Join The Journey

After the fall of Jerusalem and exile to Babylon, why does Jehoiachin's release from prison matter? In this captivating episode, Emma Dotter dives into Jeremiah 50-52, exploring the profound significance of King Jehoiachin's release from prison after the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. With insightful commentary, Emma unpacks how this pivotal moment reveals the unwavering faithfulness of God's promises, even in the face of uncertainty and upheaval. Join us as Emma illuminates God's enduring sovereignty and offers encouragement for navigating life's unknown paths with hope and trust.

Why such specific judgments? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark high school senior, Peri Howell about Jeremiah 48-49. These judgments can remind us of our own sin and our need for a savior. Peri reminds us that while we deserved separation for us, God in his mercy, provides a way back into relationship with him.Additional references: Hebrews 11:1If you're a high school student, check out Shoreline! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/shoreline

What was Jeremiah's warning to Baruch in Jeremiah 45? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Brittany Stair, talk about God's providence over his people, even in the midst of sorrow and rebellion. Brittany reminds us that in the same way God called Jeremiah and Baruch, we are called to submit humbly to God's will. Additional references: Deuteronomy 4:6; Habakkuk 3; Romans 2:4; Romans 6:1-4Check out Wake for Middle Schoolers! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/wake

What does Jeremiah 42-44 reveal about human nature, the tension between fear and faith, and the consequences of disobedience to God's word? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Tyler Moffett about Jeremiah 42-44 and answer the question "how does the remnant's return to Egypt reflect a reversal of the Exodus story?" They discuss what lessons we can draw for trusting divine guidance in times of crisis.Additional references: Jeremiah 6:16Check out the Porch! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/the-porch

What do we do when we experience opposition when we are obeying God? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Andrew Templeton, discuss Jeremiah 38 and God's faithfulness even in persecution. Andrew reminds us that faithfulness to the call of God is more important than successfulness.Additional Scripture:Jeremiah 2:13 – “for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”Lamentations 3:53-55 – “they flung me alive into the pit and cast stones on me; water closed over my head; I said, ‘I am lost.' “I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit.”Jeremiah 1:18 – “And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.”Matthew 5:12 – “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”Additional Links:Interested in attending the Discover Missions meeting? Check out the link below?https://www.watermark.org/events/6562-discover-missionsCheck out the Join The Journey Devotionals here!https://www.jointhejourney.com/You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898

Why did Jehoiakim burn Jeremiah's scroll in Jeremiah 36? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Edna Sanchez about the rejection of God that Jehoiakim shows in his burning of the scroll. Emma and Edna encourage listeners to live righteously before men and God, even when rejection may come and to heed the Word of God with reverence. Check out how you can live missionally in your community! https://www.watermark.org/engage/outreach

All about the new covenant! In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks about Jeremiah 31 and helps us understand the differences between the old covenant and the new covenant. Emma reminds us that the covenants were always about relationship between God and his people.Additional references:Genesis 1-3; Genesis 9, 12, 15-17; Exodus 19-24; Leviticus 17:11; Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 4:6-8; Deuteronomy 28; 2 Samuel 7; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Hosea 6:7; Matthew 5:17; Luke 22:20; Romans 3:20; Romans 4:3; Romans 8:15-16; Galatians 3:6-9; Galatians 5:16; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8-11

How does God respond to false prophets? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Jentri Cornelius discuss Jeremiah 28-30. Jentri walks us through the story of Hananiah and why God's response to Hananiah's false teaching was necessary for the good of his people. We are reminded that we too can be easily led astray from God's teachings and how to avoid that happening in our lives.  Additional references: Deuteronomy 28; Acts 17:11Check out our middle school ministry, Wake! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/wake

What is the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Will Gullette, talk about Jeremiah 27 and define what is a yoke and explores God's sovereignty over his people and the earthly rulers. God's justice and mercy is on display in these chapters and reminds us that the Gospel is seen all throughout the Bible. Additional References: Romans 9:20-21Check out today's Join The Journey devotional: https://www.jointhejourney.com/7179-jeremiah-s-faithfulness-hezekiah-s-response

Who is the Righteous Branch, and what does the answer to that question mean for us? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Jeremiah 22-24, highlighting the truths that God faithfully keeps his promises and that Jesus is the only righteous king.Additional references: 2 Samuel 7; Isaiah 11:1; 1 Corinthians 1:30AI was used in the creation of the script for this episode.

