A new issue of our flagship publication, BodyLife, was posted on May 10, 2004. The lead article is entitled The Shepherd’s Call. Because this is a bit different, I’m creating this space on the blog for others to comment on the article. I’m not necessarily looking for a string of compliments here like, “Great article”. I’m looking for a place for people to interact with its content, whether positive or negative and I’ll join that conversation with my own thoughts when I can. Just hit the ‘feedback’ button to read other people’s comments or add your own.
52 thoughts on “BodyLife 2004 – The Shepherd’s Call”
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Absolutely accurate. Probably the best article, "prophecy?", I have seen on the touchy subject of The Lord seperating His church from the man made imitation, and its terrible control and manipulation of God’s people, our brothers and sisters. Some may read it and think "ouch", but if any part offends you, you must take it to The Lord and let Him show you. I guess the whole point is this, that any system built in the flesh cannot produce Godly results, no matter how well intentioned, But giving ourselves to Him and His love is the only way. Jim.
Absolutely accurate. Probably the best article, "prophecy?", I have seen on the touchy subject of The Lord seperating His church from the man made imitation, and its terrible control and manipulation of God’s people, our brothers and sisters. Some may read it and think "ouch", but if any part offends you, you must take it to The Lord and let Him show you. I guess the whole point is this, that any system built in the flesh cannot produce Godly results, no matter how well intentioned, But giving ourselves to Him and His love is the only way. Jim.
Wayne,
As I read your words, my heart heard Jesus speak.
Thank You!
This seems to be the problem with so many believers nowadays. They just can’t imagine what it would be like to hear Jesus speak to them personally. They hear him through the word… they hear him through the pastor… they hear him through the music, but they just can’t seem to hear him directly. Me included.
So, I like this style of communicating his heart. It really was like he was speaking to me in person. It’s a good perspective to contemplate. It’s like "Wayne" wasn’t even around. Just Jesus and me… I like it. Thanks!
Wayne,
As I read your words, my heart heard Jesus speak.
Thank You!
Ditto
Like Donna and Bruce, I heard the Father speak, calling out my name, calling myself unto him. Thanks for sharing the Fathers heart.
This seems to be the problem with so many believers nowadays. They just can’t imagine what it would be like to hear Jesus speak to them personally. They hear him through the word… they hear him through the pastor… they hear him through the music, but they just can’t seem to hear him directly. Me included.
So, I like this style of communicating his heart. It really was like he was speaking to me in person. It’s a good perspective to contemplate. It’s like "Wayne" wasn’t even around. Just Jesus and me… I like it. Thanks!
I am so glad I resisted the temptation to NOT STOP and read these refreshing words. They were exactly what "doctor" Jesus knew I was needing in all my rush of life. The following was especially helpful:
"Lay down even your dreams for ministry. You have confused your dreams with mine and trying to fulfill them in your own effort will only frustrate you. If they are only your dreams you won’t want them and those that are mine I will bring to pass in a way that you cannot even imagine yet. Most of what you call ministry has more to do with human aspiration than it does the life of my kingdom. Your pursuit of ministry instead of me will be a barrier not a blessing. Let me teach you all over again, how much I love the broken-hearted, the wounded and the oppressed and how I set them free."
So true. My wife and I are missionaries and often get caught up in "the work" and frustrated that things aren’t going the way they should or the way we would like to see them go. This gentle rebuke turned in to more of a "cup of cool water" for very thirsty souls!
Guy Muse
Guayaquil, Ecuador
So many times I have wanted to write you Wayne, but haven’t got around to it.
Dave Aldrich a friend of yours is also a friend to me.
We have been sharing Life for some time via the net~Yahoo Messenger, on a daily basis for over two years.
It is wonderful to see and hear Him afresh in one another.
I thank you for sharing your heart with me and so many others.
Something Dave shared with me today (something you wrote a while back) tied right in with this current letter.
How does that happen? It can only begin first in our relationship with God. Over the centuries we have been taught that our relationship with God rises out of body life, when it works just the opposite of that. No wonder true fellowship is so rare. If we don’t find our own relationship with God, we’ll merely use others as a substitute for what we’re not getting from him, disappointing ourselves and frustrating them in the process.
I loved this!!
Love,
Richard In Canada
Ditto
Like Donna and Bruce, I heard the Father speak, calling out my name, calling myself unto him. Thanks for sharing the Fathers heart.
I am so glad I resisted the temptation to NOT STOP and read these refreshing words. They were exactly what "doctor" Jesus knew I was needing in all my rush of life. The following was especially helpful:
"Lay down even your dreams for ministry. You have confused your dreams with mine and trying to fulfill them in your own effort will only frustrate you. If they are only your dreams you won’t want them and those that are mine I will bring to pass in a way that you cannot even imagine yet. Most of what you call ministry has more to do with human aspiration than it does the life of my kingdom. Your pursuit of ministry instead of me will be a barrier not a blessing. Let me teach you all over again, how much I love the broken-hearted, the wounded and the oppressed and how I set them free."
