The River

The Billy Graham Crusades of the 1940's and 1950's introduced a new hymn that was embraced in Evangelical churches of that day.

The powerful anthem, "How Great Thou Art," remains a fixture of unbridled praise in many churches today. The song focuses the eyes of the singers away from their own significance, and upon the sovereignty and the majesty of God.

Reflecting upon the answered prayers of millions of people who called out to God for mercy during this recent election, leads me to keep praying for them to give Him ALL the glory for it.
There is a prophetic sign that stands in front of the old courthouse in Dayton, Ohio. It states, "Remember the promises you made in the attic."

These words refer to the prayers and promises made to God when a raging river flooded the Main Street of the city and claimed the lives of 300 citizens. Frantic citizens were forced to run to high ground or climb into their attics and call out to God for mercy.

The apex of the sign marks the high water mark of The Great Dayton Flood that was caused by the overflow of the Great Miami River sweeping through Dayton, Ohio in 1913.

Standing 10 feet above street level, the words of this sign serve as a powerful reminder of the tendency of people to call out to God in a crisis to broker a deal with Him. With the passing of the crisis, their promises made in the attic are often forgotten.

Receiving God's mercy from Him is not an end in itself. It is an invitation to a long walk of obedience with Him. Jesus called it "The Yoke" and He leaned into it. He invited His followers to do the same.

President Trump has literally written the book on, "The Art of the Deal." As skillful as he is at making a deal, Mr. Trump requires a guiding hand upon his life greater than his own. Pray for him to hear the voice of Jesus inviting him to take His yoke upon him.

During the election of 2016, Evangelicals voted in record numbers for Mr. Trump. Millions more prayed for Mr. Trump and this election with a renewed passion for God's mercy to be poured out upon their nation. Undoubtedly, their prayers were heard and answered.

Desperate people drowning in a flood of leaks revealing unabated national corruption, prayed and made promises to God in the attic that they should never forget.

NOTE TO SELF: Never turn making deals with God into an art form. You are always the junior partner in the deal. Any art of the deal is not based upon your power. The deal is empowered by God, not you. "How Great Thou Art," indeed.

Obedience requires a close walk with God, and a long memory. God always keeps His promises. Never forget yours. You have survived the flood. "Remember the promises you made in the attic."

TALK LESS! PRAY MORE!