In today’s bonus episode, Hannah Staubs gives a high-level recap of the book of Nehemiah. We get to see Nehemiah step up and own the disobedience of the people of Israel and his own disobedience. We also see Nehemiah's confidence in the Lord's work and God sustaining and leading him through it all. Additional Scriptures mentioned in today's episode: Philipians 1:6 "Good work in you" Join The Journey Advent Reading Plan: https://www.watermark.org/christmas/advent?q=advent+2023 Grab a Join The Jou...
Dec 02, 2023•7 min
As believers, we are called and equipped to address brokeness. In today's episode, Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark partner, Ben Solomon to talk through what is looks like to be ministers of reconciliation. Additional Scriptures mentioned in today's episode: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21, "Ministers of reconciliation" Isaiah 58:12 - "God's heart for the poor" More info on how to serve with School Impact at Watermark: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/engage/school-impact?q=School+Impact Jo...
Dec 01, 2023•12 min
Emma Dotter is joined by today’s devo writer, Chris Bryan. This construction was about more than just a wall being built, it was Nehemiah leading the people of God back into obedience to God. Oftentimes we can become so focused on accomplishing things that we miss celebrating what God has done. Chris & Emma encourage us to take the time to celebrate the big and small things God is doing. If you are interested in learning more about Equipped Disciple, check out the link below. https://www.wat...
Nov 30, 2023•9 min
In today’s episode, Hannah Staubs is joined by one of our Watermark High School students, Chloe Copeland to talk about God's faithfulness to us and how we too can be faithful in every season. Additional Scripture used in this Podcast: Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not for I will be with you" 2024 Join The Journey Journals are not currently available, but you can still grab a Join The Journey Journal that coincides with this part of the Join The Journey Reading Plan: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref...
Nov 29, 2023•9 min
How do we know if we need to adjust our routine? Emma Dotter is on the podcast today to talk about Nehemiah 9 and how God's people realized something had to change and what it looked like to repent. Additional Scripture used in this Podcast: Hebrews 10:24-25, "Not negleting to meet together" Psalm 34:1, "His praise shall continuelly be in my mouth" 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, "But thank God!" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Give thanks in all circumstances" The Join The Journey staff team would love the o...
Nov 28, 2023•10 min
Emma Dotter is joined today by Jeff Ward. His passion for the community and for hearts to be changed is heard in today’s podcast. Jeff challenges us that transformed hearts are what really transforms communities. If we don’t care about people’s eternity’s and hearts, then we are missing it. As believers, the work that we are doing really does matter to God, how are we living? Are we choosing to do “random acts of kindness” that are less random and more Spirit led? Serve the less fortunate out of...
Nov 27, 2023•11 min
In today's episode, Emma Dotter helps us understand Post Exilic prophets and this "already but not yet" mindset. Additional Scripture referenced in this episode: The Post Exilic Prophets are Amos 9:11, "I will rebuild it" Daniel 9:24-27, "Judgement and destruction" Grab a Join The Journey Journal that coincides with this part of the Join The Journey Reading Plan: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&keywords=join+the+journey+volume+2&qid=1686688452&spref...
Nov 25, 2023•6 min
Nehemiah does not doubt what the Lord is asking him to do and is confident in the Lord's plan. Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark member, Hannah Rosen to walk us through how to not get distracted by others and stay focused on what God has for you. Additional Scripture used in this Podcast: Hebrews 12:1-2 "Run with endurance" TA's talk on Nehemiah at Breakaway Ministries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymMH8TPMuc0 Grab a Join The Journey Journal that coincides with this part of the Join...
Nov 24, 2023•11 min
What in Nehemiah's response is similar or disimilar to the way we love our city? In today’s episode, Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark CDC's Executive Director, Carson Smith to talk about how Nehemiah responds to the the people's hardship. Additional Scripture used in this Podcast: Jeremiah 29:7 "Seek the wellfare of the city" Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers" Leaving a review on the podcast makes it easier for new friends to find us. Let us know what the Lord is teaching you by leaving...
Nov 23, 2023•13 min
What is the importance of prayer? Why might Christians be tempted to procrastinate prayer or try to push through without praying? In today’s episode, Hannah Staubs interviews one of our Watermark High School students, Jake Adams, to talk all things Nehemiah 4. Additional Scripture used in this Podcast: Psalm 20:7 - “Some trust in chariots” The Join The Journey staff team would love the opportunity to get to know you! The upcoming prayer gathering will be held during the normal Watermark prayer s...
