All posts by mjharvell

Welcome, friend—I’m glad you’ve pulled up a chair on the front porch of my little corner of the internet. My name is Michael Joe Harvell, and I live my life with one simple mission: to glorify God, encourage people, and leave this world a little better than I found it. I’m a husband, father, pastor, writer, Jeep enthusiast, and front-porch thinker who believes that life is best lived on purpose. I serve as pastor of Eureka Baptist Church in Anderson, South Carolina, where I get the joy of preaching, teaching, and walking with people through the ups and downs of everyday life. Over the years, I’ve discovered that faith isn’t just about Sunday mornings—it’s about living every single day in the presence and power of God. I’m also an author. My books—including The Grace Exchange: How Forgiven People Forgive People and The Word Works—grow out of the sermons, stories, and lessons I’ve learned on this journey. I write in a style that’s conversational, a little front-porch-rocking-chair, and full of stories, quotes, and Scripture that point us back to the goodness of God’s Word. When I’m not writing or preaching, you might find me sitting outside with my Bible and journal, cruising the backroads in my Jeep Gladiator, or sharing a meal and some laughs with the good folks God has put in my life. I love helping people find peace in their spirit, strength in their body, and encouragement in their soul. This blog is simply an extension of that mission. Here you’ll find devotions, encouragement, reflections, and practical insights for living a life of purpose, peace, and joy. So grab a cup of coffee, pull up a rocking chair, and stay awhile—I’d be honored to walk this road of faith with you.
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The Devil Doesn’t Want You to Know This Truth!

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” -James 4:7 (KJV)

Friend, one of the greatest misconceptions in the Christian life is believing that we are powerless against temptation and the attacks of the enemy. James gives us a promise that is both simple and powerful: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Notice the order. James does not begin with resisting the devil. He begins with submitting to God. Victory is not found in our own willpower. It is found in surrender. The closer we walk with the Lord, the stronger we become. When our hearts are yielded to Him, His strength becomes our strength.

Then James says, “Resist the devil.” To resist means to stand firm. It means refusing to compromise, refusing to believe the enemy’s lies, and refusing to give in when temptation comes knocking. We do not stand alone. We stand clothed in the armor of God and anchored in the truth of His Word.

And here is the wonderful promise: “He will flee from you.” The devil is no match for the power of God. When we stand in Christ, the enemy cannot defeat the child of God who is fully surrendered to the Lord.

So today, submit your heart to God. Trust His Word. Stand firm in your faith. Whatever battle you are facing, remember this: the victory does not belong to the enemy. It belongs to the Lord. And when you walk closely with Him, you can face every challenge with confidence, knowing that God is greater than anything that stands against you.

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What You Focus On Will Shape Your Life!

Friend, it is so easy to let our minds become consumed with the things of this world. The headlines. The bills. The problems at work. The disappointments of yesterday. The uncertainties of tomorrow. Before long, our thoughts begin to shape our attitudes, and our attitudes begin to shape our lives.

That is why the Apostle Paul gives us this simple but powerful instruction in Colossians 3:2:

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (KJV)

Notice Paul doesn’t say to ignore the realities of life. We all have responsibilities, challenges, and burdens to carry. But he reminds us not to let earthly things become the focus of our hearts.

Whatever captures your attention will eventually capture your affection. If we constantly dwell on fear, we will become fearful. If we constantly focus on the negative, discouragement will follow. But when we fix our minds on Christ, His promises, His faithfulness, and His kingdom, something wonderful begins to happen. Our perspective changes even when our circumstances do not.

I’ve discovered that peace is often a matter of perspective. When I look around, I can become discouraged. When I look within, I can become defeated. But when I look up, I find hope.

Today, choose to lift your eyes above the temporary things that are weighing you down. Remember that this world is not your final home. Your Savior is still on the throne. He is still in control. He is still working all things together for your good.

So set your heart on things above, trust the Lord with what is before you, and walk through this day with confidence, knowing that heaven’s perspective changes everything.