In today's episode, Sierra Sanchez, Women's Director for Re:generation, talks about Gibeah's crime and how God is the ultimate comforter to those who have experienced destruction and pain from this world. For those who have experienced abuse, may this episode be an encouragement to you that Jesus can redeem your story and desires to be close to you.

Hear more from Sierra: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-032-genesis-34/id1600151923?i=1000599525958

To find out about Courageous Hope: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/courageous-hope

To find out about MENd: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/mend

To learn more about re:Gen: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery

Triumph or tragedy? How should we think about Samson's successes and mistakes? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Lauren Atkinson discuss this story and how Samson's choices reflect his heart and spiritual sight for the Lord.

Additional References: Isaiah 53

What was the Nazarite vow? In today's episode, Emma Dotter explains what the Nazarite vow was and how Samson's vow was broken repeatedly, and yet, God did not disqualify him from being used for God's purposes.

Additional References:

2 Corinthians 12:9

How do we make sense of God sending an evil spirit to Abimelech? In today’s episode, Join the Journey staff member Lauren Atkinson and Watermark staff member Ethan Howard discuss the downward cycle of the Israelite nation due to unfaithfulness and how God shows His glory and fulfills His good plan despite the sinfulness of man. If God is sovereign over evil, then He can redeem evil and use it for our good and His glory.

Additional Scripture Referenced:

Genesis 50:20, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”

Check out one of Ethan’s previous episodes!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zU4c8GCe3F6gRmJWgKblX?si=2860431843464aa4

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

Why does God indulge Gideon's constant doubting? What's this about a female judge? Today Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark member Ben Brown to examine Gideon and Deborah's life and faith in Judges 5-8. The fleece was not just about Gideon testing God's power but questioning God's presence. Faith isn't about having all the answers but trusting the One who does. Gideon and Deborah's stories reminds us that though God's choices may not always make logical sense to us, God shows his grace and power using imperfect people.

Additional Scriptures Referenced:

Matthew 12:38-42 – sign for what God has already done

What is happening during the beginning of Judges? Why are the judges necessary? Today Emma Dotter is joined with Watermark Institute student Zach Seitz to talk through Judges 1-4. Despite the cycle of sin and unrepentance, we can read it in light of the hope found in Christ.

Find out more about the Watermark Institute: https://www.watermarkresources.com/ministries/institute

Why does Joshua say the people are not able to obey God? Listen as Lauren Atkinson and Katie Shemanske recap the book of Joshua, discussing how the people remember and respond to who God is and how our response to him ought to be one of obedience.

Check out Katie's former episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-209-acts-20/id1600151923?i=1000583260101

How can we understand the boundaries of the land today? Today, Emma Dotter helps us understand the established boundaries of the land in Joshua 18-20 and how God's boundaries are given to us for our good and to show God's faithfulness in his promises.