Nov 22, 2023•11 min
Before there is action, there needs to be alignment. Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark member, Kat Ateek to walk through how we can align our hearts with God and join in on His work! Want to serve with JTJ? We would LOVE to have you! Here is the link to sign up! https://www.watermark.org/search/serve?query=Join%20the%20Journey Grab a Join The Journey Journal that coincides with this part of the Join The Journey Reading Plan: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14crid=3MDHUUF0...
Nov 21, 2023•8 min
If you are a project manager, the book of Nehemiah is for you! Emma Dotter interviews her friend and Watermark Lead Project Manager, Scott Sengbush. Nehemiah appeals to the Lord before he appeals to his own plans and ideas. How often are we started off our day looking to God? His prayer was emotional, serious, and persistent to God. Want to serve with JTJ? We would LOVE to have you! Here is the link to sign up! https://www.watermark.org/search/serve?query=Join%20the%20Journey Grab a Join The Jou...
Nov 20, 2023•10 min
This may be a passage that can cause confusion to the believer, but today Emma Dotter is joined by Jaclyn West to unpack a deep conversation. This passage has a beautiful example of repentance with three takeaways: the people had high regard for the Word of God, they had recognition and sorrow for their sin, and they knew that true repentance of sin does cost us something. Additional Passages of Scripture: Deuteronomy 7 & Exodus 34:16, God does not want Israel taking the sons and daughters o...
Nov 17, 2023•12 min
Ezra knew God's Word, he tried to do things God's way, and he worked to help others stay aligned with God's will. In today’s episode, Emma Dotter highlights Ezra 7:10 and gives context for its significance. Additional Scripture used in this Podcast: Hebrews 4:12 - God's Word is living and active John 1:1-4 - Life in the Word of God Leaving reviews on the podcast makes it easier for others to find! Let us know what the Lord is teaching you by leaving a review on this episode. The Join The Journey...
Nov 16, 2023•11 min
Where do we “see” God when it seems like He is absent? How does God work through the secular or governmental leaders of any day or age? In today’s episode, Hannah Staubs interviews one of our Watermark High School students, Tee Parker (Thornwell Parker IV), to talk all things Ezra 5 and 6. Additional Scripture used in this Podcast: Psalm 119:9 - “How can a young man live on a path of purity?” The Join The Journey staff team would love the opportunity to get to know you! The upcoming prayer gathe...
Nov 15, 2023•12 min
"We need to do a better job of instituting alters for the Lord and be reminded of what He has done in our lives." In today's episode, Emma Dotter is joined by former Join The Journey intern, Makaila Swank to discuss the importance of pausing and praising to remember what God has done. This is a practice that can protect us from falling back in to sin. Addtional scriptures from today's episode: Judges 20 & Nehemiah 8 - Come together in unity Genesis 8 – 1st thing Noah does after the Ark is bu...
Nov 14, 2023•11 min
Who does God use to accomplish His purposes? As Watermark Institute student Hannah Staubs shows us, God can use those we’d least expect to accomplish His purposes! In today’s episode, Hannah walks us through Ezra 1 and 2, and she helps us understand how God used the prophet Daniel. Additional Scripture used in this Podcast: Isaiah 45:1 & 45:4-6, God would use Cyrus to accomplish His purposes John 16:33, “In this world, you will have trouble” The Join The Journey staff team would love the opp...
Nov 13, 2023•8 min
In today’s bonus episode, Emma Dotter gives a 5,000 foot view of the book of Ezra. Reminding us that whenever disaster or chaos falls, there is always a tiny remnant that God delivers. This is a theme still seen even in the New Testament. We also see Ezra as a model leader. He sets a realistic model for us today, seeing that although he wasn’t perfect, he sought out God’s Word more than anything else. Additional Scriptures used in this Podcast: Romans 11:5, “So too at the present time there is a...
Nov 12, 2023•9 min
Emma Dotter is joined by Garrett Wikle to help us understand the Exilic prophets aka prophets that speak during the Exile. We will be covering what happens in the 70 year exile and how it relates to our Join The Journey reading plan. Additional Scripture referenced in this episode: Daniel 3:18 - “Even if” Daniel 6 - Daniel and the Lions’ Den Ezekiel 36:24-32 - God’s people being recreated in the New Covenant 2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant Isaiah 7, 9, 11 - His name will be called Emmanuel Eze...
Nov 11, 2023•11 min
What’s with all this killing? Is the God of the Old Testament a moral monster? Emma Dotter touches on what is happening in Israel right now as well as how we make sense of 2 Kings 24-25. Additional scripture referenced in today's episode: Genesis 1:26-27 - Created in the image of God Ezekiel 33 - God doesn't delight in the death of the wicked Matthew 5- Pray for your enemies Rev 5:9, 7:9 - Jews and Palestinians worshiping together in eternity Romans 12:9 - Abhor what is evil Genesis 12:3 - God i...
