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"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

What's the deal with the oil on the head? Why do people raise their hands in worship? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Elijah Westover, about Psalms 131-136 to answer these questions. Additional References: James 5:14; Psalm 23:5; Exodus 29:7; 1 Kings 8:54; Psalm 141:2; Lamentations 3:14; 1 Timothy 2:8; Colossians 3:16Respond in worship with Psalm 34 by Shane & Shane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOzf0VrDNGU

What are the the Psalms of Ascent? Why are they significant to God's people? Today, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Bri Carlisle about Psalms 120-130 and the journey that God's people made to Jerusalem where they would sing these Psalms. Bri reminds us that these Psalms point to the never changing character of God and his love for us, even when we don't deserve it. Respond in worship with Psalm 130 by Shane and Shane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=l8pCbtLeXzc&t=32m39s

Why is Psalm 119 so long? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Aaden Jones, talk about Psalm 119 and unpack why this is the longest chapter in the whole Bible.Respond in worship with:Who Else? by The Worship Initiative (feat. Hayden Browning): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FazTNF_zy28Thy Word by Ellie Holcomb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmFzKYa6EHU

What are the headings of each section and what do they mean? Today Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark worship leader Grace Kerbel to walk through Psalm 115-118 and how we can daily remind ourselves of the goodness of God.Additional Scripture referenced:Deuteronomy 10:8-9 – the role of the LevitesNumbers 18:20 – the Lord is the Levites' portion and inheritancePsalm 16:5; Lamentations 3:24 – additional references to "the land of the living" referring to the Levites' provision Respond in worship with:Goodness of God by The Worship Initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgoPHQNTy0MO Praise the Name by Shane and Shane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiDRiWGWFOUCornerstone by The Worship Initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ56i6XKhKkLearn more about the headings in the Bible here: https://www.gotquestions.org/divided-Bible-chapters-verses.htmlRead this article on David's view of "the land of the living": https://www.gotquestions.org/land-of-the-living.htmlCheck out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898

What does the reference to Melchizedek mean in Psalm 110? Today on the podcast, Seth Master walks through Psalm 108-114 and shows how this points to our ultimate perfect King and Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Additional Scripture Referenced: Hebrews 7 – the order of MelchizedekRespond in worship with Before the Throne of God Above by The Worship Initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BozHkGMTlYI

In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Macie Snowden, talk about Psalm 103-107, where we see God's goodness is repeatedly praised and proclaimed. Macie reminds us that God's character is always good, faithful, and worthy of praise. Even if God never answered our prayers or gave us the desires of our heart, he would still be worthy of praise because of his character. Respond in worship with Bless God by Brooke Ligertwood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gK0fbhGdX4A

Why are we urged to praise the Lord? In today's podcast, Emma Dotter and faithful Watermark member and Worship Initiative staff member, Travis Warren, discuss Psalms 96 through 102. As we focus on God's character, we can remember God's care for us and respond rightly to Him through obedience and praise.Check out Psalm 73 (As For Me) by the Worship Initiative on YouTube!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZp2k7AcHh8 Check out Psalm 100 (Enter In) by People and Songs on YouTube!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjgdKWbD0xE Check 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

What does it look like to "have a great week of worship"? In today's episode, Ben Krejci talks with Watermark Worship Director, Hayden Browning about Psalms 90-95. Hayden dives into Psalm 92 and shows us why it is good for us to worship God in song, not just on Sundays in large gathering, but every day in our individual lives. Respond in worship with Psalm 90 by Shane and Shane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCDNZwMRYfo

What does it mean to have an undivided heart, and how do we get to that place? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark worship leader, Davy Leffall, discuss the story and scripture behind the song, Undivided Heart. Davy talks about how Psalm 86 demonstrates that we need the Holy Spirit at work in us to produce this heart posture. Additional Scripture Referenced:Ephesians 1:4, “even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world…”Respond in worship with Undivided Heart by Watermark Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnqIokstZcwCheck out the Join The Journey Devotionals here!https://www.jointhejourney.com/

Ever wonder if God is depriving his people of anything good? Today Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark staff member Shelby Carnefix to discuss Psalm 79-85. God is faithful and good, and yet sometimes life is hard. Shelby shares how lament leads us to worship and recount his goodness to us. Spend time reflecting on these questions today: Where are the good things that God is providing for me that I may not be seeing?What do I need to bring before the Lord so that I can experience the fullness of his joy?Respond in worship with Psalm 84 (Better is One Day) by The Worship Initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoQmnCvT2g0To hear more of Shelby's story, check out her previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-131-psalm-1-8/id1600151923?i=1000710852348&l=pt-BR

Who or what is Leviathan? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark keyboardist, Sam Garner. Sam helps us understand what the Bible is referring to when it mentions "Leviathan."Respond in worship with Psalm 74 by Poor Bishop Hooper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJlYonOPsUY

What can we learn from the imagery in Psalm 72? Additional References: Psalm 30; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 2:13Respond in worship with Psalm 73 (As For Me) by The Worship Initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZp2k7AcHh8 

What does God's care for all the nations teach us about Him? Today Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark worship leader Josh ONeal to talk through how we see God's heart through the nations in Psalm 66-69. God works both through Israel's faithfulness and unfaithfulness to reveal His desire for all nations to know Him. Respond in worship with: Come and See (Psalm 66) by Shane and Shane: Come and See (Psalm 66) (Live)Kingdom Kids and Great Things by Phil Whickham: Phil Wickham - Great Things (Official Lyric Video)Additional passages referenced:Exodus 19:6 – Israel is to be a holy nationPsalm 60:8 – Moab referred to as a "washbasin" Ruth 1:16 – Ruth's commitment to God2 Kings 5 – the story of NaamanEzekiel 18 – God does not delight in the death of the wicked

