What do we learn from the 4 characters mentioned in Proverbs 8? Emma Dotter is joined by today's devo writer, Kortni Williams to talk through what it looks like to follow wisdom and how to understand and apply what we learned today. 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 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 ...
Jan 09, 2024•7 min
Emma Dotter is joined today by Join the journey’s friend, Shane Rasch. One of the ways that we are given the way out to not sin, is by not making the decision to get close to sin in the first place. We don’t need to make decisions to validate our sin, but decisions to not set ourself up to not sin. Look for ways to not excuse sinful decisions. Additional Scripture used in this passage: 2 Timothy 2:22, “Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness…” Psalm 44:21, “He knows the secrets of the he...
Jan 08, 2024•9 min
How would God have you spend your time? Emma Dotter is joined by today's devo writer, Dawn Johnson to talk about how our time here on earth is short and the ways we choose to spend our time matters. Additional Scripture referenced on today's episode: Psalm 90 "So teach us to number our days" 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 a review on this episode! Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https:...
Jan 05, 2024•7 min
Oftentimes in tempting situations, we can be disappointed when we succumb to those temptations. Why do we fall when we know what to do? The key to overcoming this “forbidden woman” in the passage is not to know the answer in the time of temptation, but to be able to know and act in a time of temptation. Today Emma Dotter unpacks this and more in a study of Proverbs 5. Additional Passages of Scripture in Today’s Podcast: 1 Corinthians 7:5, “Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement ...
Jan 04, 2024•13 min
What does it mean to "keep your heart with all vigilance?" Emma Dotter is joined today with high school student, Bo Richardson. Emma also unpacks the phrase, “guard your heart” and how we choose to use this passage only for relational advice, and we miss the broader use of the verse. We're talking all about this question and more on today's episode of the Join The Journey Podcast. Here are Bo’s previous Episodes: Genesis 21 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-018-genesis-21/id1600151923?i=1...
Jan 03, 2024•12 min
The wisdom of God is something that can be found, if we see it like a hidden treasure. Today, Emma Dotter is joined by Lori Stewart as they discuss the ebbs and flows of flourishing while following Jesus. Sometimes we find evil people doing well and flourishing, and as a believer we can be confused? Why when I am doing everything right am I not flourishing? And why when they are doing everything wrong they ARE flourish? Our trust cannot be in what we see and the dark valley ahead, but in God’s s...
Jan 02, 2024•10 min
Welcome back to Join The Journey! We are kicking off 2024 in Proverbs. Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark's Lead Pastor, Blake Holmes to unpack what Proverbs is about and specifically talk through Proverbs 1. Additional Scriptures referenced in today's episode: Colossians 2:8, "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit" Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" John 14:6, "I am the w...
Jan 01, 2024•12 min
What are we reading in 2024? What new features should we expect to see? Emma Dotter talks through everything we can anticipate from Join The Journey in 2024! Access old reading plans: JoinTheJourney.com Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Feeling-Gods-Way-Journey/dp/B0CPJ7WXN5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IEYKICMCV7IF&keywords=join+the+journey+watermark&qid=1702568266&sprefix=join+the+journe%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1 Got kids? Check out the NEW Join The Jou...
Dec 31, 2023•4 min
Thank you for joining us on this Journey in 2023! Things don't always go according to plan here on the podcast and we thought we would share a few bloopers from this year with you all. See you in 2024!
Dec 30, 2023•4 min
"Come, Lord Jesus." Why do we want Jesus to come? Emma Dotter is joined by Community Director, Katie Shemanske to talk about the Holy Spirit's role in our lives and what Jesus is doing right now. Additional Scripture referenced in this episode: John 16:7-14, Holy Spirit's role 2 Corinthians 3:18, "transformed by the Spirit" 2 Corinthians 4:4, "the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers" 2 Peter 3:9, "not wishing that any should perish" Isaiah 55, "Come everyone who thirsts" G...
Dec 29, 2023•11 min
"Behold, I am coming soon." Today on the podcast, Emma Dotter is joined by young adult, Trey Mapes to talk about living with a heavenly mindset and being prepared for when Jesus comes back. Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Feeling-Gods-Way-Journey/dp/B0CPJ7WXN5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IEYKICMCV7IF&keywords=join+the+journey+watermark&qid=1702568266&sprefix=join+the+journe%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1 Got kids? Check out the NEW Join The Journey Jr. Jour...