Nov 10, 2023•13 min
Today Emma Dotter is joined by Aaron and Robin Dutton! Josiah took the repentance from the Lord really seriously. How seriously are we removing the “things from our house”? The Word of God is the thing that ends up changing their hearts, and spurred on the elimination of sin. Is there such an elimination of sin in our lives today? And are people more inspired to live like Christ from watching our lives? Grab a Join The Journey Journal that coincides with this part of the Join The Journey Reading...
Nov 09, 2023•12 min
Today Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark high schooler, Laine Smith! In unpacking 2 Kings 21-22, Laine shows us that these men in this passage chose to work with integrity instead of choosing to work for selfish gain. Having confidence in working for the Lord is essential because your value and identity is found there. Additional Scriptures in this episode: Colossians 3:23 Laine’s previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-028-genesis-31-1-21/id1600151923?i=1000598629505 Grab a J...
Nov 08, 2023•8 min
The reign of Hezekiah is one that is very well-known, and we are told that there is no king like him. Emma Dotter clarifies the intricacies of Hezekiah’s reign and how his ending was confusing compared to how it began. She asks the listener to evaluate their own faithfulness, and what ditch they can fall into. Additional Scripture used in this Podcast: Isaiah 55:6, “Seek the Lord while he may be found.” Acts 17:26-27, “Though he is not far from any one of us.” Want to know more about the tunnels...
Nov 07, 2023•10 min
Emma Dotter is today joined by Kendall Williams, Watermark Staff member on the Join the Journey Team. Kendall explains that God didn’t immediately allow the people of Israel to be brought into exile, he extended lavish grace to them, with the prophets coming to them. Kendall also reminds us of the challenge to put to death sinful deeds now instead of later. Additional Scriptures referenced in today’s Episode: Numbers 33:50-56 Romans 6:20-23 Kendall Williams’ previous episode: https://podcasts.ap...
Nov 06, 2023•12 min
The kings in these chapters continually did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Emma Dotter is joined by The Porch staff member, Andrea Calderon to talk about how far the kings had drifted from the Lord and the results of their choices. Grab a Join The Journey Journal that coincides with this part of the Join The Journey Reading Plan: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&keywords=join+the+journey+volume+2&qid=1686688452&sprefix=join+the+journ%2Caps%2...
Nov 03, 2023•10 min
Today Emma Dotter breaks down one of the shortest yet wildest stories in scripture. It’s not every day you hear of a dead man falling on the bones of another dead man and living to tell the tale. The story here is one of honor. God is honored and glorified because it is His power at work, but also there is honor in how Elisha’s bones are the ones used by God. Nothing God does is an accident. But a question to ponder is this: do passages like these strengthen your faith or shake it? Additional Sc...
Nov 02, 2023•8 min
What is the value of mentorship? Do you have good godly counsel in your life? Today, our Join The Journey Watermark Institute fellow, Hannah Staubs, fills in for Emma and interviews Anna Sharpe—one of Watermark’s High School Students. Hannah and Anna cover 2 Kings 11-12. The Join The Journey staff team would love the opportunity to get to know you! The upcoming prayer gathering will be held during the normal Watermark prayer service (a take over, if you will) on December, 3rd at 5:30 PM in the c...
Nov 01, 2023•9 min
Emma Dotter is joined by today’s devo writer and The young adults Director of Operations at Watermark, Sam Scott. Sam and Emma leave us with two takeaways from this passage: God is going to enact justice for his people; and we are not the hero in this story, we are also guilty of sin like these people. God offers hope so that we do not have to end this way. Stand under the waterfall of grace, because God’s justice against sin will be either on you or will be put on God’s Son. Additional Scriptur...
Oct 31, 2023•10 min
Who is the Shunammite woman and how can her story challenge us? Emma Dotter is joined by our Join The Journey Fellow, Hannah Staubs to point out ordinary acts of faithfulness in 2 Kings 8 and how we can be encouraged by it today. Grab a Join The Journey Journal that coincides with this part of the Join The Journey Reading Plan: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14crid=3MDHUUF0FW85G&keywords=join+the+journey+volume+2&qid=1686688452&sprefix=join+the+journ%2Caps%2C122&sr...
Oct 30, 2023•12 min
Elisha knew the character of God and it gave him the confidence to face hardship. Today Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark staff member, Catherine Meredith to talk about who God is and why He can be trusted. Additional Scripture References in today's episode: Judges 2:10 - A generation arose that did not know the Lord Interested in attending Uncommon Parenting Conference? Learn more here: https://www.watermark.org/uncommon-parenting?q=Uncommon+Parenting+Conference Want to serve at Uncommon Paren...
Oct 27, 2023•10 min
