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.

Dealing With Holiday Nerves!

During this time of year, it is very easy to get caught up in the hustle ad bustle of the holiday season!  This thing that we should enjoy, often jets right by us, without our being able to take the time to stop and enjoy the great gifts of God!  I just wanted to encourage all of us today to take a moment or two every day for the next several days to stop and think about all of the amazing gifts that God has already given us!

Have you ever noticed that the stuff that we allow to bother us – is stuff that really does not matter?  When you start to get upset or uptight about something in the next few days – ask yourself this question:  “What difference does this make in ETERNITY?”  Most of the stuff that we let wreck our day – is stuff that really does not make a big difference in the grand scheme of things!

So enjoy this time!  Today is a gift from God and what you do with today is your gift to God!  Make the most of it by enjoying the incredible gift!