What does it actually mean to give God glory, and why should we even care? In this episode, Dot and Cara turn to John 17 and the prayer Jesus prayed right before the cross to talk through what glory really means, why we all default to putting ourselves in the middle of the circle, and how surrender and dying to self become the surprising pathway to peace and joy. Pull up a chair, grab your Bible, and lean in with us.
Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show?
Let us know! - Intro (00:00)
- Write this down: John 17:1-5, Jesus' prayer right before Gethsemane (00:00)
- Cara's honest question: I know I should want to give God glory, but do I actually care? (01:22)
- What does glory even mean? Dot breaks it down to worship, honor, and bringing light to who God is (03:29)
- We were made to worship something, and God put desires in us that only He can fulfill (04:21)
- Why Jesus prayed this prayer before the cross, and what it means that He came to glorify the Father (05:13)
- The middle of the circle, why so much of our frustration comes from putting ourselves where God belongs (07:12)
- Being honest about the days you don't feel like you want God to get the glory (10:50)
- The only way out, recognizing it as sin, humbling yourself, and letting the Holy Spirit do what you can't (11:46)
- Dying to self isn't a one time thing, it's a daily surrender, and it's the real pathway to peace (13:29)
- Getting a front row seat to what God is doing, and why we don't bring God value, we just get invited in (20:07)
- Wanting the crowd's applause is its own kind of sin, and what to do when you catch yourself chasing it (24:05)
- A simple question to ask yourself this week: am I expecting life, people, or even God to operate the way I think they should? (27:43)
Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at
hello@dotbowen.com.
This Episode’s Scripture VerseJohn 17:1-5 (ESV) — "When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, 'Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.'"
What is Write this Down! with Dot Bowen?
Bible teacher, author and founder of Cup of Joy Ministries, Dot Bowen, teaches listeners what it truly looks like to know, love and follow Jesus. Each week, Dot invites you to sit down with her and her daughter, Cara, to have an authentic conversation about Biblical Scripture and God’s Truth. Their honest and thought provoking conversations are full of wit and wisdom which will have you diving deeper into God’s Word.
Whether Dot is teaching, speaking or simply grabbing coffee with a dear friend, she can often be heard saying with excitement, “Write this Down!” Her heart for the listener is to take the things she asks you to write down before the Lord and ask Him to open your eyes to His Truth and love. John 8:32 says, “and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.”
By the end of each episode, you’ll find yourself grabbing a pencil so that you can Write this Down! with Dot Bowen.