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 res...
Jul 09, 2025•13 min
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 imita...
Jul 07, 2025•13 min
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 ha...
Jul 02, 2025•14 min
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 ...
Jun 30, 2025•14 min
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...
Jun 25, 2025•19 min
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 abo...
Jun 23, 2025•12 min
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 ...
Jun 20, 2025•11 min
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...
Jun 18, 2025•13 min
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...
Jun 11, 2025•14 min
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 k...
Jun 09, 2025•18 min
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 s...
May 26, 2025•19 min
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 d...
May 23, 2025•23 min
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 resurrect...
May 21, 2025•15 min
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 ho...
May 14, 2025•13 min
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...
May 07, 2025•19 min
What if we’ve misunderstood the Gospel all along? In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the parts of the Gospel we often overlook or avoid. This isn’t just about what Jesus did—but why it matters in the everyday life of a believer. Join me as I unpack the deeper, often hidden truths of the Gospel that could completely change how you live, love, and follow Jesus. Join my daily devotional podcast here: https://patreon.com/aftergodsheart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...
May 05, 2025•24 min
Have you ever questioned your purpose or struggled to hear God's voice? In this episode, I reflect on my journey since turning 23 and share the three key lessons I've learned as a believer. From understanding the true meaning of God's will for our lives to the importance of community and how to hear God's voice, I dive deep into the aspects of faith that can help you grow closer to Christ. Join my daily devotional podcast here: https://patreon.com/aftergodsheart Learn more about your ad choices....
Apr 30, 2025•19 min
Start my daily devotional podcast here: https://patreon.com/aftergodsheart Ever feel like you’re struggling to maintain a relationship with God? You're not alone. In today's episode of the Disciples Journal, I explore why our desires often shift away from God and how to get back on track. Learn how changing your spiritual diet, shifting your mindset, embracing community, and meditating on the Word can transform your spiritual journey. Discover practical tips to set the tone of your heart through...
Apr 28, 2025•18 min
Start my daily devotional podcast here: https://patreon.com/aftergodsheart Have you ever felt that you need to fix yourself before coming back to God? In today's episode, I share my personal journey of realizing that true restoration comes from relying on God's strength, not our own. I delve into the profound message of Matthew 4:19 and discuss the importance of following Jesus daily, shedding the performance pressure we often feel, and making God our ultimate source. Learn more about your ad ch...
Apr 23, 2025•17 min
Start my daily devotional podcast here: https://patreon.com/aftergodsheart Have you felt distant from God and unsure how to reconnect? In today's episode, I share my journey of overcoming shame and condemnation by letting God speak through His word. Learn how meditating on scripture helped me combat negative thoughts and build a personal relationship with God. Discover the importance of personal revelation from scripture and get practical tips for making God's word a daily part of your life. Plu...
Apr 21, 2025•18 min
Start my daily devotional podcast: https://patreon.com/aftergodsheart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 16, 2025•15 min
Have you ever wondered why you struggle to hear God's voice? In this heart-to-heart episode I'm diving into the number one reason you might not be hearing from Him. Join me as I break down the misconceptions about who can hear God's voice and share practical tips for making your prayer life more authentic and effective. Together, we'll explore how to pray from the heart instead of performing, and how to tune out comparisons that distract you from your unique relationship with God. Let's get real...
Apr 14, 2025•26 min
Free Guide: How to Get Closer to God → https://stan.store/darinstarks/p/how-to-get-closer-to-god-guide Full Episode with Bethany → https://pod.link/1580867356/episode/5a8e5b463a1a69ce8ac7b5a760b820a9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 07, 2025•15 min
If you've ever wondered how to find complete satisfaction in Jesus, you're not alone. In today's episode, I share a highlight from my deep conversation with Bethany Moore. We explore what it truly means to be satisfied in Christ, emphasizing the importance of integrating Him into every facet of life rather than compartmentalizing Him into isolated practices. Tune in to learn practical steps for experiencing God's presence in everything you do, and how this can bring you unparalleled satisfaction...
Apr 02, 2025•15 min
Have you ever wondered how to rekindle your love for Jesus or why life's distractions seem to keep pulling you away? In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Disciples Journal, Bethany Moore shares her journey of returning to Jesus as her first love and finding deep, wholehearted devotion. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to stay rooted in your faith amidst life's storms. • The power of community in fostering spiritual growth. • Why genuine worship goes beyond routines and touches all ...
Mar 26, 2025•2 hr 32 min
Ever wondered how to truly make Jesus the love of your life? Join me in part seven of my series on making Jesus our first love as I sit down with Bethany Moore from the 'We Can Do Better' podcast. We dive into a heartfelt discussion about wholehearted devotion, maintaining spiritual intimacy, and ensuring that our walk with God remains vibrant and heartfelt. Discover practical insights and personal stories that highlight the importance of proactive faith and genuine fellowship with Christ. We Ca...
Mar 24, 2025•22 min
Are you showing the love of God to those around you? In this episode of The Disciples Journal, I dive deep into the importance of extending our love for God to those we encounter in our daily lives. I discuss the idea that our devotion to God should naturally overflow to others if we claim to love him. I introduce you to Talitha Coffee, a San Diego-based specialty coffee roaster dedicated to empowering survivors of human trafficking. Through a touching conversation with co-founder Jenny Barber a...
Mar 21, 2025•55 min
Do you truly understand the depth of God's love for you? In this episode, I, Darren Starks, dive into the profound significance of the gospel and what every believer needs to know to deepen their relationship with Jesus. I'll provide updates on The Disciples Journal schedule, share encouraging feedback from listeners, and introduce three essential habits to foster intimacy with God. Through personal reflections and relatable analogies, I emphasize the importance of grasping the magnitude of Jesu...
Mar 19, 2025•28 min
Ever felt like your relationship with Jesus has gone cold? In this episode of The Disciples Journal, I dive into part four of our series focused on making Jesus our first love again. I share my personal reflections and insights on the importance of sacrificial devotion and why Jesus is worthy of our time, energy, and focus. Discover how to make room for God in your daily life, ensuring that your actions and environment invite His presence. Tune in for practical steps to deepen your intimacy with...
Mar 13, 2025•23 min
Ever wondered what it truly means to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind? In this episode of The Disciple's Journal, I delve into part three of our March series focused on making Jesus our first love again. I explore Matthew 22:37-38 and emphasize the importance of wholehearted devotion and surrendering everything to God, including our plans and decisions. Through reflections, scriptural insights, and personal experiences, I challenge you to let God write your story and live under His g...
Mar 10, 2025•30 min
