Can God cause harm? Can he “relent”? And can people, like David in this passage, plea to take the harm of others? How does harm, wrath, ownership of sin, punishment, and conditional and unconditional responses all collide? In today’s podcast, Emma Dotter dives head—first into two deep questions seen in 2 Samuel 24. Does God change his mind: https://www.gotquestions.org/God-change-mind.html Additional Scriptures in the podcast: 1 Chronicles 21:1, David taking a census Job1-2, God allowing Satan t...
Sep 22, 2023•13 min
What is David’s immediate response to the Israelites, post famine, war, and abandonment? When circumstances get worse and worse? He goes to glorify God, despite what he could have responded with. This chapter is a reminder of God’s sovereignty. Emma Dotter is joined by today’s devo writer and faithful Watermark member Matt Galvin. The song, “Tis so Sweet” linked here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/tis-so-sweet/1434444294?i=1434444295 https://open.spotify.com/track/3723hh92hbdijpc1zeOnQC?si=3a...
Sep 21, 2023•10 min
In today’s episode, Will McIlroy is joined by Blake Broekemier, Watermark Student, to talk through 2 Samuel 20-21 and how "you get to choose your actions and not your consequences." They also address how David extends love towards Saul through his burial. Blake's episode on Watermark Students Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-should-christians-respond-to-mass-shootings/id1519875455?i=1000627448066 Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1...
Sep 20, 2023•7 min
In today’s episode, Emma Dotter is joined by Jelani Rainey, Student Volunteer at the South Dallas campus, as they unpack how believers are called to be, “Situationally aware so that we can respond accordingly.” Jelani explains to listeners how the three characters in our chapters reveal their situational awareness, lack there of, and the grace that some are willing to give. If you want to hear Jelani’s previous podcast, check it out here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-171-luke-6/...
Sep 19, 2023•8 min
Oftentimes criticism can leave believers wounded and confused; but in today’s podcast we see three principles for believers about criticism. In this episode, Emma Dotter and Lucina Thompson walk us through 2 Samuel 16-17, teaching that leadership matters, how you give criticism matters and how to respond to criticism matters. Scripture referenced in today’s episode: James 3:10, “Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing.” Luke 6:45, “Out of the overflow of the heart man speaks.” Proverbs ...
Sep 18, 2023•10 min
Are there areas in your life that you are actively living away from God’s plan? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Makaila Swank walk us through 2 Samuel 14-15, teaching that when we live life out of God’s ideal plan for us, things get messed up. Scripture referenced in today’s episode: Matthew 28:19-20 – we are called to baptize other believers Listen to Makaila's other episodes! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-149-1-samuel-5/id1600151923?i=1000623294294 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/pod...
Sep 15, 2023•10 min
2 Samuel 12 shows that Solomon’s birth brought so much healing and redemption for David and Bathsheba; but going into 2 Samuel 13, we see only chaos, poor decisions, and lack of ownership. Emma Dotter is joined by one of our courageous hope leader’s Grace Brwoer in discussing Tamar’s rape, the murder of Amnon, and David’s lack of approaching the situation. Scriptures Referenced in this passage: Luke 17:2, “Than cause these little ones to stumble.” If you are interested in learning more about Cou...
Sep 14, 2023•12 min
The natural consequences of sin can leave people questioning the sovereignty and kindness of God. This is explored through the adultery of David and the tragic death of his child. Today’s podcast has Emma Dotter with her friend and leader of “The Eden Project”, Nathan Wagnon. Learn more about “The Eden Project” here: theedenproject.com Scriptures Referenced in Today’s Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” Grab a NEW Join The Journe...
Sep 13, 2023•13 min
Radical grace, covenant keeping-loyalty, and a connection that everyone can relate to are all read in 2 Samuel 8-9. In today’s podcast, Emma Dotter survey’s the how the grace that David gives to Mephibosheth, Johnathan’s son was in defiance of all expectations. We hear how as believers we too can give such radical grace. Additional Scriptures from the podcast: 1 Peter 2:4-5,9- “You are a chosen race, royal priesthood…” John 6:5, “I am the bread of life.” Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: http...
