Join The Journey

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! Today, Emma Dotter talks with Ben Krejci about the foreshadowing of salvation being for both the Jew and the Gentile seen in the wise men's visit to the baby Jesus as seen in Matthew 2:7-12. We hope you will join us for Christmas at Watermark! Information at the link: https://www.watermark.org/christmas

What do we do when the story of Christmas has become repetitive and familiar to us? Today our very own Emma Dotter and Lauren Atkinson discuss Matthew 2:1-6 and the anticipation of the Wise Men. Our response to the story of Christmas should mirror them as they respond rightly to the incarnation of the Christ. Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 1:1-27

In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Micah 5:2-5 and how Jesus' eternal nature reminds us that he is the eternal king, our shepherd who cares and loves for us, and the one who gives us true peace. Year of the Word Prayer Service January 5th in the Watermark Chapel from 5:30pm - 6:30pm You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 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 have you seen God show up in your life? What do you learn about God from these “holy moments?” Today Seth Master breaks down Luke 2:19-20 in the continuation of our advent series. 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 Check out today's Join The Journey devo: https://www.jointhejourney.com/today

Today, Lauren Atkinson and Ashley Lawrence discuss Luke 2:13-18 and how the day Jesus was born was not just a random day, but an ordained, appointed time by God for the glory of God and peace for his people. Additional Scriptures: Colossians 1:16 - All things were created through him. Galatians 4 Listen to Ashley Lawrence's Story: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-252-revelation-1-4-7/id1600151923?i=1000639715369 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

Why were shepherds the first ones to hear about the birth of Jesus? Today, Emma Dotter gives context about the shepherds in Luke 2:8-14 and how God comes to everyone with the good news of Jesus, regardless of status or position.

The holidays can be a time that is lonely and hard. Today, Lauren Atkinson discusses with Dave Bruskas discuss Luke 2:1-7 and how God is present with us all seasons and sovereign over all things. Scriptures Referenced: Philippians 2 Link to Church Equipping Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watermarks-church-leadership-podcast/id1228898530 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 Re|Gen Resources https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery

What is the significance of Mary’s Song? Why does it matter to us as believers? Today we are joined by Join the Journey volunteer Seth Master to continue in our advent series. Reading through Luke 1:46-56, Seth shows us how Mary can be an example to us in our lives as we follow Christ. 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 Check out today's Join The Journey devo: https://www.jointhejourney.com/today

Today, Lauren Atkinson interviews Watermark member Pam McGee to discuss Luke 1:39-45 and how to celebrate other people's successes by trusting God with your lives and the lives of your children. Watermark Kids Advent Resourceshttps://www.watermark.org/blog/family-advent-guide

Today, Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark member and Join The Journey writer Cecil Blanton to talk through the announcement of Jesus' birth in Luke 1:26-38. This announcement changed Mary's life and lead to abundant life for the world through Jesus Christ. Additional Scripture Referenced: Psalm 34:18 Isaiah 41:10 Psalm 23:4 Psalm 55:22 To hear more of Cecil's story, check out this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-050-exodus-6/id1600151923?i=1000603577135 Learn more about Re:generation here: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson discusses Luke 1:5-25 how God displays his faithfulness as a promise keeper through the events leading up to John the Baptist's birth. 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

Today is the first ever Join the Journey LIVE Podcast! Emma Dotter and Pastor Marvin Walker record live at Watermark South Dallas and discuss Matthew 1:1-17, exploring the genealogy of Jesus and how his family tree connects to kingship. 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

How do we know the prophecies in Scripture point to Jesus? Today, Emma Dotter discusses Numbers 24:17, Jeremiah 33:14-16, and 2 Samuel 7:4-17 to help connect the dots between prophecies about Jesus and how Jesus fulfilled them all in just the right time. Additional Scriptures referenced in today's episode: Matthew 2:1-2 John 15:5-11 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

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson talks with Jelani Rainey from Watermark South Dallas to discuss Genesis 17:15-19 and Romans 9:1-13 focusing on how we can know we are a child of promise through salvation in Jesus Christ.

