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.

I Declare!

You know, there’s something downright inspiring about a good story. Whether it’s a yarn spun on a front porch or a tale told by the campfire, stories have a way of bringing folks together. And what better story to share than the one about God’s glory?

1 Chronicles 16:24 says, “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” Now, that’s not just a suggestion; it’s a mission. It’s like the sweet tea at a Southern barbecue—you don’t keep it to yourself. You pour it out for everyone to enjoy.

Think about it—God’s glory isn’t some small-town secret. It’s the grandest tale ever told, bursting with grace, redemption, and hope. And it’s our job to spread that story. Not just to our neighbors, but to the whole world. It’s about making sure everyone gets a taste of His love.

So, whether you’re chatting with the cashier, writing a letter, or just spending time with a friend, let God’s glory shine through. Share the story of His marvelous deeds. It’s a story worth telling, a light worth shining, and a glory worth declaring.

And remember, every word you speak about His goodness plants a seed of hope. You never know how far that seed will grow or how many lives it will touch. So, go ahead, declare His glory among the nations, and watch the world change one heart at a time.

Divine Guidance System

“Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” – Psalms 139:10

Now, y’all, let’s talk about something as comforting as a warm buttered biscuit on a cold morning—God’s guiding hand. Life, as we know, can be as unpredictable as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. One moment, you’re cruising along smooth as silk, and the next, you’re holding on for dear life, wondering which way is up. But here’s the good news: even when we find ourselves in the most uncertain or difficult places, God’s hand is right there, steady and sure.

Picture it like this—God’s hand is not just guiding us like some cosmic GPS, but it’s holding us, gripping us tightly, so we don’t lose our footing. That kind of assurance is better than a double scoop of ice cream on a summer day. It’s knowing that no matter how rough the road or how far we stray, His right hand is strong enough to keep us anchored.

So when life starts feeling like a roller coaster with no brakes, remember Psalms 139:10. Even there—wherever there might be—His hand will guide you, and His grip will never let you go. That, my friends, is the kind of comfort that can carry you through anything life throws your way.

God Is In Control!

Folks, let me tell ya, 1 Chronicles 29:11 packs a punch that’s worth every ounce of our attention. It says, “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.”

Now, if that doesn’t make you stop and think, I don’t know what will. You see, we often get caught up in our own little worlds, thinking we’ve got it all figured out. We hustle, we plan, we strive for control. But here’s the truth, plain and simple: it all belongs to God. The greatness? His. The power? His. The glory and the majesty? All His.

It’s like thinking you own the barbecue joint when all you did was order the ribs. We need to remember we’re just stewards of this life, here to honor the true Owner.

So, let’s take a step back and remember who’s really in charge. God’s got the whole world in His hands, and that includes you and me. Trust in His greatness, lean into His power, and give Him the glory. Because when we do, we find peace, purpose, and a life that’s richer than we ever imagined.

That, my friends, is the kind of truth that changes everything.