How could the spirit of the Lord leave Saul? What's the deal with these harmful spirits? In today's episode Emma Dotter discusses old coventant era and how that helps us understand 1 Samuel 16. Additional Resources: Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&keywords=join+the+journey+volume+2&qid=16...
Aug 16, 2023•9 min
How can God regret a decision He made? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Leila Myers bring us through 1 Samuel 15, reminding us of God’s hatred against injustice, but that His timeline is completely different from our own. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: 1 Chronicles 4:43 – God fulfilling His promise to blot out the Amalekites Philippians 4:6-7 – There is a peace of God that surpasses all understanding Isaiah 55:9 – God’s ways are higher than our own Check out Join the Journey’s Daily D...
Aug 15, 2023•13 min
What is the difference between Saul and his son Jonathan? What does this reveal about where their hearts are? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Danny Lamar talk through 1 Samuel 15 and how Saul leads his country into sin. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: 1 Thessalonians 4:8 - Rejecting God Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKP...
Aug 14, 2023•9 min
Are you looking at God’s sovereignty in the midst of the unknown? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Brooke Alger walk us through 1 Samuel 13, emphasizing the correct route we should be taking when we feel out of control. Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&keywords=join+the+journey+volume+2&qi...
Aug 11, 2023•10 min
Saul proves himself as a leader and Samuel reminds the Israelites of the importance of their obedience to God, Emma Dotter is joined by Ian Head, who serves on Watermark’s Safety and Medical Team, to discuss 1 Samuel 11-12. Additional Resources: Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&keywords=join+t...
Aug 10, 2023•6 min
Saul turned into another man? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Victoria Becker lead us through 1 Samuel 10, emphasizing the major life change that occurs when one encounters the Lord. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: 1 Samuel 19:20-24 & 1 Chronicles 25:1-3 – the added gift of prophecy for Saul Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp...
Aug 09, 2023•11 min
Saul was just looking for donkeys and now he’s king? In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by today’s devo writer, Ben Krejci and his mom, Teresa to talk about what it looks like for us to listen to God. Additional Resources: If you’re a young adult (22-35), sign up for Launch here: https://brushfire.com/watermark/launch2023/551716/details?_ga=2.35917160.974788749.1689707472-1691304071.1689179794&_gl=1*k9z0la*_ga*MTY5MTMwNDA3MS4xNjg5MTc5Nzk0*_ga_Z5E8M2ZW7C*MTY4OTcwNzQ3MS4zLjEuMTY4OTcwOTEwNy...
Aug 08, 2023•11 min
Why would Israel want a king despite Samuel’s warnings? In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by today’s devo writer, Teresa Krejci and her son Ben to talk about Israel’s motivation to be like other nations and what is reveals about their hearts. Additional Resources: Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3MDHUUF0F...
Aug 07, 2023•12 min
What’s the deal with these golden mice and tumors? What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant? In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by faithful staff member, Ethan Howard to talk about how Israel’s hearts have not been changed and the people have actually become a hinderance to other nations. Additional Resources: Learn more about Watermark’s recovery ministry here: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery Learn more about the Ark of the Covenant: https://podcasts.ap...
Aug 04, 2023•11 min
What is the meaning of the idol of Dagon falling before the ark of the covenant? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Makaila Swank take us through 1 Samuel 5, reminding us of the consequences that come when we place our trust in our own hands. Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&keywords=join+the+jo...
Aug 03, 2023•10 min
Why does a fearful delay to respond to God mean disobedience? In this episode, Emma Dotter takes us through 1 Samuel 3 and 4, reminding us that God is big and powerful, but he is also personal and genuinely cares for His children! Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: John 16:12-14 – The Spirit guides us John 1:14 – Jesus is the Word made flesh Romans 1:18-20 – God reveals His existence to us Job 12:7-10, Psalm 96:11-12, Psalm 19:1 – God communicates through His creation Check out Join the J...
Aug 02, 2023•11 min
Who intercedes for us when we sin against God? What were the differences between Eli’s sons responses to God and Hannah's response to God? In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Shiloh volunteer, Julie Fowler to talk about how you can be real with God and go to his character to know you can trust him. Additional Resources: If you’re a young adult (22-35), sign up for Launch here: https://brushfire.com/watermark/launch2023/551716/details?_ga=2.35917160.974788749.1689707472-1691304071....
Aug 01, 2023•13 min
Does God even care about us when we are sad or grieving a loss? And do you trust God to follow through in response to our prayers? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Hayle Oberle take us through Judges 12, giving us the reminder that God hears us in our seasons of grief. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: 1 John 5:14-15 – God hears us Hebrews 4:16 – Let us boldly approach the throne of grace! Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: h...