In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Psalms 58-63 with Watermark member, Callie Nixon. Callie talks about how these Psalms show examples of honest, raw prayers to God and expressions of deep desire for knowing God. Callie encourages us to examine our own hearts and see which we need to express to the Lord. Respond in worship with Psalm 63 by Shane and Shane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdS6fFDf170

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with another Watermark worship team member, Tricia Griffin about Psalms 50-51. Tricia helps us see how these Psalms of David help lead us into a right understanding of our sin and the importance of genuine repentance to God. Respond in worship with Awake My Soul (Psalm 57) by Worship Initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmfRRdSm2us

How do we worship when life gets hard? Today, Emma Dotter talks with Michel Clements about Psalms 43-49, discussing what a lament is and how we can trust God in the midst of difficulty and suffering. Re:engage: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/re-engageRe:gen: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recoveryRespond in worship with All My Questions by Bethany Barnard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVPHLzh_SwI&list=PLUUCL4MbaGVXAItrO8yX19mlqhI9WEwjBDark Clouds, Deep Mercies by Mark Vroegop: https://a.co/d/f4ctoBV

In today's Watermark Worship Takeover, Zach Seitz talks with Watermark worship team member Robbie Vedreen about Psalms 37-42 and talk about how we should respond when God doesn't immediate heal our physical ailments adn encourage us to remmeber that communion with God is the greatest gift we could ever receive from him. Additional References: Matthew 13:44; Matthew 5:20; Matthew 6Respond in worship with Psalm 42 by Shane and Shane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1Gd-FoNLuI

What does it mean to taste of the Lord's goodness? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Jeremy Jaqua, and discuss the 4 pathways to tasting of the Lord's goodness found in Psalms 31-36. Respond in worship with Psalm 34 by Shane and Shane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DciMh_ciwkk

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Brittnee Estes about Psalm 26 and answer the question, "why would I want the Lord to test my heart?" Brittnee helps us understand that through trial, God is proving or showing us something about ourselves.  Got questions quote and article: https://www.gotquestions.org/why-does-God-test-us.htmlRespond in worship with Psalm 24 (King of Glory) by Keith and Kristyn Getty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GTj2DA9JWoTo sign up to serve with Watermark Kids: https://www.watermark.org/serving-at-watermark

When I pray, what if I feel like my requests aren't being fulfilled? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark worship team member, Will Edwards talk about Psalms 18-23 and discuss how God is still near to us, even when we feel like he isn't hearing our prayers. Respond in worship with Good Plans by Red Rocks Worship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-3lMrhm8HQ

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Jordan Sieben discuss Psalms 9-17 in this Worship takeover episode. Jordan discusses the emotions seen throughout these Psalms and the importance of our words being honoring to the Lord. Additional references: Proverbs 12:18, 18:21; James 3:5-6Respond in worship with Psalm 13 by Hannah Hardin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNGy2ZrZPxA

In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Psalm 1-8 with Watermark staff member, Shelby Carnefix. Shelby specifially breaks down Psalm 1 for us, as well as how we can avoid sinning in our anger, and how the Lord is near to all of us during times of tribulations. Respond in worship with Psalm 8 (Majestic is Your Name) by Shane and Shane: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPSv8vredVsTo join us in learning from CSNTM about the formation of the New Testament, register here: https://new.csntm.org/biblionlectures/?vcrmeid=Hae9HjOMkiCRZ8Hunipvg&vcrmiid=-6X2ZipPw0yhVFKjRzXKSA

Is it okay to be angry at God and doubt his character? In our final Care Team takeover episode, Wes Butler and Watermark member, Melissa Miller, close our the book of Job with Job 38-42 and God's response to Job's questions and doubt in God's character, displaying his soverignty, control, and love for his people in the midst of suffering. To learn more about Worth More: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/after-abortion-care

Wes Butler, Director of Care Ministries, is back for another Care Team episode with Watermark member, Kelley Maxwell. In today's episode, Wes and Kelley discuss Job 34-37 and talk about how God's character is always just and righteous, even while we are suffering.Additional References: John 9:2-3To connect with Refuge: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/refugeTo connect with any of our care ministries, you can email care@watermark.orgTo purchase Suffering by Paul David Tripp: https://a.co/d/8cyXiEk

How can our questions and suffering cause us to form more intimacy with God? In today's Care Team, Director of Care Ministries, Wes Butler, talks with Watemark member Rachel Duncan about Job 31-33 and look at how Job worshipped God in the midst of his questions. Job is reminded by his friend of the truth of God's character. To learn more about Courageous Hope: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/courageous-hopeTo learn more about MENd: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/mend

In today's episode, Wes Butler talks with Watermark member, Gaby Duke, about Job 28-30. Gaby talks specifically chapter 28 and Job's pursuit of the answer to his "Why?" questions. Gaby reminds us that while the answer to our "why" is a desire to know, our ultimate goal should be intimacy with Jesus for comfort.  To learn more about Additional Care ministries at Watermark: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/deaf-ministry

In today's Care Team episode, Wes Butler talks with Watermark member, Brad Pollock about Job 25-27, and two take aways from this portion of Job. The first, we need to be prudent in the way we respond to people's suffering. The second, we need to remember who God is and we may not know the bigger picture. Additional References: Matthew 7To connect with Careers in Motion: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/careers-in-motion

In today's episode, Wes Butler, Director of Care ministries, talks with faithful Watermark member, Jen, about Job 22-24. Jen talks about how God is still working, even in the midst of suffering and when we can't see it. Jen shows where Job exemplifies trust in God's work. To learn more about Divorce Care: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/divorce-recoveryTo learn about Divorce Care for Kids: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/kids-and-teens-divorce-recovery