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.

Strength For The Journey!

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” -Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

Friend, there comes a time when every one of us discovers the limits of our own strength. The strongest body grows tired. The sharpest mind becomes weary. The bravest heart can become discouraged.

But the wonderful news of the Gospel is this: God’s strength never runs out.

Notice the Bible does not say those who wish upon the Lord or those who merely talk about the Lord. It says those who wait upon the Lord. That word carries the idea of trusting Him, depending on Him, and expecting Him to act. Waiting on God is not passive resignation. It is confident expectation.

Then comes the promise. God renews our strength. He does not simply patch us up; He gives us fresh strength for the journey ahead.

Sometimes God enables us to soar above our circumstances like an eagle riding the currents high above the storm. Sometimes He gives us strength to run through seasons of intense challenge. But most days, He gives us grace to simply keep walking faithfully, one step at a time.

And did you notice the order? We soar, we run, and then we walk. Walking is where most of life is lived. Day after day. Step by step. Faithfulness is not measured by spectacular moments but by steady obedience.

So if you’re weary today, don’t give up. Draw near to the Lord. Rest in His promises. Trust His timing. The God who created the stars has more than enough strength for you, and He delights in giving it to His children.

Today, stop leaning on your own strength and begin leaning on His. You’ll discover that when your strength ends, His has only just begun.

God Is Able to Do More Than You Can Imagine!

‘Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” -Ephesians 3:20–21 (KJV)

Friend, have you ever looked at a situation and thought, “I just don’t see a way?” We’ve all been there. Sometimes the mountain looks too high, the burden too heavy, and the future too uncertain.

But Ephesians 3:20 reminds us that our God is not limited by what we can see or even by what we can imagine. Paul doesn’t just say God is able to do more. He says God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.

Think about that for a moment. The biggest prayer you’ve prayed… the greatest dream you’ve imagined… the deepest need you’ve carried… God is greater than all of it. His resources never run out, His power never grows weak, and His promises never fail.

That doesn’t mean God always answers in the way or the timing we expect. But it does mean He is always working for His glory and for the good of those who love Him.

So don’t give up praying. Don’t stop believing. Don’t let today’s obstacles convince you that tomorrow’s miracles are impossible. Keep trusting the One who specializes in doing what no one else can do.

Today, lift your eyes a little higher. Your circumstances may be big, but your God is bigger. He is still opening doors, changing hearts, making a way where there seems to be no way, and doing more than you could ever ask or imagine.

May your life bring glory to Him, because the God who is able is still at work today. Amen.