Is there a problem with your wisdom or understanding? David Hope & Emma Dotter break down this question for us. We can see in the world an apparent mismatch in how the righteous can experience bad things, and people who don’t fear the Lord experience good things. David encourages us with these general principles and that we don’t fully know what God is doing, but we can trust what God is doing. Additional Scriptures in this Podcast: Exodus 20:12, “That you may live long in the land I am givi...
Feb 19, 2024•10 min
Emma Dotter interviews Watermark member Craig Wenning. Ecclesiastes 8 leans into the brevity of life. Craig posses the challenge that, “It would be wise to live in the reality that all of us will die one day.” Craig asks us this question, “What will be said at your funeral, who will say it, and was is the dissonance of what will be said and what you want to be said?” Learn more and see more resources about 21 Days of Prayer here: watermark.org/pray Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal for 2024: h...
Feb 16, 2024•10 min
Instead of general truths, Ecclesiastes 5 now turns to directly advise you, the listener. Today Emma Dotter interviews faithful Watermark member Sarah Hamilton. Sarah explains there is a shift from Chapter 5 from the first person to the second person. The Teacher is shifting from his own point of view to now directly telling the listener what they are supposed to do. Saying phrases like, “When you make a vow…” Sarah tells us there is an action in seizing the good and choosing to see that good th...
Feb 15, 2024•11 min
Is it okay to be in a season marked by trials? Where can we turn or what should we do when life just doesn’t feel “beautiful?” In today’s Valentines Day episode, Watermark Institute Student, Hannah Staubs is joined by Watermark High School Student, Anna Sharpe! Read more about Anna’s story of grace here: https://www.watermark.org/blog/what-i-learned-in-loneliness Additional Scriptures in this passage: 1 Corinthians 15:33 - bad company ruins good morals Leaving a review on the podcast makes it ea...
Feb 14, 2024•8 min
Emma Dotter and Ben Krejci unpack Ecclesiastes 2, but also give some tangible tools for good Bible study methods. Ben continues in comparing these desires that are explained in the passage to life in our world today. The ladder is always going to be there to climb. All in all, the number of ladders can be overwhelming, so how are we to move forward? Ben’s Previous Podcasts: Palm Sunday: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bonus-episode-palm-sunday/id1600151923?i=1000556854367 1 Samuel 8 https:...
Feb 13, 2024•10 min
Vanity! Vanity! Is all vanity? Today Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark Institute Fellow, Hannah Staubs. If you come to the book of Ecclesiastes with the wrong understanding of the word “vanity” you will miss the theme of the book. Emma & Hannah break down what Vanity means, and how to approach this passage. Additional Scripture mentioned on today's episode: John 10:10, “I came that they have life and have it abundantly.” Learn more and see more resources about 21 Days of Prayer here: waterm...
Feb 12, 2024•11 min
This is a Join The Journey Rewind episode. Emma Dotter is joined by Chris Sherrod, Watermark’s Marriage & Family Director. The book is really saying that all of creation is good, but it is never intended to satisfy us. It’s not that life has no point, but that these things are “hevel.” The word “hevel” means “mere breath”. Christ said that the book has made him a joyful realist! Accept that life is fleeting, enjoy this life, but do not forget that this life is “hevel.” Book, Living life Back...
Feb 11, 2024•12 min
Proverbs 31, what a classic passage! Today Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark members Lucina & Kyle Thompson. The mother’s oracle in the beginning advises to watch out for three things! Watch out for women, wine, and then look out of other people! But the end of the passage is best seen as a template for women to live by. The woman’s values are in three things: family first, work relationships, and then community outside of that. Learn more and see more resources about 21 Days of Pr...
Feb 09, 2024•10 min
So often we can want to share what we think is best or right, instead of looking to the Lord and his Word that continually proves true. Connor Sampson and Emma Dotter walk through Proverbs 30, and how we meet a friend we only see in the Bible here, Agur! Connor challenges us to look to God’s Word is our guidance and advice, and to ask the question: who are we exalting? Additional Scriptures in this Podcast: Romans 5:8, “God demonstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, C...