So true. My wife and I are missionaries and often get caught up in "the work" and frustrated that things aren’t going the way they should or the way we would like to see them go. This gentle rebuke turned in to more of a "cup of cool water" for very thirsty souls!
Guy Muse
Guayaquil, Ecuador
So many times I have wanted to write you Wayne, but haven’t got around to it.
Dave Aldrich a friend of yours is also a friend to me.
We have been sharing Life for some time via the net~Yahoo Messenger, on a daily basis for over two years.
It is wonderful to see and hear Him afresh in one another.
I thank you for sharing your heart with me and so many others.
Something Dave shared with me today (something you wrote a while back) tied right in with this current letter.
How does that happen? It can only begin first in our relationship with God. Over the centuries we have been taught that our relationship with God rises out of body life, when it works just the opposite of that. No wonder true fellowship is so rare. If we don’t find our own relationship with God, we’ll merely use others as a substitute for what we’re not getting from him, disappointing ourselves and frustrating them in the process.
I loved this!!
Love,
Richard In Canada
"They could not lead you because life is only in me."
This is what Jesus has been trying to teach me for some time. "THEY could not lead you" for me also applied to all my old personal agendas, credits, and failures. In other words everything that took my focus off of Him and onto others or myself.
I need reminding of this often. I guess we all do.
Thanks for this article. I read it and know it came from your heart by way of His.
Dave from Rhode Island
"They could not lead you because life is only in me."
This is what Jesus has been trying to teach me for some time. "THEY could not lead you" for me also applied to all my old personal agendas, credits, and failures. In other words everything that took my focus off of Him and onto others or myself.
I need reminding of this often. I guess we all do.
Thanks for this article. I read it and know it came from your heart by way of His.
Dave from Rhode Island
I have waited for months for the new issue of Body Life. It was well worth the wait. As I was reading the words it felt like reading a personal letter addressed to me. Thanks for your encouragement.
Anthony from Louisiana
I have waited for months for the new issue of Body Life. It was well worth the wait. As I was reading the words it felt like reading a personal letter addressed to me. Thanks for your encouragement.
Anthony from Louisiana
Thanks Wayne,
I guess it is so easy for me to receive from you because you always sound so much like Him. And there is nothing wrong with that because we are all supposed to be just like Him. I’ve heard a lot of false shepherds over the years, but your heart only reflects the light and love of the One True Shepherds heart. May the Father multiply your influence because I sense that you are very highly esteemed. Father just wouldn’t speak as clearly through one who wasn’t.
Steve form WV
Thanks Wayne,
I guess it is so easy for me to receive from you because you always sound so much like Him. And there is nothing wrong with that because we are all supposed to be just like Him. I’ve heard a lot of false shepherds over the years, but your heart only reflects the light and love of the One True Shepherds heart. May the Father multiply your influence because I sense that you are very highly esteemed. Father just wouldn’t speak as clearly through one who wasn’t.
Steve form WV
Thanks Wayne for this Word from the Heart of the Father, from my King, my Savior, my Lord. It is a word that cuts through the sludge like a knife through soft butter. While reading this, I was thinking, "what about those who seem to be on "godly" crusades and following "passionate" visions, sounding trumpets to rally the troops for "battle". My questioning was along the same lines as Peter asking Jesus about John the Beloved and what price he had to pay….only I’m John asking about Peter. I sensed the Lord saying…..don’t worry about others and their battle crys. Worry only about ME and My knocks at your door.
Thanks Wayne for this Word from the Heart of the Father, from my King, my Savior, my Lord. It is a word that cuts through the sludge like a knife through soft butter. While reading this, I was thinking, "what about those who seem to be on "godly" crusades and following "passionate" visions, sounding trumpets to rally the troops for "battle". My questioning was along the same lines as Peter asking Jesus about John the Beloved and what price he had to pay….only I’m John asking about Peter. I sensed the Lord saying…..don’t worry about others and their battle crys. Worry only about ME and My knocks at your door.
As I read this, the tears started to fall,Too often we become lost in our own agenda and the things of this world, and we lose focus of what The Lord is showing us,were He is leading us, and the immediate work that He wants to do in our lives. I cried not in self pity but as the words touched my heart, and for those that are lost , not as in unbelievers, but those lost and looking, in the wrong direction, led astray, and not understanding why those they had trusted are not their source of strength.that only in Jesus can they find this.
what an awesome message!
