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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Look Up Before You Look Around!

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” -Psalm 5:3 (KJV)

Good morning, my friend.

There is something special about the first few moments of the day. Before the phone starts ringing, before the emails begin coming in, and before the responsibilities of life begin to pile up, we have a choice. We can either carry the day on our shoulders, or we can place it into God’s hands.

David said, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord.” He made it a priority to begin his day talking with God. Why? Because he knew the direction of his day would be determined by the focus of his heart.

I love the last four words of this verse: “and will look up.” David prayed, but he also expected. He wasn’t just going through a religious routine. He believed God was listening, and he trusted God to respond in His perfect way and perfect timing.

Maybe today you’re carrying a burden that nobody else knows about. Maybe you have a decision to make, a relationship that needs healing, or a mountain that seems impossible to climb. Before you try to figure it all out, take it to the Lord.

Prayer doesn’t always change our circumstances immediately, but it always changes us. It reminds us that we’re not facing today alone. The God who created the heavens and the earth is walking beside us, strengthening us, guiding us, and reminding us that His grace will always be enough.

So this morning, before you look around at your problems, look up to your Savior. Start your day with His voice, trust Him with every step, and walk forward in confidence knowing that the Lord has already gone before you.

Have a blessed day, and remember: the best way to begin your morning is in the presence of the One who holds your future.

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Follow Me!

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” -Matthew 4:19 (KJV)

Friend, one of the greatest invitations ever given wasn’t to a palace, a university, or a position of power. It was an invitation from Jesus Himself.

“Follow me.”

When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, He didn’t choose men who had everything figured out. They were ordinary fishermen living ordinary lives. But Jesus saw what they could become, not just what they were.

Notice He didn’t say, “Make yourself better, and then follow Me.” He said, “Follow Me, and I will make you.” That’s the Christian life in a nutshell. Our job is to follow. His job is to transform.

Sometimes we think God can’t use us because of our past, our mistakes, or our limitations. But Jesus has always specialized in taking ordinary people and doing extraordinary things through them.

The closer you walk with Christ, the more He changes your heart. Your priorities begin to change. Your words become kinder. Your faith grows stronger. And before long, you begin to influence others simply because you’ve been spending time with Him.

Today, don’t worry about having all the answers. Just take the next step of obedience. Spend time in His Word. Talk with Him in prayer. Trust Him with today’s decisions.

The same Jesus who called fishermen by the Sea of Galilee is still calling people today. His invitation hasn’t changed.

Follow Me.

And if you’ll follow Him faithfully, He’ll make your life count for something far greater than you ever imagined.