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 Beginning of Wisdom

I’ll tell you something, folks, the Good Book doesn’t taken much time getting to the point. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Now, I don’t know about you, but that verse packs more truth than Mama’s Sunday dinner packs calories.

What does it mean to fear the Lord? It’s not about trembling like you’re scared of a thunderstorm; it’s about standing in awe of the One who hung the stars and painted the sunsets. It’s about respecting Him enough to listen when He speaks and trust when He leads.

But here’s the thing—we live in a world full of know-it-alls and wannabe experts, and they’re quick to brush off anything that comes from above. The Bible calls them fools, and they might as well wear a sign that says, “I don’t need any help.” But the rest of us know better. We know we need God’s wisdom because left to our own devices, we’ll wander farther off course than a rooster in a windstorm.

When you start with a humble heart and a healthy respect for God, you’re opening the door to wisdom that lasts. So let’s quit acting like we’ve got it all figured out. Let’s start each day with this simple prayer: “Lord, teach me what I don’t know, and remind me what I need to remember.” That’s the kind of wisdom that’ll carry you through, from the good times to the tough times, and straight into eternity.

That’s the kind of wisdom worth living for.

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Just In Time!

Galatians 4:4-5 says, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”

Now, I don’t know about you, but that kind of timing amazes me. God’s timing is never too early, never too late—it’s just right. Think about it: He didn’t send Jesus into some random moment in history. He sent Him into the perfect moment. If I tried to explain it, I’d say it’s like sitting on the porch, watching the sunset, and realizing it’s the same every night but never quite the same. God works like that—always dependable, but uniquely fitting to the moment.

And here’s the kicker: Jesus didn’t just come to drop in, say hello, and leave us where we were. No, He came to redeem us. That word “redeem” means He bought us back, paid the price, and set us free. He didn’t do it because we earned it or deserved it. He did it because, well, we were His.

So, let me tell you this: You are no orphan. You’ve been adopted by the King of Kings. That means you belong to a family that won’t let you go. You’re loved, chosen, and cherished.

If you’re feeling out of sorts, like the world’s left you behind, remember this: God’s timing is still perfect. He showed up in the fullness of time then, and He’ll show up for you now. You just keep holding on—He’s already holding you.

The Gift!

Now y’all, Isaiah 9:6 gives us one of the most beautiful descriptions of hope in the Bible. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” That verse right there isn’t just poetry; it’s a promise.

When life gets tough—and let’s be honest, it gets tougher than a two-dollar steak—you need to remember this: God saw our mess and sent us the answer wrapped up in swaddling clothes. Wonderful. Counsellor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Those aren’t just titles; those are lifelines.

He’s Wonderful when the world leaves you weary. He’s the Counsellor when you’re lost and don’t know where to turn. He’s the Mighty God when the load is too heavy for your shoulders. He’s the Everlasting Father, never too busy, never too far away. And oh, He’s the Prince of Peace when the storms in your life just won’t let up.

So, next time you’re feeling like the weight of the world is on your back, remember this: the government is on His shoulder, not yours. That’s why He came—so you could breathe, hope, and trust. Isaiah 9:6 isn’t just ancient prophecy; it’s today’s truth. Hold on to it, lean into it, and let it carry you. God’s got this, and He’s got you, too.