Joy Bowser- A Wife and A Witness

09/07/2026

Worship in Spirit and Truth
Ephesians 3:8-19
" 8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to enlighten all people as to what the plan of the mystery is which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; 10 so that the multifaceted wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask you not to become discouraged about my tribulations in your behalf, since they are your glory.

14 For this reason I bend my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner self, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God."

Thoughts- What is your "work"? Today is Labor Day here in the United States- For some it is a day to honor unions that made factory work, trucking, retail work safer and more profitable for workers within their industry. For others it is a day to contemplate what we do for a living as we enjoy a well deserved day off. For most, it signals the shift from summer to fall. It used to mean the start of school but for many that is a distant memory as some states have shifted to year around schools with only the month of July off. ( An we didn't even notice it!)

Paul starts off this passage Paul call's his labor, preaching- a grace! A riches that he participates in because of Christ! A blessing, a calling, specifically preaching to the Gentiles! ALL the other apostles were preaching to the Jews, to God's chosen elect- those who had also rejected Christ. But Paul was allowed to bring Christ to those who had no claim to Him! He speaks of His preaching as "sharing unfathomable riches" with them. We spoke the other day of "every Spiritual blessing" and today we are embracing sharing unfathomable riches. On one hand we are receiving all that we need Spiritually and today we are sharing unfathomable riches with those who have no claim to it, just as Paul did! To enlighten for ALL people what previously God had hidden the plan of salvation that became obvious and sure in Christ's death, burial and resurrection as announced by those who witnessed it and spoke of it to all who would listen and understand and accept! Especially to the Church at Ephesus and the early first century churches and also to us who read God's word today. Our "work" is our eternal purpose through the Will of God carries out in Jesus and carried out in us to the glory of God the Father! In Him we have boldness and faith through the Holy Spirit, confident that our worship is done through our service to Him.
Paul asks his readers to not get discouraged in the struggles of Paul but to give glory to God for them. Sometimes our biggest discouragements become our greatest testimonies! Our biggest fears bring out our greatest times of faith,
We've found that in times of financial struggle, cancer diagnosis, relationships and in our doubt. We are just like Paul asking that you give the glory to God as you look at us with all that happens to us and around us. May God use these times as encouragement for yourself and for others. May God bring those to salvation that need to see Him. We cannot survive spiritually without God walking beside us in every heartache and every joy. May you find him if you don't know Him. May you be bold and courageous in your work as you worship in your service!

09/06/2026

Worship in Spirit and Truth
Ephesians 2:11-22
Come near and worship in a holy temple
"11 Therefore remember that previously you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, [m]excluded from the people of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two one new person, in this way establishing peace; 16 and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit."

Thoughts-Because of Christ those who were circumcised and those who were not have both been brought near to God by the blood and forgiveness of Christ. He is our peace and has broken down the wall that divides us from God and His holiness and the wall that keeps us apart from His people. He makes the two into one new person, establishing peace in all who believe. We all have access to His Spirit in whom we reach the Father, through prayer and spiritual gifts so that we grow nearer and nearer to Him.
Today, take the opportunity to join with your fellow citizens even though they may seem like strangers to you, they are your brothers and sisters in the household of faith. Fine a building that is being used as a temple for the Lord, and build yourselves together in Christ into a dwelling for God to live among His people. I invite you to find a place to do that! If you don't have one already. Come to church with us if you are in our local area. Christ's Church In Bowling Green . See you there!

09/05/2026

Worship in Spirit and Truth
Ephesians 2:1-10
"2 And you were dead in your offenses and sins, 2 in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all previously lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."

Thoughts- There is a Christian song out right now called "Breath On It" The direction the song leads us in is this: we are dead and we need the Holy Spirit to breathe life to us.

My thoughts are very few this morning. We have a busy weekend and an even busier week. We are praying for the Holy Spirit to breathe life over ever part of our busyness! For salvation, for healing, for restoration, for life!

Let me just leave you with this beautiful song today.

If you are questioning whether you or someone you know is in an unh...

09/04/2026

Worship in Spirit and Truth
Ephesians 1:11-14
First Installment of Every Spiritual Blessing
" 11 In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, 14 who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory."