What's important about the broken flask, and how do we think about the burning fire in Jeremiah's bones? In today's episode, Emma Dotter explores Jeremiah 19-21, emphasizing that God's Word remains true, even when it's painful, and that God's servants are called to faithfulness, even when it's costly.

How does Jeremiah 17 connect with the blessed man and cursed man in Psalm 1? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Sara Fusco, talk about Jeremiah 17 and define blessing as choosing to trust in the Lord. Sara challenges us to evaluate if we are living as a blessed person, or a cursed person.Additional references:Psalm 1Listen to more of Sara Fusco!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000612608086 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000626060551 ​​https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000664708574

What's the deal with the lying prophets in Jeremiah 14? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, David Szymanski, about Jeremiah 12-15. David talks about God's justice and consistent character in response to our sin and how, just like Jeremiah called the Israelites, God calls us back to himself. 

What's up with the green olive tree being set on fire? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Join the Journey Volunteer and former Intern Lauren Fricke about Jeremiah 8-11. Lauren explores the meaning and significance of the olive tree and dives into themes of wisdom, suffering, and sanctification.Additional references: Isaiah 53:5; Romans 5:1-8; James 1:2-4Listen to more of Lauren Fricke!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000642764131https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000651289147https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000664580267https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000677306055

Why did God warn Jerusalem knowing they still would not repent? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Ben Stogner, talk about Jeremiah 5-7. Ben talks about how God's warning to Jerusalem was out of his love for his peope, but also because God is a just God.

How did God call Jeremiah? In today's Watermark Kids take over episode, Watermark's Director of Elementary, Catherine Meredith, talks with kids team member, Brittnee Estes about Jeremiah 1-4. Check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898To find out how to serve with Watermark Kids: https://www.watermark.org/search/serve?refinementList%5Bministries.title%5D%5B0%5D=Watermark%20Kids&refinementList%5Bministries.title%5D%5B1%5D=Starting%20Blocks&refinementList%5Bministries.title%5D%5B2%5D=KaleidoscopeFor parents with littles moving into K-1, check out the K-1 Sneak Peek on August 2nd! https://www.watermark.org/events/6600-k-1-sneak-peek

What does it mean to be contrite? Why is God looking for those with a "humble and contrite spirit?" In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Katie Shemanske, about Isaiah 66:2 helping us understand what genuine contrition is before the Lord in accepting his mercy, forgiveness, and our turning away from sin.  Additional References: Psalm 51; Matthew 5; 1 Peter 1:15-16Listen to Katie's previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-058-joshua-21-24/id1600151923?i=1000698367403

In today's episode, Emma Dotter is back with Will McIlroy  and discuss Isaiah 56:2-5. Will discusses his experience with infertility and how God showed him something even better than what he desired most. Emma and Will remind us that God sees us, has promises for us, and we can have faith in him.To find support in infertility check out Shiloh: watermark.org/ministries/shiloh

How do we find hope in a suffering servant? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Will McIlroy, talk about Isaiah 47-53. Will reminds us that God does not forget his people, even during suffering and trial.Additional references: Ephesians 3; Psalm 16:11To learn about Shoreline: watermark.org/ministries/shoreline

Who is the servant upon whom God has put his Spirit? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Robert Greene, talk about Isaiah 42 and discuss how Isaiah is referring to the Messiah, Jesus who is our burden carrier and comforter.Additional references: Matthew 12:14; John 8:31-32To learn more about Re|engage: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/re-engage

Why is Hezekiah mentioned in Isaiah? Who is the greater Hezekiah? In today's episode, Seth Master and Watermark member, Bobby Durning, discuss Isaiah 37-41 and remind us who Hezekiah was and walk us through how Isaiah's words to Hezekiah are a foretelling of the greater king that was to come through Jesus Christ. 

