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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Some Parenting Advice!

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The Look!

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.  Proverbs 22:6

I like to go to the mall and just sit and watch people!  I think people, their actions and reactions are very interesting.  I have always enjoyed observing life and seeing things that most people miss.  In fact, I have noticed that my oldest daughter Gracie has picked up the same habit/skill!  She often sees things that I miss!  (Younger Eyes!)

One of the things that I have noticed in recent days is how a lot of parents are having a hard time saying “no” to their kids!  I am a parent, so I know how hard it is to say “no” to our kids, but sometime “no” is the right answer! We need to say “no” and make them believe “no” by explaining the reason why and then sticking with it!

Kid’s need to learn “no” and the earlier the better, because life will throw plenty of “no’s” their way.  I’m not suggesting that you say “no” just to say “no”, but I am suggesting that we should be careful about giving in to every whim and wish of our children.  If we are not careful we will raise a generation of spoiled brats that do not have the ability to deal with life when it doesn’t work the way they want it to.

Most parents have lived long enough to discover that life does not always work the way you want it to!  So train your child in the way they should go, by saying “yes” – when it is appropriate, “wait” – when they need to learn the lesson of earning their way and “no” – when they need to learn to grow!

Train them in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it and they will actually, most likely – thank you for it!

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Are You Hungry?

"Where's The Beef?"

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,  for they will be filled.”  Matthew 5:6

When you get hungry enough, you will get something to eat! We need to grow our hunger for God and the things of God!  If you have ever lived in His presence and power, then you know that this is the place that you want to go back to!

Time is important! And what you do with your time will show who and what you really love!  If you are really hungry for God, then you will take and make time to spend with Him.  He will be more important than anything else!  Spending time with God is not optional for the person who is hungry for God, if they seek to have their hunger satisfied!

Invest Your Time Wisely! Find a good church, not a building, but people who you can help and who help you to be your best for God!  Become a part of that church by being there and participating and helping it to do it work in bringing glory to God.  Take time everyday at the beginning of the day to get your heart and life focused on God and His Word.  Take time to talk to Him and listen for Him!  Keep a record of what you say to Him and what He says back to you!

If you are hungry, there is food to satisfy, but you have got do your part, if you expect to be filled!