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.
Uncategorized

Start the Day With the Shepherd!

“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 (KJV)

Friend, before you check your phone, answer an email, or make your first decision of the day, spend a few moments with the One who already knows how your day will unfold.

David prayed, “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning.” He wasn’t asking for an easier day. He was asking for God’s presence before he faced the day.

Isn’t that what we all need? We don’t know what today holds, but we know Who holds today.

Notice David also prayed, “Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk.” God is not interested in leaving His children confused. As we spend time in His Word and seek Him in prayer, He faithfully gives us the wisdom we need for each step. He may not show us the entire journey, but He always provides enough light for the next step.

Maybe you’re facing an important decision today. Maybe you’re carrying a burden that seems too heavy. Or maybe today looks like just another ordinary day. Whatever is ahead, don’t walk into it alone.

The same God who guided David still guides His people today. Trust Him. Follow Him. Rest in Him.

Remember, the best way to begin your day is in the presence of the One who has already gone before you.

Have a blessed day, my friend. God is with you every step of the way.

Uncategorized

The Day Tears Will End!

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” -Revelation 21:4 (KJV)

Friend, every one of us carries something that weighs on our hearts. It may be grief from losing someone we love, a burden we have carried for years, a painful diagnosis, or simply the weariness that comes from living in a broken world.

But Revelation 21:4 reminds us that this world is not the end of the story.

John gives us a glimpse of heaven, where God Himself will wipe away every tear. Think about that for a moment. Not an angel. Not a friend. Not a family member. God Himself will gently wipe away every tear from the eyes of His children.

There will be no more funerals, no more hospital rooms, no more broken hearts, no more loneliness, and no more pain. Everything that sin brought into this world will one day be gone forever.

That promise gives us hope for today. It reminds us that our present struggles are temporary, but God’s future is eternal. If you’re walking through a difficult season, don’t lose heart. Every step of faith is bringing you closer to the day when sorrow will be replaced with joy and tears will give way to everlasting praise.

Hold on to Jesus. The best is yet to come.

Uncategorized

Today Is A Gift!

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” -Psalm 118:24 (KJV)

Friend, it’s easy to spend today thinking about yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s worries. We replay conversations we wish had gone differently, or we stress over things that haven’t even happened yet. But Psalm 118:24 gently brings us back to where life is actually lived: today.

Notice what the psalmist says: “This is the day which the Lord hath made.” Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. This day. The one you’re living right now is a gift from God.

That doesn’t mean every day is easy. Some days bring heartache, disappointment, or unexpected challenges. But even on those difficult days, God is still present, still faithful, and still at work. His goodness isn’t determined by our circumstances.

Choosing to rejoice isn’t pretending everything is perfect. It’s choosing to trust that God is greater than whatever you’re facing. It’s thanking Him for His grace, His strength, and His promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

So today, slow down and notice the blessings around you. Encourage someone. Spend time with the Lord. Smile a little more. Worry a little less. This day is a gift you will never receive again.