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.

Our Words Are Powerful!

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Let me tell you something real: your words are seeds. Every sentence you speak is either planting life… or planting death. And eventually, you’re gonna eat the fruit of whatever you’ve been sowing. So the question isn’t if your words have power—the question is how are you using that power?

You don’t need a stage or a mic to speak life. You’ve got people around you right now—family, coworkers, friends—who are starving for encouragement. They’re drowning in criticism, and your words could be the lifeline.

Speak life when it’s easy, and especially when it’s not. When you feel frustrated, choose grace. When you’re tempted to tear down, build up instead. Life-giving words don’t just bless others… they bless you. You become the kind of person you want to be when you talk like the kind of person you were created to be.

Love Changes Everything!

“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.” — 1 John 4:9

Let me just tell you, this is the kind of verse that will mess you up—in the best kind of way.

Because this isn’t some vague, feel-good kind of love. This is love that shows up. Love that steps into our world, into our mess, into our need. God didn’t just say He loves us… He proved it by sending Jesus. And not just to give us a pat on the back or a little pick-me-up. He sent His Son so that we might LIVE—really live—through Him.

And that’s the heart of the Gospel right there. God loves you so much, He sent Jesus to make sure you didn’t just survive this life, but thrive in it. Love came down so you could rise up.

So if today feels heavy… if the world feels loud… if your soul feels tired… remember: His love already made a way. You don’t have to earn it. Just receive it. And live through Him.

That’s the kind of love that changes everything

Courageous!

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:10

Let me tell you something most folks don’t expect: doing the right thing doesn’t always make life easier. Sometimes, it makes it harder. Standing for what’s right in a world that loves what’s wrong? That’ll get you laughed at, left out, and maybe even lied about. But Jesus said blessed are those who are persecuted—not because they stirred up trouble, but because they chose to live right.

You see, persecution isn’t proof that you’re losing… it might be proof that you’re walking with the King. When your faith gets tested, when your motives get questioned, when you get pushback for simply living out what Jesus has put in you—don’t hang your head. Lift it up. Because that’s when the kingdom shows up in you the strongest.

It’s not easy. But it is worth it. Because the kingdom of heaven doesn’t belong to the comfortable… it belongs to the courageous. So keep shining. Keep standing. Keep loving. Even when it costs you. Because when you live for Jesus, no pain is wasted, no trial is unnoticed, and no stand is unseen.

You’re not alone—and you’re not defeated. You’re blessed.