As I read this, the tears started to fall,Too often we become lost in our own agenda and the things of this world, and we lose focus of what The Lord is showing us,were He is leading us, and the immediate work that He wants to do in our lives. I cried not in self pity but as the words touched my heart, and for those that are lost , not as in unbelievers, but those lost and looking, in the wrong direction, led astray, and not understanding why those they had trusted are not their source of strength.that only in Jesus can they find this.
what an awesome message!
poos
poos
I have never had something jump out at me like this did. GOD truly dropped this in my lap on June 30th 2004. I needed a fresh word and this brought life and quenched my thirst. I needed to hear from GOD and it touched my life in a way that I know I will never be the same. It brought me back to the place I needed to be with him. Thank you for you obedience to Christ. How awesome. If your ever in Orange Tx drop in on the churches. We need a fresh word in our community.
I have never had something jump out at me like this did. GOD truly dropped this in my lap on June 30th 2004. I needed a fresh word and this brought life and quenched my thirst. I needed to hear from GOD and it touched my life in a way that I know I will never be the same. It brought me back to the place I needed to be with him. Thank you for you obedience to Christ. How awesome. If your ever in Orange Tx drop in on the churches. We need a fresh word in our community.
I’m waiting. lisening. I will clear myself up and I know it will come you’ve just confirmed it.
I’m waiting. lisening. I will clear myself up and I know it will come you’ve just confirmed it.
Wayne.
Thanks for the great article on guidance. I like you, made so many mistakes when young, learning to follow him is no easy task now , why? Because to follow is to be patient and quiet in spirit and that is not easy for youth, or the natural man. But He is faithfull, and will wait for us to wait.
George C
Wayne.
Thanks for the great article on guidance. I like you, made so many mistakes when young, learning to follow him is no easy task now , why? Because to follow is to be patient and quiet in spirit and that is not easy for youth, or the natural man. But He is faithfull, and will wait for us to wait.
George C
An excellent article – So practical and relevant for Christians in a busy world who want to be responsive to th Shepherd’s voice.
An excellent article – So practical and relevant for Christians in a busy world who want to be responsive to th Shepherd’s voice.
This is all too true.
‘Church’ used to be a non-threatening benevolent community where Jesus was Lord.
It has degenerated into ‘business & commercialism’ but the Church that Jesus has built with those who have gone before and is building with those on earth now is of the heart. Bricks & mortar and organisation and regional/national directors/administrators who are called clergy are increasingly an irrelevance.
In shart, the Lord of His Church is building in a way that cannot be humanly controlled since that is the prerogative of the Holy Spirit.
We must be pretty close to the end of the Church era since Church activity as we have known it has reached such a low ebb. As to whether it may please the Lord to revive His work on earth once again, that is debatable. The stirrings of the Spirit that I feel could be the wake up call priot to the Lord’s comsummation of the age.
In The Faith that works by Love,
Byron Nicholls (England).
This is all too true.
‘Church’ used to be a non-threatening benevolent community where Jesus was Lord.
It has degenerated into ‘business & commercialism’ but the Church that Jesus has built with those who have gone before and is building with those on earth now is of the heart. Bricks & mortar and organisation and regional/national directors/administrators who are called clergy are increasingly an irrelevance.
In shart, the Lord of His Church is building in a way that cannot be humanly controlled since that is the prerogative of the Holy Spirit.
We must be pretty close to the end of the Church era since Church activity as we have known it has reached such a low ebb. As to whether it may please the Lord to revive His work on earth once again, that is debatable. The stirrings of the Spirit that I feel could be the wake up call priot to the Lord’s comsummation of the age.
In The Faith that works by Love,
Byron Nicholls (England).
Funny how the Lord works, I have been thinking about that very issue of home church or how do you fellowship the right way. But there again you have that addictive drug called religion trying to sneak back in after I was freed from it. I guess we always have to fight that drug until we’re home.
I guess thats’ why it good to grow old so we can hopefully learn from our past experience and serve God in a more effective way. One scripture that stands out is Gal.3:1 "Foolish Galatians who has bewitched you". The word bewitched I believe now involves the devil in a very direct way.(see previous message 831 in lifestreams group).Thanks again for the December issue the Lord is using you in a mighty way. You have many valuable insights that the body of CHRIST could use in their daily walk.
bro-rich
Funny how the Lord works, I have been thinking about that very issue of home church or how do you fellowship the right way. But there again you have that addictive drug called religion trying to sneak back in after I was freed from it. I guess we always have to fight that drug until we’re home.
I guess thats’ why it good to grow old so we can hopefully learn from our past experience and serve God in a more effective way. One scripture that stands out is Gal.3:1 "Foolish Galatians who has bewitched you". The word bewitched I believe now involves the devil in a very direct way.(see previous message 831 in lifestreams group).Thanks again for the December issue the Lord is using you in a mighty way. You have many valuable insights that the body of CHRIST could use in their daily walk.
bro-rich
I have know about Wayne for some time from Rivermail and have been consciously living the Relational Church for over a year.