Feb 08, 2024•11 min
In today’s episode, Watermark Institute Student, Hannah Staubs is joined by Watermark High School Student, Tee Parker to talk all things Proverbs 29. 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! To learn more about Watermark’s ministry for High School students, check out this link: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/shoreline To hear more from Tee, check out his previous episode: https...
Feb 07, 2024•11 min
God’s economy is different from our economy. How do we reconcile making interests and profit and wanting to use it in a God honoring way? Emma Dotter is joined by Peggy Liska, who is a Watermark Member who serves at Gather at Watermark. If you want to hear more about Gather, click the link below. Additional Scriptures in Today’s Podcast: Isaiah 55:8, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the Lord.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19, “…They are to do good, to be rich in good...
Feb 06, 2024•8 min
We think too little of sin, too much of ourselves and we don't think enough of Jesus. Today Emma Dotter is joined by Saegan Cockerham to talk through what it looks like to love our friends well and what biblical rebuke looks like. Additional Scripture referenced in today's episode: John 10:10; "I have come that they may have life" Matthew 7:4-5, "First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." Saegan's previous JTJ episode: http...
Feb 05, 2024•11 min
Laughter, jokes, teasing, all of these things are common practice for people. But how can a believer know when a joke as gone too far? How can we be Christ-like even in the way we joke? Today Emma Dotter breaks down this question in light of Proverbs 26. Additional Scripture Used in this Podcast: Hebrews 10:30, “For we know him who said, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay.’ And again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’” Luke 6:31, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Galatians 5:14,...
Feb 02, 2024•9 min
There is something powerful in a word that is fitly spoken, a timely said word, but how do we know that time? And how do we say such a word in humility? Today, Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark member Rob Guild as he breaks down waiting on the Lord and acting in humility. When it comes down to it, humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. Learn more and see more resources about 21 Days of Prayer here: watermark.org/pray Today please pray that God will reveal Himse...
Feb 01, 2024•11 min
“We don’t just fall.” As believers, because we are strengthened by the Spirit, when life knocks us down, we can rise again. In today’s episode, Watermark Institute Student, Hannah Staubs is joined by Watermark High School Student, Chloe Copeland to talk all things Proverbs 24. Additional Scriptures in this passage: Matthew 7:24-27; Build your house on the rock 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...
Jan 31, 2024•8 min
Discipline, Children, Boundary Lines, & JTJ’s youngest podcast guest are all on the podcast today. Watermark South Dallas member Bibani Templeton (and daughter Sophia) joins Emma Dotter today on the podcast. The discipline you choose for your child really is for the wellbeing of the soul of the child. The principle that can come from this is that discipline out of love is good for children. While these statement are truthful, they are principles and not promises. Anytime we sin, we are ultim...
Jan 30, 2024•11 min
https://www.regenerationrecovery.org/struggles/sexual-abuse // Having a conversation around safety and abuse has become more and more common in our world today. How should a Christian think about abuse and safety? Emma Dotter consults a discussion written by John Elmore to discuss this conversation. This conversation is not just one that is heavy, but in Christ we can have hope. “God hates that this has happened to you, and although you may not understand why this has happened, God will punish t...
Jan 29, 2024•14 min
Can we actually make plans? Are we autonomous in making plans? Today Emma Dotter breaks down a dynamic that all people face: the sovereignty of God and the freewill of man when it comes to make decisions. Man’s will is free because God is sovereign. This truth can give us daily confidence. Additional Scripture referenced in this episode: Proverbs 20:24, “A man’s steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?” Revelation 17:17, “for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his...
Jan 26, 2024•10 min
Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark member, JJ Rosales. JJ focuses in on two specific verses, showing the food we get from the Lord and not from sin will actually last and sustain. We need people of wisdom in our lives to call things out in us. And the sin in our lives may originally taste like sweetness, and will end up tasting like gravel. Additional Scriptures in this passage: 1 Corinthians 12:7, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good…” Proverbs 18:1, “W...