Thoughts- Verse 11- We have obtained- we have it NOW! God predestined us to have it at the beginning and worked all things according to His will, according to His plan- to allow us to receive it through our faith and our hope in Christ! So much so that we would praise God and His glory for allowing us to be His! Vs. 13- after listening to the message of truth we are sealed in Him, with the promised Holy Spirit. vs. 14- THE HOLY SPIRIT is but the FIRST INSTALLMENT of our inheritance! As we are redeemed by God's own possession to the praise of His glory.
Think back to the definition of redemption- redeeming a coupon. The manufacturer buys back what he already owns to make it available to one who can't afford to buy the product for himself.
In case of our salvation- Jesus's through the will of His Father, paid the price for us- even though He had created us to begin with. We could never pay for the sins that separated us from God. God paid it Himself then gave us an inheritance like none other. Not of money, cars or property- but of salvation, eternal life with Him, redemption, Holy and pure new creation, love without end, grace without fear, faith without doubt because of the Holy Spirit and this FIRST installment of what awaits us in heaven!

09/03/2026

Worship in Spirit and Truth
Ephesians 1:7-14
Every Spiritual Blessing
" 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him, 10 regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. 11 In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, 14 who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory."
Thoughts- the past three days we've looked at the blessings of
grace and peace- vs. 2; Jesus Christ Himself as Paul describes him as "our" in vs.3, along with granting us every spiritual blessing; He CHOSE US before the foundation of the world and makes us pure and holy in love! vs.4; He destined us to become His before the world began but we get to choose to love Him or not. He desires our relationship! Vs. 5.
Today we key on being redeemed by His blood! He paid in His blood for our sins. By that we have forgiveness for ALL our sins, for ALL time, a gift of His grace and the riches He has received from the Father, we receive as his adopted children. He lavishes it upon us! Vs. 7-8; He makes known the mystery of His will, what it is-how He makes things happen, what our part is in accepting and doing His will vs. 9; He brings all things together through Christ, things on earth and things in heaven, He is in all of it! We obtain our earthly inheritance from Him and we receive our heavenly spiritual inheritance as well. We have physical blessings and we have eternal blessing ;aid up for eternity. vs10.
We are so very blessed! There is not one part of our lives that God does not touch in some way with His power and His presence!
Finishing this tomorrow!

09/02/2026

Looking for an event for November 2026.
If you have a Thanksgiving event that you need a speaker for or a craft event. Let me know, Thanks!

09/02/2026

A WIFE and A WITNESS and MOVE OFF THIS MOUNTAIN are now both available for purchase locally at Marigold Market 117 East St. Liberty Center, OH.
"Marigold Market, formerly known and Countryside Flowers and Gift, offers fresh flowers for all occasions, gifts, and vintage items."
Thanks to Jennifer Clapp for allowing us to sell through her store.

09/02/2026

Worship in Spirit and Truth
Ephesians 1:3-14
Every Spiritual Blessing

"3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, with which He favored us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him, 10 regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. 11 In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, 14 who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory."

Thoughts- "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" I don't know about you but sometimes I struggle to know that I am blessed with "every spiritual blessing." Sometimes we are overwhelmed with all the things that this world seems to dump on us, and it seems to happen all at once. We get bogged down in our circumstances. We are struggling with relationships, health issues, finances, the salvation of our loved ones and we don't always "feel " so blessed as we walk our journeys here.
But notice that the passage says "in the heavenly places with Christ." We didn't "earn" those things Christ did. He is in heaven guarding our inheritance until we get up there with Him> But those things are already ours. Christ earned them and shares them with us from the day that we accept what He has done for our salvation and are adopted by "Abba Father." Remember in Matthew where we are warned to not save up our treasures here, where moth and rust and decay will destroy, but to save up in heaven those things that are eternal? Same idea!
There is nothing here worth trying to "save." None of it translates to God's kingdom. We need the spiritual blessings in order for it to count for eternity, and those only come through Christ.
"I need my spiritual blessings today. Life is too overwhelming without them. You still possess them. They are available to you. The Holy Spirit within you is able to give you all that you need! We are God's daughters and sons, God predestined, predetermined that He would save you. Before the beginning of time it was God's will to have relationship with you. It was His desire, it was His plan to have you no matter what~ He knew that Adam would sin. He knew that He would send Jesus to be the sacrifice for sin, He knew that He would open up that will for everyone, not just the Jews. "For God so loved the world" every man, woman and child. He loved ALL!
His desire is that we be holy and blameless before Him and we can only be those things through the blood of Jesus Christ and accepting His sacrifice on the cross as payment for our sin. We can't earn it by trying to be good, by trying to keep the 10 commandments, our hearts are bent to evil. We will fail! But Jesus lovingly shares His sacrifice so that the blood covers us as a free gift of God's goodness. We are God's adopted daughters and son's through the gift of Christ's sacrifice, and the power of God in His resurrection power of the Holy Spirit.
We aren't alone in this world. We have the blessings of God, everything that we need for this life is found in Jesus. Jesus, as we will read a bit later on, is seated in the heavens, presiding over many things, one is interceded on our behalf before God~ Imagine it! Jesus who guards our inheritance sits by God's side and intercedes as we pray. He reminds God of what He has done, and what God has promised. as all works out in our lives for our good and for God's glory!
Today- remember that you have every spiritual blessing. Nothing is held back. You can ask Jesus to give you whatever you need through His Holy Spirit. Many times we don't ask because we don't understand what we have at our disposal. It is all ours right now. Don't hesitate to use what God has supplied you with. Every Spiritual Blessing is yours, is ours!

