I used to think I peaked in my relationship with God—that the passion I had in high school was something I’d never get back. But what I’ve learned is that love with Jesus doesn’t fade… it matures. In this episode, I share how I fell in love with Him all over again—what had to break off of me, what shifted in how I saw Him, and how you can get that fire back too. If you’ve ever felt distant from God or like you’ve lost your passion, I pray this speaks to you. And if you're ready to fall in love with Him again daily, come join me on After God’s Heart—a daily devotional podcast and community that helps you meet God in His Word and rediscover who He truly is. Tap the link below to start your 7-day free trial: https://www.patreon.com/c/afterGodsheart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one’s real personal. I just felt like it was time to slow down and let you all l in on what’s really been happening behind the scenes the last 9–10 months. A lot has changed in my life — new city, new church, deep community, and God doing a real work in my heart. But the biggest thing I had to face? There was this lie I didn’t even realize I was believing about God — and it had been shaping the way I saw Him, myself, and my purpose. In this episode, I’m sharing that story. What led me there. How He’s been peeling it all back. And the version of me I feel like He’s been slowly freeing me from. It’s kind of like a reset episode. I talk about where the podcast is going, what’s changing, and where I see God leading next. So if you've been in a season of transition, or you've ever wrestled with identity, ambition, or feeling like you’ve outgrown who you used to be — I think this one’s gonna hit home. Let me know what God’s been teaching you too. I’d love to hear it. Try After God’s Heart free for 7 days — daily devotionals, guided readings, and real conversations that help you walk with Jesus every single morning. 👉 https://aftergodsheart.carrd.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This might be one of the most important conversations we’ve had yet. In today’s episode of The Disciples Journal, we’re diving deep into what it actually means to walk in intimacy with Jesus. Not just following Him, but abiding in Him. You’ll hear how peace isn’t found in performance—but in a person. We’ll talk about the fruit of intimacy, why discipline without surrender leaves us empty, and how true transformation happens when we stop trying to fix ourselves and start beholding Him. I even share a powerful revelation God gave me about the veil at the altar—and how only Jesus can lift it. This is more than just a teaching. It’s a heart reset. Let’s get into it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the real reason you feel distant from God… is something you’ve been overlooking? In today’s episode of The Disciples Journal, we’re unpacking Hebrews 12:14 — a verse that doesn’t just talk about holiness, but reveals why so many of us struggle to feel close to God. Darin breaks down how sin doesn’t drive God away from us… but it does distort our view of Him. Through a powerful moment of personal conviction, we explore how holiness isn’t about perfection — it’s about intimacy. About seeing God clearly. About giving Him all of who we are. Whether you’ve walked with God for years or you’re trying to find your way back, this episode will shift how you see sin, holiness, and the invitation God gives us every day to draw near. 🎧 Reflection Question: What’s one thing in your life right now that might be clouding your view of God? 👉 Want to go deeper and start building a consistent daily rhythm with God? Join me inside After God’s Heart — a daily devotional podcast that helps you grow in intimacy with Him one day at a time. You can start your 7-day free trial here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you know God, or do you just know about Him? That question cuts deep—and it’s exactly what we’re unpacking in today’s episode. As we officially launch After God’s Heart, I wanted to start with a conversation that’s foundational: intimacy with God. Drawing from Jeremiah 9:23–24, we explore the difference between boasting in what we do for God vs. actually walking in deep relationship with Him. This episode is a personal one. I’m sharing what shifted in my own journey—how consistency didn’t come from more discipline, but from more intimacy. You'll also hear how the fruit of the Spirit isn’t something you force... it's something that flows when you’re planted in the right place. And don't miss the powerful reflection from 1 Corinthians 13. It’ll challenge you to ask yourself: “What if I’m doing everything right, but missing the one thing that matters?” Ready to grow in your relationship with God? Try After God’s Heart free for 7 days and start a daily rhythm of intimacy with Jesus. 🎧 Tap the link to begin: https://aftergodsheart.carrd.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your story is the key to someone else's salvation? In today’s episode of The Disciples Journal, we’re digging into 1 Peter 2:9 and uncovering what this powerful verse reveals about your God-given purpose. You’ve been chosen, called, and commissioned — not just to be saved, but to shine. We’ll talk about: Why your testimony is God's proof The lie of “private faith” and what Scripture really teaches What it means to be a royal priesthood in your everyday life Why your influence is your responsibility — and no one else’s This isn’t just a responsibility. It’s a privilege. And your story is more than enough for God to use. If you’ve ever wrestled with what you’re here for, this episode will change how you see your calling. Want to feel closer to God every day? Start your 7-day free trial of After God’s Heart now: 👉 https://patreon.com/aftergodsheart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your