Your'e not Forgotten

You're Not Forgotten

Brother Blaine asked me to write a poem for the persecuted Christian.

Can you see these chains, they are my call
Yet in Christ alone I stand or fall
Though forces dark oppress my soul
To serve my King, my only goal

No matter what He puts me through
Here I’ll stand forever true
I’ve often saw no way ahead
It seems that I am surely dead

Yet in the darkness of my cell
You come to me and I am well
My bondage is a part of me
Though I am bound I’m surely free

No chains of darkness hold me down
Nor keep me from the joy I’ve found
You are my Christ my all in all
You hold me close when I would fall

To every saint whose far and wide
Beneath His wings you’ll surely hide
You’re not forgotten, you’re not forsaken
For through your trials my saints awaken

They see my glory rest on you
And they now pray to see you through
And fire falls and lights the night
And from your knees you stand and fight

Stand in darkness stand in light
Stand in Christ and stand and fight
In Christ alone the battles won
And you will stand till the day is done

Remember this dear saints in chains
Your not alone in trials and pains
For Christ on high He covers you
The Body of Christ is with you too

We clamor for no earthly aid
On Calvary the price was paid
To you alone we bring our plea
For you alone can set us free

So whether Lord, we stand or fall
Our ears have heard that heavenly call
No earthly chains no hand of man
Can alter your eternal plan

To you alone we bring our pleas
With hands outstretched and on our knees
We dare not stand on any ground
Before thy throne we shall be found

It’s not by might these chains erase
It’s not by power but by thy grace
Thy Spirit shall loose and break asunder
Every fetter shall fall and that by thunder

I listen for thy voice on high
And lightening fractures the very sky
I see thy glory move in power
The earthquakes shake this very hour

When every martyred saint reviled
Shall be with Him and reconciled
To walk the earth no more abused
Nor suffer greatly and accused

But know this saint behind those walls
The Master comes for those He calls
And every pilgrim refugee
Shall lift their eyes and be set free

He’s coming with the morning dew
He’s coming now for me and you
To elevate the captive soul
To take you home and make you whole

Rise in Spirit my captive brother
Rise with Christ and one another
For by your chains you testify
To Him alone you live or die

Brother Frank I think of the verse where Paul says do not lose heart at my tribulation. For they are your glory.

Brother I believe you have captured the heart of the Bridegroom for his persecuted bride. Or indeed Jesus is ever so intimately connected to his persecuted church.

Truly a blessed poem brother.

may angels carry this song to all saints persecuted, brothers Frank and Blaine

Hi sis Leslie,

Part of the inspiration behind this poem was Pastor Saeed Abedini, in a prison in Iran. Bro Blaine forwarded it to his wife and it was a blessing to know that she was blessed by it. I would pray that it would end up in his hands and that he would be encouraged by it...............bro Frank

Dear sister may he answer your prayer. Truly may the persecuted be encouraged by brother Frank's poem.

Praise God for your labors brothers. As I was reading this precious poem the tune to 'In Christ Alone' by Getty & Townend came to my mind & fit it perfectly! Sis L

Hi Lesley, I looked up that song today and played it while singing the words to the poem, your right, many of the verses fit wonderfully well with that melody........bro Frank

Thanks Chris..........bro Frank

Brother as I reread the words of this beautiful poem. It speaks of the hope one has in Jesus. Particularly to our persecuted brethren who carry that hope in their heart. A deeper meaning is found in Paul's words in Colossians, Christ in you the hope of glory. For indeed He is our ultimate hope.

As I read about the nadtyred saints in the book of Revelation. It is their hope and confidence in the risen Christ that gives them victory over the evil one. Knowing that they will reign with Him, King Jesus in heaven. For He is their hope. He, Jesus, is their hope. For in Jesus all things are sure. We have the word of the prophets made more sure because of Jesus. He is the hope of the persecuted Saints. Indeed he is our hope in this life.

I think of Davey Blackburn, a pastor in Indianapolis, grieving over the loss of his young wife. She was shot dead in a home invasion. She was pregnant 12 weeks with their second child. Yet through his grief, this young pastor still keeps his hope in Christ.

I think of our dear brother Saeed. A brother who has been tortured, A brother who has been tasered. A brother who has suffered internal injuries as a result of his beatings. A brother who has been denied medical treatment because of his injuries. A brother whose prison sentence may well be extended. A brother who is suffering more attacks from the enemy. And yet a brother who has not denied his faith in Christ. Because Jesus is his hope.

Brother Frank you have mentioned Algerias. A dear young brother who centuries ago suffered unimaginable tortures for Jesus. Yet still kept his hope in Christ.

I can go on and mention Richard Wurmbrand, John Bunyan, Wstchman Nee, Corrie ten Boom, and countless others. But all have one thing in common. They have their hope in Jesus.

As I reflect upon the recent terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris. And the countless deaths that resulted from these attacks. My soul grieves and wonders did they have Christ. I remember the tsunami a few years ago. It was said when the Japanese were caught up in the waves and the whirlpool they cried out to their gods who could not save them. The heart wrenching thing was they had no hope.

We must realize that these times grow darker. Our hope. Our ultimate hope. Our eternal hope must be in Jesus. And in Jesus alone. Or is our dear sister Leslie would say. In Christ Alone.

In Christ Alone.

Blaine

Blaine writes..........

"We must realize that these times grow darker. Our hope. Our ultimate hope. Our eternal hope must be in Jesus. And in Jesus alone." Amen and amen..........bro Frank

It is good to remember these words that brother Frank wrote not long before brother Saeed was released.

It's not by might these chains erase
It's not by power but by thy grace
Thy Spirit shall break and tear asunder
Every fetter shall fall and by that thunder...

Saeed is coming home broken in body but not in spirit.
He will be a voice for our imprisoned brothers and sisters in Christ.
We must continue to pray for Saeed and his family. Life will never be the same for them as Americans...or for us.

I thank God for all of you out there for God has connected us in prayer and in purpose. In His Love, Leslie

Hi Leslie,

The second last verse reads.........

He’s coming with the morning dew
He’s coming now for me and you
To elevate the captive soul
To take you home and make you whole

Now that Saeed is home, I pray that the Lord will make him whole again and restore him and heal him from every legacy of his sore trial. Lord, comfort his heart and soul in his "freedom," which may be more difficult to adjust to than many would imagine...........bro Frank

Leslie and Frank,

My sister and brother indeed. The effective prayers of the righteous saints have availed much. Praise God our brother is coming home. And indeed we do pray for his complete healing and restoration.

But also may this be an example for us to keep praying and keep calling out justice for His persecuted elect. And also nay Saeed be an encouragement to the American church.

Your brother in Christ,

Blaine