Who is the righteous king in Isaiah 32? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with faithful Watermark member Anne Rodgers about Isaiah 32-36. Anne discusses the peace and restoration found in following the righteous king and the way of holiness as the way to follow him. Additional references:1-2 KingsRomans 122 Corinthians 1To learn more about Square One: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/square-oneTo sign up for Women's Bible Study: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/womens-bible-study

What happens when we do things our own way rather than trust God? Will we trust in God enough to wait on him? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks about Isaiah 27-21, diving into chapter 30 and discusses the importance of trusting in God enough to wait for his promises. Additional references: Matthew 11:28-29

How do we hold both the promises of judgment and hope for redemption? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Kyle Aaron, about Isaiah 21-26 and how Isaiah is pointing to the Savior to come through Jesus. Listen to Kyle's previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-047-deuteronomy-21-23/id1600151923?i=1000695497761

What are all these oracles? Description:What are all these oracles? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with faithful Watermark member Olivia Webb about Isaiah 15-20. Emma and Olivia take a look at the relationship between prophecy and oracles and dive into themes of judgment, redemption, hope, and God's heart for the nations.Additional references:Romans 3

How does God rule through his enemies? Description:Why does God allow His enemies to rule, and what's the result? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with former Watermark student Bo Richardson about Isaiah 10-14. Bo discusses God's justice, mercy, and sovereignty and explores how God uses that which displeases him to punish that which displeases him and to refine his people.Additional references:Hebrews 12:6

What's the deal with Isaiah having the hot coal touched to his mouth? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Co-Founder and CEO of The Eden Project, Nathan Wagnon, about Isaiah 6-9. Nathan  helps us understand the cultural context of the coals touching the mouth of Isaiah in chapter 6, and teaches us that this was a cleansing of Isaiah for his ministry. Additional References: Exodus 3; Jeremiah 1:6-7; Acts 1:5, 8To learn more about The Eden Project: https://www.theedenproject.com/Check out The Eden Project's podcasts: - (Re)Story: https://www.theedenproject.com/restory-podcasts/(Re)Form: https://www.theedenproject.com/reform-podcasts/

What are the branch and vineyard of the Lord? Join Emma Dotter and Julie Fowler as we dive into Isaiah 1-5.Additional references:Psalm 1Jeremiah 17:7-8Check out Julie's studies:https://www.juliefowlerministries.com/infertitlity-bible-studies-and-resource

"What is the point of Song of Solomon? In what ways does Song of Solomon inspire spouses to prioritize faithfulness in marriage? Links: https://passionequip.com/collections/the-song-of-songs"

What can the intimate poetry of Song of Solomon 4-6 teach us about devotion in our own marriages and how to nurture our marriages to honor Christ? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Aaron and Robin Dutton about Song of Solomon 4-6 and how it can instruct our marriages. Check out Aaron and Robin's former episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-219-2-kings-23/id1600151923?i=1000634245664https://www.watermark.org/ministries/re-engage

How should we read Song of Solomon in light of Christ? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Garrett Wikle, Resident Theologian at Watermark, and help us understand how Song of Solomon, while a romantic poem, also  displays the love Christ has for his Church. Additional references: Genesis 3; Isaiah 62:4-5 Revelation 19; Check out Song of Solomon - Attraction by Passion City Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM4B-AUA8M8Check out Dominion and Dynasty  by Stephen Dempster: https://a.co/d/cmScARi

Why is every deed judged by God? Should I have fear of God's judgment? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Cecil Blanton, about Ecclesiastes 9-12 about the "judgments" that will happen according to chapter 12. Cecil helps us see how these judgments are a call to conduct ourselves in a way that is honoring to God and calls us to salvation only through Jesus.Additional references: 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 8:1; Revelation 20:11-14; Romans 3:23-25; Genesis 3; Romans 8:28Check out another episode featuring Cecil! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-050-exodus-6/id1600151923?i=1000603577135GotQuestions Article about the Judgments: https://www.gotquestions.org/all-the-judgments.html