Jan 25, 2024•11 min
Am I obeying my heavenly dad? Am I honoring Him? When I ignore God, why am I not submitting to His discipline? Emma Dotter interviews Watermark high school student, Lauren Fricke. Her love for the Word of God is so evident as she unpacks marks of godly children. It’s easier to be called to godliness when you know there is nothing you can do to gain it or lose it. Additional Scripture in this Podcast: Colossians 2:13, “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh...
Jan 24, 2024•12 min
Words are powerful and they matter. Our speech can reflect what is deeply rooted in our hearts. Emma Dotter is joined by today's devo writer, Crystal Stringer to talk about how our words can bring forth life or death. Additional Scripture referenced in this episode: Matthew 12:34,"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" John 15:12, "“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 15:5, "Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much frui...
Jan 23, 2024•8 min
How should we respond when those we love turn to foolishness? Emma Dotter is joined by friend Ben Krejci to cover verse 25 where we get to see how we relate to God when we walk in His wisdom. Join the Journey’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jointhejourney_/ 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%...
Jan 22, 2024•9 min
"Gray hair is a crown of glory?" On today's episode, Emma Dotter is talking all about a biblical perspective on age and how it does not disqualify you, but it is worth acknowledging. Additional Scripture referenced in this episode: 1 Kings 3:7-8, "But I am like a little child" 1 Timothy 4:12, "Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young." Jeremiah 1:7-8, "Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’" 1 Kings 3:9 "Give me an understanding heart" 1 Kings 12:6 "Discussed the matter with the older men w...
Jan 19, 2024•11 min
A verse like Proverbs 15:11 can be confusing, but today’s podcast unpacks the background of the words Sheol and Abaddon. Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark member Reese Tomberlin. If God can see the living and the dead, how much more can he see your heart? God see all things. So often we can feel alone and not seen, but we have to remind ourself of the promise that God is with us! Additional Scripture in the Podcast: Proverbs 15:3, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch...
Jan 18, 2024•9 min
God gives us the ability to discern and caution is a part of that discernment. Maddox Vines, Watermark student, joins Hannah Staubs on the podcast to talk through Proverbs 14 and the importance of wisdom that comes the Lord. Additional Scripture referenced in this episode: Proverbs 9:10; "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" Psalm 46:1 reference; "God is our refuge and strength" Maddox's previous JTJ episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=10006...
Jan 17, 2024•9 min
Parents have a unique God-given role to play in the lives of their children. Today on the podcast, Emma Dotter is breaking down verse 24 and what it actually means. Additional Scripture referenced in today's episode: Proverbs 27:12 Hebrews 12:1-2; 5-13, "God's discipline is always good for us" 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...
Jan 16, 2024•9 min
There can be anxiety that is a worry and there can be anxiety disorders. Today, Emma Dotter and Tia Stelzer share about a godly way to respond to anxiety. Tia challenges us to look at our anxiety not as a burden, but, with God’s help, an opportunity for faithfulness. Join the Journey’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jointhejourney_/ Join the Journey’s Resources: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=...
Jan 15, 2024•10 min
What does God hate? Emma Dotter encourages us to notice what is repeated in this passage, why we should pay attention to it and what the rest of the Bible has to say about it. Additional Scripture referenced in this episode: Romans 3:11-12, "no one does good, not even one" Romans 3:23-27, "Everyone has sinned"; "he makes sinners right in his sight" 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 epi...
Jan 12, 2024•10 min
On today's episode, Emma Dotter talks through the structure of Proverbs and shows us how we can work through this book. It starts with the "who", but you must also know the "where" and "what". 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. J...
Jan 11, 2024•10 min
There is always room to grow in our wisdom and knowledge of God. Today on the podcast, Hannah Staubs and Watermark student, Mollie Dzina help us unpack questions raised by verse 2 and verse 7! Join the Journey’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jointhejourney_/ 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://www.amazon.com/Thinking-...
Jan 10, 2024•8 min
