping me remember who I am, or helping me forget?" If this message resonates with you and you're navigating a major transition in life, schedule a Clarity Call to learn more about Joe's 6-week coaching experience, The Space Between. Schedule Your Call Now

• Transcript

Becoming the Person You're Intending to Become | Identity Before Results

As we reach the halfway point of the year, it's time to ask an important question: Are you actually becoming the person you intend to be? In this episode, Joe explores the powerful connection between identity and action. Inspired by James Clear's idea that "every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become," Joe challenges listeners to look beyond goals and focus on the daily behaviors that create lasting transformation. We discuss: Why complaining may be reinforcing the very life you don't want How identity is built through repetition, not intention The difference between "fake it until you make it" and truly walking as if Why healthy people become healthy through healthy behaviors How writers become writers and runners become runners The power of small, daily actions to create your future self Your future isn't built someday. It's built today, through the choices you make in this moment. Work with Joe

• Transcript

Faith First, Miracle Second

Most people are waiting for proof before they believe. In this episode, Joe Longo explores why faith is not blind hope or religious dogma, but a creative force that opens the door to transformation. Using everyday examples like GPS navigation and WiFi signals, Joe explains why faith requires movement before certainty. Drawing from the Bible, Neville Goddard, and practical life experience, he shows how miracles don't create faith. Faith creates the conditions for miracles. If you've been stuck waiting for guarantees, struggling to trust your next step, or holding onto old stories that have disconnected you from your own power, this episode will challenge you to see faith differently. The question isn't whether the miracle is coming. The question is whether you're willing to move before you see it. Schedule your clarity call - EXPLORE NOW

• Transcript

The Uncomfortable Middle: Trusting Before Proof

What do you do when you've made the decision, said the prayer, set the intention, but the results haven't arrived yet? In this episode of Inspire Create Manifest, Joe explores what he calls The Uncomfortable Middle. The space between where you are and where you're going. The space between the prayer and the answer. The intention and the manifestation. The decision and the result. Using powerful examples from Abraham, Peter walking on water, David facing Goliath, and the faith of a mustard seed, Joe shares why most people don't fail because they aren't capable. They quit because the middle feels uncertain. If you've been waiting for proof before taking action, this episode is an invitation to trust the next step, even when you can't see the entire path. Because sometimes the thing you're asking for is waiting on the other side of the step you're afraid to take. Work with Joe -

• Transcript

Return Your Attention to Your Intention

What if the reason you're not experiencing more abundance, joy, peace, or opportunity isn't because those things are missing... but because your attention is focused somewhere else? In this episode, Joe shares a simple but powerful "pop quiz" designed to help you uncover where your mental energy is really going each day. Drawing from the principles of neuroplasticity, the reticular activating system, and everyday awareness, you'll explore the connection between intention and attention, and why so many of us spend our days focused on the exact opposite of what we say we want. Through three reflective questions and practical examples, Joe invites you to pause, become honest with yourself, and begin collecting evidence that life is supporting you. If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your goals, this episode offers a simple awareness practice that can help bring you back to what truly matters. Work with Joe - https://stan.store/Joe_Longo

• Transcript

Renew Your Mind, Change What You Notice | Faith, Focus & Neuroplasticity

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to notice opportunities, guidance, and synchronicities everywhere they go while others feel disconnected and lost? In this episode of Inspire Create Manifest, Joe explores a powerful question: Is the renewing of the mind that Paul spoke about actually the spiritual practice of directing our attention? Drawing connections between scripture, neuroscience, neuroplasticity, and the Reticular Activating System, Joe breaks down why what we focus on shapes what we experience. This isn't about positive thinking. It's about intentional focus. You'll discover how Philippians 4:8 and Proverbs 23:7 align with modern science, why your brain continually searches for evidence that supports your dominant thoughts, and how faith may not change what exists around you, but radically change what you're able to notice. If you're ready to move from fear into faith, from distraction into awareness, and from uncertainty into clarity, this episode is for you. 👉 If you're currently navigating a transition and feeling stuck in "the space between," schedule a Clarity Call to learn more about Joe's six-week coaching program, The Space Between.

When Faith Finds You Again

Want to work with Joe over six weeks exploring your Space Between? ⁠Schedule A Clarity Call Now ⁠ There are moments in life when everything familiar begins to fall away. The old identity no longer fits. The path ahead isn't fully visible. And somewhere beneath the noise, a quiet voice keeps asking you to trust. In this deeply personal episode, Joe shares why the Inspire Create Manifest podcast may be approaching the end of one chapter as something new begins to emerge. Through an unexpected conversation with an old friend, reflections on faith, and a spontaneous opening of the Bible, a powerful message revealed itself: Maybe you're not lost. Maybe you're being called. If you've found yourself questioning your path, reconnecting with your faith, or feeling pulled toward something you can't quite explain, this episode is for you. Together, we'll explore the courage it takes to listen to that inner voice, the fear of being misunderstood, and why the challenges showing up in your life may actually be guiding you home. You don't need all the answers. You only need the willingness to listen. If this message resonates with you, and you're navigating a season of transition, schedule a 15-minute call or download The Quiet Transition, an orientation for women navigating a quiet transition. Keep going. The path may be uncertain, but the call is real. What to share your story of return email joe@inspirecreatemanifest.com Want to work with Joe over six weeks exploring your Space Between? Schedule A Clarity Call Now

• Transcript

Sometimes the Final Piece Doesn't Fit

Schedule your clarity call We're halfway through the year. Maybe things aren't unfolding the way you expected. Maybe the goals you set in January feel different now. Or maybe you've realized that something you've been working hard to build simply doesn't fit anymore. In this episode of Inspire Create Manifest, Joe explores a powerful analogy about assembling IKEA furniture and how it mirrors the journey of life. Sometimes everything looks fine until the final piece won't fit. The solution isn't forcing it. It's stepping back, reassessing, and rebuilding from a place of greater awareness. You'll discover why being out of alignment doesn't mean you're broken, how to recognize what no longer fits, and the questions that can help you move into the second half of the year with greater clarity and purpose. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. Questions explored in this episode: What isn't fitting anymore? What am I trying to force? Where have I outgrown an old version of myself? What needs to be rebuilt on a stronger foundation? If you're standing in the space between where you've been and where you're going, this episode is for you.

• Transcript