Sep 12, 2023•9 min
The faithfulness of a believer is seen in the way they are tested, and in today’s episode listeners learn how David’s tested faith was evidence of his relationship with God. This faithfulness is why God chooses to not only “covenant” with him, but secure his kingdom through Jesus. Emma Dotter is joined with her friend and leader of “The Eden Project”, Nathan Wagnon. Learn more about “The Eden Project” here: theedenproject.com Scriptures Referenced in Today’s Episode: Isaiah 7:14, “Shall call his...
Sep 11, 2023•12 min
2 Samuel shows us three different moves in the life of David: David’s triumphs, David’s transgressions, and David’s troubles. God will establish a dynasty through David; and God will have his line be king forever! But we also see that the forgiveness of sin does not mean that the troubles and consequences go away. Tune in today as we have Ben Krejci, from the Watermark Production Team, as he gives us overview of the book of 2 Samuel. Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp...
Sep 10, 2023•9 min
Why did God strike Uzzah dead for touching the Ark of the Lord? Christy Chermak, Executive Director of Watermark Health, is joined by Jesse Collins and Jack Thurman to talk through an interpretive challenge and also what it looks to celebrate the Lord's goodness! This week Watermark Health is taking over the Join The Journey podcast to celebrate 10 years of WMH! Additional Resources: Got Questions for this passage: https://www.gotquestions.org/Uzzah.html Serve with Watermark Health: https://www....
Sep 08, 2023•12 min
How do understand the Lord striking down the Philistine army? Christy Chermak, Executive Director of Watermark Health, is joined by Taylor Barnette and Anthony Anderson to talk through an interpretive challenge and how we see the Lord goin before us. This week Watermark Health is taking over the Join The Journey podcast to celebrate 10 years of WMH! Additional Resources: Serve with Watermark Health: https://www.watermark.org/health Watermark Health: https://www.watermarkhealth.org/ Grab a NEW Jo...
Sep 07, 2023•11 min
David's response to Ish-bosheth's murder shows where his heart is. Christy Chermak, Executive Director of Watermark Health, is joined by Rachel Butterfield to talk through David's trust in the Lord and living counter cultural. This week Watermark Health is taking over the Join The Journey podcast to celebrate 10 years of WMH! Additional Resources: Serve with Watermark Health: https://www.watermark.org/health Watermark Health: https://www.watermarkhealth.org/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Jr. Journ...
Sep 06, 2023•10 min
As we transiton from Saul to David's kingship, we get to learn some leadership lessons. Christy Chermak, Executive Director of Watermark Health, is joined by Arnie Kneckt and Samantha Parsons to talk through 2 Samuel 2-3. This week Watermark Health is taking over the Join The Journey podcast to celebrate 10 years of WMH! Additional Resources: Serve with Watermark Health: https://www.watermark.org/health Watermark Health: https://www.watermarkhealth.org/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Jr. Journal: h...
Sep 05, 2023•12 min
This week Watermark Health is taking over the Join The Journey podcast to celebrate 10 years of WMH! Christy Chermak, Executive Director of Watermark Health, is joined by Bethany Moss to talk about David lamenting the death of Saul and how to process grief. Additional Resources: Serve with Watermark Health: https://www.watermark.org/health Watermark Health: https://www.watermarkhealth.org/ Grief Recovery Ministry: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/griefshare Grab a NEW Join The Journey Jr. Jo...
Sep 04, 2023•12 min
The Psalms! What are they? Why are they important? How can we better study them? Emma Dotter is joined with Watermark Worship Leader Jon Abel as he explains that the Psalms give us permission to pour out our hearts to God. These passages are not sugar-coated, but raw emotion before the Lord, and reading them allows us to into the journal of people who followed God before us. Additional Scripture References: Psalm 90- written by Moses Psalms of Ascent: 120-134 Books to help in your study of the P...