Dec 28, 2023•9 min
Emma Dotter is joined today by Porch Staff member, Aaron Collins. In today’s passage, the church at Laodicea was not making wise choices. Christ was their Savior but he was not the Lord of their lives. This transformation of their lives wasn’t happening because of their lukewarm choices. The main point of this passage is to choose to repent out of love. God wants to fellowship with us, and through a repentant heart we can fellowship with him. Want to serve with JTJ? We would LOVE to have you! He...
Dec 27, 2023•13 min
This earth is not as good as it gets. Today, Ashley Lawerence joins Emma Dotter walking through this passage in Revelation! Advent is a period of preparation to prepare of the coming of Jesus. And we can still celebrate the glory of Jesus even this day after Christmas. Want to serve at the porch? Fill out the application here: https://watermark.formstack.com/forms/porchvolunteerapp Additional Scriptures in this Podcast: Revelation 1:11- Postal Route for the church John 1:1-18, “And the Word beca...
Dec 26, 2023•12 min
Merry Christmas! A question to consider in light of Joseph’s example is this: am I taking time to actually pause and consider things in the presence of God? Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark’s Men’s Community Director, Jacob Alger. Jacob challenges us to think about the gravity of this passage! Jesus is simultaneously being held by his earthly mother Mary and holding the universe! How beautiful is the perfect story of Christmas! Additional Scripture in the Podcast: Colossians 1:16-17, “For by h...
Dec 25, 2023•11 min
Who is on the throne of your life? Today Emma Dotter is joined by Josiah Jones, the Young Adults Director of Volunteers. Of all of the people to study in this passage, Josiah chose to look into the villain of our passage, Herod, and the dangers of clinging tightly to a position over trusting in Christ. Additional Scriptures in this Podcast: 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “We were willing to share not only the gospel of God, but our own lives swell.” Want to serve with JTJ? We would LOVE to have you! Here ...
Dec 22, 2023•12 min
The Lord emphasizes using unexpected people and unexpected places to display His glory. Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark member, Rebekah Leal to talk about the fulfillment of prophecy and Jerusalem's response. 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 NEW Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Feeling-Gods-Way-Journey/dp/B0CPJ7WXN5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=...
Dec 21, 2023•11 min
We get to see God's ultimate plan of redemption through Jesus in Micah?! Today on the podcast, Emma Dotter is joined by Minh and Leah Le to talk through God's restoration and what it means to trust in the good Shepherd. Additional Scripture referenced in this episode: Matthew 2:6 - References Micah 5:2 Leaving a review helps others more easily find the podcast! We'd love to hear from you so let us know what you are learning from the podcast. Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://...
Dec 20, 2023•9 min
What is the significance of God choosing the shepherds as the first to hear of the Savior's birth? Emma Dotter is joined by Kelsey Foreman; Watermark's Institute Coordinator, to talk about the shepherds and what we can learn from Mary's response to them. Additional Scripture referenced in this episode: Luke 1; Census taken Leaving a review helps others more easily find the podcast! We'd love to hear from you so let us know what you are learning from the podcast. Apply for the Watermark Institute...
Dec 19, 2023•12 min
Emma Dotter is joined by her friend Casey Crane! Casey and Emma give the listeners so many interesting facts to deepen our love for this passage. He teaches that the two questions that this passage is asking is this: who is Jesus and how should we respond? God chooses to give this incredible news to the humble in heart, which are the shepherds! Additional Scriptures used in this Passage: Psalm 147:11, “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear,” Isaiah 6:2-3, “Above him stood the seraphim. Each ...
Dec 18, 2023•12 min
Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark Young Adult, Angie Hernandez! Angie challenges listeners by reminding us that the only part of the equation that we bring in salvation is that we are broken, and that God is the Savior. The way that the Savior came was not the way that Israel was expecting, but God is a God of process, and he came in the perfect processed timing. Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Feeling-Gods-Way-Journey/dp/B0CPJ7WXN5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=...