Jul 31, 2023•10 min
Ruth isn’t just a book about a single girl getting a husband. In this bonus episode, Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark staff member, Kimberly McNiece to unpack how much we can learn from just 4 chapters and point out some misconceptions we may have about the book of Ruth. Additional Resources: Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0...
Jul 29, 2023•12 min
Ever go through a period where you feel like God is silent? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Brad Gaultney take us through Judges 21, explaining how they had bad solution to a bad problem that was a result of bad decisions. Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Here is Brad’s devotional: https://www.jointhejourney.com/5043-hitting-the-wall Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C...
Jul 28, 2023•11 min
A civil war? What does that mean for us today? In this episode, Emma Dotter leads us through Judges 20, asking us how we respond to injustice and tragedy. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: Judges 1:1 – The tribes inquired of Yahweh Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&keywords=join+the+jou...
Jul 27, 2023•11 min
Parental Advisory: This episode covers rape, abuse, and graphic violence toward women. How do we deal with hard topics, like abuse and rape, in the Bible? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Jennifer Collins walk us through Judges 19, discussing the tragedy that comes when we stop looking at other humans like they have inherent value from God. Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey...
Jul 26, 2023•14 min
What can we learn from a random story in the middle of Judges? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Ally Brannan lead us through Judges 17-18, emphasizing the deadliness of sin. Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&keywords=join+the+journey+volume+2&qid=1686688452&sprefix=join+the+journ%2Caps%...
Jul 25, 2023•11 min
Are there any gifts the Lord has given you that aren’t being put to use? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Rhodes Hamilton take us through Judges 16. From this chapter, we are convicted to steward our gifts from the Lord well, rather than taking it for granted. Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&...
Jul 24, 2023•10 min
How do we know if something is from God? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Jessica Lewis walk us through Judges 14-15, pointing us to the reminder that God can use our failures to point to His grace and is capable of redeeming anything. Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&keywords=join+the+journey...
Jul 21, 2023•10 min
What is the importance of Samson being set apart? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Junior Ruiz lead us through Judges 13, focusing on the motivation behind living differently. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: Numbers 6 – The Nazarite Vow Romans 12:1 – Offer your body as a living sacrifice Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKP...
Jul 20, 2023•10 min
What is the value in fully understanding God’s character? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Amanda Manville take us through Judges 12, reminding us the importance in pausing and listening to God before acting rashly. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: Judges 8:1-3 – The men of Ephraim James 1:19 – Be quick to listen and slow to anger Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey ...
Jul 19, 2023•10 min
Why did Jephthah make this vow? And how does this show a misunderstanding of God’s character? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Ann Holford lead us through Judges 10-11, reminding us that God uses those who have been rejected to further His purposes. Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&keywords=jo...
Jul 18, 2023•11 min
Did you read Judges 9 and think that it stands out like a sore thumb? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Garrett Wikle go over Judges 9, and why it’s important to not get caught up about things that don’t matter as much while reading the Bible. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: Judges 21:25: And all they did which was right in their own eyes Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a Join The Jour...
Jul 17, 2023•11 min
What can we learn from Gideon’s life? In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by elder Kyle Thompson, and they walk us through Judges 7-8. These chapters point to how crucial faithfulness is in leading others, and what it means in our lives. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: Exodus 14:14: The Lord will fight for us! Psalm 90:10: Our days may come to seventy years 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: pray without ceasing Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by foll...
Jul 14, 2023•10 min
Why is Gideon doing all this stuff? In this episode, Emma Dotter leads us through Judges 6, explaining the difference between arrogant self-deprecation and true humility. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: Exodus 29:38-41 – God’s description of when burnt offerings were to be prepared Ephesians 2:10 – God has prepares us in advance Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey J...
Jul 13, 2023•8 min
How can we use our specific gifts to serve the Lord? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Emily Hope take us through Judges 4-5, emphasizing what we can learn from Deborah’s leadership. Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&keywords=join+the+journey+volume+2&qid=1686688452&sprefix=join+the+jour...
Jul 12, 2023•7 min
How can we trust the Lord when He takes us from victory to a place of weeping? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Patrick Seegers walk us through Judges 2-3. They pause and discuss Gilgal and Bochim, teaching us about the cultural and symbolic significance of the two places. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: Joshua 4: Remember the stones of what the Lord has done Joshua 5:2-9: The creation and naming of Gilgal Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by fol...
Jul 11, 2023•9 min
Why did Judah invite Simeon after God explicitly asked him to go? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Chris Henschen take us through Judges 1. From this chapter, we are reminded of the importance in following God, even when we don’t want to. Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&keywords=join+the+jour...
Jul 10, 2023•11 min
Wait… but doesn’t God forgive everything? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Lydia Volz take us through Joshua 24, focusing in on verse 19 and that although we are under the new covenant, we are still similar to the Israelites in many ways. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: Deuteronomy 28: Do right, be blessed. Do wrong, be cursed. Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Jo...
Jul 07, 2023•10 min
