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.
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Not Of This World!

Not Of This World!

Sometimes I forget that this world is not my home.  This life is just my passing through on a place called earth.  In this life, I have the opportunity to grow in relationship with my Creator and to share that relationship with others.

The Bible puts it this ways in Hebrews 13:14  “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.”

When I was a teenager, one of my favorite music groups was a band called Petra.  Petra had a song called “Not Of This World!” and it is still one of my favorites.  There is a line in the song that says:  “There’s so much to do before we leave.  With so many more who may believe.  Our mission here can never fail.  And the gates of hell will not prevail!”

We are not of this world, but our work is not finished, so let’s get busy for God’s glory!  Hope you enjoy the video and music below and have a blessed weekend!

 

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You Matter!

You are special and you need to know and remember that you are special.  You are special because God created you and has an amazing plan for your life.  Do not allow anyone to take this reality away from you, especially the enemy.

My Bible teaches me that I am God’s family, adopted as a child of the King.  It teaches me that we are friends, we get to walk and talk together everyday and will spend all eternity together.  It teaches me that I am free, because I have been bought and redeemed at a great price.  It teaches me that I am filled with the Holy Spirit, which means that God flows into and through me.  It teaches me that I am forgiven, not because I’ve earned it or deserve it, but because God’s grace is amazing and His mercy is sweet.

We need to learn to remind ourself, others and the devil everyday that “I am who God says that I am and it does not matter what you say!”  Go ahead, say it out loud.  Now say it again, c’mon – say it like you mean it!

Now believe it, live it and watch God do incredible and amazing things in, through and with your life.

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It Does Not Matter What You Say!

You are special and you need to know and remember that you are special.  You are special because God created you and has an amazing plan for your life.  Do not allow anyone to take this reality away from you, especially the enemy.

My Bible teaches me that I am God’s family, adopted as a child of the King.  It teaches me that we are friends, we get to walk and talk together everyday and will spend all eternity together.  It teaches me that I am free, because I have been bought and redeemed at a great price.  It teaches me that I am filled with the Holy Spirit, which means that God flows into and through me.  It teaches me that I am forgiven, not because I’ve earned it or deserve it, but because God’s grace is amazing and His mercy is sweet.

We need to learn to remind ourself, others and the devil everyday that “I am who God says that I am and it does not matter what you say!”  Go ahead, say it out loud.  Now say it again, c’mon – say it like you mean it!

Now believe it, live it and watch God do incredible and amazing things in, through and with your life.