Welcome to Advent! It's never too late to start reading your Bible. Lauren Atkinson shares how today's passage bridges the gap from the Old Testament to the New Testament and then further in our lives today. Additional Scripture referenced in today's episode: Genesis 1-2, creation account Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093 You can also check out the Join The Jo...
Dec 02, 2024•10 min
Today we are wrapping up the book of Psalms! Emma Dotter walks us through what is looks like to worship God with everything we have. This psalm is all about giving God glory for who He is and it reminds us that no matter what is happening in life, God is always worthy of our praise. Additional Scripture Referenced: Luke 19:40, “He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Interested in the Training Day on studying God’s Word on December 7? Check out the link be...
Nov 29, 2024•11 min
Happy Thanksgiving! Emma Dotter is joined by fellow Watermark staff member, Jacob Alger to provide helpful context on Psalm 149 as we tackle the question, "Is it our job to execute judgement on the nations?" Additional Scripture referenced in today's episode: Matthew 26:52, "Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword." Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the di...
Nov 28, 2024•10 min
Is it even possible for mountains and seas to praise God? In today’s episode, Lauren Atkinson and faithful Watermark student Hope Bagdanov talk about Psalm 148 and how even the earth in all its fullness was created to give glory to God. Additional Scripture Referenced: Luke 19:40, “He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Interested in the Training Day on studying God’s Word on December 7? Check out the link below! https://www.watermark.org/events/6353-trai...
Nov 27, 2024•10 min
In this psalm, we get to see the overarching theme that God is abundantly powerful in all creation and He’s abundantly intentional in His care for His people. Lauren Atkinson leaves us with the encouragement that we are so loved by God in Christ and we can cling to that truth no matter what we face going into the holiday season. Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=40...
Nov 26, 2024•7 min
"As a follower of Jesus, I want to care about the things that God cares about." In today’s episode, Watermark member, Mark Hapka joins Emma Dotter to walk us through how we can help get our hearts aligned to God’s heart. Additional Scripture referenced in today's episode: Deuteronomy 4:9, “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your chi...
Nov 25, 2024•11 min
Why is it important to tell future generations about the Lord? Emma Dotter is joined by Lauren Atkinson to unpack how this psalm is about the unsearchable greatness and God's abundant goodness. Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093 You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Ch...
Nov 22, 2024•10 min
Why do we want our sons and daughters to be plants and pillars? How do we build our children up to be people of character? Today we are joined by Watermark staff member Chris Sherrod to walk through Psalm 145 with Lauren Atkinson. Check out the latest podcast! Register for Training Day x Join The Journey here: https://www.watermark.org/events/6353-training-day-x-join-the-journey Grab a Psalms Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/7rt0H3g Got kids? Check out the Join The Journey Jr. J...
Nov 21, 2024•13 min
In today’s episode, Emma Dotter and faithful Watermark high school student Ella Eubanks discuss Psalm 143 and how we can ask God for guidance in our lives as we face hard times because He is faithful and caring. Not only is it important for us to trust Him in how He will lead us in the future, but it is also essential that we remember how He has worked in our lives in the past. Grab a Psalms Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/7rt0H3g Got kids? Check out the NEW Join The Journey Jr...
Nov 20, 2024•8 min
Today on the podcast, Watermark staff member Shane Rasch joins Lauren Atkinson on the podcast to help us understand the difference between a complaint and a lament. We see David look to God as his true hope and refuge and share his longing for community. Additional scripture referenced in today's episode: Genesis 2:18, "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'" Grab a Psalms Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/7rt0...
Nov 19, 2024•14 min
At Watermark, we’ve always loved reading the Bible together. Hear how Join The Journey started and grew to reach thousands with God’s Word. See all stories at watermark.org/celebrate25
Nov 19, 2024•43 min
Have you ever asked God to guard your lips and heart? In today’s episode, Join the Journey Volunteer Lauren Fricke and Lauren Atkinson discuss Psalm 142 and how David prays to God and asks Him to guard his lips and heart, as well as accept the godly rebuke of others. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit through us that our hearts and deeds can be reoriented towards God’s good will for us. Additional Scripture Referenced: Colossians 3 – It is through Christ that we are given new hearts...