09/01/2026

Worship in Spirit and Truth
Ephesians 1:1-14
"1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints who are at Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, with which He favored us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him, 10 regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. 11 In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, 14 who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory."

Thoughts - We may camp out with this passage for a day or two. There is a lot in this one passage. Written to the Church at Ephesus by the Apostle Paul, he opens up the letter with the words, "an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God." And so we all are!
Today if you are wondering if God is real, does God really love you,
is being a Christian important today? It is God's will that you believe in and accept Jesus as Lord. As much as it was His will for Paul, He loves you just as much! God wants you to walk in grace and peace just the same as Paul writes to those in Ephesus!
2. He wants us to be faithful to Him. He doesn't just want us to join a church to be a "number in their pews" but to be faithful to Him just as He is to us!
3. Today I am ending on this one here- God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing! There is nothing more that you need to be spiritually blessed by God! What Jesus has accomplished through His death and burial, was enough! God shows us that through the Power of the Spirit in Jesus' resurrected body. None of that has anything to do with us except that if we attach ourselves by faith to Christ, we are attached to all the Spiritual blessings of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, because of our adoption through God our Father! We'll look at those spiritual blessings here, the next few days!

08/31/2026

Worship in Spirit and Truth
Galatian 5:25-6:1-10
"25 If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well. 26 Let’s not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."

"6 Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks that he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting, but [a]to himself alone, and not [b]to another. 5 For each one will bear his own load.

6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith."

Thoughts-It is easy to forget as we flip through our modern day Bibles that in the first days, these books were on scrolls- written as letters, hand written from Moses, the prophets, the judges, the chronicles of the kings, The gospels are written by those who were with Christ, Matthew, Mark (telling Peter's story) Luke (giving a "documentary" from different people and different times.) And John the beloved disciple that was closest to Jesus. The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the disciples were written, again by Luke as almost a part 2- after the resurrection of Christ story of the first church. The Epistles are written to letters to certain people or from the person named- Romans to Christians in Rome- James, written by James, Peter written to Christians from his own hand. Etc. It is important to know who each one is written to and who it is written by. There were no chapters and verses. It was a letter.
Today as I looked where we left off yesterday and where I wanted to begin today, I was struck (AKA-God smacked upside my head) to realize the flow from verse 25-vs. 1. read it again.
This hits home today for this reason. Yesterday I had the privilege to sit down to a lunch with 2 ladies from my past. These women at one time were "closet" friends of mine. We were very close. But because of differences at our old church, not necessarily between us- but with marriage issues and children issues they both had backed away for a while. One resumed friendship about 15 years ago but we have remained close over the years. The one has never
left her faith but has changed churches a time or two but has attended on her own without family. She has returned to Neapolis. We three went to lunch yesterday. We encouraged one another,
we sowed good seed back into that long ago friendship. We caught up. Although we are all on Facebook and had done a Facebook Bible Study during Covid, there is no substitute to joining hands over a Culver's table and sharing Christ with one another. Crying with each other over losses, pain, struggles- joys. Sharing what is going on today and how much we need each other. We were blessed to be blessings to one another!
These are the actions of spirit-led people, in spirit filled churches- who allow grace and truth to operate together!
Today- who can you encourage!