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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You Can’t Outgive God!

“The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” -Proverbs 11:25 (KJV)

Friend, one of the beautiful truths of the Christian life is that God never intended for His blessings to stop with us. He blesses us so that we can become a blessing to somebody else.

Proverbs 11:25 gives us a wonderful picture. When you water somebody else’s life, God has a way of making sure your own life gets watered too.

And generosity isn’t always about money.

Sometimes generosity is giving somebody your time. It is making that phone call, offering an encouraging word, praying with somebody who is struggling, sharing a meal, lending a helping hand, or simply being present when somebody needs a friend.

We often think, “I don’t have enough to give.” But God isn’t asking you to give what you don’t have. He is asking you to be faithful with what He has already placed in your hands.

A little kindness can go a long way.

A little encouragement can change somebody’s day.

A little generosity, placed in the hands of God, can make an eternal difference.

And here is the wonderful part: while you are busy refreshing others, God knows exactly how to refresh you.

So today, look around. Somebody in your path needs what God has placed within you.

Be generous. Be kind. Be an encourager.

Because when you spend your life pouring into others, you will discover that God has a way of keeping your own cup full.

Have a blessed day, my friend, and remember: you can’t outgive God!

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God Has Never Missed A Prayer!

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” -Mark 11:24 (KJV)

One of the greatest invitations Jesus ever gave us was the invitation to pray with confidence. In Mark 11:24, He reminds us that prayer is not just about saying words. It is about trusting the God who hears every word we speak.

Now, this verse doesn’t mean we can ask for anything selfish and expect God to hand it to us. It means that when our hearts are surrendered to His will, we can pray believing that our Heavenly Father knows what is best and that He is already at work, even when we cannot yet see the answer.

Sometimes we pray for healing, and the healing seems delayed. We pray for guidance, and the path isn’t immediately clear. We pray for a loved one, and nothing appears to change. But faith doesn’t depend on what our eyes can see. Faith rests in the character of the One who made the promise.

God has never missed a prayer. He has never overlooked one tear or forgotten one burden you’ve placed before Him. His answers may be yes, no, or wait, but every answer is wrapped in His perfect love and wisdom.

So today, don’t stop praying. Don’t give up because the answer hasn’t arrived yet. Bring your needs to the Lord, trust Him completely, and leave the outcome in His hands.

The God who hears your prayer is already working in ways you cannot yet imagine.

Have a blessed day, and remember, God is always faithful.