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.

The Generous Life!

“But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.” -Matthew 6:3

Jesus teaches something powerful in this verse. Real generosity does not need a spotlight.

In our world today, people often want recognition. They want the applause, the credit, the public praise. But Jesus reminds us that the most meaningful acts of kindness are often the ones no one else sees.

There is something beautiful about quiet obedience.

A meal left on someone’s porch.

A bill paid without a name attached.

A prayer whispered for someone who will never know you prayed.

Heaven sees what earth may never notice.

God is not impressed with how loudly we give, but He is deeply moved by how sincerely we love. The Father sees the heart behind every act of kindness. Every unseen sacrifice. Every secret blessing.

And the truth is, when we learn to give this way, something changes inside of us. We are no longer serving for attention. We are serving out of love.

Jesus is teaching us that generosity is not a performance. It is a reflection of a transformed heart.

So today, look for a quiet opportunity to bless someone. Do something good that no one else will know about.

Because when the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing, the Father who sees in secret is smiling.

And that kind of approval is worth far more than the applause of this world.

Guided Steps!

“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” -Psalm 143:8

There is something powerful about the way we begin our morning.

David prayed, “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning.” He understood that the first voice we need to hear each day is not the noise of the world, but the kindness of God.

Before the news, before the schedule, before the demands of the day, our hearts need to be reminded that God loves us, God is with us, and God is already ahead of us.

David also prayed, “Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk.” Life is full of decisions and directions. Sometimes we wish God would show us the whole road ahead, but often He simply shows us the next step.

And that step begins with trust.

David said, “For in thee do I trust: I lift up my soul unto thee.” That is a beautiful picture of surrender. It is simply saying, “Lord, today belongs to You. Lead me. Guide me. Direct me.”

When you start your day with God, you start your day with peace.

When you trust Him with your steps, you can walk forward with confidence.

So tomorrow morning, pause for a moment. Open the Word. Whisper a prayer. Lift your soul to God and listen for His lovingkindness.

Because when God guides your steps, you will always be walking in the right direction.

Be Strong, Courageous And All That Good Stuff!

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” -Joshua 1:9

Sometimes God does not give you a suggestion. He gives you a command.

Be strong.

Be courageous.

Do not be afraid.

Joshua was stepping into shoes that felt too big. Moses was gone. The wilderness was behind them. The promise was in front of them. And the pressure was on.

And what does God say?

He does not hand Joshua a new strategy.

He does not give him a five-year plan.

He gives him His presence.

“For the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the awareness of God.

You may be stepping into something new right now. A new season. A new responsibility. A hard conversation. A big decision. And if you are honest, there is a little knot in your stomach.

Hear the Word of the Lord.

You are not walking in alone.

You are not leading alone.

You are not facing this alone.

The same God who was with Joshua is with you. Not behind you. Not ahead of you. With you.

So lift your head. Square your shoulders. Take the next step.

Be strong. Be courageous.

God goes where you go.