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 End Is The Beginning!

Evening brings an end to the day, but it’s not just a closing chapter—it’s the start of something else, something quieter and sacred.

Nature teaches us this daily rhythm, doesn’t it? Just as the sun dips behind the hills, wrapping up its golden work, it hands the baton to the moon, casting its own gentle light on the world.

When one thing ends, there’s always something waiting in the wings, maybe softer, maybe subtler, but no less vital.

In our lives, too, what we think of as endings are often just the space where new beginnings can unfold.

Every chapter that wraps up—whether it’s a job, a season, or even a relationship—leaves behind a field, freshly plowed, ready for planting.

The sun setting is no tragedy; it’s a promise that tomorrow waits with new growth, fresh steps, and even, sometimes, a chance to start all over again. Embrace the endings; they’re just beginnings in disguise.

Evening Thoughts: The Power Of Letting Go!

As the day fades into night, we find ourselves holding on to things we’ve picked up along the way—worries, regrets, burdens. But, my friend, there’s a great power in letting go.

It’s like the trees shedding their leaves in autumn, trusting that in due time, new life will come. Nature doesn’t cling to the old; it releases, knowing that’s the way forward.

Life teaches us the same. We’re not meant to carry the weight of every yesterday. Let go, and you’ll feel the freedom of being right here, right now.

Just as rivers carve their way through mountains by flowing freely, so do we when we surrender. Trust the journey, let go of what you cannot control, and watch as the peace you’ve been chasing comes to you.

The Power Of Affirmations!

Affirmations are one of those things that can seem a little strange at first. I mean, standing in front of a mirror and telling yourself, “I am capable,” or “I am loved,” feels like you’re just talking to the bathroom wall. But here’s the thing—those words have power.

God, the Creator of everything spoke the world into existence. If His words carry that much weight, then what we say about ourselves matters, too. The Bible tells us that “life and death are in the power of the tongue” and that we are made in the image of God. Every word we say shapes our world and our hearts. 

It is so much more than just positive thoughts and words. You can affirm all day long that you’re gonna lose weight, but if you’re still eating fried chicken, biscuits, and gravy and chocolate cake for breakfast, it ain’t happening!” Affirmations aren’t magic spells. They work when they’re backed up by action, by living in line with what you’re saying.

Affirmations are like planting seeds. You don’t plant them and get a tree the next morning. But you water them with belief and action, and over time, you’ll see the growth. You start affirming the truth about who you are in the Spirit of God — You are loved, redeemed, chosen—and those roots go deep.

So how do you make affirmations that stick? First, keep them grounded in truth—don’t just tell yourself you’re awesome for the sake of it, but because God says you’re fearfully and wonderfully made. 2nd, say them consistently. The more you speak them, the more they’ll sink into your heart. And finally, live them out—let your actions back up your words.

In the end, affirmations are like a good ol’ cup of coffee. They wake you up, keep you going, and remind you that there’s something good waiting in the day ahead. So, what will you affirm about yourself today?