People often ask me why God doesn't seem to answer prayer like He did in the Bible.  I always respond by saying, "he does."  I think what people are looking for is the immediate response such as, "God we need rain" and within 30 seconds it is pouring the rain.  Does God still answer prayer like that?  Let me share what has happened to me the past three weeks.

First, I prayed for god to let me know where mu sister was.  Didn't know if she was dead or alive.  I hadn't heard form her in years.  I admitted to god I wasn't sure how this would happen but I'd just love to know where she was so I would know how to pray for her. 
The next evening my Aunt called and told me she had just found out she was in jail in Florida.  Prayer answered within 24 hours.

Second, today Deb and I were talking about how we were going to pay the summer school tuition for Andrew.  As I was heading to the church I was talking with god about this problem.  I'm not going into debt again and college isn't a want but a definite need.  I promise this happened!  While I was talking to god about this topic I received a phone call giving us the $700.00 we needed.  Not a dime more or a dime less.  You talk about immediate.

Third, 5 Point of Africa.  God has already given us 200 chairs, close to $6,000 for the land that cost $7,000.  We'll have the money needed for the materials soon with the commitments made.  Salvations are taking place every week in Africa.  Renatus told me he has 50 people ready for baptism.  WOW!

Fourth, this might seem very trivial to many people, but I lost my 500 acres of land in Gaffney.  I have no where to deer hunt.  I've prayed several times that god would allow me some land to hunt on.  I love to get away and enjoy the great outdoors.  Just this week a couple friends have invited me to hunt with them on some private land.  One in Kentucky and one in Michigan.  Never hunted in either one. 

I know what some of you are thinking already, "Dean, that is stupid, God doesn't care about such things as deer land."  i would disagree completely.  Just as a earthly Father wants to know the desires of his child's heart, so does god the Father.  I'm going to continue praying for some land close by so I won't have to travel to hunt.  GOD CARES!

Make sure you understand, God doesn't always answer prayer that quickly for me.  I'm still begging god for the following:
1. The exact location He wants for our church home.  We can't stay here forever.
2. The salvation of my sisters and others.
3. To reach every lost person in this city.
4. A lot of things concerning our church.
5. America repenting and running back to Jesus
The list could go on but I think you understand my point.

God also has told me NO on some things.
1. Heal my Mom, Dad and Father-in-law from cancer.  He did, it just took place in Heaven.  I sure miss Mom, Dad and Buster.
2. Hiring certain people onto staff.  Some I really liked.
3. I've asked God for a good singing voice on many occasions.  If you've heard me sing, you know his response BIG TIME!
4. I pray that God fills my boat every time I go fishing and mean it.  The past three trips have been a MAJOR NO!

My point in all this, just keep praying.  God will answer as soon as He is ready or already has.  Don't take my word for it, take that of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 18:19
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."

Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."