Join The Journey

How can the God of the Old Testament be good with all this death and destruction? What was the deal with Achan's sin? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Joshua 6:21 and 7:24-25, answering these questions. Emma talks about Israel's greatest mistake in these passages — not seeking the counsel of God during these events.

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Scott Jackson, Watermark missionary to Argentina, about their work in Argentina and the first few chapters of Joshua! They discuss Rahab and the commander of the Lord's army, their stories, and why their stories are significant.

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson finishes our time in Deuteronomy by discussing how Deuteronomy 33-34 is recalling the teachings established earlier in the book, while looking ahead to the future that is to come for God's people.

What does it mean for the commandment and word of God to be near to us? In today’s episode, Watermark staff member Shane Rasch speaks about the power of Scripture and His Spirit in transforming our lives. Additional Scripture Referenced: 1 John 5:3, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” Interested in Merge? Check out the link below! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/merge 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

Does the Lord bring ruin upon his people? Today, Emma Dotter and Lauren Atkinson discuss Deuteronomy 28:63 & 29:29, and help us understand these challenging verses. Emma’s View: https://www.gotquestions.org/old-covenant.html Garrett’s View: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/progressive-covenantalism-and-new-covenant-theology/ Gather25 Information! https://www.gather25.com/

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson and Community Formation Director, Ryan Garrahan, discuss Deuteronomy 26-27 and answer the question: "What's up with all these curses?" Scriptures Referenced: 1 Chronicles 29; Joshua 8; Romans 3:10-11 Check out Ryan's previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-242-isaiah-7-14-luke-1-5-45/id1600151923?i=1000638296374 To get involved in a Community Group, check out our Community Formation events! https://www.watermark.org/events/6429-men-s-and-women-s-community-formation To learn more about MoneyWise and financial stewardship: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/moneywise

What does it mean for the Israelites to blot out the memory of Amalek, but not forget? In today’s episode, Watermark’s staff member Emily Hope and JTJ staff Lauren Atkinson discuss the purpose of the law in revealing God’s character and regulating the Israelites’ behavior to protect them and help them flourish. Later in Deuteronomy 25, God tells the Israelites to remove the presence of the evil Amalekites. It was an ethical cleansing, not an ethnic cleansing that revealed God’s holiness and character. Like them, we are also before a holy God in dire need for Christ to cover our sins. Additional Scripture Referenced: Exodus 17:8-16 – Amalek and his men attack the Israelites 1 Samuel 15:9 - Saul preserves the Amalekites – He does not obey God’s full command 1 Samuel 30:17 – David obeys God’s command to wipe out the Amalekites, but some escape 1 Chronicles 4:43 – Hezekiah completely wipes out the Amalekites Exodus 34:6-7, “That is, the Lord passed in front of Moses and said, “Yahweh, the Lord, is a kind and merciful God. He is slow to become angry. He is full of great love. He can be trusted. He shows his faithful love to thousands of people. He forgives people for the wrong things they do, but he does not forget to punish guilty people. Not only will he punish the guilty people, but their children, their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren will also suffer for the bad things these people do.” Interested in Watermark’s Women’s Bible Study? Check out the link below! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/womens-bible-study Here is the link to the Watermark Men’s Bible Study! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/mens-bible-study Check out Emily’s story in this previous episode! https://open.spotify.com/episode/15MR5uMD3ayvfI8cdZRPQG?si=16a8d652726241b2 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

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson talked with Men's Community Director Kyle Aaron about Deuteronomy 21-23. They answer the questions, "How do we make sense of the laws about marrying female captives? Why would God command rebellious adulterers to be put to death?" Scriptures Referenced: John 8; Galatians 3:13

Today, Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark’s Director of Equipping and Apologetics, Garrett Wikle, to talk through how Deuteronomy 17-20 informs our reading of the whole Bible. Listen as we see how these verses set us up to look for the one coming King, Jesus Christ, the perfect King who rules with all authority in heaven and on earth.

Deuteronomy 16:18 - What types of judges were appointed at this time in Israel's history?

How do we make sense of God testing the Israelites by sending false prophets? In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson and Watermark staff member, Parker Primrose, discuss Deuteronomy 13:3 and 9-10 to answer this question. To learn more about how to Foster and Adopt in Dallas: https://www.watermark.org/events/6419-foster-care-and-adoption-info-meeting Hear more from Parker! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-014-exodus-10-13/id1600151923?i=1000684216766

In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Shoreline Director, Will McIlroy discuss Deuteronomy 7-10 and discuss how we should think about God's discipline.

In today's episode, Watermark member Seth Master discusses Deuteronomy 4:24 and answers the question, "What does it mean for God to be a jealous God?"

