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.

Your Mind Is a Battlefield!

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

Good morning, my friend.

One of the greatest battles you will ever fight will not happen around you. It will happen inside your mind.

Because every thought that enters your mind does not deserve a place in your heart.

Some thoughts are filled with fear. Some are filled with worry. Some tell you that you are not good enough, that nothing is going to change, or that your situation is hopeless.

But the Bible says we can bring our thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

That means when a thought shows up, you don’t just accept it. You examine it.

Does this agree with what God has said?

If God says He will never leave you, then the thought that you are alone has to go.

If God says He will supply your need, then fear about tomorrow doesn’t get to control today.

If God says His grace is sufficient, then the thought that you cannot make it through this season does not get the final word.

My friend, you may not be able to control every thought that enters your mind, but you can decide which thoughts you allow to stay.

Take that fear captive. Take that worry captive. Take that negative thinking captive.

And replace it with the truth of God’s Word.

Guard your mind today.

Because when your thoughts come under the authority of Christ, your life begins to follow.

God Hasn’t Run Out of What You Need!

Good morning, my friend.

Philippians 4:19 says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

I love the way Paul says that. He doesn’t say God might supply. He doesn’t say God will supply if everything goes according to your plan. He says, “My God shall supply.”

Now, that doesn’t mean God promises to give us everything we want. There is a big difference between our wants and our needs. Sometimes we are asking God for one thing while He knows we need something completely different.

And here’s what I’ve learned. God’s supply doesn’t always look like I expected it to look.

Sometimes He supplies financially. Sometimes He supplies through another person. Sometimes He supplies strength to keep going. Sometimes He supplies wisdom for the next decision. Sometimes He opens a door, and sometimes His provision is closing one that would have hurt us.

But God knows exactly what you need today.

So if you’re worried about tomorrow, remember who holds tomorrow. The same God who has carried you this far hasn’t suddenly run out of resources.

Do what you can do. Be faithful with what God has placed in your hands. Pray about what you cannot control. Then trust your Heavenly Father to provide what you need when you need it.

“My God shall supply all your need.”

You can rest in that promise today.

When God Says Yes, No Or Wait!

A Yes, a No, or a Wait

Good evening, my friend.

Have you ever prayed for something and wondered why God answered yes, no, or not yet?

Here’s a thought to carry with you tonight: A yes from God blesses you. A no from God protects you. And waiting on God prepares you.

When God says yes, thank Him for His goodness. When He says no, trust that He sees what you cannot see. And when He asks you to wait, remember that waiting is not wasted time. God may be strengthening your faith, shaping your heart, or preparing you for what comes next.

Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.”

So if you’re still waiting tonight, don’t give up and don’t get ahead of God. Keep praying, keep trusting, and take the next faithful step.

God knows what you need, and His timing can be trusted.