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.
“Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and purpose.” Philippians 2:2
The repeating message of the scriptures is about relationships. We discover in this sacred text, the importance of our relationship with our Creator, Who made us in His image. We begin to learn that relationships with others is an important part of fulfilling the purpose of our human existence.
Jesus taught that it all boils down to two commands: We are to love God and we are to love others! When we get the proper flow of love, everything else falls into place. Relationships matter, but rarely get the attention that they deserve. So ask and answer these questions as honestly as possible: How are you doing in the relationship department? How could you improve in your relationships? What can you do to let people know that you care?
A HANDFUL OF TIPS: Remember what you do is more important than what you say. In the end, both matter – talk and walk. Treat everyone with respect, courtesy and dignity! Follow the example of Jesus and your life will take on a whole new purpose and meaning.
One of the things that I have noticed that we do quiet frequently is quote scripture that is often intended for others. We especially like to do this on the social media networks. And when I say we, I am certainly including me, myself and I! There have been many occasions when I will come across or read a scripture and then click to share it with someone else in mind.
There are a few different problems with this “post it preaching” that a lot of us seem to do. These problems can actually corrupt the plans of God by getting in the way of His blessing. Here are just a few of the problems that we need to consider before hitting the share button.
Problem #1 – If we are not careful, we move into a place of being judgmental. We make our judgments okay, by convincing ourself that the person we are thinking of is guilty and this scripture proves it. Guilt is not something for us to pronounce – this is God’s call and He is more than capable of doing what He needs to do without any help from you and me. It’s real easy to forget how amazing God’s grace is in our lives, when we get too focused on the lives of others.
Problem #2 – If we are not careful, we miss what the Scripture is saying to us. There have been times when I have quoted a verse of Scripture and later when I was reading the Scripture that came before and after, I was convicted to the core, not by the verse that I had quoted, but by the verses right before or after. We were taught in seminary, that if you want to understand the text, then you must get the context. The context comes from all the Scripture, not just a part of it. I am guilty of a great many things and Scripture will help me to understand this truth and appropriate God’s grace, if I am paying attention for me.
Problem #3 – If we are not careful, we move into a place of sin and hurt the cause of Christ. When I focus on others, then I don’t have to focus on myself. When I fail to focus on myself, then I don’t have to deal with the stuff that is getting between me and God. When I don’t deal with the stuff that is between me and God, by being honest about it and seeking forgiveness and restoration, then I travel farther away from God and His ways. This hurts not only me, but also the cause of Christ, which I like to think that I am serving.
The next time you read a scripture, take some time to read all of it. Look for what the Spirit might be trying to show you. Listen for how the Spirit might be bringing conviction to set you free. Once you have what you need from the passage, then if you feel the Spirit is sharing something for you to share with someone else, then think and pray about sharing it directly and privately.
Every now and then, you will read a Scripture and it will speak to you in such a profound and meaningful way, that you want to share it. Well go ahead and share it. Every morning I read the Scriptures and spend some time in meditation. Most mornings there is at least one Scripture that really seems to speak to me. I usually post that Scripture just because I want to share.
Sometimes the scripture I share will speak to others and they will respond and at other times all I get is crickets. I don’t share for the response. The sharing is my response to what God has spoken to me through this verse and I am going to try to do something with what He has shown me.
And if you were wondering if this blog was directed at you then check your page for a direct link. If I did not post a direct link on your personal page or inbox, then I was not thinking of you – sorry! 🙂
Michael Joe Harvell 