On November 12-14 I was praying with intensity for God  to help a pastor I saw that was in agony of soul. The basic need in churches all over the world is to reach into stony hearts with the good news of the gospel. It is getting harder every year. The younger people seem to be the hardest to reach. Some churches don't even have young people coming. If their parents insist, they protest loudly in a rage. There is so much trouble, pastors often give up in discouragement.

In the night, I dreamed I was visiting a church.   As the dream began, there were some yellow carts available to help people as transportation to get from the parking area  into the church. These had to be returned like a shopping cart when you were done with them. The service was typical and yet it seemed there was much noise and confusion just outside the doors into the sanctuary. At times the laughing and talking made it difficult to hear the sermon.

As I returned yellow cart to the back of the church, I found the preacher crying. He was very distraught that no one really listened. The noise and confusion in the foyer had really bothered him. The younger people just did not want to come in to listen. This pastor wanted them so much to come and listen. He was sobbing when he thought all had left for home that day. He wanted to be successful in leading all ages to Christ. What could he do?

I found him there and felt sympathy. In my dream, I took him by the hand and said, "Let's pray."  I dropped to my knees to pray but he did not want to kneel. Because I had smiled comfortingly and taken his hand firmly, he fell to his knees with me. It seemed the Spirit gave me freedom as I prayed for things I never would have normally prayed for.

It was like Jesus was doing the praying as I had asked. What I mean is, the things I prayed for surprised me for I had not thought of praying for such things.  I prayed with the  pastor about the secret addictions in the church members that happen in the privacy of home robbing people of the heart desire for Jesus and leaving them empty, in withdrawal and restless on the  Sabbath because their minds are accustomed to an extreme amount of stimulation. They are going through withdrawal like any addiction. I prayed out loud in agony for souls that the people were there at church only out of habit. Their minds were really on their games. These games  consume their time for thinking. These computer games of killing,  interactive pornography, email interchange with people doing these things, online gambling, and home movies flood their hearts. In the prayer I prayed that since people are so visually stimulated, please teach us how to use the new promised technology that could remedy the problem in our churches.

In this dream, I closed the prayer in a way that totally surprised me. I was asking God to send the weeping pastor to where people were hungry to hear truth so he could have his own soul fed with the joy of feeding hungry sheep for a change. END of Dream I awoke and pondered the dream. It was so vivid to me. It weighed heavily on my thoughts. I took it to Jesus in prayer. I knew this was an answer to help the situation with not just our own local region but to churches throughout the whole world. How I praise the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Daniel for giving insight into a very large problem all pastors face.   If you, dear reader are not old enough to be a pastor, or you never plan to be one,  you still can be blessed by this dream for you might see something in your own life such as rock music, novels, games, etc. that keeps you from getting ready for our Jesus, Who is coming very soon. Our spare time should be spent storing Bible truth and sharing. Time is too short to waste.

Discussion:

Where are the Elijahs of today? {5T 526.3} Daniel's history is a remarkable one. He carried out his faith and principles against great opposition. He was condemned to death because he would not abate one jot of his allegiance to God even in the face of the king's decree. It might, at this day, be called overrighteousness to go, as was his wont, three times a day and kneel before the open window for prayer while he knew that prying eyes were observing him and that his enemies were ready to accuse him of disloyalty to the king; but Daniel would allow no earthly power to come in between him and his God, even with the prospect of death in the den of lions. ... If we venture to go forth of ourselves, following our own ideas, our own plans, and leave Jesus behind, we need not expect to gain fortitude, courage, or spiritual strength. God has had moral heroes, and He has them now,--those who are not ashamed of being His peculiar people. Their wills and plans are all subordinate to the law of God. The love of Jesus has led them not to count their lives dear unto themselves. Their work has been to catch the light from the word of God and to let it shine forth in clear, steady rays to the world. "Fidelity to God" is their motto. {5T 527.2}

As a missionary doctor and speaker in many countries, I have seen Jesus do more for me when I got onto my knees like Jesus did.  My years of education fade into insignificance and my title as DOCTOR gets into the right place. I mean I look at the most intelligent of the universe, the Commander in Chief of all the worlds, stars, planets and all created beings. Something happens inside of me when I get on my knees that does not happen in a sitting or standing position. It is a statement of respect and my intensity for needing an answer from the King of the Universe. It is like I am telling God, I am so serious about what I am praying for that I am looking at Him as my only hope. It is not about the position I am in or what I am doing, it is an intensity I am trying to describe to you. On my knees I am forgetting all around me and looking right into the throne room in expectation of My dear Father's answer.  In this way I testify that the whole soul, body, and spirit are in subjection to my Creator.

