MY DESK IN MY HOME STUDY - WHERE VISION BECOMES MINISTRY
This is where many of my days begin. Before the sermons are preached, before the books are written, before the social media posts are shared, and before the meetings are held, there is a quiet place. It is not a stage, a pulpit, or a platform. It is a simple place where a Bible is opened, a journal is nearby, a prayer list is spread across the desk, and a few goals for the day are written down. Most importantly, it is a place where I spend time alone with God.
Over the years, I have learned that the most important work of ministry is often done long before anyone ever sees it. The messages that are preached on Sunday usually begin in the stillness of prayer during the week. Vision for the future is born from time spent in God’s Word. Strength for the challenges of ministry is found in His presence. What people see publicly is often the result of many private moments spent seeking the Lord.
One of the items on my desk is an hourglass. It serves as a daily reminder that time is passing. Every grain of sand represents a moment that can never be recovered. Every day is a gift from God, and every day is an opportunity to make a difference for His kingdom. The older I get, the more I realize that life is not measured merely by years lived but by how faithfully we use the time God has entrusted to us.
My prayer is simple. “Lord, help me use the time You have given me to encourage people, preach Your Word, love my family, serve my church, and leave this world a little better than I found it.” I believe that is a prayer every believer can pray. Whether God has called us to a pulpit, a classroom, an office, a factory, or a home, our responsibility is the same, to be faithful with the opportunities He places before us.
What begins in private with God will eventually impact people in public. A quiet time with the Lord may seem small and insignificant, but it has the power to shape a life, strengthen a family, encourage a church, and influence a community. Never underestimate the power of a quiet place, an open Bible, and a willing heart surrendered to God.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). Those words remind me that my first responsibility is not to impress people but to be approved by God. When I faithfully spend time with Him, He prepares me for whatever lies ahead.
I love you guys and gals and are grateful that we get to do life together. Good night and sleep blessed!
Yesterday, I shared the second message form our new series and my: LIFE IS BETTER TOGETHER - Building And Maintaining Meaningful Rlationships! The message was entitled: “The Heart Of Healthy Relationships!”
Healthy relationships do not happen by accident. They are built over time through small, faithful moments that often go unnoticed.
A conversation that was not rushed.A listening ear that was not distracted.A word that was honest but gentle.A presence that stayed when it would have been easier to walk away.
At the center of every strong marriage, meaningful friendship, healthy family, and thriving church are three foundational pillars: Trust, Respect, and Communication.
When those pillars are strong, relationships can withstand pressure.When they weaken, even good relationships begin to strain.
Life truly is better together, but strong relationships must be built with intention, patience, and love. express in one sentence
Michael Joe Harvell
MY DESK IN MY HOME STUDY - WHERE VISION BECOMES MINISTRY
This is where many of my days begin. Before the sermons are preached, before the books are written, before the social media posts are shared, and before the meetings are held, there is a quiet place. It is not a stage, a pulpit, or a platform. It is a simple place where a Bible is opened, a journal is nearby, a prayer list is spread across the desk, and a few goals for the day are written down. Most importantly, it is a place where I spend time alone with God.
Over the years, I have learned that the most important work of ministry is often done long before anyone ever sees it. The messages that are preached on Sunday usually begin in the stillness of prayer during the week. Vision for the future is born from time spent in God’s Word. Strength for the challenges of ministry is found in His presence. What people see publicly is often the result of many private moments spent seeking the Lord.
One of the items on my desk is an hourglass. It serves as a daily reminder that time is passing. Every grain of sand represents a moment that can never be recovered. Every day is a gift from God, and every day is an opportunity to make a difference for His kingdom. The older I get, the more I realize that life is not measured merely by years lived but by how faithfully we use the time God has entrusted to us.
My prayer is simple. “Lord, help me use the time You have given me to encourage people, preach Your Word, love my family, serve my church, and leave this world a little better than I found it.” I believe that is a prayer every believer can pray. Whether God has called us to a pulpit, a classroom, an office, a factory, or a home, our responsibility is the same, to be faithful with the opportunities He places before us.
What begins in private with God will eventually impact people in public. A quiet time with the Lord may seem small and insignificant, but it has the power to shape a life, strengthen a family, encourage a church, and influence a community. Never underestimate the power of a quiet place, an open Bible, and a willing heart surrendered to God.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). Those words remind me that my first responsibility is not to impress people but to be approved by God. When I faithfully spend time with Him, He prepares me for whatever lies ahead.
I love you guys and gals and are grateful that we get to do life together. Good night and sleep blessed!
Love, Pastor Michael Joe Harvell
MJHarvell.com
Encouraging People. Equipping Believers. Exalting Christ.
1 month ago | [YT] | 32
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Michael Joe Harvell
Yesterday, I shared the second message form our new series and my: LIFE IS BETTER TOGETHER - Building And Maintaining Meaningful Rlationships! The message was entitled: “The Heart Of Healthy Relationships!”
Healthy relationships do not happen by accident. They are built over time through small, faithful moments that often go unnoticed.
A conversation that was not rushed.A listening ear that was not distracted.A word that was honest but gentle.A presence that stayed when it would have been easier to walk away.
At the center of every strong marriage, meaningful friendship, healthy family, and thriving church are three foundational pillars: Trust, Respect, and Communication.
When those pillars are strong, relationships can withstand pressure.When they weaken, even good relationships begin to strain.
Life truly is better together, but strong relationships must be built with intention, patience, and love. express in one sentence
2 months ago | [YT] | 17
View 4 replies