What if the reason you’ve never really “heard God” isn’t because He’s silent—but because you’ve been approaching the Bible the wrong way? In this episode, I share the simple mindset shift that turned Scripture from silent ink on a page into real conversations with the living God. Each episode, I walk you through practical questions to ask while reading that unlock intimacy, clarity, and the sense that God is actually speaking back. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why doesn’t God talk to me?”—this podcast may change everything. This guide will help you turn every Bible reading into a real conversation with God. Download it here → https://stan.store/darinstarks/p/turn-bible-reading-into-a-conversation-with-god Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One Bible verse completely ended my lukewarm faith. I know that sounds wild, but it’s true — this verse flipped everything for me and showed me what it really means to know and love God. In this episode of The Disciples Journal, I share the exact verse, why it hit me so hard, and the practical steps I took to move from half-hearted faith to fully devoted to Christ. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling distant from God or just “going through the motions,” this message is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m starting a new series called Darin’s Diary. Every Monday, I’ll be sharing something real that I’m learning about God as I dig into His Word for myself. This isn’t secondhand from pastors, mentors, or books — it’s me opening up my Bible, wrestling with what it says, and sharing how it’s changing my walk with Him. In this first episode, I’m talking about a verse that completely reshaped the way I see God: John 1:14 — “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Growing up, I thought I understood God’s love, but when I read this verse in its original context, it hit me in a whole new way. For the first audience — both Jews and Gentiles — this was shocking. Unlike the distant gods of the Greco-Roman world, Jesus stepped down, put on flesh, and lived among us. That changes everything. This episode is all about rediscovering God’s love in a fresh way — the kind that makes you fall in love with Him all over again. My hope is that as you watch, you’ll see that God isn’t distant, He’s close, and He cares about every detail of your life. Let me know in the comments what stood out to you most, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes of Darin’s Diary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The biggest thing blocking your intimacy with God isn’t what you think. For years, I believed distance from Him was only about my sin. But what I discovered is that sin doesn’t just separate—it distorts how we see God. I used to think He was ashamed of me, angry, or unwilling to welcome me back. That false view of God kept me away even more than the sin itself. In this episode, I share a pivotal moment from Passion 2022 where confession and hearing God’s truth spoken over me completely changed the way I saw Him. We’ll look at how sin clouds our vision of God, how holiness clears it, and why renewing your mind with His Word is the only way to see Him as He truly is—merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. This isn’t just theology—it’s deeply personal. Because the way you see God will always determine how you interact with Him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever felt like you’ve drifted from God, like that fire you once had for Him has faded, this one’s for you. I know what it’s like to think you’re too far gone, to believe you have to “fix yourself” before you can come back to Him. That was me—stuck in shame, projecting my own feelings about myself onto God, convinced He had distanced Himself from me. But Exodus 34:6 completely shifted my view of Him. This is the first time in the Bible God describes Himself, and what He says will wreck every lie you’ve believed about how He sees you. In this episode, we’ll walk through the context of that verse, what it meant to the original audience, and why it still changes everything for us today. My prayer is that by the end, you’ll see Him more clearly and come back to Him with your head held high, knowing He still loves you, still chooses you, and is still faithful—no matter what. Want to go deeper and walk with God every day? Join me on After God’s Heart—a daily devotional podcast designed to help you know who He really is and ignite your passion for Him again. You can try it free for 7 days: https://aftergodsheart.carrd.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I didn’t realize how much of my confidence was wrapped up in how people saw me… until God started stripping that away. In this episode, I’m talking about where our confidence really comes from — and what happens when you try to build your identity on things that shift. Your job. Your relationship. Your reputation. Even your emotions. We walk through Matthew 16 and how Peter’s revelation of who Jesus is led to Jesus revealing who Peter was. And that’s the moment everything changes. If you’ve ever wrestled with insecurity, people-pleasing, or feeling like you’ve lost yourself — I think this one will really speak to you. Finding who you are starts with finding Him. And if you want to go deeper in the Word daily, check out my devotional podcast After God’s Heart. We walk through Scripture every morning together. You can try it free for 7 days using the link below: https://patreon.com/aftergodsheart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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