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.
This month at Northwood we have been taking a look at Spiritual Warfare! Last week we looked at Angels and their ministry to us and around us. This week we took a look at the schemes of Satan and his Demons. When I finished sharing the message at the second service, one of our young people came up to me and asked: “So what do you think Angels and Demons are doing if they are in the same place at the same time?” We both agreed that they are not just sitting there looking at each other, but are most likely engaged in warfare. The thing that amazed him, was the realization that all of this can be going on all around us in the spiritual realm and we can be totally oblivious to it all here as we live our lives in the physical.
As Believers we need to remember that Spiritual Warfare is a very real thing! Just because you can’t see it with your physical eyes does not mean that it does not exist. It does exist and it is going on in your life, and even while you can’t always see it, you can feel it, if you are paying attention. The good news is that while the enemy is very active, so also is God and the forces of Heaven and we have the promise of the Word that the enemy has already been defeated.
Wake up to the reality that spiritual warfare is going on and you are often smack dab in the middle of it! Don’t be oblivious to the fact that God loves you, has an amazing plan for your life and intends for you to win over the enemy. When you and I win – God get’s glory! Look to Him, live for Him and love the life that he has blessed you with!
I have already had the opportunity to be a blessing to several people this morning! Just little things, but pretty cool in the grand scheme of things. I have not had to go out of my way or really make any special effort and it has not cost me a great deal of money or required a lot of my time.
I am not really sure why, but as I have moved from one place and event to another this morning, I have been presented with these opportunities to be a blessing to others and as I have taken advantage of the opportunity to bless – I have been blessed in return!
When I stopped for just a minute to grab a quick bite to eat, I could not help but think about how in a few short hours, God has already worked in my life and allowed my life to work in the lives of others to bring glory to Him and blessing to myself and others.
There are opportunities all around us. Let’s look for them today and take advantage of them. It will make our day and our life better! Hang in there, keep it real, have a great weekend and enjoy the blessing!
I had the opportunity a couple of months ago to go and celebrate with my Pastor and friend Dr. “Cool Hugh” Cooper. We were celebrating his serving the Lord in ministry for 50 years. People from all of the churches that he had served through the years, showed up for a fun time of reminiscing, food and fellowship. I was honored that I was able to be there, because I had often heard him refer to me as one of his “preacher boys!” I hope that my being in ministry now for over 20 years as a “preacher boy” brings glory to the Lord and honor to my Pastor.
On my ride home, I thought about Dr. Cooper and all of the influence and impact that he has had on my life. As a teenager, he helped me to figure out and understand God’s calling upon my life. As a “minister in training” he gave me opportunities to preach, teach and participate in ministry. He helped me and my bride to tie the knot. And he has always been a source of encouragement and a great example to my life and ministry. Thank you Dr. Cooper! I love you and appreciate you and thank you for being my pastor and friend!
Tonight at Northwood, one of my “preacher boys” is going to be preaching! Jonathan Pearson came to Northwood as a young teenager and it has been a joy for me to watch as God has worked in his life and through his ministry. God has already done an amazing work in his life and I know that God has even greater things in his future. I am looking forward to his sharing with us tonight. I love you Jonathan and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life and ministry and for being a part of mine!
My writing today makes me feel a little old, but more than old, it makes me feel thankful. Thankful for those who have influenced my life and thankful for those that allow my life to influence theirs! God is good all of the time! G3! Give God Glory!
Michael Joe Harvell 