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.

Stay Humble, Keep Growing!

Do you know one of the quickest ways to stop growing? Start believing you have nothing left to learn.

There is a powerful quote that says, “To the humble, everyone is a teacher. To the proud, no one is.”

Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.”

My friend, humility keeps the door of wisdom and growth open.

A humble person understands that God can teach us through anybody. We can learn wisdom from someone older, courage from someone younger, patience from a difficult person, and valuable lessons from our own mistakes.

But pride convinces us that we already know enough. It makes us defensive when someone offers correction and causes us to miss lessons that could make our lives better.

Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself. It means recognizing that you do not have everything figured out and being willing to listen, learn, and grow.

Some of God’s greatest lessons may come through people you never expected to teach you anything. So keep your heart open. Ask questions. Listen carefully. Receive correction graciously. Look for the lesson hidden inside every experience.

You do not have to know everything to move forward. You simply need a teachable spirit.

Stay humble, my friend. As long as you are willing to learn, God will continue helping you grow into the person He created you to be.

Keep learning and keep growing!

When Everything Changes, Jesus Never Does!

When Everything Changes, Jesus Never DoesHave you ever noticed how quickly life can change?

One phone call can change your plans. One diagnosis can change your priorities. One disappointment can change the way you see tomorrow.

But Hebrews 13:8 gives us something solid to stand on:

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

Everything around you may change, but Jesus never does.

The same Jesus who forgave Peter after his failure still restores broken people today.

The same Jesus who spoke peace to the storm still brings peace to frightened hearts.

The same Jesus who wept with a grieving family still draws near when our hearts are hurting.

And the same Jesus who walked out of the grave still gives hope when life feels hopeless.

Your feelings may change. Your circumstances may change. People may even change their minds about you. But the character of Jesus never changes. His compassion never runs dry. His grace never runs out. His promises never expire.

Look back and remember His faithfulness yesterday.

Look up and trust His presence today.

Look ahead with confidence because He will still be faithful tomorrow.

You may not know what the future holds, but you can know the One who will meet you there.

Take heart, my friend. When everything around you feels uncertain, hold tightly to the One who never changes.

Jesus Christ is still the same, and He is still enough.

Three Things You Need To Thrive In Life!

Do you know what separates people who merely survive life from those who truly thrive?

“To thrive in life, you need three bones:

A wishbone. A backbone. And a funny bone.”

You need a wishbone because you need something to hope for.

Keep dreaming. Keep praying. Keep believing that God is still working. Your present circumstances are not the end of your story. As long as God is holding the pen, there is always hope for another good chapter.

But a wishbone is not enough. You also need a backbone.

There will be times when you must stand for what is right, even if you are standing alone. You need the courage to face difficult days, make hard decisions, and get back up when life knocks you down.

Then, do not forget your funny bone!

Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”

Life is serious, but that does not mean you have to walk around looking like you were baptized in pickle juice! Laugh at yourself. Enjoy the little things. Make room for joy.

Laughter does not mean you are ignoring your pain. It means you have decided that pain will not have the final word.

So keep hope in your heart, courage in your backbone, and a smile on your face.

Dream big. Stand strong. Laugh often. And through it all, trust God completely.

Which bone do you need strengthened today: your wishbone, your backbone, or your funny bone? Let me know in the comments, and share this with someone who needs a little encouragement!