Dec 15, 2023•9 min
Today Emma Dotter is joined by fellow Watermark Staff member, and casual YouTuber Will Mcllroy. The way that God is at work may not be as “efficient” as we would think, but it is providential. What people think may be “inefficient” shows our lack of trust in God’s plan. The Christmas story is not a myth, it’s not random, and it is simple! Additional Scriptures used in this Passage: Philippians 2:6-7, “And being found in human form, he humbled himself…” 2 corinthians 2:8-9, “Though for your sake ...
Dec 14, 2023•10 min
In Luke 1:46-56 Emma Dotter is joined by Makayla Greene, Watermark Porch Communications Coordinator. In the podcast, Makayla highlights that Mary praises the greatness of God and humbly worships God. Mary was in awe of the fact that God would choose to use her. God didn’t have to use Mary or even use us, but God chooses to use us and that is a gift. 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 Gr...
Dec 13, 2023•9 min
If we jump into this Christmas season as “normal” then we will miss the need that we actually have for Christmas. Emma Dotter is joined by Ryan Garrahan, Community Team focused on Formation team as they talk about our need for Christmas. All of the pent up need and expectation for Christmas is seen here. Ryan shares how his own life has experienced miracle after miracle from God, and we see the same thing in the passage. Additional Scriptures used in the Podcast: Malachi 4:4-5, “I will send you ...
Dec 12, 2023•12 min
"God is intentially always at work and often moves in ways we wouldn't expect." Emma Dotter is joined by her friend Sam Morey, to talk about the importance of the 14,14,14 generations mentioned in Matthew and how we can practically look the ways God is working in our lives today. Sam's Previous JTJ episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000607105969 Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Feeling-Gods-Way-Journey/dp/B...
Dec 11, 2023•13 min
As we continue to look at the story of advent, we see here 4 allusions to the coming of Jesus. Today Emma Dotter is joined by two of her friends: Abi Tacam & Madi Bellinghausen. A star and scepter is coming! David didn’t need to build a house for God, God was going to build a dynasty through him! And there is a Branch that is coming and all of these things are pointing to the coming of Jesus. Additional Scriptures in this Podcast: Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nat...
Dec 08, 2023•12 min
How should we think about Israel? What does Romans 9 really mean? Today on the podcast, Emma Dotter is joined by Brandon Brower, a faithful Watermark member, to walk us through some difficult passages and how they can be helpful this Advent season. Other helpful podcast episodes: Romans 9: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000551847956 Romans 11: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000552080293 Grab a Join The Journey Journa...
Dec 07, 2023•12 min
Emma Dotter is joined today by Kendall Kaigler, the Young Adults Women’s Coordinator. There is a blessing that is going to come from the Abrahamic line; there is a prophet coming that is better than Moses; and then a passage in Acts that ties all of this together. Jesus is this promised prophet! Kendal ends the podcast by asking the question, “Are we living with the end in mind?” Additional Scripture in this passage: Luke 1, The prophecy of the coming of Jesus. Want to learn more about the Porch...
Dec 06, 2023•10 min
Looking at Genesis in a Bible reading plan for Christmas can seem random? Why study Genesis? What does this have t do with Jesus? But today Emma Dotter and Emily Engstrom explore how Genesis 3:15 is the first promise of Christmas. The Savior and Serpent Crusher promised here is the promise of Christmas! Additional Scripture in this passage: John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Want to serve with JTJ? We would LOVE to have you! Here is the li...
Dec 05, 2023•13 min
The word “believed” is used 84 times in the book of John, and the book’s whole purpose is that the people who read it would believe in Jesus. Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark’s teaching pastor, Timothy (TA) Ateek. TA shares how the entire claim of the book of John is found in John 1:14, that the Word (Jesus) became flesh, and dwelt (tabernacled) among us. Additional Scripture used in this podcast: John 1:1-5 mirrors Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God…” Colossians 1:16 “All things were created ...
Dec 04, 2023•12 min
In today's bonus episode, Emma Dotter is joined by Hank Hoaglund to kick off Advent season on the podcast! Our goal is to deepen our understanding of Jesus, but before we begin, we thought it would be helpful to breakdown what Advent even is. Join The Journey Advent Reading Plan: https://www.watermark.org/christmas/advent?q=advent+2023 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=3MDHUUF0F...
Dec 03, 2023•10 min
