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.
Uncategorized

If You’re Tired Today – Remember This!

“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.” -Romans 12:12 (KJV)

Friend, life has a way of testing us. There are days when the answers don’t come quickly, the burdens seem heavier than we expected, and the road ahead feels uncertain. In moments like those, Romans 12:12 gives us three simple reminders that can carry us through.

First, “Rejoicing in hope.” Our hope is not found in changing circumstances. Our hope is found in an unchanging Savior. Because Jesus lives, we can face today with confidence and tomorrow without fear.

Second, “Patient in tribulation.” Patience doesn’t mean we enjoy the struggle. It means we trust that God is still working while we wait. Every trial has a purpose, and every delay is another opportunity to deepen our faith. God has not forgotten you. He is shaping you.

Finally, “Continuing instant in prayer.” Prayer is more than asking God for help. It is staying connected to the One who holds all things together. Every prayer reminds us that we are not carrying life’s burdens alone. Our Heavenly Father hears every word, sees every tear, and knows every need before we even ask.

So if today feels difficult, don’t give up. Hold on to hope. Be patient in the process. Keep talking to God.

The same God who has been faithful in every season of your life will be faithful again. And one day, you’ll look back and realize He was working all along.

Uncategorized

Today In History – July 1, 1863

Today in History • July 1, 1863

On this day in history, the Battle of Gettysburg began.

For three days, the quiet town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, became the setting for one of the most significant battles in American history. More than 50,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, captured, or reported missing, making it the bloodiest battle ever fought on American soil.

Gettysburg marked a turning point in the Civil War. The Confederate Army’s advance into the North was halted, and the momentum of the war began to shift. The events that unfolded on those fields would help shape the future of our nation.

As we remember this day, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and resolve of those who served. Their willingness to stand for what they believed reminds us that freedom has always carried a great cost.

The Bible reminds us in John 15:13 (KJV), “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” While this verse ultimately points us to the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, it also reminds us that true love is often demonstrated through selfless sacrifice.

History teaches us an important lesson. A nation divided against itself pays a heavy price. While we may not always agree, we should never forget the importance of unity, respect, and our shared responsibility to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.

May we never take those freedoms for granted. May we remember the sacrifices of the past, learn from history, and strive to leave a stronger nation for the generations that follow.

Today in history, we remember Gettysburg, we honor those who served, and above all, we give thanks to God, from whom every good gift and every blessing ultimately comes.