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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The Beginning Of Wisdom! #scripture #michaeljoeharvell #life #spirituality #bible

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” — Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)

One of the greatest misconceptions in our world is that wisdom comes from age, education, success, or experience alone. While those things can certainly teach us valuable lessons, Proverbs reminds us that true wisdom begins somewhere else—it begins with God.

The phrase “the fear of the LORD” does not mean being afraid of God. It means standing in awe of Him, honoring Him, reverencing Him, and recognizing that He is God and we are not. Wisdom begins when we stop trying to be the author of our own truth and start seeking His truth.

I’ve discovered that some of the smartest people I know still make foolish decisions when they leave God out of the equation. On the other hand, some of the wisest people I know may not have impressive degrees hanging on their walls, but they walk with God daily and seek His direction in every area of life.

If you need wisdom today, start by drawing near to the Lord. Open His Word. Spend time in prayer. Ask Him for guidance. The closer you walk with Him, the clearer your path becomes.

Remember, wisdom is not merely knowing what is right. Wisdom is having the courage to do what is right because God says it is right.

Walk with God today, and you’ll never walk alone.

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Cheerful Giving!

The Beginning of Wisdom

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” — Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)

One of the greatest misconceptions in our world is that wisdom comes from age, education, success, or experience alone. While those things can certainly teach us valuable lessons, Proverbs reminds us that true wisdom begins somewhere else—it begins with God.

The phrase “the fear of the LORD” does not mean being afraid of God. It means standing in awe of Him, honoring Him, reverencing Him, and recognizing that He is God and we are not. Wisdom begins when we stop trying to be the author of our own truth and start seeking His truth.

I’ve discovered that some of the smartest people I know still make foolish decisions when they leave God out of the equation. On the other hand, some of the wisest people I know may not have impressive degrees hanging on their walls, but they walk with God daily and seek His direction in every area of life.

If you need wisdom today, start by drawing near to the Lord. Open His Word. Spend time in prayer. Ask Him for guidance. The closer you walk with Him, the clearer your path becomes.

Remember, wisdom is not merely knowing what is right. Wisdom is having the courage to do what is right because God says it is right.

Walk with God today, and you’ll never walk alone.

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Get Your Mind Right!

Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”

One of the greatest battles we fight every day is not always around us. Many times, it is within us. It is the battle of the mind. Fear tries to move in. Pride tries to take over. Worry tries to wear us down. Hurt tries to harden our heart. But Paul reminds us that as believers, we are called to think differently because we belong to Jesus.

The mind of Christ is a humble mind. It is a loving mind. It is a forgiving mind. It is a servant’s mind.

Jesus had all power, yet He chose humility. He could have demanded a throne, but instead He washed feet. He could have called angels, but instead He carried a cross. That is the mindset we are called to have.

Sometimes before I preach, write, or even walk into a difficult situation, I have to stop and pray, “Lord, help me respond with the mind of Christ and not just my emotions.” Because emotions can be loud, but the Spirit of God speaks with wisdom and peace.

Today, before you react, pause. Before you speak, pray. Before you assume the worst, ask God to shape your thinking. When the mind of Christ fills your heart, it changes the way you see people, handle problems, and walk through life.

You may not be able to control every situation around you, but through Christ, you can allow Him to control the spirit within you.

“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” — Ephesians 4:23