I am still having trouble "not offending" others who ask me "where I am going", who am I "under", and all that, but now I have a website to send them too!
Thank you Wayne for pouring your lifes work out to us! MY GOD MY GOD MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!
I have know about Wayne for some time from Rivermail and have been consciously living the Relational Church for over a year.
I am still having trouble "not offending" others who ask me "where I am going", who am I "under", and all that, but now I have a website to send them too!
Thank you Wayne for pouring your lifes work out to us! MY GOD MY GOD MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!
What an awesome article! I heard God speaking to me through every word you wrote. I have been struggling the past few months with what God has called me to do…"to know Him" without the confines of the conventional "church". All the years I spent going to church every time the door was open was a dificult "habit" to break. Being "religious" is a far cry from being "spiritual". I had a "head knowledge" of God and what He could do and wanted to be in my life, but I didn’t have that "heart knowledge" which is where the "real" Christian life begins. We’re as "real" as we are in our own homes with our own families, not who we are in the organized church we have come to depend on for our relationship with Christ. Thank you for confirming that what I thought I heard God calling me to do, was what He called me to do, to "know Him" intimately.
What an awesome article! I heard God speaking to me through every word you wrote. I have been struggling the past few months with what God has called me to do…"to know Him" without the confines of the conventional "church". All the years I spent going to church every time the door was open was a dificult "habit" to break. Being "religious" is a far cry from being "spiritual". I had a "head knowledge" of God and what He could do and wanted to be in my life, but I didn’t have that "heart knowledge" which is where the "real" Christian life begins. We’re as "real" as we are in our own homes with our own families, not who we are in the organized church we have come to depend on for our relationship with Christ. Thank you for confirming that what I thought I heard God calling me to do, was what He called me to do, to "know Him" intimately.
Well Wayne, I said I’d be back to read more and I did. "The Church that Jesus Builds," like your other writings touched on so many commonly held struggles, beliefs, and "stirrings," that I have to chalk it all up to the Spirit. Thank you. As I scan the other postings I wonder: "What would it be like to be able to gather all of these Believers together in one room and at one time?" Yet, as you write, we ARE, in fact, being all gathered together in one PLACE; the Headship of Christ. Your Christ-words of encouragement and reminder have blessed me indeed. Again, thank you and God bless!
Well Wayne, I said I’d be back to read more and I did. "The Church that Jesus Builds," like your other writings touched on so many commonly held struggles, beliefs, and "stirrings," that I have to chalk it all up to the Spirit. Thank you. As I scan the other postings I wonder: "What would it be like to be able to gather all of these Believers together in one room and at one time?" Yet, as you write, we ARE, in fact, being all gathered together in one PLACE; the Headship of Christ. Your Christ-words of encouragement and reminder have blessed me indeed. Again, thank you and God bless!
these are encouraging thoughts Wayne,
thanks you for being a vessel in the Master’s hands.
also hello to Guy from Equador.
may the Lord strengthen and bless you, as continue to desire to serve him faithfully.
in brotherly love,
Keith , southern Onatrio, Canada
these are encouraging thoughts Wayne,
thanks you for being a vessel in the Master’s hands.
also hello to Guy from Equador.
may the Lord strengthen and bless you, as continue to desire to serve him faithfully.
in brotherly love,
Keith , southern Onatrio, Canada
Where does one find a group of believers like you talk about in your web page?
Where does one find a group of believers like you talk about in your web page?
Hi, Phil!
I think it is far easier to find them as people, not as groups. I suspect there are already some pretty close by you already. As we start to walk with some folks who are hungry for him, we might well find ourselves in a group of them some day. But they’re like sparrows at the moment—easier to find in ones and twos in the wild, not so much in large flocks. But I think that too is changing.
Hi, Phil!
I think it is far easier to find them as people, not as groups. I suspect there are already some pretty close by you already. As we start to walk with some folks who are hungry for him, we might well find ourselves in a group of them some day. But they’re like sparrows at the moment—easier to find in ones and twos in the wild, not so much in large flocks. But I think that too is changing.
Hello and Thank you!
To hear someone articulate what my wife and I have been feeling and trying to explain without success is a God send. The look on my wife’s face when she was reading your article was absolutely priceless.
Jaco and Clare
Sydney, Australia
Hello and Thank you!
To hear someone articulate what my wife and I have been feeling and trying to explain without success is a God send. The look on my wife’s face when she was reading your article was absolutely priceless.
Jaco and Clare
Sydney, Australia
Oh, yes, Lord God! Yes!!
Oh, yes, Lord God! Yes!!