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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10 Questions!

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Life Is Amazing! Many years ago, when I was a teenager, I read a book by Leo Buscagalia called “Living, Loving & Learning!”  I then had the opportunity via PBS to hear him lecture on a number of different occasions.  A few weeks ago, I came across a hardback copy of “Loving Each Other!” and it took me back to those magical days, when I made some great strides in my spiritual journey.

Intersections! I grew up in Church and had been taught the Scriptures from a very early age.  I knew the teachings of Jesus and they had challenged and changed my life.  When I heard Leo Buscaglia, his teaching helped me to take what I had been taught and exercise it in the daily living of my life.  He helped me to put feet to my faith!

The Amazing Gift Of Love! This amazing love that has been given to me as a gift is something that I get to share and in its sharing, love becomes so much more powerful and meaningful!  Below are a few questions that Dr. Buscaglia challenges us to think about.  These are not his exact questions, but my adaptation of some of the encouragement and challenge that I have received from his teaching and writing. I would encourage you to ask yourself these questions every day as you embark on this journey called life!   I hope you enjoy and learn to love and be loved!

1.) Did I share happiness or did I steal happiness with my actions and reactions?

2.) How did I express love and show kindness?

3.) Am I looking for what is right or for what is wrong in others?

4.) Do I laugh and help others to laugh?  (Is joy a by-product of my life?)

5.) What have I done today to build and make stronger my relationships?

6.) Have I worried over the trivial or celebrated the triumphant?

7.) Have I accepted forgiveness and given forgiveness?

8.) Have I learned something new and have I taught something new to others?

9.) Do I know and believe that life (mine and yours) matters?

10.) Will I let this make me better or bitter?

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Golf Ball Encouragement!

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I don’t know why, but getting this video to upload properly has been a major pain, but finally…… It works!  I hope you enjoy, are encouraged and will encourage because of it!

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The Power Of What You Believe!

Belief is a powerful thing! What you believe matters!  I did not say: “What you say you believe matters!”  What you “say you believe” and “what you actually believe” are often two very different things!  Let’s take some time today to think about what we believe and how our belief impacts our lives!

You will never rise above the beliefs you posses! You were created by God!  You are special and you have a very special purpose in this life!  You need to not just say that you believe this, you need to really believe it and if you believe it, then it will change your life and the way you live it!

You have a choice to make! If you continue to focus on the negative – (what you don’t have, what you can’t do and what won’t help), then you will continue to live a destructive, discouraged and defeated life!  You can make the choice instead to focus on the positive – (what you do have, what you can do and what will help).  When you focus in this positive direction, you will not be distracted by limitations, but driven forward by possibilities!

You need to have faith for you! You need to trust God for you!  You need to believe God’s Word for you!  You have to make the decision that you are going to be a believer in the protective hand and positive work of your Creator in, on and through your life!

Romans 8:28 teaches us:  That God is working for our good, even in the bad!  This Scripture says:  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Do you love God? Have you been called according to His purpose?  Are you living a life of obedience trying to fulfill that calling?  If you answer yes to the previous questions, then know and believe this:  GOD IS WORKING FOR YOUR GOOD!

Work On It! Take some time today to work on what you believe!  Don’t just say you believe it, really believe it and watch and enjoy the difference that it will make in your life and the lives of those around you!