Remedy for the youth not wanting to hear: Use of Graphics We are so fortunate to have new technology to reach dyslexic people using pictures. We have a society whose brains have been altered by computers. To reach them, we pray like Jesus for new object lessons that will get their attention using graphics. Some cannot read or use their hearing very well to learn deep truths. They have ears but can not hear. Their habits have blocked the entrance of truth. With pictures the memory clings to the concept illustrated much longer. I only illustrate those points I want people to remember.

I know that it is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. I like to pray while I am cleaning house, and doing chores. Every breath I take I often ask a prayer for different ones. I can be walking, running, riding a train, plane, driving a car and still pray.  I often pray while I am singing and speaking. I just meant that when there is agony of heart, and you are full of a real deep problem, that by the act of getting on your knees, you say to God that you are extremely serious about the issues at hand.

Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."  Psalm 95:3-6

Remedy for discouraged Pastors: Feed hungry sheep for a change and venture out in faith with no money, trusting totally in God to provide everything. There is nothing like the joy of feeding hungry sheep. You work extra hard to get your graphics ready for presenting your message so thousands can see clearly. There is an excitement that Jesus is with you. He is but He also is  when there is only small gatherings of 2 or 3. It is just more fun to feed sheep that come forward begging for prayers for salvation and wanting to study the Bible. Their intensity of wanting truth rubs off on you and you get more excited about the stories you have heard for over 40 years.

What information is written on this detail of kneeling for prayer?

Both in public and private worship it is our duty to bow down upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. This act shows our dependence upon God. . . . {3BC 1130.11} [2 Chron. 6:1-13 quoted.]. . . {3BC 1130.12} Is it possible that with all the light that God has given to His people on the subject of reverence, that ministers, principals, and teachers in our schools, by precept and example teach young men to stand erect in devotion as did the Pharisees? Shall we look upon this as significant of their self-sufficiency and self-importance? Are these traits to become conspicuous? . . . {3BC 1130.13} We hope that our brethren will not manifest less reverence and awe as they approach the only true and living God than the heathen manifest for their idol deities, or these people will be our judges in the day of final decision. I would speak to all who occupy the place of teachers in our schools. Men and women, do not dishonor God by your irreverence and pomposity. Do not stand up in your Phariseeism and offer your prayers to God. Mistrust your own strength. Depend not in it; but often bow down on your knees before God, and worship Him. {3BC 1130.14} And when you assemble to worship God, be sure and bow your knees before Him. Let this act testify that the whole soul, body, and spirit are in subjection to the Spirit of truth. Who have searched the Word closely for examples and direction in this respect? . . . {3BC 1130.15} Man must come on bended knee, as a subject of grace, a suppliant at the footstool of mercy. And as he receives daily mercies at the hand of God, he is ever to cherish gratitude in his heart, and give expression to it in the words of thanksgiving and praise for these unmerited favors (NL 37, pp. 1-3). {3BC 1131.1} The prayer offered by Solomon during the dedication of the temple, was not made while he stood upon his feet. The king knelt in the humble position of a petitioner. {3BC 1131.2} Herein is a lesson for God's people today. Our spiritual strength and our influence are not increased by conformity to a worldly attitude during prayer. . . . Let man come on bended knee, as a subject of grace, a suppliant at the footstool of mercy. Thus he is to testify that the whole soul, body, and spirit are in subjection to his Creator (RH Nov. 30, 1905). {3BC 1131.3}

Not Always Necessary to Bow.--It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor.--The Ministry of Healing, pp. 510, 511. {3SM 267.1}

As the stars for ever and ever: what does it mean?

