Ephesians 3:16 I pray that out of HIS glorious riches HE may strengthen you with power through HIS SPIRIT in your inner being. [New International translation]
Summary
Paul's epistle (i.e., letter) to the Ephesians is the tenth book of the New Testament. Because of its rich theological themes it has often been called "The Queen of the Epistles." (William Barclay, 1976.)
In Ephesians 3 Paul reveals the secret of strength. While most of us would look at the bulging arm muscles or leg muscles of a weight lifter and conclude that the person is strong or has strength, Paul notes that the strength of a person or a Christian is not based on how they "look" on the outside but rather strength comes from the "inner being." Ephesians 3:16 tells us that the secret of strength is the presence of GOD's HOLY SPIRIT or CHRIST within our lives. In John 15:6, JESUS put it this way: "Abide in me, and I in you." In other words, if we "invite" HIM in and allow HIM to enter our lives and "abide" in HIM and HE in us, then we can become strong.
The importance of the "inner person" or "relying on the strength of the LORD" is referenced in a number of other scriptures:
Isaiah 40:29-31 HE gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak...But they that wait upon THE LORD shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
2 Corinthians 4:16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in THE LORD is growing every day.
Romans 7:22 For in my inner being I delight in GOD's law.
Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O GOD; and renew a RIGHT SPIRIT within me.
For Paul, focusing our attention on the "INNER PERSON" is much more important than focusing our attention on our "outer person."
Core Training
One of the secrets of greater balance, greater strength and improved posture is "core training." Core training refers to those "inner" muscles that gird your trunk and your pelvis:
Think of these muscles as making up the body's "girdle" or "corset." These are the muscles that help you pull in your stomach, help you stand up straight and strengthen your back. They make you more stable inside so you can be more stable outside.
According to WebMD, pilates (as a physical fitness system with or without machines) is a good option for helping to build core training. According to Mayoclinic.org:
Pilates is a method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility and muscular strength and endurance movements. Pilates emphasizes use of the abdominals, lower back, hips and thighs. Pilates is named for its creator, Joseph Pilates, who developed the exercises in the early 1900s.
A Pilates routine typically includes 25 to 50 repetitive strength training exercises. Pilates is similar to calisthenics, such as situps and pushups. In fact, some people call Pilates the ultimate form of calisthenics.
Pilates is not only for professional dancers and athletes but for beginners as well.
WebMD.com also suggests curl-ups, pelvic tilts, side planks and other exercises for building up your core:
Curl-ups: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/curl-ups
Pelvic-Tilts: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/pelvic-tilt-exercise
Side-planks (for beginners): http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/side-plank-beginner
As always, if you have a medical condition, do not feel fit, do not feel well enough to perform these exercises, have balance problems or you do not exercise regularly, do not attempt any of the above exercises . Consult your personal physician about a proper exercise program tailored for you. Always consult your personal physician if you have medical issues, questions or are about to start an exercise program.
Try a few core exercises this week. Continue to weight train (See, Wednesday 9/17/14) and strengthen your core. Then see if you feel stronger by the end of next month.
Focus on the Inside not the Outside
Just imagine if we put as much time focusing on our "inner being" instead of our "outer being." Imagine having a strong core! Now imagine growing and getting stronger in THE LORD! GOD wants the best for all of us. We just have to invite HIM in.
Put yourself on a scripture and prayer schedule. Attend some Bible study classes. Attend some Sunday School classes. Invite GOD to "come in" as you listen to the preached WORD. Then, see how GOD transforms your "inner being" by the end of next month.
Let's pray for greater spiritual and physical INNER strength!
BE strong! And, BE Blessed!