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson and Watermark staff member Emily Hope discuss the start of Deuteronomy. Emily explains Deuteronomy 2:30,34 & 3:6 and answers the question "Why do the Israelites 'devote the people to destruction'?" Additional Scriptures: Exodus 34:6-7 Learn more about Women's Bible Study: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/womens-bible-study

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark staff member, Noah Schatz, about Numbers 35-36. They explore the cities of refuge, what their purpose served, and why they were important. Noah explains how these cities refuge are a picture of the freedom and refuge we find in Christ. Check out the Porch for Young Adults: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/the-porch

In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Numbers 34 and answers the question, "what can we learn from the boundaries God sets?"

Content Warning: May not be an appropriate topic for children. In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses the events of Numbers 31:13-18, answering the question: "how do we make sense of all this killing, specifically, the instruction surrounding children?" Emma also addresses how God is still good, even with having given these commands.

Why are the daughters of Zelophehad significant? What do they teach us about God's heart/character? In today’s episode, Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark college student Sam Curtis as they discuss God’s response to the financial insecurity of Zelophehad’s daughters and His kindness in protecting them. Additional Scripture Referenced: Hebrews 3:3 – “For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.” Hebrews 7:25 – “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 4:15-16 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Interested in Watermark’s College Ministry? Check out the link below! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/college 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

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson talks with Watermark member Reese Tomberlin about Num 25:4-9 and discuss the events where 24,000 people died. They discuss how we should hink about events like this in light of God's character and his purpose for his people. Additional Scriptures: Exodus 19:6, Exodus 20 Check out Reese's former episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-014-proverbs-15/id1600151923?i=1000642081892

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson discusses the events of Numbers 20-22. Lauren addressed Numbers 20:12, and why God didn't allow Moses to enter the Promise Land. Check out Join the Journey Jr. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson discusses Numbers 17-19, answering the question "What's the significance of the Red Heifer?" Lauren explores how the red heifer points to Jesus' sacrifice for us for the forgiveness of our sin. TA's Book Recommendation: Christ from Beginning to End - https://a.co/d/0M8MmfW

In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Join the Journey editor Will Gullette discuss Numbers 14:18 & 16:45, answering the question, "How do we make sense of God's love and grace alongside his justice?" Additional Scripture references: 1 Peter 3:15-16, Acts 7:39, Hebrews 3:13, Galatians 3:24 TA's Book Recommendation: Christ from Beginning to End - https://a.co/d/0M8MmfW Check out some of Will's former Episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-077-exodus-37/id1600151923?i=1000610533341 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-195-psalm-110/id1600151923?i=1000671651544

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson talks with Watermark staff member, Robin Dutton, about Numbers 10-13, focusing on Miriam's leprosy and how Miriam's experience with leprosy is a picture of God's mercy and grace in His people's lives. Check out Robin's former episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-219-2-kings-23/id1600151923?i=1000634245664

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson talks with Watermark member Jim Wimberly about Numbers 7-9. They discuss Numbers 8 and what the Bible instructs regarding retirement. They discuss how we are given two jobs, one of which is a big job from the God that we never retire from. Jim gives examples from his life of how he hasn't retired from the work of spreading the Gospel.

Join Emma Dotter as she unpacks the Nazarite vow from Numbers 4-6—a voluntary act of consecration to the Lord, open to both men and women, with specific commitments and a sacrificial conclusion. Listen in and think through these questions: What does it mean to be set apart? How is your heart posture toward pursuing holiness? How are you intentionally living a holy life by surrendering to the Spirit’s leadership?

Today Emma Dotter breaks down Numbers 1-3 and establishes fundamental building blocks to understand the book of Numbers. What are the 12 tribes of Israel and what role do the Levites play? Listen in to find out.

In this episode, Christy Chermak sits down with Anna Hughes, NP, and Katherine Gomez, NP, from Watermark Health to dive into Leviticus 25-27 and the significance of the spring feasts. Together, they explore themes of God’s justice, mercy, and provision, drawing connections between Scripture and their work in healthcare. To learn more about serving with Watermark Health, check out this link: https://www.watermarkhealth.org/serve

In this episode, Christy Chermak explores the biblical feasts and how they reveal God’s heart for rest, provision, and care for the poor. From the Sabbath in the Ten Commandments to the Feast of Weeks—when the Holy Spirit came in the New Testament—she unpacks how these rhythms invite us into remembrance and celebration. Through stories like Boaz and Ruth, we see how God’s law makes space for both gratitude and those who are hurting, reminding us of His deep love and protection for the vulnerable. Additional Scripture Referenced Matthew 7 – parable about the house being built on the rock and not the sand Hebrews 4 – Christ is the fulfillment of the Law