Nov 18, 2024•10 min
In light of the cross, do we really want burning coals to fall on our enemies' heads? Today, Seth Master talks through Psalm 140 and how we think about justice and hope in light of the cross. Through four movements of the psalm, David shows the truth that despite evil and how it affects him, he expresses confidence in God's justice. Because of our sin, we were all enemies of God. The cross has made a way for those who have been made righteous in Christ to dwell in the presence of God. Register f...
Nov 15, 2024•11 min
Today's Psalm can be broken up into three parts: God knows everything, God is everywhere and God can do anything. Lauren Atkinson reminds us that we aren't left in our sin, we are left with a promise that God will sanctify us through Christ. Additional Scripture mentioned in today's episode: Genesis 1-3; Creation story and humanity's sin Hebrews 9:14, "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead wo...
Nov 14, 2024•9 min
Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark student, Parker Matthews to go verse by verse through Psalm 138. Parker encourages us to remain faithful to the Lord and know that He will provide you with the answer that you need to your prayers even if is not necessarily the answer that you want. Interested in serving with students? You can learn more here: https://www.watermark.org/search/serve?query=Serving%20with%20Students Are you a girl in Dallas? Join us at Watermark Coffee on November 17 at 7:30PM for...
Nov 13, 2024•12 min
Dashing the little ones against the rock? In Psalm 137, the Israelites are mourning their loss and the consequences they are facing due to sin. Emma Dotter and Lauren Atkinson explore this passage and discuss worshipping God in a foreign land and God’s divine judgment. Additional Scripture Referenced: Romans 12:19, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Deuteronomy 27-28, Blessings and Curses for ...
Nov 12, 2024•9 min
Psalm 136 is a beautiful hymn of thanksgiving that centers around one powerful theme: the enduring love of God. Emma Dotter shows us how the psalmist creates a rhythmic reminder of God's constant unwavering presence throughout history. Interested in coming to Training Day? Learn more here: https://www.watermark.org/events/6353-training-day-x-join-the-journey Are you a girl in Dallas? Join us at Watermark Coffee on November 17 at 7:30PM for our LO Local event! Grab a Psalms Join The Journey Journ...
Nov 11, 2024•8 min
"When we fail to recognize or we simply forget that God has been at work through out our lives it becomes much more difficult to see Him at work in the present." In today's episode, Emma Dotter walks us through what it looks like to praise the Lord and reflect on His goodness no matter our circumstance Interested in coming to Training Day? Learn more here: https://www.watermark.org/events/6353-training-day-x-join-the-journey Additional scripture referenced in today's episode: 1 Corinthians 15:57...
Nov 08, 2024•7 min
Today's psalm is the last of the songs of ascent and God's people are nearing the end of their journey to Jerusalem. Watermark Worship Staff, Josh O'Neal joins Lauren Atkinson to talk about verse 2 and why people raise their hands in worship? Additional scripture referenced in today's episode: Proverbs 16:9, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Listen to the NEW Watermark Waves single: https://music.apple.com/us/album/closer-to-home-single/1775583595 Grab a Psalm...
Nov 07, 2024•11 min
What's the deal with the oil on the head? What does it look like to live unified with believers? Today Seth Master is joined by Watermark high school senior Noah Roby to talk about Psalm 133 and the importance of doing life with believers in unity. As we have been united to Christ by His Spirit, we have been united into a body of believers. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is amplified when we live together in godly community. To get involved with Watermark's student ministry, check out this link: h...
