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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PEACE!

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Want Real Peace?

I used to think that peace was getting your life to a place where you did not have to face any storms, or at least it was a place where the storms were not that big. I have discovered that this is the world’s definition of peace and I had bought into it.

We work so hard to get our lives lined up in a “just so certain” way, because we have convinced ourselves that if we can get life to line up just right, then we will have peace – “the absence of conflict” according to the world. The truth is: It does not really matter how lined up I think I have my life, I am always going to be going into, in the middle of or coming out of a storm. Let’s face it – storms are a reality of life, they cannot be avoided and they don’t have to be a bad thing.

Peace is not the absence of the storm, but the presence of the Master. Peace is knowing that you do not face the storm alone and in your own strength. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in our time of need. (Psalms 46:1) Next time you find yourself in storm, don’t focus on the storm. Focus on the One Who is with you in the midst of the storm! Focus on the amazing reality that you have a Savior who loves you, Who you get to love back and you will discover a peace that cannot be understood or explained!

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Oblivious!

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!