Join The Journey

Today's the 100th Day of Year of the Word! In today's special 100th episode, Emma Dotter and Associate Pastor, David Penuel, discuss three ways you can apply 1 Chronicles 25-29 to your life here at Watermark Community Church.  Additional References: Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4; 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 Learn how to serve at Watermark: https://www.watermark.org/serving-at-watermark Interested in working at Watermark? See our open positions here: https://www.watermark.org/about/jobs-at-watermark To worship the Lord in joyful giving, go to https://www.watermark.org/giving

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

In today's episode, Emma Dotter helps us understand who the Philistine giants, where they came from, and the picture they give of our salvation. These chapters remind us to trust in the better David, Jesus, for our victory of the giant of sin and death. Jesus has already won this battle through the cross, and we can rest in that victory!  Scriptures Referenced: 1 Samuel 17:4; Romans 8:37 Come celebrate 100 days of reading the Bible together with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Bill Roberson about 1 Chronicles 14-19 and talk about how God used David through the Davidic covenant and how we are also used by God when we live by faith in Christ. Additional References: John 12:24; John 15:5 Come celebrate 100 days of reading the Bible together with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

What are the differences between Kings and Chronicles? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark Elder, Todd Anders, about 1 Chronicles 9-13 and discusses the differences how Kings and Chronicles may share similar stories, but they are written to different audiences and from different perspectives.  Come celebrate 100 days of reading the Bible together with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

In today's episode, Zach Seitz talks with long time Watermark member, Braun Brown about 1 Chronicles 5-8. Braun helps us understand the tribe of Manasseh, and how they "whored" after other gods, rather than the one true God. We too can be tempted to place other things above God in our lives and today's episode is a good reminder to evaluate what those things may be.  Additional Scriptures: Romans 5:8; Genesis 32; Psalm 16:9; 1 Peter 2; Psalm 73:28 Come celebrate 100 days of reading the Bible together with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

Why are the first four chapters of 1 Chronicles geneologies? What is the importance of geneologies and how should we think about them? Today, Seth Mather discusses 1 Chronicles 1-4 and helps us to understand the geneologies we see in the first 9 chapters of 1 Chronicles, and how they show God continued love for His people.  Come celebrate 100 days of reading the Bible together with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses 2 Kings 22-25, where the kingdom of Judah falls into exile due to their sin and disobedience to God. These chapters remind us that even kings can not outrun the destruction of sin and that we are all in need of the better king, Jesus.  Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2025

 In today's episode, Zach Seitz and Watermark member, Julie Breedlove, discuss 2 Kings 20:8-11 and Hezekiah's trust in the Lord, even in the face of great adversity. We can learn from Hezekiah's reliance on the Lord that God is faithful to his people, and to us, despite our sin.  Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

How do we view the imperfect split kingdom in light of the eternal kingdom that we are promised in 2 Samuel 7? Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Nate Alvis, about 2 Kings 15-17. They discuss the Davidic covenant and how Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this covenant.  Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025 Learn more about our Middle School ministry: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/wake Come celebrate 100 Days of reading the Bible with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

How does the man who touches Elisha come back to life? In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson talks with Watermark member, David Hope about 2 Kings 10-14, specifically 2 Kings 13. David discusses the events of the man coming back to life, God's display of power, and how we view this in light of Easter.  Hear more from David Hope: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-036-ecclesiastes-8/id1600151923?i=1000645850556 Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

In today's episode, Graham Shelby discusses 2 Kings 9-10 and the life of king Jehu. Graham helps us understand how we can have zeal for God, yet balance our external zeal for Him with our internal adoration of Him.  Additional References: Titus 2:14; Mark 12:29-30; Romans 12:11; Colossians 3:23; Psalm 27:4; 2 Cor. 3:18; Hebrews 10:24 Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Who was Naaman and what can we learn from the story of his healing? How do we grow a heart for suffering? As we kick off our study of the book of 2 Kings, Graham Shelby, Watermark’s College Ministry Director, takes off the podcast to talk about Naaman’s Leprosy. Graham previously taught today’s chapters at Watermark’s Men’s Bible Study!  To hear a more in-depth teaching on today’s passage check out Graham’s Men’s Bible Study Message: https://www.watermark.org/message/11998-lesson-12-2-kings-5-8-spring-2025 For More Information on Watermark’s College Ministry, Rally: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/college Join us for our FREE celebration of 100 days reading the Bible together in 2025! Get more information: https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025  Check out the Journey Junior Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898?i=1000702456723 Check out the Journey Junior Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=839144fb7c89439f  For more information about Join The Journey check out: www.JoinTheJourney.com 