Sep 02, 2023•10 min
“Apart from me I can do everything” is the way Saul lived his life, even until the end. How does this sobering end to the life of Saul apply to the life of a believer today? Emma Dotter is joined with one of Watermark’s Men’s Community Directors, Bo Towns, to unpack the end of Saul’s life, and how dependence on God is essential to living life to the full. Scriptures Referenced in this passage: John 15:5, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” John 10:10, “I came to give you life, and life to the fu...
Sep 01, 2023•11 min
How we respond to unexpected trouble matters, but also how we respond as a leader is, if anything, more important. You are leading those closest to you toward something. What is it? How should we respond when we receive bad news? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks these questions and displays how David’s leadership was put to the test amidst unexpected devastation. Link helpful article about Urim & Thummim in got questions: https://www.gotquestions.org/urim-thummim.html Additional Scriptur...
Aug 31, 2023•9 min
Does God take care of His children even when they are disobedient? In this episode, Emma Dotter leads us through 1 Samuel 29, teaching us that we are all going to sin at some point, but we serve a God who is faithful to His children. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: 1 Samuel 27:1b – David’s motivation for living in Philistine Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journ...
Aug 30, 2023•7 min
What do you do in secret that you need to bring into the light? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Sara Fusco take us through 1 Samuel 27-28, reminding us how when we regularly disobey God, it gets harder to hear His voice. Scripture referenced in today’s episode: Leviticus 20:6 – God will turn His face away from those who turn to mediums 1 Samuel 28:18 – Saul hasn’t been obeying the voice of the Lord Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link:...
Aug 29, 2023•8 min
David could have killed Saul? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Abby Rose show us that David was faithful to the Lord's the commands and trusted that He would enact justice. Scripture Referenced: James 1:13 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+...
Aug 28, 2023•9 min
What does it look to call out sin in others? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Stephanie Renshaw take us through 1 Samuel 25 and how the Lord uses Abigail to plead on behalf of her husband. 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+t...
Aug 25, 2023•10 min
Are you disoriented when you read stories that defy expectations? In this episode, Emma Dotter takes us through 1 Samuel 24, showing us how God’s people live in countercultural ways, trusting and following God first. 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=1...
Aug 24, 2023•8 min
David was desperate to communicate with God. Do we have this same desire? In this episode, Emma Dotter and high school junior Bo Richardson take us through 1 Samuel 23, reminding us of how being estranged from the Lord leads us to be confused with His will. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: Proverbs 11:25 – David wasn’t safe or well, and was still willing to serve Philippians 4:6 – David gives a great example of not being anxious Psalm 54 – A Psalm written by David at this time Check out...
Aug 23, 2023•10 min
How can we trust God’s faithfulness even amidst our unfaithfulness? In this episode, Emma Dotter and George Dalton walk us through 1 Samuel 21-22, emphasizing the steps we can take when we have run or drifted away from the Lord. Scriptures referenced in today’s episode: Leviticus 24:5-9 – The bread of presence Psalm 56 – Psalm by David written at this time Psalm 34 – Psalm by David showing his renewed fervor for the Lord Mark 2:32-28 – Jesus telling of God’s provision Check out Join the Journey’...
Aug 22, 2023•10 min
We are made for community. In today's episode, Emma Dotter references today's Join The Journey devo and talks about the importance of community. 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=1686688452&sprefix=join+the+journ%2Caps%2C122&a...
Aug 21, 2023•6 min
What do we do with our greatest insecurities? In this episode, Emma Dotter gives a brief overview of 1 Samuel. She describes to us the differences between Saul and David, and what we can take away from both of their lives. Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Grab a Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Jesus-Vol-Journey-Journal/dp/B0BNV27BLB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1BXFFJWY6666Z&keywords=...
Aug 20, 2023•7 min
Today we are covering quite a bit of topics in 1 Samuel 18-19. Harmful spirits and Jonathan and David's relationship to name a few. In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by friends Ryan Garrahan and Jordan Thompson to unpack this passage. 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&...
Aug 18, 2023•11 min
Is this a story that you’ve read a million times and have grown apathetic toward it? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Makaila Swank walk us through 1 Samuel 17, giving a great reminder on how small acts of faithfulness prepare us for future successes. 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=3MDHU...
Aug 17, 2023•11 min