"They that turn many to righteousness" shall shine "as the stars for ever and ever" (Dan. 12:3). That is how we shall shine. The glory of God will rest upon you. You cannot become interested in a soul but that an angel of God will be close at your side and will move that soul. {2SAT 18.2}
If you want the companionship of angels, go to work

Counsel for directing youth in their activities So they won't be in the situation the dream referred to above Where they have no appetite for God's way

There is much counsel regarding how to direct youth to the path or road to heaven. "Misguided parents are trying to improve upon God's plan. Many send their children away from home influences and home duties, to some boarding-school or college, to obtain an education. There, deprived of parental care, the youth squander precious hours in novel reading, in frivolous amusements, or in studying the adornment of the person, that they may outrival their companions. For such pursuits, their duties to their fellow-beings and to God are neglected." {ST, May 4, 1882 par. 8}

Let us not choose to spend our time in reading the daily newspapers and the frivolous and foolish novel. We can see evil enough without doing this.--Ms 87, 1909, p. 2. ("Words Addressed to the Workers at the Boulder Sanitarium," September 3, 1909.)

Our minds become what we make them. What we think about will fashion our actions. Here is a quote from a special Christian Author, Ellen White. "But minds that are occupied with frivolous reading, with exciting stories, or with seeking after amusement do not dwell upon Christ and cannot rejoice in the fullness of His love. The mind that finds pleasure in foolish thoughts and trifling conversation is as destitute of the joy of Christ as were the hills of Gilboa of dew or rain."-- RH, Mar 15, 1892. {1MCP 315.1} Mind, Character, and Personality

We must spend our time on the road to life. This road is filled with spending time with Jesus and sharing the treasures found in His word. I love this section by a favorite Christian author. "My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. Ps. 104:34. {OHC 115.1} Why not keep your minds fixed on the unsearchable riches of Christ, that you may present to others the gems of truth? In the Word of God there are rich mines of truth that we may spend our whole lifetime in exploring, and yet we shall find that we have only begun to view their precious stores. Sink the shaft deep, and bring up the hidden treasures. But it is impossible to do this while we indulge an idle, restless spirit, seeking constantly for something that will merely gratify the senses, something to amuse, and cause a foolish laugh. . . . Minds that are occupied with frivolous reading, with exciting stories, or with seeking after amusement, do not dwell upon Christ, and cannot rejoice in the fullness of His love. The mind that finds pleasure in foolish thoughts and trifling conversation, is as destitute of the joy of Christ as were the hills of Gilboa of dew or rain." {OHC 115.2} Our High Calling by Ellen White

Here is a danger seen in filling the brain with distractions. It is written by one of my favorite Christian authors and I see it to be so true in all the interactions with others I have had in my life. ...the exercise in these games is filling their brains with thoughts that distract the mind from their studies. . . . {AH 499.6} Is the eye single to the glory of God in these games? I know that this is not so. There is a losing sight of God's way and His purpose. The employment of intelligent beings, in probationary time, is superseding God's revealed will and substituting for it the speculations and inventions of the human agent, with Satan by his side to imbue with his spirit. . . . The Lord God of heaven protests against the burning passion cultivated for supremacy in the games that are so engrossing. {AH 500.1} The Problem of Many Athletic Sports.--Vigorous exercise the pupils must have. Few evils are more to be dreaded than indolence and aimlessness. Yet the tendency of most athletic sports is a subject of anxious thought to those who have at heart the well-being of the youth. Teachers are troubled as they consider the influence of these sports both on the student's progress in school and on his success in afterlife. The games that occupy so much of his time are diverting the mind from study. They are not helping to prepare the youth for practical, earnest work in life. Their influence does not tend toward refinement, generosity, or real manliness. {AH 500.2} Some of the most popular amusements, such as football and boxing, have become schools of brutality. They are developing the same characteristics as did the games of ancient Rome. The love of domination, the pride in mere brute force, the reckless disregard of life, are exerting upon the youth a power to demoralize that is appalling. {AH 500.3} Adventist Home page 500 by Ellen White

Professed followers of Jesus Christ who indulge in gaiety and feasting cannot be partakers with Christ in His sufferings. They have no sense of His sufferings. They do not care to meditate upon self-denial and sacrifice. They find but little interest in studying the marked points in the history of the life of Christ upon which the plan of salvation rests, but imitate ancient Israel who ate and drank and rose up to play. This was written by one of my favorite Christian authors, Ellen White. Confrontation page 64-65