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

What are we to make of the Lord permitting lying spirits to deceive people? How can God send a lying spirit? Who or what is the lying spirit? And what are we to make of King Ahab’s life?  In today’s episode, Emma Dotter walks us through the over arching story of King Ahab’s life and takes a look at a few of the toughest verses in today’s reading in 1 Kings.  Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

Why is Elijah so important? Today, Emma Dotter and Zach Seitz discuss who Elijah was and also discuss the role of prophets in the Old Testament. Emma and Zach talk through the significant events of 2 Kings 18 and Elijah's question to God's people, "Who will you follow?"  Come celebrate 100 Days of Reading the Bible with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible Got Questions article: https://www.gotquestions.org/prophet-Old-Testament.html

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Dre Williams, about 1 Kings 11-14. They answer the questions: "is God unjust to kill someone who was deceived?" and  "why is the Man of God responsible for being deceived?" Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025 Come celebrate 100 Days of Reading the Bible with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible Learn more about Re:gen: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses 1 Kings 8-10 and the warnings that are given by God to his people during the dedication of the temple. Emma examines King Solomon and helps us see the importance of continued reliance on God, even with success, wealth, or fame. 

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks about 1 Kings 5 and discusses the building of the temple. Emma helps us understand the relationship between the temple and the presence of God and how, through Jesus, we are considered temples of the Holy Spirit.  Additional References: 2 Corithians 4:7; John 1:29; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Peter 1:3 Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

How do we reconcile Solomon's ask for wisdom with the decisions that he makes later on in scripture? In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson talks with Valerie Klimko about Solomon's progression in his faith and how we too are tempted to give into our flesh and in need of the greater king, Jesus.  Addition Scriptures: James 1:5; Proverbs 4:23

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

Why was God so angry with Israel? Why was God going to destroy Jerusalem? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses how God's anger in 2 Samuel 22-24 is not random, but rather shows His justice and holiness in response to the rebellion of His people.  Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2025

Why are we moving bones? In today's episode, Parker Primrose and Watermark member, Kim Dickerson, discuss 2 Samuel 18-21 where some actions of David's men were disobedient and disgraceful to God's laws for his people. Kim explains how David's reburying of the bones was an action of repentance toward God, and the importance of having a heart of obedience towards the Lord. 

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

Today, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Sierra Sanchez, discuss Ahithophel hanging himself and how Christians are to think about suicide. Sierra reminds us that it is always good to ask the hard questions to those who appear to be struggling and that in Christ we always have hope.  Re:gen information: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Bo Richardson, discuss David's sin in 2 Samuel 12, and what we can learn from David's imperfection. They discuss how we can understand God's actions in the situation with Bathsheba's baby.  Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 51 Got Questions Article: https://www.gotquestions.org/David-Bathsheba-child.html Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025 Check out Bo's previous episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-038-ecclesiastes-10/id1600151923?i=1000646235408 If you're a highschool student, join us for Shoreline! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/shoreline

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

Why is the Davidic covenant so important? Why is this so important to David and Israel? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses 2 Samuel 5-9 and why the Davidic is part of the blueprint for God's redemption plan, leading directly to Jesus.  Learn more about Year of the Word at https://www.watermark.org/series/1667 Join us in celebrating 100 Days of Reading God's Word! 

