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.

Great Day – Sunday!

I look forward to every Sunday!  But I was really looking forward to this past Sunday, because I think that it is a place of new beginning that God is offering to this church family!  We began a new message series that encourages you to think about, write out and share “MY STORY!”  Everyone has a story to share and every story has the potential of changing lives!

It was great yesterday listening to Jesus tell His story and this is clearly the story that has changed so many of our stories!  I am glad that so many people enjoyed and were touched by it!  But more importantly, I hope that you were motivated to think about, write down and share your story!  Several of you have mentioned to me that your story is long or complicated.  Long, complicated, sort or sweet – whatever your story – it is important and it does matter.  You need to share your story – for your fulfillment, for others blessing and for God’s glory!

If you need some help – just give us a call or drop us an email!  We would really love to hear from every person in the church!  And if you are not a part of our church, but you have a story to share of how Jesus has changed your life, I would love to hear from you as well!  Looking forward to sharing our stories in the days ahead!

Remember:  You can email your stories to mystory@rightdirections.org and you can view upcoming stories at www.insideoutliving.org

Totally Different!

Tomorrow at church, I am going to be trying something totally different. I think that it should be a blast, but whenever you try something new there is always the fear!
Please pray for me and for our services that they will help to make a difference in people’s lives!