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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Too Busy???

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Do You Have The Time?

Busy, Busy, Busy! That is the way that most of us live our lives.  We are almost always in motion either “going to” or “coming from!”  To really get the most out of life, we must take some time to step out of the hurried activity and get to know what really matters.  What really matters is a WHO!

Psalms 46:10 says”  “Be still (cease striving) and know that I am God…”  Eight little words packed with a powerful message!

BE STILL! Slow down and come to a complete stop!  Don’t move a muscle!  We need to learn to still our physical bodies, our minds and our spirits, so that we can see, hear and experience God.  God is everywhere!  God is all around us!  The reason that we miss Him is not because He is not here, but because in our busyness, we fail to see, hear and experience Him.  God tells us to cease our striving and in the still and quiet of a moment we can know and experience Him!

Know That I Am God! It is very possible in all of our busy activity to some how, without even realizing it, convince ourselves that we are God.  We know that we are not, but often times, we live our lives as if we think that we are.  What is really going to happen in this world if you take ten minutes out of your day to say no to everything else and yes to the Master?  Do you really think that this world will come screeching to a halt without your activity in it for ten minutes?

Step Out And Away! If you want to know God – really know Him, then you must step out of the busyness and away from the distractions!  Make sure that you take some time today to get out of the fray and into His presence!  You will be glad that you did!

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A Great Example!

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Early Morning Light!

Good Day! We had a great day yesterday at Northwood.  The band did an incredible job and even though the enemy was attacking – we did not let Him win!  Thanks to all of you that help us each week to help people get into the presence of our Creator!

The Challenge! Yesterday – we challenged everyone to begin their day for the next 21 Days with God!  I want to thank each of you for making the committment to practice a small discipline that will produce big results in your life.  I am so excited about the challenge and change that can take place in our lives during the next 21 days!

QT Training! Yesterday we gave every one a QT Training Guide that can walk you through a daily time with God.  It only takes about 7 – 10 minutes and allows you the begin your day with your Creator.  If you did not get a copy – drop by the office and we will be glad to give you one.  Also we are putting the daily info on the Northwood Group Page on Facebook!

God’s Word! Today we began with a simple and powerful verse found in Mark 1:35!  It says:  “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.”

Let’s break it down: First we see that it was in the early morning, before the busyness of the day began.  Jesus escaped, got away to a private place to spend time with the Creator.  Beginning our day with the Creator allows our fist steps of the day to be steps in the right direction!

Next we see that Jesus left the house and went to a secluded place!  We need to get away from all of the distractions of life.  We all need a little time in every day to escape the distractions, so that we can get focused on what really matters.  Walk away from the distractions, they will be there when you get back, but won’t be near as destructive if you have invested valuable time with the Master!

Why did Jesus get up early and go to a private place?  So that he could pray!  So that he could spend time with his Creator!  What did he do during this time?  He talked – shared what was on his heart and mind with God.  And He listened – opened his life to receive what was on the heart and mind of God.

God loves you and has an amazing plan for your life.  We get in on that plan by spending some of our precious time with Him at the very beginning of our day.  Jesus did it and I figure if it was important to him, then it should be important to us!  God Bless, Press On And Keep It Real!

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Riding The Way!

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This is the lyrics to a song that I wrote this morning about living life with the Master from the motorcycle rider perspective.  I hope you enjoy!

I have traveled the long dark road.

Not knowing where this highway will take me

But trusting every mile journeyed

That His hand is guiding me!

Chorus – There is a way that is the right way

There is a way that I need to go

It does not matter how life attacks me

I’ll keep riding where the shadow shows!

I’ve had many dreams

My eyes have seen most everything

I’ve gained it all

Only to see it lost!

Chorus – There is a way that is the right way

There is a way that I need to go

It does not matter how life attacks me

I’ll keep riding where the shadow shows!

I am old and getting older

But I still remember when I was young

There’s not a day that passes by me

When I have ever been alone!

Chorus – There is a way that is the right way.

There is a way that I need to go.

It does not matter how life attacks me.

I’ll keep riding where the shadow shows!

I’ll keep on riding where the shadow shows!