Don Graham Revival Ministries
101 Craig Circle
Clanton, AL 35054
205-755-7295
Dear Beloved,
Greetings in the triumphant
name of Jesus! Paul said of the
Philippians, "I thank my God
upon every remembrance of
you." (Phil 1:3). That is
exactly how I feel about you,
upon every remembrance of
you I'm made deeply grateful
for you!
December 14th, 2008, was a
red letter day for me as we
celebrated 50 years of
preaching. It was one of those
rare and unique days where I
drove another "stake pole"
down real deep to which I'm
sure I'll often retreat in the
future for needed strength and
encouragement. It was that
kind of day—oh, bless God,
what a day! I fully expected it
to be a good and blessed day
but the Lord was pleased to
touch the day in a way I never
dreamed.
I was deeply touched by the
presence during the day of
many friends, your presence
made the day. As I was
preaching, memories,-good
and special memories- of you
rolled across my mind. Thank
you for the effort you extended
to share the day with me.
I was greatly moved by the
notes and letters sent by so
many. I sat and read each one
as the tears flowed over a
smiling face! What a blessing!
I was thrilled by the love
offering. What an incredible
blessing! Thank you, one and
all, for sharing so lovingly and
generously. How blessed we
are! You are the greatest!!!
I was encouraged by the church family at Deerfoot! A congregation of "second-milers" went way beyond the norm to help insure the day would be special and memorable. For all you did for us we will ever be in your debt. I salute you as an exceedingly unique and special part of the Bride of Christ. Upon every remembrance of you I will rejoice!
I was delighted to have my entire family together in church all at the same time. With my current ministry and my
families involvements it is exceedingly rare for this to happen. What a joy!
I was overwhelmed by the selfless ministry of the man who made it all happen, Pastor Roger Willmore. It was
Roger's dream and vision, his tireless efforts and excellent leadership, his initiative and strength of character and his
gracious spirit that ultimately caused the day to be so very beautiful. A bond that was initially created late one night
on Lookout Mountain in the early 70's was forged and cemented beyond all imagination. Thank you, Roger! Thank
you for caring. Thank you for helping me build such a precious memory!
I was humbled by the multiple reminders throughout the day of the grace of God that would stoop to lift one like
me up and allow me the privilege of being a preacher! I'll never get over the joy that my God called me to preach.
The days lengthen...the shadows grow longer...the days grow fewer...the strength lessens! There is no option but to
press on to the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus! Until He calls or comes, I am…
Your's because His,
Don Graham
A WORD FROM "THE WORD"
II Chronicles 32
In our three previous studies in The Yoke we have traced the centrality of the necessity of God's people to turn to Him for revival in their land, turning away from their sin. Throughout the narrative as the people turn to God, God’s response is the blessing of revival. Thus far we have observed:
I. The Purging of the House of God (II Chronicles 29:1-19)
II. The Purification of the Worship of God (II Chronicles 29:30-36)
III. The Pre-eminence of the Passover of God (II Chronicles 30)
IV. The Prompt Obedience to the Word of God (II Chronicles 31)
As we conclude this study note the immediate result of revival (II Chronicles 32):
V. THE PREVAILING VICTORY OVER THE ENEMIES OF GOD (II CHRONICLES 32:1-23)
Immediately upon the people "turning to God", the enemy assaults. "After these things..." (v. 1), what things? The House of God purged, its worship purified, the Passover elevated to its primary role, and the people promptly obeying God. "After these things" the enemy launched a frontal attack. It should never come as a surprise that a revived people will be attacked. Satan fears revival and will resist it fiercely. As the fires of revival sweep across the land, Sennacherib leads the Assyrian host to attack Israel and lay siege on Jerusalem.
A. Resistance From the Enemy of God
Hezekiah has become the "point man" of the revival and Satan aims his lethal attack at him. But note that this revived king is able to stand strong and wise against this open Satanic attack. When he first learns of the enemy's plan, he "takes counsel" with his princes and mighty men (v. 3). He "strengthens himself" in the Lord (v. 5) and proceeds to map out a plan of resistance. A revived king and people are able to withstand this invasion from the enemy. Hezekiah is able to stand strong and resist all their insidious overtures.
B. Resting in the Promises of God
The enemy resorts to his age-old tactics of taunts and terror (vs. 9-16). They gather around the besieged city and taunt the people seeking to cause fear in the hearts of God's people. They taunt with the tongue and the pen seeking to strike fear and divide the people. We should never be ignorant of the devices of the enemy in resisting revival. Instead of crumbling in fear, Hezekiah calmly speaks "comfortably" to his people (vs. 6-8). In the face of overwhelming opposition Hezekiah, unflappable in his demeanor, reminds his people of the promises and power of God admonishing them to "be strong and courageous". Their revived leader reminds them that there are far more with them than with Sennacherib. Being reminded that God is prepared to fight their battles, they rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah and found shelter in the Lord.
C. Reaching Out Of the Hand of God
Wisely Hezekiah seeks the counsel of Isaiah the prophet and together they prayed (v. 20). The greatest weapon in their arsenal was utilized as these mighty men laid hold of the throne of God and mightily prevailed in prayer. Such prevailing prayer brought the visitation of the angel of heaven who smote 185,000 Assyrian soldiers dead in their sleep that very night. Sennacherib went limping home "with shame of face" to be murdered by his own sons (vs. 20-21), while Hezekiah was "magnified" in the sight of all the people (v. 23).
So we must "turn" unto our God for revival in our day. As our enemy taunts and threatens, teases and terrorizes, we must turn unto the Lord. Let us hear the threefold prayer of the Psalmist, "Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause Thy face to shine, and we shall be saved." (Psalm 80:3, 7, 19)