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.

Another Gift!

This is a verse from my devotional time this morning.  It  speaks volumes!  It is found in 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

God knows what He is doing and God will unfold His plan according to His very own and personal schedule.  He has made us a promise and He will keep His promise because He is God and that is Who God is and what God does.  We need to understand that what may seem like slow movement from God toward us is really patience.

It is God’s desire that each of us know Him in a real, personal and meaningful way.  Stop for just a moment to ask and answer this question:  Can you know God better?  The answer is obviously yes, so take whatever time He has given you and do your part to get to know Him better.  No matter what mistakes you’ve made, God desires to be close to you and has made it possible through the gift of His Son Jesus Christ!  Don’t waste God’s patience – enjoy it!

Do Something Nice!

MJ Sharing The Grinch With Some Of The Northwood Kids!

Today would be a great day to do something nice for someone!  Take a few moments to think about what you could do to be a blessing to someone today.  Maybe you could write a note, buy someone lunch, fix someone a cup of coffee or offer to help someone in need.  It does not matter what you do or who you do it to.  Just take the time to do it today!

Stop right now and think about something that you can do and then go and look for someone to do it to before this day is over!  Why are you still reading – you’ve got work to do!  Go!