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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Dealing With Holiday Nerves!

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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!

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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!