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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Your Problem – God’s Plan!

Riding A Bike Used To Be A Problem - Not Anymore!
Riding A Bike Used To Be A Problem - Not Anymore!

You Gotta Problem? All God’s children got problems!  What’s your problem?  Take a look at your life!  Right now – in this moment – what is your problem?  Be honest!  It does not do you any good to lie to yourself about it.  Reality says that you are in a problem, coming out of a problem or headed into a problem.

If you are honest with yourself, you will find that your problem is going to fall into one of two categories: You have something that you need to get out of your life or you have something that you need to get into your life! And it is very possible that you have something that you need to get out to make room for what you need to get in.

This is why you need a plan! A plan can be a very good thing.  You just have to make sure that your plan includes God.  In fact – our plan should always honor and glorify God.  Whatever your plan, make sure that it honors God and that it brings glory to His name.  Another important thing about a plan is to make God’s plan our plan.  If you can figure out God’s plan and make His plan your plan, then you have a plan that you can do something with and that can do something with you!

God’s Gotta Plan! One of our biggest problems is we fail to stick with the plan.  Most of us know the plan and we know that if we will stick with the plan, there will be blessing and victory, but we have a hard time.  Our biggest problem is “Follow Through!”  We know what we need to do and we just fail to do it on a consistent basis.  You can’t walk without taking steps and you can’t accomplish God’s plan for victory and blessing if you are not willing for follow through.

God Rewards Faithfulness! When I am faithful – God will take me to where I could never take myself.  God has a good place that He wants to take you.  God wants to take your bad and use it for good.  Let God in.  Follow His lead and go to a place that you never could go without Him!

To help you do something with this, I encourage you to take a few moments to be very honest with yourself and God about the following three questions: 1.  What is the challenge in front of you?  2.  What are your options?  3.  What does God want you to do about it?  Now DO IT!

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He Is Real!

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Two Special Northwood Ladies Serving Up Some Love!
Two Special Northwood Ladies Serving Up Some Love!

I am up early and off to a good start for the week and I feel that I am getting myself back together, so that I might be able to pursue the things that God has called me to! (Hey, I am just a normal person with the same challenges and frustrations that everybody else has.  I’ve just made the decision that I am not going to pretend like everything is perfect, because all that does, is rob me of the opportunity to take steps toward the perfection that God has for me.)  My spiritual life is in line and learning.  My physical is getting adjusted and seems to be ready to take some steps forward.  My mental is excited about all that it has been able to take in and looking forward to even more in the days ahead.

A big part of my life right now is trying to incorporate the “Beatitudes” into my life. (See if you can spot them in the following paragraph!)  I know that if Jesus took the time to share these words, then they must be important and if I can live the in the truth of what Jesus speaks, then I know that it will bring freedom.  I realize and remind myself constantly that I am a sinner in need of God’s grace.  I know that I have messed up and still mess up a lot – even when I don’t want to.  (That is Poor In Spirit!)  I also know that God loves me and desires to forgive me and will forgive me, if I am truly sorry and seek and ask for His forgiveness!  (That is Mourning!)  (I also need to forgive myself!)

I want to live the life that Jesus provided the example for – a life of gentleness. A life that learned to take it easy and does not get messed up.  (That is Meekness!)

I am hungry and thirsty for the things of God, so I will keep on striving to obtain that which He has promised!  To God be the Glory!  He is at work and I can feel Him and I know that He is real!  (That is Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness!)