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Who is really king? What is happening in this very confusing course of events? Today, Emma Dotter helps us understand the transitions taking place between 1 Samuel and the start of 2 Samuel.  Learn more about the 100 Day Celebration! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-year-of-the-word-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

Saul and Jonathan are both dead. What happens now? Today, Seth Master and Watermark Elder, Mickey Fredrich discuss the closing of 1 Samuel and what is to come as we enter into 2 Samuel. Sacred Pace Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Pace-Hearing-Aligning-Yourself/dp/0785223371  Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2025

What are we to make of the power of the medium that Saul consults? In today's episode, Christy Chermak discusses 1 Samuel 26-28 with The Porch Director, Kylen Perry to help us understand the warning of entertaining sin this passage gives each of us.  If you are in your 20s or 30s, come join us on Tuesday nights for The Porch! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/the-porch

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

Today Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark sent missionaries Isaac and Casey Mann to talk through 1 Samuel 23-25 and highlight what God has been doing as they serve in Indonesia. Listen to hear how we read this text in light of Christ, the ultimate Anointed One, and how we can respond in light of his Kingship in our lives. How do we respond to the King?

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

In today's episode, Watermark's Student Director, Jermaine Harrison, talks with Shoreline Director, Will McIlroy about 1 Samuel 20-22. They dive into an understanding of the laws around the holy bread and whether it was a sin for David to eat it. They examine the Scripture to uncover the true heart of God within this story. Additional References:Lev. 24:5-9; Matthew 12; 2 Corinthians 3; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 1 John 4:19 Find out about Shoreline! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/shoreline

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

In today's episode, Zach Seitz talks with Watermark member Hank Hoaglund discuss the events of 1 Samuel 18-19, and David's responses through Psalms to Saul's actions against him. We see David's faith in God regardless of the sufferings he was experiences. 

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

What are we to make of the spirit of the Lord departing from Saul? What is the harmful spirit tormenting him? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses 1 Samuel 16-17 and shares insights into this story.  Additional References: Exodus 35:8; 1 Kings 6; 1 Corinthians 3:16; John 16:7-11; John 3:8; Ephesians 1:13-14 Link to Got Questions: https://www.gotquestions.org/evil-spirit-Saul.html Link Watermark's doctrinal statement on the Holy Spirit: https://www.watermark.org/about/full-doctrinal-statement

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson discusses 1 Samuel 14-15 and answers the question "If God regretted his action in making Saul king, does that mean God makes mistakes?" Lauren looks at this passage in light of the whole story and God's promise of the perfect king.

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2025

In today's episode  Bobby Durning and Seth Master talk through 1 Samuel 12:17-18 answering the questions: Why was it an evil thing for the Israelites to ask God for a king? How should we think about Samuel's warning to the people? Additional References: Genesis 2:15-17; Exodus 20:1-20; Numbers 7:8-9 Listen to Seth's previous episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-175-psalm-90/id1600151923?i=1000668453167

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson talks with Watermark Institute member Zach Seitz about 1 Samuel 8-10, where the Israelites ask God for an earthly king, demonstrating their lack of trust in God's faithfulness and plan for His people.  Additional References: Exodus 19:6; Ezekiel 36:26 Learn about the Watermark Institute: https://www.watermarkresources.com/ministries/institute Listen to Zach's previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-059-judges-1-4/id1600151923?i=1000698560215

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

 In today's episode Lauren Atkinson talks with Watermark member Noah Taylor from Watermark South Dallas about 1 Samuel 5-7 discussing who Samuel's role and authority as a prophet. They also discuss the importance of repentance in our heart posture toward the Lord. Check out Watermark South Dallas! https://www.watermark.org/southdallas

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

In today's episode, Women's Community Director, Mandy Sisco, talks with Watermark member Brittany Dunn about Hannah's experience in 1 Samuel 1 with infertility and how you can hold deep pain and deep trust in the Lord at the same time. Additional scripture referenced:Romans 8:28, Psalm 23, Psalm 6 To learn more about Watermark's Shiloh ministry, check out this link: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/shiloh

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Join the Journey assistant, Nina Durning, discuss the book of Ruth. They break down what is happening when Ruth "uncovers Boaz's feet" and how this small story connects to God's grander story of Jesus being our ultimate redeemer.  Got Questions Article on Ruth: https://www.gotquestions.org/spread-corner-garment.html

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

In today's episode, Sierra Sanchez, Women's Director for  Re:generation, talks about Gibeah's crime and how God is the ultimate comforter to those who have experienced destruction and pain from this world. For those who have experienced abuse, may this episode be an encouragement to you that Jesus can redeem your story and desires to be close to you.  Hear more from Sierra: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-032-genesis-34/id1600151923?i=1000599525958 To find out about Courageous Hope: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/courageous-hope To find out about MENd: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/mend To learn more about re:Gen: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2025