What do we do when our expectations of Jesus don't line up with who He really is? Today Watermark Shoreline Director Will McIlroy walks us through Acts 3 to show us how Christ is better than any expectation we could ever set for him. 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 Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Check out today's Join The Journey devo: https://www.jointhejourney.com/today

Today, Emma Dotter discusses Genesis 1:1-2, 26-28 and Genesis 3:1-15 and explores how the Advent season can be a time for us to evaluate our hearts and trust in God's great plan for us through Jesus. 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

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 Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Check out today's Join The Journey devo: https://www.jointhejourney.com/today

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 below! https://www.watermark.org/events/6353-training-day-x-join-the-journey 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 Check out today's Join The Journey devo: https://www.jointhejourney.com/today

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 division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." Ephesians 6:12, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." 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 Check out today's Join The Journey devo: https://www.jointhejourney.com/today

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-training-day-x-join-the-journey 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 Check out today's Join The Journey devo: https://www.jointhejourney.com/today

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=4093 You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Check out today's Join The Journey devo: https://www.jointhejourney.com/today

"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 children's children" Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Isaiah 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." Colossians 1:16-17, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Register for Training Day x Join The Journey here: https://www.watermark.org/events/6353-training-day-x-join-the-journey 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 Check out today's Join The Journey devo: https://www.jointhejourney.com/today

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 Check out today's Join The Journey devo: https://www.jointhejourney.com/today

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. 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-junior/id1660089898

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. 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-junior/id1660089898

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/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-junior/id1660089898

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

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 and minds 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-junior/id1660089898

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 for Training Day x Join The Journey here: https://www.watermark.org/events/6353-training-day-x-join-the-journey Additional scripture mentioned in today's episode: 2 Chronicles 34 – King Josiah finding the Law 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-junior/id1660089898

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 works to serve the living God." John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." 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 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-junior/id1660089898

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 our LO Local event! Additional Scripture mentioned in today's episode: Romans 1:20, " For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,[a] in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." Philippians 2:10-11, "So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." 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-junior/id1660089898

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 Disobedience Interested in further research? Check out this article below by Sam Storms! https://www.samstorms.org/all-articles/post/article-10-things-you-should-know-about-the-imprecatory-psalms 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-the-journey-junior/id1660089898

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 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-junior/id1660089898

"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, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 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-junior/id1660089898

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 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-junior/id1660089898

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: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/students Additional Scripture mentioned in today's episode: Acts 2:42-47; 4:24 – Early church living together in unity 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-junior/id1660089898

"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 shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." Ephesians 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." 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-junior/id1660089898

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 destruction a man's heart is haughty . . . .” Proverbs 16:5 - “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD . . . .” James 4:10 - “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” Psalm 46:10 - “I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Join us for at Training Day to prepare for Year of the Word: 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. 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-junior/id1660089898

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? 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-junior/id1660089898

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-junior/id1660089898

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, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law…” 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-junior/id1660089898

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-the-journey-junior/id1660089898

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-junior/id1660089898

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 with all your mind and with all your strength.” 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-the-journey-junior/id1660089898

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. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898

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.co/d/eYBgvUM 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 significance of Jerusalem for believers today? Today Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark staff member Matt Farlow to discuss how we relate to the traditions of the ancient Israelites while not being steeped in the tradition of the Jewish faith today. Even though we don’t hold fast to Jewish traditions as Christians, we can look at them and understand how they were completed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 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-junior/id1660089898

Where does our help come from? In today’s episode, Emma Dotter and faithful Watermark South Dallas member Jewel Blackwood cover Psalm 121 and discuss how David put his hope in God as his keeper and protector. Through Jesus, we have even more reason to hope because we always have God by our side living in us and protecting us. Additional Scripture Referenced: 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?” Interested in volunteering for the Fall Fun event in South Dallas? Check out the link below! https://www.watermark.org/southdallas#serve Interested in serving with Join the Journey? Check out the link below! https://www.watermark.org/search/serve?refinementList%5BOpportunity.suggested_for.title%5D%5B0%5D=First%20Serve&refinementList%5Bministries.title%5D%5B0%5D=Equipping 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-junior/id1660089898

As believers we can read these psalms of ascent and be reminded of God's presence and His faithfulness. Today, Lauren Atkinson encourages us as she shares that we find our home in Christ and He is the justifier of those who are found in him. Additional scripture mentioned in today's episode: Jeremiah 29; Seek the peace Romans 12; Live peaceably with all Hebrews 11; They desire a better country 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-the-journey-junior/id1660089898

How does the law of the Old Testament apply to our lives today? In today’s episode covering Psalm 119:89-176, Lauren Atkinson and Watermark staff member Ben Krejci talk about delighting in the law of the Lord and how it shows us both God’s character and our need for Him. Additional Scripture Referenced: Psalm 1, Delighting in God’s law Psalm 13:1-2, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?” Check out Ben’s previous episode! https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vH8LhhJOIzxiu5ujbEBm0?si=07cd8c3cc0a54713 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-the-journey-junior/id1660089898