Nov 06, 2024•11 min
"God is faithful even when life isn't 'up and to the right'." Watermark Elder, Todd Anders, joins Lauren Atkinson on today's episode to unpack Psalm 132 and encourage us as a believers to trust in God's timing and sovereignty. Access prayer prompts for the election here: https://www.watermark.org/blog/24-days-of-prayer-for-the-2024-election Additional Scripture mentioned in today's episode: 1 Chronicles 28:3, " But God said to me, ‘You may not build a house for my name'." 2 Samuel 7:13, " He sha...
Nov 05, 2024•9 min
David quieted his soul, eliminated the agitation caused by seeking the satisfaction of his own desires, and found contentment in his Heavenly Father—becoming a man after God’s own heart. Emma Dotter shares an encouraging Join The Journey devo written by a Watermark member and leaves us with some questions to think through today. Additional Scripture mentioned in today's episode: Psalm 46:10 - “Be still and know that I am God.” Acts 13:22 - "a man after God’s own heart." Proverbs 18:12 - “Before ...
Nov 04, 2024•8 min
How do we wait actively with hope and tether ourselves to something? Faithful Watermark member and friend, Melissa Miller joins Emma Dotter to share the sweet truth that, "It's belief in His steadfast love that fuels our ability to let go of earthly fulfillment or pain relief." Additional Scripture mentioned in today's episode: Proverbs 16:9, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Grab a Psalms Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/7rt0H3g Got kids? Che...
Nov 01, 2024•13 min
Despite all hardships, the faithful have not been overcome. Emma Dotter shares the significance of today, Reformation Day and talks about the importance of trusting in God's justice and protection as we see in today's passage. Grab a Psalms Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/7rt0H3g Got kids? Check out the Join The Journey Jr. Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/eYBgvUM You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-jun...
Oct 31, 2024•7 min
Is Psalm 128 giving prosperity gospel? In today’s episode, Lauren Atkinson and Watermark high school student Olivia Tristan talk about what it means to experience God’s blessing in our lives. These blessings are not the things we receive from God because of our own good works, but the results of the Holy Spirit changing the desires of our heart. Additional Scripture Referenced: Galatians 5:22-25, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentle...
Oct 30, 2024•9 min
Is hard work a waste? In today’s episode Emma Dotter and Watermark staff member Mandy Bagdanoff discuss what it means to put the Lord at the center of our life and labor. Our labor is in vain if the Lord is not the sole focus of our work. Grab a Psalms Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/7rt0H3g Got kids? Check out the NEW Join The Journey Jr. Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/eYBgvUM You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join...
Oct 29, 2024•13 min
God is a God who appreciates laughter and joy. Faithful Watermark member, Mary Anne Smiley joins Emma Dotter to talk about how she has personally connected with verse 5, "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!" Grab a Psalms Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/7rt0H3g Got kids? Check out the Join The Journey Jr. Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/eYBgvUM You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-juni...
Oct 28, 2024•8 min
What is the scepter of wickedness? In today’s episode, Join the Journey staff member Lauren Atkinson and faithful Watermark member Bill Aiken dive into Psalm 125 and discuss how in the Old Testament, staffs were symbols of power and leaders used them to lead the people of Israel. Bill then ties this symbol of power to the greater leader and perfect King, Jesus Christ. Additional Scripture referenced: Mark 12:30, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and...
Oct 25, 2024•10 min
Emma Dotter shares that this Psalm shows us that David deeply understood that God was on his side. He put these truths in practice by reminding all of Israel that God does play a critical role in our lives despite undesirable circumstances we might live through and to remember who our God is. Grab a Psalms Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/7rt0H3g Got kids? Check out the Join The Journey Jr. Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/eYBgvUM You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. ...
Oct 24, 2024•8 min
Where are your eyes fixed? Are they on the Lord? Today Watermark student Chapman Penuel joins Emma Dotter to teach us about what it means to look at Christ and look away from things of the world. The Psalmist’s message in this passage points us to His greater return and triumph in Christ’s return. His ultimate mercy is our greatest reward and blessing. Grab a Psalms Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/7rt0H3g Got kids? Check out the Join The Journey Jr. Journal for 2024: https://a....
Oct 23, 2024•8 min