In today's episode, Christy Chermak, Executive Director of Watermark Health talks with registered nurse and Director of Clinical Service Lines, Paige Delgado discuss the laws in Leviticus 15-20 around cleanliness of body, sexual sin, and the Day of Atonement. We see how the Day of Atonement foreshadows the coming of Jesus and His being the final atonement for our sin. For more information about Watermark Health: https://www.watermark.org/health

Today, in Watermark Health third takeover episode, Christy Chermak talks with Dr. Providence Okaalet about Leviticus 11-14, the Mosaic healthcode of 1450BC and other laws around cleanliness, and how these laws set his people apart from other people, and how it relates to us today. Additional Scriptures referenced: 1 Corinthans 10:23, Acts 10 To find out how to serve with Watermark Health: https://www.watermarkhealth.org/serve To learn more about the Wellness Collective: https://www.watermarkhealth.org/wellness-collective-2024

Today, Christy Chermak, Executive Director of Watermark Health, and M.D. Matt Bush, Founder and President of Watermark Health, discuss Leviticus 6-10 and leadership expectations that God sets for the priests and people. They discuss how we can still apply some of these leadership principles set by God in our lives today. Additional Scriptures Referenced: Mark 10 To learn more about Watermark Health: https://www.watermark.org/health

In today's first Watermark Health takeover episode, Executive Director of Watermark and Health, Christy Chermak, and Dr. Paul and Mandy Figel help us understand the importance of Leviticus in relationship to Exodus and what's to come in Numbers. They also answer the question: "How can sinful human beings be acceptable to and together with a holy God?" from Leviticus 1-5. We will see how Leviticus is setting the stage to answer that and point to the big picture narrative of God's redemptive plan. To hear more of Mandy and Paul's story: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-006-genesis-6-9-7-24/id1600151923?i=1000593167222 To learn more about Watermark Health: https://www.watermark.org/health

What was the purpose of anointing oil and how should we think about it today? In today’s episode, Emma Dotter discusses Exodus 38-40 and the significance of anointing oil as a symbol of holiness and a test of obedience. The anointing oil used in the Old Testament can serve as a tangible expression of faith in the lives of those who trust in God. Additional Scripture Referenced: Exodus 28:41 – “And you shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests.” Exodus 30:32-33 – “It shall not be poured on the body of an ordinary person, and you shall make no other like it in composition. It is holy, and it shall be holy to you. Whoever compounds any like it or whoever puts any of it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people.” Mark 6:13 – “And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.” James 5:14 – “I s anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” Matthew 26:6-13 – Jesus anointed by woman Interested in Watermark’s Sunday Equipping Courses? Check out the link below! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/sunday-equipping-courses 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 is the Old Covenant and why do covenants matter? In today’s episode, Emma Dotter talks about God’s grace and mercy toward the Israelites who continually fail to keep the covenant they made with God. He is a God of mercy and love who creates the covenant He made with His people in order to protect them and redirect their hearts towards Him. Additional Scripture Referenced: Hebrews 10:1-4 – “For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities… it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” Jeremiah 31:31-34 – “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah… I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Luke 22:20 – “And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” 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

In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Lauren Atkinson recap the story of the Bible we have read so far and discuss what the purpose of the Old Testament law was to God's people and how we can think about it today. Find out more about Re:gen here! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery

Why did priests wear special clothes? Today Emma Dotter is joined by one of Watermark's Men's Community Directors Bo Towns to discuss the meaning of the priests clothing in Exodus 28-29. The priests had a special job that is distinct and set apart, and their special clothing reflects their important role of representing the people to God. We get to read this text in light of the future, knowing that Jesus is the ultimate Great High Priest. He allows us to boldly approach God, knowing that those who are in Christ are already loved and accepted by Him. Additional Scripture Referenced: Hebrews 5 – Jesus is the true and better Great High Priest To hear more of Bo's story, check out this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-170-1-samuel-31/id1600151923?i=1000626438286 To learn more about the meaning of the priests garments and pomegranates in this passage, check out this link: https://www.gotquestions.org/priestly-garments.html; https://www.gotquestions.org/pomegranates-in-the-Bible.html https://www.gotquestions.org/urim-thummim.html

What was the significance of the various parts of the tabernacle? Today, Emma Dotter leads us through the history, significance, and parts of the tabernacle to better understand how it relates to God's relationship with his people. Sunday Equipping Classes: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/sunday-equipping-courses ESV Spiral Journaling Bible Set: https://a.co/d/3zWlW4v Join the Journey Journal (Genesis to Jesus Vol. 1) https://a.co/d/bLumQ5A Join the Journey Journal (Genesis to Jesus Vol. 2) https://a.co/d/5cRjSdG

