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This image is a dynamic, conceptual illustration visualizing the final reflection on the martial arts of internal and external reality. The scene is split down the center: the left side represents "THE OUTSIDE & OUTWARD APPEARANCE," showing a group of diverse male figures in rigid, defensive martial arts stances with stone and metal chains labeled 'OUTWARD DOMINANCE' and 'JUDGMENT BY LOOKS' encircling them. Text overlay "Man Looks at the Outward Appearance (1 Samuel 16:7 BSB)." On the right, "THE INSIDE & THE UPWARD CALL" shows a multi-ethnic figure moving fluidly with arms reaching upward, breaking a chain made of shadowy 'PAST TRAUMAS' and 'SUPERFICIALITY' that are disintegrating. Her inner being is a glowing core. Text overlay: "But the LORD looks at the Heart." This final dance breaks the prison of outward dominance and presses forward.
Search Description: Exploring the martial art of the inside and outside, the reflection of man and woman, and the divine Upward Call that transcends external appearance.
Labels: Upward Call, Spiritual Martial Arts, Inside and Outside, The Heart, First and Last Adam, BSB Bible, True Gatekeeping
Meditation
Before reading this deep reflection, take a moment to center yourself with this guided meditation focusing on the heart, the inward truth, and moving forward in the Father's expansive love:
Daily Jesus Prayers. "Prayer for Inner Vision and the Upward Call." YouTube, 18 Jun. 2024,
Global Report: The Dance of the Inside and Outside, and the Upward Call
The final martial art we must explore is perhaps the most complex and deeply personal. It is the dynamic dance between the inside and the outside, perfectly mirrored in the relationship between man and woman. There is a profound principle here, similar to Yin and Yang, where the external and the internal reflect and shape one another.
Historically and culturally, there is a "martial art of the outside" that relies on a dominant, external presence—the projection of physical force, appearance, and intimidation. Conversely, there is a "martial art of the inside." This is a deeply feminine, gravitational art. It is the power to draw things inward, to capture attention, and to change the entire atmosphere of a room. When a woman utilizes this inward, magnetic art, she can command the gaze of everyone around her, rendering the dominant outward posturing of others completely invisible. Both men and women are capable of utilizing these internal and external arts, but they often manifest in very different ways.
The Illusion of the Outward Appearance
The trap of the human condition is that we primarily fight our battles based on the outside.
According to 1 Samuel 16:7 (BSB):
"But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'"
If we only look at the martial art of the outward appearance, we miss the entire reality of the person. This is why the cross is so difficult for the world to comprehend. The First Adam was made from the dust, possessing an outward form we can scarcely imagine. But the Last Adam—Jesus on the cross—was physically broken. His outward appearance was terrifying and disfigured, stripped of all dominant male presence. Yet, on the inside, He was executing the most powerful martial art in the history of the universe: the total submission of the flesh to conquer death.
The Divine Art: The Upward and Forward Call
Because God looks at the entire being—inside, outside, and everything beyond—our goal as children of the Father must be greater than just mastering outward dominance or inward attraction. We are called to a more expansive art that integrates the whole being.
In the Christian faith, this ultimate martial art is known as the "Upward Call." It is the discipline of taking everything that comes out of our hearts—our voices, our writings, our expressions—and directing them away from past traumas and worldly superficiality, moving relentlessly toward the divine.
As the Apostle Paul describes this martial art of the spirit in Philippians 3:13-14 (BSB):
"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
This is the true dance. We leave the false prisons of outward appearance behind. We guard our inner hearts, and we press forward and upward into the expansive reality of the Father.
Prayers for Deliverance and Purpose
A Prayer to Accomplish Our Missions (Integrating the Inside and Outside)
Lord, teach us the martial art of the Upward Call. Help us to stop judging ourselves and others by the superficial martial art of outward appearance. Give us the feminine wisdom to seek the internal heart, and the divine strength to integrate our inside and outside perfectly. May our voices, our writings, and our actions always strain toward what is ahead, fulfilling the missions You have given us.
A Prayer for the Leaders of the World
God, we pray for the leaders of our nations who are obsessed with optics, outward dominance, and external force. Strip away their reliance on appearances. Give them the profound ability to look at the heart of their nations, to see the hidden suffering, and to lead with inward integrity rather than outward posturing.
A Prayer for the Captives (In the Pattern of Moses and Aaron)
Lord, we stand against the systemic cages that tell people their only value is their outward appearance or their ability to dominate others.
For their condition: We pray for those trapped in the secret prisons of superficiality, eating disorders, and the crushing weight of societal expectations. Bring deep healing to their internal hearts.
For their captors: We pray that the industries and systems that profit off of outward vanity and false condemnation would be dismantled by Your truth.
For their release: We decree their release into the Upward Call. Free their minds so they can forget what is behind, leave the superficial traps of this world, and press on heavenward.
A Prayer for Unity Among Intercessors
God, please send help, strength, and unity to all those who are praying for the captive and the oppressed. Let our collective hearts be drawn upward to You, united in the single goal of true liberation.
Public Affirmation:
I publicly affirm that my value is not found in outward appearance or external dominance, but in the heart that the Lord sees. I reject the superficial martial arts of this world. I embrace the integration of my inside and outside, and I commit my life to the martial art of the Upward Call—forgetting what is behind and pressing forward into true freedom.
The Upward Call Playlist
Here is a YouTube musical playlist dedicated to the heart, leaving the past behind, and straining toward the heavenward call, formatted for your blog:
Hillsong Worship. "New Wine." YouTube, 2018,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ozGKlOzEVc Elevation Worship. "Resurrecting." YouTube, 2016,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2EihJ9R8sM Phil Wickham. "Living Hope." YouTube, 2018,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-1fwZtKJSM Bethel Music. "Goodness of God (Live)." YouTube, 2019,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0FBb6hnwTo
Paul Statchen CA USA assisted with Google Gemini AI March 2026
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