Write this Down! with Dot Bowen

Grab your Bible, a pencil, and a cup of coffee – Dot and Cara are diving into 1 Peter 4 this week! In this conversation, they discuss the challenge of truly resting in God’s love, rather than trying to earn it or even trying to understand it. Tune in for an honest discussion about embracing God’s unconditional love, even when it’s hard to feel.

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down 1 Peter 4:11-12 (0:13)
• Pain has a way of blinding us to feeling loved and valued (5:01)
• Peter understood God’s love is not something we earn – it’s a gift we receive (12:50)
• If you trusted God loved you, would you worry so much about outcomes? (18:04)
• We rob ourselves of God’s love when we reduce love to “doing” (24:58)
• Feeling unworthy doesn’t change the truth that God loves us unconditionally (25:25)
• We reduce God’s love to our capacity to understand it (27:21)
• Love covers a multitude of sins doesn’t mean excusing harmful behavior (28:04)
• God’s love is rooted in His character, not our actions (34:40)
• Ask God, do I really grasp how much you love me? (38:40)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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1 Peter 4:11-12 (ESV) “whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

Today Dot and Cara continue their conversation on 1 Peter, diving into the tricky topics in chapter 3. What does it really mean to have a gentle and quiet spirit? How do we live set apart in a culture that values outward appearance? What does biblical submission look like in marriage? As they unpack these challenging verses, Dot reminds us that our ultimate goal is to glorify God and draw others to Him through the way we live. Grab your Bible and a cup of coffee, and lean into the conversation 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! 

• Start by writing down 1 Peter 3:13-17 (0:13)
• If you’re going to suffer, suffer for righteousness (4:52)
• The way we present ourselves should attract the lost and the unbeliever  (10:05)
• Peter says submission to God will lead to suffering for righteousness’ sake (14:18)
• It’s better when hardships come because you are honoring God (19:13)
• The heart of marriage is that you’re better together for His Kingdom (22:58)
• Peter instructs us to not be unnecessarily offensive to the culture you live in  (25:22)
• Remember what your goal is; you are to glorify God in your actions (30:51)
• When you read difficult passages, you must put them in context (33:09)
• When you know the heart of God, Scripture is easier to understand (34:40)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse:  

1 Peter 3:13-17 (NASB1995) “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.”

In this episode, Dot and Cara dig into 1 Peter 2, exploring what it means to grow in faith and live a holy life. They discuss the importance of longing for God’s Word, embracing our identity as holy in Christ, and gaining a biblical understanding of submission. Don’t miss Dot’s encouragement at the end—remember, you are a child of God! Settle in with your Bible and join the conversation.

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down 1 Peter 2:1-3 (0:15)
• We grow to love the Word as we mature in our faith (2:58)
• Sanctification means learning how to walk out your faith (7:23)
• How can we “be holy” since we are human? (8:24)
• Jesus comes into our lives and makes us holy (11:29)
• Today there’s not a lot of difference between Christians and non-Christians (16:55)
• Ask yourself, “do I represent God well?” (21:45)
• How do we navigate submitting to authority when it is an ungodly authority? (25:30)
• Daniel always prayed for an alternative (29:34)
• You are God’s possession, called out of darkness and into the light (35:31)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: 1 Peter 1: 3-6 (NASB 1995) 
“Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,  if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”

Peter’s letters may not be the most popular books in the New Testament, but they hold powerful truths for believers facing trials. Today Dot and Cara are digging into 1 Peter 1, exploring how the resurrection gives us a living hope and how trials refine our faith. If you've ever wrestled with feeling tested or wondered how it’s possible to hold on to hope, this conversation is for you. Grab your Bible, journal, and your coffee as we begin this journey through 1 Peter together.

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down 1 Peter 1:3-6 (0:12)
• Cara is not excited about going through these books (3:25)
• Dot is tickled pink about reading through 1 Peter (6:20)
• These are the only two letters attributed to Peter (7:40)
• Jesus told Peter to prepare for trouble in the garden of Gethsemane (10:45)
• The presence of the Holy Spirit changed Peter (13:50)
• As Western Christians, how can we relate to the idea of being persecuted? (17:00)
• Our hope is alive (21:00)
• The testing of our faith is not God being cruel, it is to make us stronger (24:00)
• Faith is essential to make it through life without being defeated (28:30)
• Angels cannot understand God’s love for His children as we do (33:00)
• We have to keep Jesus in the middle of the discussion (35:01)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse:  1 Peter 1: 3-6 (NASB)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials.”

Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and well-loved passages in all of Scripture—but have you ever really stopped to dig into what it means? Today Dot and Cara reflect on the richness of this psalm, unpacking the imagery of the Good Shepherd. They discuss the comfort and trust we can find in God's provision, the way He leads, protects, and restores us, and why truly believing He has your back changes everything. So grab your Bible and your journal and explore Psalm 23 together!

