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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Eating Good!

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“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.”  Proverbs 15:15

Happiness is not a destination but a day-by-day journey.  Life is too short to not laugh.  We need to learn to laugh at ourselves and instead of letting little things mess us up, we need learn what we can and move on.  You can’t have a merry heart, if you are not willing to cultivate a merry heart!  Real happiness begins on the inside, not the outside!

We miss out on the things that really make life special by getting distracted by the frustrations and challenges!  We need to enjoy our conversations with others, instead of rushing through them.  We need to take time to read and learn from what others have to say.  We need to take a walk and enjoy the amazing creation that God has placed all around us!  Work to grow and maintain loving relationships with family and friends – life just does not work without them!

God loves you and He wants you to be happy, at peace and filled with joy and love!  Take some time today to enjoy this life that He has blessed you with and learn to laugh – you’ll be glad you did!

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Need Some Peace?

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

I cannot find peace in my circumstances, because they are continually changing.  I cannot find peace in others, because they come and go.  I cannot find peace in this world, because there is too much turmoil.  I cannot find peace in any of the usual places that I look for it, because it is just not there to be found.

I find peace in my relationship with my Creator.  The One Who created me, also created peace and He desires for His creation to dwell and grow together.  I am guaranteed to have trouble in this world, but in the midst of my trouble, I can also have peace.  Peace is not the absence of troubles, but the presence of our Creator.

Just knowing that He is with me, fills me with the knowledge of hope that tells me that everything is going to be alright.  I don’t know what you are going through, but God does and it has not caught Him off guard.  God is not surprised by the troubles that we face.  What I do know, is that God wants to walk with you as you go through whatever it is that you are going through, because it is never His intention that you have to face the hard times of life alone.

If you face the hard times of life alone, it is because you have made the choice, not to acknowledge Him.  God promises to never leave us or forsake us!  So right now, instead of focusing on your troubles, frustrations and challenges – take a moment to focus on your Creator – He loves you, is with you and has an amazing plan for your life!

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Taking Care Of Your Part!

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You Read What You Sow!

God is so good to us and we need to be good back to Him and to each other!  For the past month at Northwood, we have been learning about giving and receiving.  This morning I was reading in 2 Corinthians and came upon these verses in chapter 9, verses 6-11

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (Pretty simple concept – what you give you get!  And the way you give it – the way you get it!) 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (It’s what you decide in your heart, not in your head!  And the attitude that you give with should be cheerful, not “I have to give”, but “I get to give!”) 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (God will take care of you and he will take care of you better than you can take care of yourself!) 9 As it is written:  “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”  10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (God has given to you, so that you can give to others!) 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (God wants to bless you and God will bless you, if you will simply trust and obey!)

I think we all have some work to do – so let’s get busy!  I’m out to plant some seeds!  God Bless, Press On and G3!