If "the same event happens to all," what is the point of the Christian life? Today, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark elder, Todd Anders to answer this question and help us understand how God uses even hardship to help us grow in relationship with him.Listen to more of Todd Anders! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-097-1-chronicles-9-13/id1600151923?i=1000704580901https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-218-psalm-132/id1600151923?i=1000675752263

What does vanity mean? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with returning Watermark member, Nate Alvis. Nate sets the stage for Ecclesiastes, helping us understand the background of the book and who wrote it. Nate explains what "vanity" is and what the call to us is to focus on instead of all the vanity.  Listen to more of Nate Alvis: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-002-genesis-6-10/id1600151923?i=1000682394234https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-056-job-11/id1600151923?i=1000649557256https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-140-psalm-55/id1600151923?i=1000662617055

Who is Agur? Why does this proverb feel different? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Mandy Bagdanov, talk about Proverbs 31 and the themes we see for Christian living in this passage. Listen to Mandy's last episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-213-psalm-127/id1600151923?i=1000674843869

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark Executive Director of Community and Care, David Dzina, about three themes we see from Proverbs 22-26 to consider in our lives.

Can we actually make our own plans? In today's episode, Emma Dotter examines Proverbs 23 and helps us understand the nature of our autonomy, our ability to have free will, when God is ultimately in control.Additional References: Ezra 7:27; Revelation 17:17; Daniel 2:19-22; James 3:1; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Romans 8:28 

Why do our words matter so much? How do our word effect those who hear those words? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks about Proverbs 12 and shows us the contrasts between the words of the righteous and the words of the wicked. Emma challenges us to be followers of Christ who reflect his character through our words through 3 principles found in Proverbs 12. Additional References: Exodus 20; Matthew 12:34; Ephesians 4:29; James 3; Ephesians 4:15; James 1:19 

In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Proverbs 7-11, specifically diving into Proverbs 11, exploring the significance of the number of times "righteousness" is mentioned. Emma helps us see how Proverbs 11's call to righteous is made possible not through our actions, but only through God's righteousness that he has gifted us through Jesus. Emma calls us to reflect on whether our actions and life style is one marked by the righteousness of Christ. Additional References: Romans 3Find more resources for Bible study at https://www.jointhejourney.com/resourcesServe with us at Join The Journey! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/join-the-journey

How do we think about wisdom literature? Today Emma Dotter and Watermark Resident Theologian Garrett Wikle overview wisdom literature and dive into Proverbs 1-6 to discuss what wisdom is, why we need wisdom and how we gain wisdom. Through the book of Proverbs, God is pointing us to Himself. It highlights the greater redemptive story, as wisdom literature assumes we are in a right relationship with God, having been saved by God to abundant life in Christ and the flourishing found as we walk in Him and His design.Ask God to show you if you are drifting toward any of these areas: • Are you losing appetite for spiritual things? • Are you becoming worldly minded? • Are you no longer troubled by sin?Additional Scripture Referenced:Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26 – God will remove our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh. Hebrews 1:1-4 – "In these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son…"1 John 1:8 – "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."To read A Heart Aflame for God by Matthew C. Bingham, check out this link: https://www.crossway.org/books/a-heart-aflame-for-god-hcj/?srsltid=AfmBOoqWYkB2w8aiXEEtLMTm4lUmSQ4nRgvMIS0TAAnrBx9xyjwAmTF7Listen to Garrett's previous episode on Deuteronomy 17-20 here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/s4-046-deuteronomy-17-20/id1600151923?i=1000695013496

Is it even possible for mountains and seas to praise God? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Josh O'Neal, about the last 6 Psalms. They discuss how everything on earth praise God and how we also are created to praise the Lord as seen in Psalm 148. Additional references: Colossians 1:16; Genesis 1; Luke 19:40; Romans 8:14Respond in worship with Psalm 145 by Shane and Shane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhOUSFgvJnc

What's the deal with incense? What is the role of incense in the Bible? In today's episode, Ben Krejci talks with Watermark Worship Pastor, Jon Abel, about Psalms 137-143. Jon helps us understand why incense is referenced in the Psalms and it's role in other places in Scripture. Additional References: Exodus 30:1-10; 34-38Respond in worship with Psalm 139 by Leeland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrvDfU65vCQ