For years, I used Matthew 17:20, the faith of a mustard seed, to teach people about manifestation, believing in themselves, and creating the life they wanted.

But what if I was missing something?

What if the faith Jesus was talking about wasn't faith in myself, but faith in God?

Welcome to Part 1 of our journey through Matthew Chapter 17 on Friends With God.

In this episode, I'm sharing how taking the time to read the entire chapter instead of focusing on one familiar verse opened my eyes to a completely different understanding of faith and trust.

We begin with the Transfiguration of Jesus, where Peter, James, and John witness something extraordinary. And right in the middle of it, God gives them a simple instruction:

"This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" Matthew 17:5 (NIV)

Three simple words. Listen to Him.

We'll explore what happens when we stop trying to figure everything out, stop making Scripture fit our existing beliefs, and begin listening with an open heart.

I'm not a pastor or a theologian. I'm just an average Joe learning to know Jesus, one day at a time.

Come along as we explore faith, trust, and what it really means to be Friends With God.

Scriptures: Matthew 17:1–20 and Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)

If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone walking their own journey of faith.

And if you'd like to join our Monday Night Mastermind, you'll find the link below.

Friends With God. One Day at a Time.

What if one Bible verse gave you three words to carry into your everyday life?

Power. Love. Self-discipline.

In 2 Timothy 1:7, we're reminded that the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid. It gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

In this episode of Friends With God, Joe explores what those three words can look like as an actual daily practice. What does it mean to remember the power God has already given us? How do we move through the world from love? And how can self-discipline help us stay connected to God instead of getting pulled into distraction, fear, and doubt?

Joe also shares a simple breath prayer inspired by 2 Timothy 1:7 that you can practice for just two minutes a day, connecting your breath with the words power, love, and self-discipline.

Maybe renewing your mind and strengthening your relationship with God doesn't have to be complicated.

Maybe it starts with a breath, a prayer, and remembering what God has already given you.

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." — 2 Timothy 1:7

Friends With God: One Day at a Time.

#honestfaithexploration #faithhopeloveteachings #christianpodcast #faithpodcast

Twenty episodes ago, I started Friends With God with a simple idea: I’m just an average Joe trying to figure out my own friendship and walk with God, and maybe sharing that journey could help someone else create their own relationship with God too.

Now, 20 episodes in, I wanted to look back and ask: What have I actually learned?

In this episode, I share seven lessons that have continued to reveal themselves throughout this journey. Fear is often happening in my own head. I don’t have to know all the answers. I do have to trust. Distractions are real. Renewing the mind is a daily practice. Surrender makes life easier. And maybe most importantly, I’m remembering that I have a friendship with God and I don’t have to do any of this alone.

We also explore Philippians 4 and the practical invitation to bring our worries to God through prayer, thanksgiving, and trust, while intentionally choosing what we allow our minds to dwell on.

This isn’t about having faith completely figured out. It’s about practicing it. Showing up. Renewing the mind. Learning to surrender. And having enough courage to be exactly where we are, even when we don’t know what comes next.

As you listen, I invite you to reflect on your own journey: What have you learned lately about your relationship with God?

And if you have a story about your own friendship with God that you’d like to share, reach out. I’m excited to begin welcoming guests onto Friends With God and hearing how God has shown up in your life.

Friends With God: an average Joe learning to know Jesus, one day at a time.

Explore more from Joe - https://stan.store/Joe_Longo