purpose isn’t just about what you do — but how you love? In today’s episode, we’re diving into Ephesians 5:1–2 to uncover a purpose we often overlook: walking in the love of Christ. This kind of love isn’t limited to people we agree with or those who treat us well — it’s a love that mirrors the sacrifice Jesus made for us. We’ll explore why loving difficult people is actually central to your calling, what Jesus meant when He said “be perfect as your Father is perfect,” and how imitating God’s love changes every conversation, every encounter, and every space you walk into. If you’ve ever wrestled with what God wants you to do, this episode will reframe everything by showing you who He’s calling you to be. Want to go deeper? Join the daily devotional experience through [After God’s Heart] — complete with daily episodes, a monthly reading plan, and live Bible study Zooms. Try it free at the link below. https://patreon.com/aftergodsheart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your title didn’t determine your calling? In this episode, I’m digging into one of the biggest lies we’ve believed in church culture—that only pastors, leaders, or “special” people are called to represent God. But Genesis 1:26–28 tells a different story. I walk through the political context behind this passage and show how, in the ancient world, only kings were seen as the “image” of a god. But in Genesis, God flips the script and says every person is made in His image. That means you have been given divine authority and purpose—not someday, not if you get a title, but right now. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re really called, or felt like purpose is for someone else, this episode will remind you who you are and what you were made for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the reason you’re questioning your worth… is because you’ve been listening to the wrong story about why you’re here? In this episode of The Disciples Journal, we kick off a brand new July series focused on what God says about our purpose—and we’re starting right where it all began: Genesis 1:26. You might’ve read this verse before, but today we’re looking at it through the eyes of the people who first heard it—the Israelites fresh out of slavery. And when you understand the cultural and historical context, everything changes. You’ll learn why this one verse redefines how we see our value, our identity, and the intentionality of God’s design for your life. If you’ve ever wondered whether your life really matters or what God had in mind when He made you—this episode is for you. Start a 7 day free trial of After God's Heart today: https://patreon.com/aftergodsheart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the reason you don’t feel confident in who you are… is because you’ve never seen God clearly? In this final episode of our June identity series, we go beyond affirmations and dive into the real path to discovering who you are in Christ. I unpack what it actually looks like to surrender your identity, how following Jesus leads to self-discovery, and why seeing God rightly is the first step to seeing yourself rightly. We’ll explore a powerful moment in Matthew 16 that reveals how God often shows us who we are in the places we least expect. If you’ve ever felt lost, unsure of your worth, or tempted to anchor your identity in what you do—this episode is your reset. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you trying to earn what God has already freely given you? In this episode of The Disciples Journal, we explore the liberating truth of Romans 5:1–2 — that we are justified by faith, not by performance. Darren unpacks what it means to stand in grace, how Jesus already did the work we often try to do ourselves, and why this changes everything about how we approach God. If you’ve ever felt the weight of having to prove yourself to be loved, this episode will help you breathe again. It’s not about striving — it’s about trusting. — 🎧 This devotional is part of the After God's Heart membership series. Get access to new daily devotionals every morning + live Zoom calls and a thriving community. 👉 Try it free for 7 days here: https://patreon.com/aftergodsheart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does your daily life reflect the fact that God lives in you? In this powerful episode of The Disciples Journal, we unpack what it really means when Scripture says your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). This isn’t just a metaphor—it’s an invitation to intimacy, reverence, and transformation. Darin breaks down the original meaning behind Paul’s words to the Corinthian church, and how we too are called to prepare a life that honors God’s presence. If you’ve ever wondered how to make more room for God in your habits, home, and heart—this one’s for you. — 🎧 Want more daily devotional content like this? This episode is part of our After God’s Heart daily membership podcast — with brand-new episodes every morning + monthly live calls to help you walk with Jesus daily. 