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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Get Back To God’s Plan!

I hope that everyone is doing great today!  What a blast at church yesterday and last night!  I always love that feeling of the presence of God – in and around us, getting ready to show out in an amazing way.  Can you feel it?  Just wanted to remind you of a few things to keep in mind this week as you seek to live as a Christ Follower!  Remember:

God Has A Plan!  God has always had a plan.  He did not just come up with one in a pinch.  God has a plan for your life and it is the most amazing plan that anyone has ever seen or heard.  God is all about you and has amazing things in store for your life.  And by the way your life is for eternity!  Life is about so much more than we make it!  Take some time everyday to be reminded that the life you are living is God’s creation!

Man Has A Problem!  What you think is your problem is probably not your problem.  Realize that most of what you worry about is not worth worrying about.  Realize that most of what you worry about is temporary and not eternal.  Why waste your precious energy on worrying about something that is not eternal?  God has been good to each one of us and in our sin of choosing our will over His, we cheat ourselves and miss out on the things that really matter.  God is your CREATOR!  He created you because He loves and cares about you!  Don’t believe the lie of the enemy, instead look for the truth of your God!

There Is A Solution!  When we sin (do things we shoud not or fail to do things that we should), it messes up our relationships, possessions and Spirit.  Sin messes up more than just your day!  When we have a relationship with Jesus – we are forgiven and our relationships which really matter take on a whole new significance.  We begin to understand that our possessions have a purpose that is much deeper than our personal happiness.  And our Spirit begins to soar in places that we never dreamed about going.

Get Back To God’s Plan!  Admit that you’ve messed it up.  Believe that even though you have messed it up – God always had and still has an amazing plan for your life!  Commit to get out of His way, so that He can do His thing to you and through you!

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You’ve Got A Friend!

Why is it that some believers seem to have an “on fire – spiritually alive” life, while others act like they could care less and maybe even seem a little depressed about life?  Some of our churches are on fire, filled with meaningful activity for the Kingdom, while others seem to be a good place to take a nap, because very little is happening.  What is the difference?  What make the difference?  A better way to ask the question is Who is it that makes thedifference?  The answer is obvious if you stop and think about it:  The Holy Spirit!

The Holy Spirit of God is absolutely essential to my living the life of faith that God has called, gifted and equipped me to live.  I need to know God as Holy Spirit.  I need to understand God as Holy Spirit and I need to yield to God as Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit helped me to understand that I was a sinner and needed Jesus for forgiveness and restoration.  The Holy Spirit helped me to die to my old self and come alive with a new life and power.  The Holy Spirit lights up the Word so that it makes sense for the daily living of my life!  The Holy Spirit opens my mind and heart, so that I can obey and apply the Word that is now making sense!  The Holy Spirit is living in me, so that I can live in the power and blessing of a right relationship with God!

I can’t live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit and I would not want to try!

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Bowling Ball Theology!

     We are going to have a good time Sunday morning and I can’t wait.  We just got through shooting and editing a movie to help share the message.  I am not going to say much, but bowling balls are pretty amazing!  Life is tough and filled with some HARD KNOCKS!  I hope you will join me this coming Sunday morning for some “BOWLING BALL THEOLOGY”!  See Ya!