[343]. A Message From A Poem - Whoa! Stop Your Gallop And Take Stock

[343]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - WHOA! STOP YOUR GALLOP AND TAKE STOCK

Paul said to examine oneself in this passage – {{2 Corinthians 13:5 “TEST YOURSELVES to see if you are in the faith. EXAMINE YOURSELVES, or do you not recognise this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you - unless indeed you fail the test?”}}

He further followed that idea in these verses :-

{{Galatians 6:4 “but let each one EXAMINE HIS OWN WORK, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another,”}}

{{1 Corinthians 4:4 “for I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not acquitted by this, BUT THE ONE WHO EXAMINES ME IS THE LORD.”}}

In the last verse it is the Lord who continually examines, so what are His findings? We have a pretty good idea in our spirits because if the Lord is happy, we have confidence, but it the Lord is displeased we have conviction.

We need to stop and do an inventory. That is what the WHOA is about. We may always be on the run but is there a problem with us because we don’t have time to take stock?

The poem dwells on three aspects that cause us to fail the test as worthy Christians. They are not living according to the leading of the Holy Spirit; neglect of the bible; and prayer (including quiet time). The poem also has this live – “Devious, worthless tracks caused a fall.” We can go galloping along those tracks and we don’t find time to listen to God.

The race before us is a hard one and the opposition is growing. Men are more wicked now than they were 20 years ago and much worse than just 50 years ago. The last days are upon us, but one fact remains true. One verse is very telling – {{2 Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”}}. God is comfort in persecution. There is no other one who can comfort like our Lord.

I really believe that the more a child of God wants to live for the Lord, then greater is the persecution and hardships. We must never give up. Even so, we need to stop our gallop and take stock of our lives. Take time aside with the Lord.

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WHOA! STOP YOUR GALLOP AND TAKE STOCK

O my soul, why are you cast down?

Why, on my face, do you put a crown?

In the Lord we are to rejoice.

Now my soul echoes a muted voice.

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What’s the cause for this byway track?

What is it now that my soul does lack?

Right now, soul, examine yourself.

What essential was left on the shelf?

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The race we run is a hard one,

And the battle we fight is not done.

For this journey, nothing neglect.

All that is critical we select.

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What was it then, my soul betrayed;

That has caused my life to be waylaid?

Tabulate and consider all –

Devious, worthless tracks caused a fall.

Those issues, jot them down right now.

Not one item must you disallow.

Bible reading, quiet time and prayer;

Your life before God you must lay bare.

By God’s Spirit, have I been led?

By the word of strength, have I been fed?

In prayer, have I to God, drawn near?

Do I live by faith in Godly fear?

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Yes, I have neglected God’s word,

And with no prayer, God’s voice is not heard.

I must now take stock at this point.

Return to God so He can anoint.

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Communion is the wondrous term

Through which God’s faithfulness I confirm.

Lord Jesus Christ, Your presence here –

This is what my soul must hold so dear.

Come, my precious Saviour, to me,

For in Your presence, I am set free.

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Ronald Ferguson 23 April 2022 Metre = 8-9-8-9 AA BB etc