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S4:222 Haggai Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

"Why does Haggai date his prophecies so precisely—with references to the reign of Darius and specific days? And in Haggai 2, God says the future glory of the temple will be greater than the former. How would Zerubbabel’s audience have understood that promise? In today’s episode, Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark Member Karis Smith to talk all things Haggai. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?"

S4:221 Zephaniah Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

"Why is does Zephaniah use a strong tone at the beginning of the book, and how would the original audience have heard that? How does the concept of ""a remnant"" function in Zephaniah's prophecy, and how might it have given hope to his listeners? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Matt Hein, set up the book of Zephaniah and talk how the Israelites were being called back to God's heart out of a place of complacency. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?"

S4:220 Habakkuk Sep 13, 2025

Show notes

"Why does Habakkuk begin with a complaint rather than a call to repentance or judgment like other prophets? In Habakkuk 2:4, what does it mean that “the righteous shall live by faith,” and how would a sixth-century Israelite have understood that phrase? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Seth Master talk about the lament that is seen in this book. Habakkuk reminds us that faith does not remove suffering, but it transforms our response to it. Additional References: Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38 You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?"

S4:219 Nahum Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

"Why does Nahum focus so heavily on Nineveh’s downfall when Jonah showed its repentance? In Nahum 1:2–3, God is described as both avenging and slow to anger. How should we interpret this tension in God’s character? In today's episode, Emma Dotter gives more historical background for the book of Nahum and unpacks how God's mercy is wise, but this justice is also sure. Emma helps us think about how God's character can display both patience and judgment against sin. Additional references: Jonah 3:5-10 Exodus 34:6-7 To apply to serve as an Editor or Resource Writer with Join The Journey, go to: https://www.watermark.org/search/serve?query=Join%20the%20journey You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?"

S4:218 Micah Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

"In Micah 6:6–8, what’s the historical or covenantal background that helps us understand why “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly” was such a striking call? Why does Micah alternate between judgment and hope so often? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Jonathan Linder, set up the book of Micah and talk about the character of God that is seen in both his judgment and mercy. Additional references: Psalm 19:7; Psalm 51:16; You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"

S4:217 Obadiah, Jonah Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

In Obadiah, why is Edom singled out for such strong judgment? In Jonah 4, why is Jonah so angry about Nineveh’s repentance—and what does that reaction reveal about his understanding of God? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark student, Paige Fowler, and discuss why God speaks to the nations who are not Israel. They discuss how we ought to handle anger we might feel toward the Lord and others.

Additional references: Romans 7:15-20; Ephesians 2:13

Students! Check out Shoreline on Wednesday nights! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/shoreline

If you're a student and want to register for the Watermark Student Retreat, go to: https://www.watermark.org/events/6650-watermark-students-retreat-2025

Check out Great Questions if you have any questions about faith and theology.

https://www.watermark.org/ministries/great-questions

You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast:

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665

Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources!

https://www.jointhejourney.com/

Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df

S4:216 Amos 6-9 Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Why does Amos call out those who feel “secure on Mount Samaria”? What does this reveal about the cultural and political climate in Israel at the time? How should we understand the promise to “raise up the booth of David” in Amos 9:11-15? In today's episode, Director of Equipping, Chris Sherrod, and Watermark member Cassidy Webber answer these questions from Amos 6-9 and discuss the consequences that God's people were experiencing in this passage.

Check out Great Questions if you have any questions about faith and theology.

https://www.watermark.org/ministries/great-questions

You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast:

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665

Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources!

https://www.jointhejourney.com/

S4:215 Amos 1-5 Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Amos begins by indicting surrounding nations before turning to Israel—why might he structure his message this way, and how would that have impacted his original audience? How does God's rejection of Israel's worship in Amos 5 help us understand the relationship between justice and worship in the Old Testament? In today's episode, Director of Equipping, Chris Sherrod, talks with Watermark member, Cassidy Webber about Amos 1-5. Cassidy sets up the book of Amos for listeners and help answer these questions from the first 5 chapters.

Check out Great Questions if you have any questions about faith and theology.

https://www.watermark.org/ministries/great-questions

You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast:

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665

Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources!

https://www.jointhejourney.com/

S4:214 Joel Sep 06, 2025

Show notes

In Joel 1, the locust plague is described in vivid, poetic language. Is this a metaphor for a future army—or a literal natural disaster? How does apocalyptic imagery function in prophetic literature like this? Join Emma Dotter today in a deep dive into the book of Joel and see how God is sovereign and just throughout this book.

Additional references: Genesis 41-47; Exodus 7-12; Proverbs 9:10; Galatians 6:7-9; Hebrews 2:1

To read an article on the book of Joel, check out https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Joel.html

To purchase the ESV Study Bible: https://a.co/d/csYsM9l

Credits for the content study of this episode: Evelyn Parsley

You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast:

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665

Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources!

https://www.jointhejourney.com/

S4:212 Hosea 1-7 Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

What’s the significance of the names God gives Hosea’s children—and how do they connect to Israel’s spiritual condition? 2. Why does Hosea buy his wife back in chapter 3—and what does that reveal about covenant love in the context of betrayal?

Additional references: 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Kings 9; Romans 3:23-25

If you're a single adult, check out Gather that meets on Wednesday nights! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/single-adults

Check out the book referenced in today's episode! Christ from Beginning to End by Trent Hunter https://a.co/d/2knyYFJ

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