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.
What an incredible and amazing day! Thank you so much to all of the volunteers that help to make Grace Place the very special place of ministry that it is to so many. We were able to serve another 30 families today. And each one was a blessing beyond words!
When I first walked back in from running an errand. I found all of the volunteers in a circle with one of our shoppers, they had just finished praying for and with her! Everyone had tears in their eyes and it was plain to see that they were filled with the Spirit! I knew this was going to be a very different day filled with exciting, fun and meaningful ministry!
One person after another came in and encountered our wonderful volunteers and the beautiful gift of God’s grace began to be unfolded and spread out for all to enjoy! At the end of day we saw many people and had the opportunity to bless and be blessed!
I hope some of our volunteers will share some of their stories of how they were able to bless and be blessed in the days ahead! It is a ministry to people by people and all for the glory of God!
I try to walk out of my pain by walking into the pain of another,
but the pain changes into hope and with the hope comes purpose!
I give until I think I can’t give anymore and then I discover an
abundant supply of more than enough and then some!
Just when I think I have this thing figured out,
something comes along to show me that I am not even close!
I keep living, giving and trying to make a difference,
only to discover that nothing is what I think!
This is why I must trust, have faith in ONE greater
than myself, what I know and what I don’t know!
The stuff of my wishes, the proof of what I can’t see,
It’s all real and life makes it so!
Here are some simple things that help me to make it through the day!
1.) Daily Devotion Time – it does not have to be long or sophisticated! Just taking a little time at the beginning of the day to spend a little time in talking and listening prayer with my Creator, helps to set me on the right path. I will step off of this path many times during the day, but will get back on, because of my morning devotion time and the focus that it helps to establish! I try to read the Bible or some devotional to help me listen for He has to say to me and then I like to journal (write down) my prayer – what I said back to Him!
2.) Continuing Prayer – I know that I have a Creator and I believe that He is active in my life. I start talking with Him in the morning and I continue all throughout the day. Sometimes I talk out loud and sometimes with just the thoughts in my head, but they are always directed higher!
3.) Positive, Encouraging And Fun Thoughts – There is plenty of negative floating around in our world. I try to take away from the negative by adding positive and uplifting thoughts into my life and the life of others. If it does nothing more than change my thinking for just the moment of my reading, then it has the power to change my life. I look for and collect these thoughts and share them to try to help others make their days better too!
4.) Friends – The thing that makes life fun for me is the people who God allows me to interact with on a daily basis. I try to meet at least one new person a day. Even if it’s just a stranger that looks like they are having a bad day. I take the time to speak and look for an open door to make a difference, which usually ends up making a greater difference in me! I really do like people – people from all walks of life!
5.) Service – I don’t see what I do as a job – if I did, then I would probably quit every other day. I love getting to serve others and if I can help to make someone’s life better, then I really feel like I am making progress. My work can often be frustrating, but the rewards of when it is right far outweigh the demands. I need something to do with my life and I am glad that I have the something that I have!
These are just a few of the things that help me to keep from going totally crazy. I hope that they will help and be a blessing to you.
Michael Joe Harvell 