Join The Journey

How we respond to unexpected trouble matters, but also how we respond as a leader is, if anything, more important. You are leading those closest to you toward something. What is it? How should we respond when we receive bad news? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks these questions and displays how David’s leadership was put to the test amidst unexpected devastation.    Link helpful article about...

Does God take care of His children even when they are disobedient? In this episode, Emma Dotter leads us through 1 Samuel 29, teaching us that we are all going to sin at some point, but we serve a God who is faithful to His children.    Scriptures referenced in today’s episode:  1 Samuel 27:1b – David’s motivation for living in Philistine    Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Dis...

What do you do in secret that you need to bring into the light? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Sara Fusco take us through 1 Samuel 27-28, reminding us how when we regularly disobey God, it gets harder to hear His voice.     Scripture referenced in today’s episode:  Leviticus 20:6 – God will turn His face away from those who turn to mediums  1 Samuel 28:18 – Saul hasn’t been obeying the voice of...

David could have killed Saul? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Abby Rose show us that David was faithful to the Lord's the commands and trusted that He would enact justice.    Scripture Referenced:  James 1:13    Additional Resources:    Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/     Grab a NEW Join The Journey...

What does it look to call out sin in others? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Stephanie Renshaw take us through 1 Samuel 25 and how the Lord uses Abigail to plead on behalf of her husband.    Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/     Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/...

Are you disoriented when you read stories that defy expectations? In this episode, Emma Dotter takes us through 1 Samuel 24, showing us how God’s people live in countercultural ways, trusting and following God first.    Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/     Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://w...

David was desperate to communicate with God. Do we have this same desire? In this episode, Emma Dotter and high school junior Bo Richardson take us through 1 Samuel 23, reminding us of how being estranged from the Lord leads us to be confused with His will.    Scriptures referenced in today’s episode:  Proverbs 11:25 – David wasn’t safe or well, and was still willing to serve  Philippians 4:6 – Da...

 How can we trust God’s faithfulness even amidst our unfaithfulness? In this episode, Emma Dotter and George Dalton walk us through 1 Samuel 21-22, emphasizing the steps we can take when we have run or drifted away from the Lord.    Scriptures referenced in today’s episode:  Leviticus 24:5-9 – The bread of presence  Psalm 56 – Psalm by David written at this time  Psalm 34 – Psalm by David showing...

We are made for community. In today's episode, Emma Dotter references today's Join The Journey devo and talks about the importance of community.    Additional Resources:    Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/     Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7TCKPR1/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3M...

What do we do with our greatest insecurities? In this episode, Emma Dotter gives a brief overview of 1 Samuel. She describes to us the differences between Saul and David, and what we can take away from both of their lives.      Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/     Grab a Join The Journey Journal: https...

Today we are covering quite a bit of topics in 1 Samuel 18-19. Harmful spirits and Jonathan and David's relationship to name a few. In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by friends Ryan Garrahan and Jordan Thompson to unpack this passage.      Additional Resources:    Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/...

 Is this a story that you’ve read a million times and have grown apathetic toward it? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Makaila Swank walk us through 1 Samuel 17, giving a great reminder on how small acts of faithfulness prepare us for future successes.    Additional Resources:    Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejo...

How could the spirit of the Lord leave Saul? What's the deal with these harmful spirits? In today's episode Emma Dotter discusses old coventant era and how that helps us understand 1 Samuel 16.    Additional Resources:    Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/     Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https:/...

How can God regret a decision He made? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Leila Myers bring us through 1 Samuel 15, reminding us of God’s hatred against injustice, but that His timeline is completely different from our own.    Scriptures referenced in today’s episode:  1 Chronicles 4:43 – God fulfilling His promise to blot out the Amalekites  Philippians 4:6-7 – There is a peace of God that surpasse...

What is the difference between Saul and his son Jonathan? What does this reveal about where their hearts are? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Danny Lamar talk through 1 Samuel 15 and how Saul leads his country into sin.    Scriptures referenced in today’s episode:  1 Thessalonians 4:8 - Rejecting God    Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this li...

Are you looking at God’s sovereignty in the midst of the unknown? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Brooke Alger walk us through 1 Samuel 13, emphasizing the correct route we should be taking when we feel out of control.    Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/     Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal: https:...

Saul proves himself as a leader and Samuel reminds the Israelites of the importance of their obedience to God, Emma Dotter is joined by Ian Head, who serves on Watermark’s Safety and Medical Team, to discuss 1 Samuel 11-12.    Additional Resources:     Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/     Grab a NEW Jo...

Saul turned into another man? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Victoria Becker lead us through 1 Samuel 10, emphasizing the major life change that occurs when one encounters the Lord.    Scriptures referenced in today’s episode:  1 Samuel 19:20-24 & 1 Chronicles 25:1-3 – the added gift of prophecy for Saul    Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by followin...

Saul was just looking for donkeys and now he’s king? In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by today’s devo writer, Ben Krejci and his mom, Teresa to talk about what it looks like for us to listen to God.    Additional Resources:     If you’re a young adult (22-35), sign up for Launch here: https://brushfire.com/watermark/launch2023/551716/details?_ga=2.35917160.974788749.1689707472-1691304071.168...

Why would Israel want a king despite Samuel’s warnings? In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by today’s devo writer, Teresa Krejci and her son Ben to talk about Israel’s motivation to be like other nations and what is reveals about their hearts.    Additional Resources:     Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourne...

What’s the deal with these golden mice and tumors? What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant? In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by faithful staff member, Ethan Howard to talk about how Israel’s hearts have not been changed and the people have actually become a hinderance to other nations.    Additional Resources:     Learn more about Watermark’s recovery ministry here: https://www.w...

What is the meaning of the idol of Dagon falling before the ark of the covenant? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Makaila Swank take us through 1 Samuel 5, reminding us of the consequences that come when we place our trust in our own hands.    Check out Join the Journey’s Daily Devotionals & Discussion Questions by following this link: https://www.jointhejourney.com/     Grab a NEW Join The Jo...

Why does a fearful delay to respond to God mean disobedience? In this episode, Emma Dotter takes us through 1 Samuel 3 and 4, reminding us that God is big and powerful, but he is also personal and genuinely cares for His children!    Scriptures referenced in today’s episode:  John 16:12-14 – The Spirit guides us  John 1:14 – Jesus is the Word made flesh  Romans 1:18-20 – God reveals His existence...

Who intercedes for us when we sin against God? What were the differences between Eli’s sons responses to God and Hannah's response to God? In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Shiloh volunteer, Julie Fowler to talk about how you can be real with God and go to his character to know you can trust him.    Additional Resources:     If you’re a young adult (22-35), sign up for Launch here...

Does God even care about us when we are sad or grieving a loss? And do you trust God to follow through in response to our prayers? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Hayle Oberle take us through Judges 12, giving us the reminder that God hears us in our seasons of grief.    Scriptures referenced in today’s episode:  1 John 5:14-15 – God hears us  Hebrews 4:16 – Let us boldly approach the throne of g...