Luke 6
All Heaven Applauds
© Song by Xander Stok, Project of Love.
October 3, 2024.
Luke 6 - All heaven applauds
20. You’re blessed when you’ve lost it all.
God’s kingdom is there for the finding.
21. You’re blessed when you’re ravenously hungry.
Then you’re ready for the Messianic meal.
You’re blessed when the tears flow freely.
Joy comes with the morning.
22. Count yourself blessed every time
someone cuts you down or throws you out,
every time someone smears or blackens your name
to discredit me.
23. You can be glad when that happens—skip like a lamb
-for even though they don’t like it,
I do...
and all heaven applauds.
And know that you are in good company;
my preachers and witnesses have always been treated like this.
The Message Translation (MSG)
Today is our 2 year anniversary of Project of Love!
I just realised it and conveniently this song (All Heaven Applauds) matches this joyful occasion. We always plan our songs weeks ahead with the Holy Spirit, so this feels like a set-up and a celebration gift from Papa himself :)
This song is about persecution, about running the race for and with Jesus. In some countries Christians are persecuted for their faith. Tortured, imprisoned, shunned. And while our hearts go out to all these brave brothers and sisters, that's not what I want to talk about today.
This persecution is more subtle. Jesus in these verses talks about persecution by your own people.
Most of you know that Janis, my wife, and me are young believers. A little more than 5 years ago we gave every inch of our being to God, to Papa.
And I'm glad to say we are still very much in love, if anything, our love has only deepened.
When we started Project of Love we could not have imagined the impact it was going to have on people's lives. Almost daily we receive testimonies of healing. Physical, mental, emotional. It's breathtaking. And it's much needed fuel to keep doing what we do. Over 147 countries listen to and watch our songs. Over 51 countries play our songs live (!)
We are so blessed with loving brothers and sisters around the world. Who pray for us, encourage us, support us financially. Thank you! 🙏😍
But did you know, end of 2022 I came close to calling it quits. Along with the beautiful testimonies, we almost daily received hatemail. On our socials, but especially via email.
I've been called every name in the book. Threatened, been called demonworshiper, false prophet, and I needed to stop immediately because this could never be from God. These were/are emails from Christians. My family, my brothers and sisters. And me being a young believer, that hit hard. I started to doubt. I gave up everything, for this?
I prayed my heart out. I told God, I can take anything but I need to know you're backing me. I asked God for confirmation. And I got it. That was a game-changer for me.
But I want you to understand that Christians almost caused this ministry to end before it had even begun. A fruitful ministry I might add. A ministry created by God.
We are persecuting our own. And in doing so working against God himself in some cases.
We are called to be lovers. To live as lovers. Not watchdogs. But sheep among wolves. God doesn't need us to defend Him.
We need to accept that we don't have to understand and approve all God is doing.
As long as God is working with and through imperfect people like myself to do a lot of good, we should just encourage and cheer each other on. And if you can't do that, then do the next best thing, hold your tongue 😉
Happy anniversary! 🥳