Triumph or tragedy? How should we think about Samson's successes and mistakes? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Lauren Atkinson discuss this story and how Samson's choices reflect his heart and spiritual sight for the Lord.   Additional References: Isaiah 53

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

What was the Nazarite vow? In today's episode, Emma Dotter explains what the Nazarite vow was and how Samson's vow was broken repeatedly, and yet, God did not disqualify him from being used for God's purposes.  Additional References:2 Corinthians 12:9

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

How do we make sense of God sending an evil spirit to Abimelech? In today’s episode, Join the Journey staff member Lauren Atkinson and Watermark staff member Ethan Howard discuss the downward cycle of the Israelite nation due to unfaithfulness and how God shows His glory and fulfills His good plan despite the sinfulness of man. If God is sovereign over evil, then He can redeem evil and use it for our good and His glory.  Additional Scripture Referenced:Genesis 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Check out one of Ethan’s previous episodes!https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zU4c8GCe3F6gRmJWgKblX?si=2860431843464aa4 Check out the Join The Journey Devotionals here!https://www.jointhejourney.com/ You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

Why does God indulge Gideon's constant doubting? What's this about a female judge? Today Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark member Ben Brown to examine Gideon and Deborah's life and faith in Judges 5-8. The fleece was not just about Gideon testing God's power but questioning God's presence. Faith isn't about having all the answers but trusting the One who does. Gideon and Deborah's stories reminds us that though God's choices may not always make logical sense to us, God shows his grace and power using imperfect people.  Additional Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 12:38-42 – sign for what God has already done

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

What is happening during the beginning of Judges? Why are the judges necessary? Today Emma Dotter is joined with Watermark Institute student Zach Seitz to talk through Judges 1-4. Despite the cycle of sin and unrepentance, we can read it in light of the hope found in Christ.  Find out more about the Watermark Institute: https://www.watermarkresources.com/ministries/institute

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

Why does Joshua say the people are not able to obey God? Listen as Lauren Atkinson and Katie Shemanske recap the book of Joshua, discussing how the people remember and respond to who God is and how our response to him ought to be one of obedience.     Check out Katie's former episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-209-acts-20/id1600151923?i=1000583260101

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2025

How can we understand the boundaries of the land today? Today, Emma Dotter helps us understand the established boundaries of the land in Joshua 18-20 and how God's boundaries are given to us for our good and to show God's faithfulness in his promises. 

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Rob Barry, about Caleb in Joshua 14-17. Rob discusses Caleb's faithfulness to the Lord, despite the consequences of Israel's disobedience.  Additional References: Joshua 1:8; Joshua 3:10; Joshua 13; Matthew 28:20

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

"In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson talks with Watermark member Dylan Jackson about Joshua 10-13. They discuss what the Book of Jasher was and why it is referenced in Joshua. Learn how to serve at Watermark: https://www.watermark.org/serving-at-watermark Learn more about Merge: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/merge"

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025

How can the God of the Old Testament be good with all this death and destruction? What was the deal with Achan's sin? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Joshua 6:21 and 7:24-25, answering these questions. Emma talks about Israel's greatest mistake in these passages — not seeking the counsel of God during these events. 

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Scott Jackson, Watermark missionary to Argentina, about their work in Argentina and the first few chapters of Joshua! They discuss Rahab and the commander of the Lord's army, their stories, and why their stories are significant.

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson finishes our time in Deuteronomy by discussing how Deuteronomy 33-34 is recalling the teachings established earlier in the book, while looking ahead to the future that is to come for God's people. 

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2025

What does it mean for the commandment and word of God to be near to us? In today’s episode, Watermark staff member Shane Rasch speaks about the power of Scripture and His Spirit in transforming our lives.     Additional Scripture Referenced:  1 John 5:3, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”    Interested in Merge? Check out the link below!  https://www.watermark.org/ministries/merge    Check out the Join The Journey Devotionals here!  https://www.jointhejourney.com/    You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast:   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025