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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What’s Growing In Your Garden?

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Galatians 5:22-23 says “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self -control.  Against such there is no law!”

When we have a real and rowing relationship with God we should be producing this fruit of the spirit in ever increasing ways! 

Is your love for God and others growing, so that it becomes the major motivator of your life? 

Do you have joy, no matter what the situation and circumstances of life?  Are you experiencing a peace that cannot be explained with words? 

Are you able to withstand whatever life throws your way – knowing that as you trust God, you can suffer ever how long because it is all going to be all right? 

Do you show kindness to everyone, especially those that fail to show it to you? 

Are you good and encouraging others to be good with your goodness to them? 

Do you live a life of faithfulness by letting your yes be yes and your no be no?  

Are you living the gentle life by having a kind heart, sweet spirit and open hand? 

Do you practice self control showing that God in you is in charge not the situations around you?

We all have some work to do in the garden of our lives!  Make sure that you are working to produce fruit that brings glory to God and blessing to others!

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Ready For Life?

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Are you ready for life?  Life is a journey that will lead you to unexpected places!  Life is an adventure that will allow you to experience amazing challenges and opportunities that will lead to incredible change and growth!  Are you ready for what life is bringing your way?  What are you facing right now – today that seems bigger than you?  Whatever it is – God can and will use it to make you stronger, if you will let Him!  Does it seem that the circumstances of life are out to take you down?  Realize that in this moment circumstances can push you down or push you up – you get to make the choice!

Get connected to God and His Word and you will discover the source of wisdom that will help you to face whatever life might throw your way!  Whatever you are facing or dealing with – God has a strategy that can help you to take positive steps to victory and growth!  Whatever your challenge – look at it as an opportunity to get closer to God and His amazing will for your life!

Seek everyday to apply the wisdom of His Word to your living!