👉 Start your free 7-day trial here: https://patreon.com/afterGodsheart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does your life say about the God you claim to follow? In today’s episode of The Disciples Journal, we’re unpacking what it really means to be an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). God has given us a title, a mission, and an identity—but are we actually living up to it? We’ll break down what an ambassador is, why it matters, and how God is calling us to represent His heart, values, and priorities in every space we walk into—from our public witness to our private habits. This episode will challenge you to reflect: Does my life reflect Him clearly? Or am I settling for something less? This series is part of my daily devotional podcast, After God’s Heart, where we dig deeper every morning into verses just like this—learning who God truly is and how to walk with Him daily. You can try it free for 7 days: https://www.patreon.com/aftergodsheart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you’re not supposed to carry all of this on your own? In today’s episode of The Disciples Journal, we’re digging into 1 John 3:1–2 and what it really means to be called a child of God. This isn’t just poetic language—it's a powerful truth that reshapes how you see your past, your worth, and your daily dependence on God. We explore how your identity as God's child frees you from performance, striving, and self-reliance. You'll hear why God's design was never for you to carry the weight of life alone—and how the way He fathers us changes everything. This episode is also part of a special June series that flows directly from my daily devotional podcast After God’s Heart, where we go even deeper every single morning. You can try it free for 7 days and experience what it means to walk with God—not just believe in Him. Sign up for my daily devotional podcast today: https://www.patreon.com/c/afterGodsheart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if God doesn’t want to erase your past… but redeem it? In this first episode of our June series, Identity in Christ, I’m diving into 2 Corinthians 5:17—“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation.” But what does that actually mean for your everyday life? And what does it reveal about God’s heart? We’re unpacking why your past doesn’t disqualify you, how God meets you in the darkest places, and why real transformation isn’t about pretending you’ve never messed up—it’s about knowing who’s holding your story now. If this resonates with you, After God’s Heart, my daily devotional podcast on Patreon, is where we go even deeper into verses just like this—every single day. It's not about more information; it's about learning how to walk with God in real time and see His heart in every word of Scripture. You can even try it out free for 7 days Join After God's Heart Today: https://www.patreon.com/c/afterGodsheart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you actually repenting… or just feeling bad? In this episode of The Disciples Journal, I’m unpacking what true repentance really means—and why it’s more than just saying “I’m sorry.” We’re breaking down the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, what it means to “make room” for God in your life, and why repentance is ultimately about relationship, not religion. From personal stories to powerful Scripture (Romans 2:4, Acts 26, 2 Corinthians 7:10), this episode challenges you to stop settling for half-hearted faith and start living in the fullness of life that Jesus offers. Repentance is the response the gospel demands. And it’s not out of guilt—it’s a response to His kindness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the only thing standing between you and God… is a simple yes? In this episode of The Disciples Journal, I unpack what it means that Jesus offers us the gift of salvation and forgiveness—not something we earn, but something we receive. We dive into why God’s love isn’t based on performance, why your worth isn’t tied to what you do, and how the gospel flips everything we’ve been taught about value, acceptance, and grace. This one is for the weary, the striving, and the searching. Join my daily devotional podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/c/afterGodsheart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if I told you the resurrection of Jesus isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s everything we stand on? In this episode of The Disciples Journal, I’m breaking down one of the most powerful lines of the gospel creed:“Three days later, He rose from the dead, proving He is the Son of God.” We’ll look at why the resurrection is not just a comeback story—but confirmation that every claim Jesus made was true. I unpack what Scripture says in Romans 1:4 and 1 Corinthians 15:17, and why the resurrection isn’t optional for our faith—it’s foundational. But more than that, I share how the resurrection changes what’s possible for us right now. Because He rose, you don’t have to stay stuck in your guilt, shame, or spiritual death. There’s new life available. Not just someday—today. This is the turning point of history… and the starting point of hope. Let’s walk it out together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if Jesus didn’t just die for you—but also lived for you? Most of us focus on the cross, but miss the equally powerful truth: Jesus lived the perfect life we were meant to live. In today’s episode, I unpack what that really means—and why His obedience matters just as much as His sacrifice. We’re diving deep into what this says about God’s love, our identity, and the kind of grace that doesn’t just forgive—but credits us with righteousness we didn’t earn. This part of the gospel will shift how you see Jesus… and how you see yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join my daily devotional podcast here: https://patreon.com/aftergodsheart Has God ever felt distance in your life? In today’s episode, I’m continuing our journey into the wonder of the incarnation—God becoming human in the person of Jesus. We’ll explore how His humanity changes the way we view God, the way we see ourselves, and how we live each day. I’ll share how this truth has reshaped my understanding of God’s nearness and why it means more than we often realize. Whether you’re wrestling with doubt, pain, or just the busyness of life, this episode is a reminder that God didn't stay distant—He stepped into our story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices