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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A Great Example!

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Early Morning Light!

Good Day! We had a great day yesterday at Northwood.  The band did an incredible job and even though the enemy was attacking – we did not let Him win!  Thanks to all of you that help us each week to help people get into the presence of our Creator!

The Challenge! Yesterday – we challenged everyone to begin their day for the next 21 Days with God!  I want to thank each of you for making the committment to practice a small discipline that will produce big results in your life.  I am so excited about the challenge and change that can take place in our lives during the next 21 days!

QT Training! Yesterday we gave every one a QT Training Guide that can walk you through a daily time with God.  It only takes about 7 – 10 minutes and allows you the begin your day with your Creator.  If you did not get a copy – drop by the office and we will be glad to give you one.  Also we are putting the daily info on the Northwood Group Page on Facebook!

God’s Word! Today we began with a simple and powerful verse found in Mark 1:35!  It says:  “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.”

Let’s break it down: First we see that it was in the early morning, before the busyness of the day began.  Jesus escaped, got away to a private place to spend time with the Creator.  Beginning our day with the Creator allows our fist steps of the day to be steps in the right direction!

Next we see that Jesus left the house and went to a secluded place!  We need to get away from all of the distractions of life.  We all need a little time in every day to escape the distractions, so that we can get focused on what really matters.  Walk away from the distractions, they will be there when you get back, but won’t be near as destructive if you have invested valuable time with the Master!

Why did Jesus get up early and go to a private place?  So that he could pray!  So that he could spend time with his Creator!  What did he do during this time?  He talked – shared what was on his heart and mind with God.  And He listened – opened his life to receive what was on the heart and mind of God.

God loves you and has an amazing plan for your life.  We get in on that plan by spending some of our precious time with Him at the very beginning of our day.  Jesus did it and I figure if it was important to him, then it should be important to us!  God Bless, Press On And Keep It Real!

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Riding The Way!

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This is the lyrics to a song that I wrote this morning about living life with the Master from the motorcycle rider perspective.  I hope you enjoy!

I have traveled the long dark road.

Not knowing where this highway will take me

But trusting every mile journeyed

That His hand is guiding me!

Chorus – There is a way that is the right way

There is a way that I need to go

It does not matter how life attacks me

I’ll keep riding where the shadow shows!

I’ve had many dreams

My eyes have seen most everything

I’ve gained it all

Only to see it lost!

Chorus – There is a way that is the right way

There is a way that I need to go

It does not matter how life attacks me

I’ll keep riding where the shadow shows!

I am old and getting older

But I still remember when I was young

There’s not a day that passes by me

When I have ever been alone!

Chorus – There is a way that is the right way.

There is a way that I need to go.

It does not matter how life attacks me.

I’ll keep riding where the shadow shows!

I’ll keep on riding where the shadow shows!

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Let The Walls Come Down!

Tear Down That Wall!

We are great at building walls around our lives. We build the walls for our protection, so that we won’t get hurt or taken advantage of.  But there is a problem with the walls that we build, they not only protect us from influences outside, they also keep us from influences outside that can bless and benefit us!  God has great and amazing things in store for each one of us, but we have to grow to a place of trust!

My Small Group! I was talking to one of my small group members today and she expressed how everyone in our group had been through the fire and could not help but to be real, because there was really nothing worth hiding, left to hide!  Because of this “REAL REALITY!” we are able to really be there for each other.

Be Careful! If you wall others out – you will wall yourself in!  Open up your life and allow others to come and go.  God will protect you, if you will let Him and He will also bless you with some amazing relationships that make life better!

Healing! God does not promise that you will never get hurt, but He does promise that He will heal your hurt and it is through His healing of our hurts that we grow, become stronger and are able to have an influence on and make a difference in this life.

Faith Defeats Fear! Walls that are built out of fear can only be torn down out of faith!  If you want to grow and get the most out of life, then you must be willing to trust.  Start by trusting God – He loves you and has an amazing plan for your life.  Continue by trusting others that He has placed around you.  Some will be a great blessing and some will be a great blunder, but you will learn and grow every step of the way!

Tear It Up! Let’s get busy tearing down the walls, so that we can enjoy this great life that God has given us!  Go ahead and take a whack at the wall – you’ll be glad you did!