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down Psalm 23 (0:12)
• This is one of the most well-known passages of Scripture (3:52)
• Throughout the OT, we see God calling leaders to shepherd His people (9:40)
• God has given us all we need (12:33)
• Sheep only lay down when they feel safe and fully trust their shepherd (18:46)
• Why are the rod and the staff objects of comfort? (20:36)
• There’s a difference between discipline and punishment (24:20)
• A shepherd knows what dangers are around us and what lies ahead (27:30)
• God goes before, beside, and behind us (29:20)
• The heart of God is for us (33:55)
• Most people don’t think they have a Good Shepherd (36:12)
• We don’t have be worried or afraid because we have a God who cares (39:01)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse:  Psalm 23 (NKJV):
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

What if our deepest wounds could become a testimony of healing? In this episode, Dot and Cara explore the difference between wounds and scars, the reality of hurt and pain on this side of heaven, and the hope we have in Christ. If you’ve ever wondered why Jesus kept His scars, grab your Bible and journal and join 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! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down Isaiah 53:5-6 (0:13)
• Jesus understands what it is like to experience pain, trauma, and human hurt (2:12)
• God uses the wounds and the pain to show us that He is the healer (9:20)
• We should teach/share from the scars, not the wound (10:45)
• How can you tell if you’re talking from a wound or from a scar? (15:30)
• We tend to learn more through our pain than our pleasure (22:59)
• Why did Jesus keep his scars? (25:00)
• Ask God to touch your heart, your mind and your soul and begin to heal it (32:24)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: Isaiah 53:5-6 (NASB 1995): 

“But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him.”

This week, Dot and Cara dive into the role of forgiveness in our healing journey—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s essential. Looking at the story of Stephen in Acts 7, they explore how keeping our eyes on Jesus helps us walk in obedience and remind us that the real goal is intimacy with Him. If you’re struggling to forgive, you’re not alone. We’d love for you to pull up a chair and be part of our conversation. 

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

• Start by writing down Acts 7:55-60 (0:15)
• A large part of the pathway to healing is forgiveness (1:20)
• A person’s sin always hurts others (3:26)
• We cannot fully heal until we forgive (5:31)
• What does forgiveness look like? (8:30)
• When we refuse to forgive, we are being disobedient to God (12:40)
• If we are going to be able to forgive over and over, we need to understand why (18:10)
• If we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can truly forgive  (20:18)
• Our forgiveness doesn’t release others from the consequences of their sin (21:30)
• Why do you want to be healed? (25:50)
• The goal isn’t getting over the hurt or forgiving, it’s getting closer to Jesus (35:00)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: Acts 7:55-60 (NASB)
“But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they shouted with loud voices, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one mind. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then he fell on his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.”

When we’ve been hurt, how do we find healing? Today Dot and Cara dive into the first step on the pathway to healing—acknowledging our hurt and bringing it to Jesus. Looking at Matthew 20:29-34, they discuss how Jesus invites us to be honest with Him and why true healing isn’t dependent on others. If you feel like the walking wounded sometimes, grab your Bible and a cup of coffee 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! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down Matthew 20:29-34 (0:11)
• God’s been asking us questions since Genesis (2:20)
• What do we do when we have been hurt? How can we heal? (5:20)
• We need to learn to “pay attention to the fruit” in our lives (9:45)
• Healing starts between me and Jesus (18:30)
• Our healing has nothing to do with other people (21:15)
• Ask God first if you should say anything about your hurt to that person (23:10)
• Healing begins with reflection and confession (27:00)
• If we’re going to walk toward healing, the first thing we have to do is acknowledge the hurt (30:28)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: Matthew 20:29-24 (ESV)
“And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.”

Genesis 3 is often seen as the chapter where everything fell apart—but it’s also where God's rescue plan begins. In this final episode of our Genesis 3 series, Dot and Cara unpack the mercy of God, the significance of the Tree of Life, and the spiritual battle that started in Eden but doesn’t end there. Grab your Bible and join us as we wrestle through Scripture, ask hard questions, and are reminded of the hope we have in Jesus. 

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 

• Start by writing down Genesis 3:13-15 (0:13)
• Today we really see the heart of God (4:35)
• The story of the Bible is the story of God bringing us back to Him (7:10)
• We are in the middle of spiritual warfare, but the war is between Satan and God (9:00)
• God protected Adam and Eve from eating of the Tree of Life (9:44)
• God wants to be with us so much that He initiates our rescue (25:00)
• Anything the Enemy throws at you is to try and get between you and the Lord (28:30)
• Satan hates us because we are made in the image of God. (32:00)
• As Genesis 3 comes to a close, humanity has been taken for ransom by Satan. (34:03)
• Jesus is coming. There is hope, we see that in Adam’s name for Eve. (38:56)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: Genesis 3:13-15 (ESV) Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” The Lord God said to the serpent,

“Because you have done this,
    cursed are you above all livestock
    and above all beasts of the field;
on your belly you shall go,
    and dust you shall eat
    all the days of your life. 

I will put enmity between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
    and you shall bruise his heel.”

Today Dot and Cara continue their deep dive on Genesis 3 - digging into the “where are you” and “why are you hiding” questions that God asks Adam and Eve. They explore how shame distorts our view of God, ourselves, and others, leading us to hide rather than abide. They discuss how confession and repentance require us to face God in humility and then abide in God’s rest. If you’re struggling with shame or have wondered how you can draw closer to God in moments of failure, grab your Bible and lean into this powerful conversation 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! 

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down Genesis 3:7-10 (0:13)
• Their eyes were opened and they started to see through the lens of shame (4:00)
• God’s question is an opportunity for Adam to be honest (6:08)
• Shame is a powerful weapon that separates us from God (8:00)
• We cannot excuse shame, it is sin (13:10)
• Satan’s goal is to separate us from God, that’s exactly what happens when Adam and Eve hid (19:13)
• Confession and repentance require us to humble ourselves before God (24:00)
• Abiding is allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, it is rest, not striving (29:00)
• Shame can be a good thing if it leads us to repentance. (35:00)

Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].

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Scripture Verse: Genesis 3:7-10 
“Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you? And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.”