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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Why Shepherds?

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Have you ever read in Luke where the Angels came to announce the birth of Christ?  They came and announced the birth of Christ, not to the whole world, but to a group of shepherds!  Why would God make the choice of spreading the amazing and wonderful news of a relationship with Him through such a rag/tag handful of those that would seem to be totally unqualified to share such momentous news!

But God did make the choice of sharing this news – first with the shepherds and then through the shepherds with the rest of the world!  And God still today shares the news of a life changing relationship with Him through individuals – many of us who seem to not be one bit qualified in sharing the news with others!

God sees value, worth and potential where others can’t even find a hint!  God knows your value, because He created you and knows the plan that He has for your life!  God knows your worth and that is why He was willing to give of Himself, so that you and I can have relationship with Him!  God knows your potential and wants to use you and your life today to make a difference in ETERNITY!

So take some time to read about the shepherds in Luke and think about how God is wanting and willing to use you and YOUR STORY to make a difference in other people’s lives!  And make sure that you are at Northwood Sunday – you will not want to miss our special guest!

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A Post About Nothing!

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I don’t think that I have ever sit down to write a blog about nothing, but I thought that today would be a good day to try, so here goes!  I am writing about nothing, because I have been at the hospital all morning and I can not get my mind to shift into the “thinking gear” for writing something like I would normally write! 

When I went outside to get in the truck early this morning, it was not near as cold as I thought that it was going to be!  When I got to the hospital, I got the very first parking spot – right next to the stairs – I did say:  “Thank You Jesus!”  My visits went great!  I really enjoy spending time with people and getting to hear some of the stories of their lives!  (I am not near as messed up as I think I am or as crazy as some of you think I am!) 

On my way back from the hospital, I stopped to fill up on gas for $1.39 a gallon!  (I just think that is amazing – seems like just yesterday it was pushing $4 bucks!  I have not had anything to eat all day and it’s almost 1:00, so I am goig to see if I can find some food!  I hope you have a blessed day!