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson and Elizabeth Hoffman discuss Exodus 22-24 and how all the laws in these passages can be applied to our lives, relationships, and interactions with the world around us. For more information about Watermark Outreach opportunities, visit: https://www.watermark.org/outreach

What does it mean for God to be jealous? Is this a bad thing? Today, Lauren Atkinson and Watermark staff member Matt Farlow discuss Exodus 18-21 and how God's jealous desire is to keep our worship and affection, showing his love for us. They also discuss how to approach scriptures that address slavery and if the Bible endorses slavery. Additional References: Psalm 16:11 Proverbs 31:8-9 Check out Matt's previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-208-psalm-122/id1600151923?i=1000673977085 Find out more about Re|engage on Wednesday nights at https://www.watermark.org/ministries/re-engage John Piper's Sermon: https://www.watermark.org/message/11321-slavery-and-the-supreme-lordship-of-jesus?q=Check out ways to partner with Watermark's External Focus Team: https://www.watermark.org/outreach; https://www.watermark.org/engage/city/anti-sex-trafficking

In today's episode, Emma Dotter reviews the different challenges that the Israelites experienced through Exodus 14-17 and what we learn about the character of God. Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 6:11, John 6:35, 1 Corinthians 10:4

How do we reconcile God's goodness with the death of the firstborn children? Today, Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark staff member Parker Primrose to talk through how God's character informs how we read Exodus 10-13. God could have started with the tenth plague, because the consequence of sin is death. But in His mercy, He gives the Egyptians multiple opportunities to turn from their sin and turn to Him. For God to be good, He must be just. This story points us to Christ, the firstborn of all creation who is the ultimate Passover Lamb to pay for our sin and bring us into right relationship with God. Additional Scripture Referenced: Exodus 34:6-7 – God describes His character to Moses Exodus 3 – God's promise to redeem His people Mark 3:5 – Jesus' righteous anger towards sin Ezekiel 33:11 – God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires them to turn to Him 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 – Christ is the Passover Lamb who was sacrificed on our behalf To hear more of Parker's story, check out this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-144-psalm-59/id1600151923?i=1000663185545

Why does God harden Pharaoh's heart? In today's episode, Emma Dotter walks through Exodus 7-9 and helps us understand God's sovereignty and man's free will in salvation, while reminding us of the importance of examining our own hearts. Additional Scriptures: Romans 9:17-18; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; 2 Peter 3:9 Have questions? Check out the Got Questions website to find answers! https://www.gotquestions.org/

Why was God ready to kill Moses? What is the significance of Zipporah's actions? In today's episode, Emma Dotter walks us through some of these challenging questions and explains the importance of complete obedience to God. Scriptures referenced: 2 Corinthians 12:9

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark staff member Dani Stoll. Based on Exodus 1:16-17, "Is it ever okay to lie?" Information about D-town: https://www.watermark.org/events/6382-dtown-2025

In today's episode, Emma Dotter breaks down the best way for us to study the Bible. Emma also gives the historical background of where we get the twelve tribes of Israel and who they were and where do they came from.

In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Lauren Atkinson discuss Joseph and why he put the silver cup in his brother's sack.

Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including sexual abuse."If God is good, why does evil exist?" Lauren Atkinson and Watermark staff member Dave Bruskas explore this question through Genesis 37–41, offering a framework for viewing suffering in light of God’s character.Re:Gen Recovery Information: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recoveryMENd: Abuse Recovery for Men: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/mendCourageous Hope: Abuse Recovery for Women: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/courageous-hopeArticle on Effects of the Fall:https://www.gotquestions.org/desire-husband-rule.html

How do we reconcile the way that women are treated in the OT with what the rest of scripture says about us being image bearers? In today’s episode, Emma Dotter and faithful Watermark member Jessica Bishop talk about Genesis 34 and 35 and the story of Dinah and her brother’s reaction and vengeance on the evil that happens to her. They explain that this is an account of something outside of God’s design, and that the description the Bible gives is not necessarily a prescription of what God approves of. Additional Scripture Referenced: Genesis 1:27 Woman with issue of blood - Matthew 9, Mark 5, Luke 8 Jesus with Martha - Luke 11:11-26 Interested in Courageous Hope? Check out the link below! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/courageous-hope 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

How did Jacob beat God in a wrestling match? Why did Jacob want God's blessing so badly? Why did God change Jacob's name? In today's episode, Emma Dotter unpacks Genesis 29 - 32, a pivotal moment in Jacob's life where he developed his own personal faith through his encounter with God. 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

How does integrity play out in our lives? Today, Emma Dotter looks at Genesis 27 and how integrity is shown in the story of Jacob and Esau and evaluates how we show spiritual integrity within our own lives. 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