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.

More Than Just Getting Through the Day!

Good morning, my friend. 

You can have a full calendar and still feel like you’re running on empty. Being busy doesn’t always mean you’re living abundantly. 

Jesus says in John 10:10, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” 

There is something trying to steal your joy, drain your peace, and convince you that just getting through the day is all you can hope for. 

But Jesus came to give you life! 

Now, abundant life doesn’t mean every bill disappears, every relationship gets easy, or every prayer gets answered the way you wanted. It means that even in the middle of a difficult day, you have a Shepherd who loves you and walks with you. 

You can have tears in your eyes and hope in your heart. You can face uncertainty and still have peace because you know who holds your future. 

Think about sitting down with somebody you love. The problems may still be there, but their presence reminds you that you don’t have to face them alone. That’s a little picture of what walking with Jesus means. 

Today, before you reach for your phone, reach for your Bible. Ask, “Lord, help me recognize the life You’ve given me and live it well today.” 

Don’t let worry steal the moments God has placed in your hands. 

Walk with Jesus. Love somebody. Give thanks. 

And, my friend, Press On!
 Titles

A Renewed Way Of Thinking!

Good evening, my friend.

There’s a saying that until you change your thinking, you’ll keep recycling your experiences. It reminds us that the thoughts we carry can shape the way we respond to life.

If we keep expecting disappointment, we may miss reasons to hope. If we keep holding on to resentment, yesterday’s hurt can keep weighing on today.

But God can help us think in a new way. Romans 12:2 says, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

That renewal begins as we bring our thoughts to the Lord and let His Word guide us. We may not be able to change what happened yesterday, but with God’s help, we can choose a faithful next step today.

So tonight, ask yourself: Is there a thought I need to surrender? A promise from God I need to remember? A response I can make differently tomorrow?

You are not stuck repeating the past. God is still working in you, one day at a time.

Rest well, my friend. Let Him renew your mind and steady your heart.

Don’t Just Read It, Live It!

Good morning, my friend. 

You can have a Bible full of highlighted verses and still miss the blessing of putting them into practice. 

Philippians 4:9 says, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” 

There’s one little word in that verse that gets my attention: “Do.” 

Paul says, “You’ve learned it. You’ve heard it. You’ve seen it lived out. Now put it into practice.” 

And my friend, that’s a word for all of us. 

We can hear a message about forgiveness on Sunday and still hold a grudge on Monday. We can talk about trusting God while trying to carry every burden ourselves. We can read about kindness and then forget it when somebody gets on our nerves. 

I know, because I need this reminder too. 

Following Jesus takes practice in the ordinary moments of life. 

Maybe today that means making the phone call you’ve been avoiding. Maybe it means apologizing, helping somebody, or pausing to pray before you respond. 

Pick one thing God has shown you in His Word and put it into practice today. 

And notice the promise: “The God of peace shall be with you.” 

That doesn’t mean every problem disappears. It means you have His presence as you take the next faithful step. 

My friend, take what you know and live it where you are. 

Trust God. Do the next right thing.
Titles