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.

Abundant Life!

The Full Life (John 10:10 KJV)

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Friend, life has a way of taking swings at us, doesn’t it? The enemy loves to sneak in and rob us of peace, joy, and purpose. He’ll whisper lies that you’re not enough, that your best days are behind you, that God’s forgotten your name. But Jesus steps right into that darkness and declares, “Not today. I came to give you life—and not just a little bit of it, but life overflowing.”

That’s the heartbeat of the Gospel—Jesus didn’t die just so you could exist. He died and rose again so you could live! Not a life of fear or frustration, but one filled with grace, peace, and purpose. The abundant life isn’t about having more stuff—it’s about having more of Him.

So today, shake off the lies of the thief. Breathe deep the fresh air of grace. Step into the fullness of life Jesus promised you. You are not defeated, you are delivered. You are not broken, you are blessed. And the best part? The same Savior who gave His life for you is still giving abundant life through you.

So smile, child of God. The thief tried to steal your joy, but Jesus gave it back—pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

Living Free!

Galatians 5:24 — “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”

Friend, pull up a chair and let’s talk for a minute about something real. Paul says if you belong to Jesus, you’ve crucified the flesh. That means you’ve nailed your old self to the cross and left it there. But let’s be honest — sometimes that old self still tries to crawl back down, doesn’t it?

The flesh whispers, “Come on, just this once.” It reminds you of what used to feel good, sound good, look good. But the Spirit — that still, small voice inside — says, “That’s not who you are anymore.”

See, when you gave your life to Christ, you didn’t just get a ticket to heaven. You got a brand-new life right here and right now. But to live that life, you’ve got to make a choice every single day to leave the old you on that cross and walk in the newness of grace.

Crucifying the flesh isn’t about trying harder; it’s about surrendering deeper. It’s not about gritting your teeth and saying, “I won’t.” It’s about opening your hands and saying, “Lord, You can.”

So today, whatever’s been pulling you backward, nail it back to the cross where it belongs. Don’t let yesterday’s habits steal today’s holiness. You are not who you used to be. You belong to Jesus — and that means freedom.

Walk tall, walk clean, and walk free… because the old you is gone, and the new you is alive and well in Christ.

Keep On Knocking!

Matthew 7:8 says, “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

Friend, that’s a promise straight from the lips of Jesus. He didn’t say maybe. He didn’t say sometimes. He said if you ask—you’ll receive. If you seek—you’ll find. If you knock—the door will be opened.

Now, here’s the key: keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking. Too many times we stop short. We pray once, peek through the keyhole, and then walk away when nothing happens. But Jesus is teaching persistence. Don’t let silence make you quit. Don’t let delay make you doubt.

God isn’t ignoring you—He’s inviting you to trust Him deeper. Every prayer you pray is like a knock on Heaven’s door, and sooner or later, the One who holds the keys will open it wide.

So today, don’t stop knocking. Don’t stop believing. Don’t stop praying. The same God who promised is faithful to perform. And when He opens that door, you’ll step into more than you ever asked, sought, or imagine