What's Within?

Sometimes life seems to move along at rocket speed and other times it may seem to drag on -- all perhaps depending on what is going on at the time. We think about the past and we try to glimpse the future, but the thing of importance and within our grasp is what is going on right now. Where is our focus? What are our present actions being based upon?

Someone has stated, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared with what lies in us.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie]

Certainly the past and the future matter to us, but the good news is the past does not have to define us. Praise God it can be left behind. Hopefully we are able to look at the past and see we have done some growing. Regarding the future, it is not yet ours. However, it is the things going on with us today that will impact our preparedness for whatever the future may bring. Therefore let us give serious consideration to what is going on within ourselves presently.

Jesus charged some of the leaders of that day with appearing righteous on the outside, but within being full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. ( Matthew 23:28) He also listed things within that can make one impure. ( Mark 7:20-23) In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus he referred to the “sons of disobedience” who had the spirit of the “prince of the power of the air” still at work within them. ( Ephesians 2:2)

What is going on within ourselves? What spirit is at work in our life? The past may be what it is because of self and self alone offers no assurance for the future. What is it that compels and EMPOWERS us to do what we are doing right now?

Note Paul’s prayer for the church at Ephesus.
“(14) For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, (15) from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, (16) that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you TO BE STRENGTHENED WITH POWER THROUGH HIS SPIRIT IN YOUR INNER BEING, (17) so THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS THROUGH FAITH -- that you, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, (19) and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you MAY BE FILLED WITH ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD. (20) Now TO HIM WHO IS ABLE to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, ACCORDING TO THE POWER AT WORK WITHIN US, (21) to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” ( Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV)

God has provided His Spirit to strengthen our “inner being” and Christ is to live within us by faith. The goal of our maturing in Christ is that of being “filled with all the fullness of God.” And we can rely upon His power working within us to bring about even that which is beyond our imagination. There is no need for concern as long as we allow HIS POWER to keep working within us and His truth and love to fill our life in a way that motivates us in continuing service to His glory and praise.

Have a great day FILLED FOR TRUE LIFE!
Carl

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