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.

Do Something?

You ever notice how life has a way of making us think we need to do something big and flashy to make a difference? We assume if we’re not building orphanages or curing diseases, we’re just spinning our wheels. But Hebrews 13:16 offers a different perspective. It says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Now, that doesn’t mean you have to sell everything and move to some remote village—unless you just really enjoy mosquito bites. It means that the everyday kindness you show—the way you stop to listen when someone’s having a rough day, or the way you share your time, your talents, or even a piece of your heart—those things matter.

God doesn’t weigh the size of your good deed—He weighs the heart behind it. Holding the door for someone, making that phone call you’ve been meaning to, or just sitting with someone in their sorrow—those are holy acts. When you share from your soul, whether it’s a meal, a smile, or simply your presence, you’re building something far bigger than you realize: you’re building the kingdom of God, one small sacrifice at a time.

So, don’t get caught up in trying to do something grand. Just do something good. And then do it again. Because when you do, you’ll discover that sometimes the smallest kindness makes the biggest difference.

Open The Door!

You ever had an unexpected guest show up at your door? You’re sitting there in your favorite chair, probably with your feet propped up, halfway through a good book or a football game, and then—knock, knock, knock. You glance at the door, thinking, I wasn’t expecting anybody.

Revelation 3:20 says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Now, I don’t know about you, but if Jesus shows up at my door, I sure hope I’m not too distracted to let Him in.

The beauty of this verse is that Jesus doesn’t barge in. He doesn’t kick down the door or jiggle the handle. No, He knocks. Gently, patiently, He waits. It’s an invitation, not a demand. And if you’ll just open that door, He’s ready to sit down with you—not to lecture or scold—but to share a meal. To spend time. To be close.

Some folks think they’ve got to get their house spotless before they let Jesus in. They figure He won’t want to sit down if there’s some dirt in the corners. But let me tell you, Jesus doesn’t care if there’s dust on the shelves or if your life’s a bit messy. He just wants to be with you.

So, if you hear that knock today, don’t wait. Open the door. Let Him in. Because once you do, you’ll find that His presence makes even the messiest house feel like home.

The Story!

Have you ever tried to describe something so big, so magnificent, that words just won’t do it justice? That’s kinda what John was up against when he opened his gospel. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Now, that’s a mouthful, but it’s also the entire Gospel wrapped up in one sentence.

John wasn’t just talking about some fancy poetry—he was introducing us to Jesus. Before there was light, before there were mountains, before your grandma’s cornbread recipe—there was Jesus. He’s always been. He wasn’t Plan B or a last-minute fix for a broken world. No, He was God from the get-go, walking in perfect unity with the Father.

And here’s the kicker: the same Jesus who was there when the stars were hung and the oceans were poured is the One who knows your name. He’s with you when the car won’t start, when the diagnosis comes back, or when your heart is so heavy you can barely breathe.

So, if you’re feeling lost today, remember this: you were spoken into existence by the same Word that made the universe. And that Word—the living, breathing, saving Jesus—is still speaking life into you. You’re not just part of creation—you’re part of the Creator’s story. And that’s a pretty good place to be.