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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The Day Before Thanksgiving!

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Man!  I am so messed up today!  I keep thinking that today is Thursday!  But today is Wednesday – The reason that I keep thinking that it is Thursday is because I am having to get everything done a day earlier, because tomorrow is Thursday – which is Thanksgiving and since I am not going to be in the office tomorrow, today in a lot of ways is just like Thursday, except it is really Wednesday!  Have I got you confused?  Do you know what today is?  Oh – never mind – just enjoy today whatever day it is in your head!

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Serving Others!

I am a little late writing today, because I have been in the kitchen all morning cooking a meal that we had the privilege of serving to the teachers in one of our local elementary schools.  We were helping the PTA to say:  “WE APPRECIATE YOU!”  Most of you that know me, know that I am a little particular when it comes to these kinds of events.  In my opinion – if it’s worth doing – it needs to be done first class!  So some of our church staff/volunteers and some of the PTA Volunteers came together to serve a first class meal made up of ham, green beans, mac and cheese (the old fashioned kind), rolls and apple cobbler!  We had the teachers come on in and take a seat and then we served them their drinks, food and dessert!  I think that everyone of them really enjoyed it and I think it was an extra special treat to be able to sit down and be waited on!

First, a word about our teachers – they work hard and they give of themselves in ways that most people just don’t ever seem to understand.  They need to hear and feel us saying “thank you” a lot more often than they do.  People tend to complain the very moment that something does not go the way they want it to, but fail to say thanks for all of the things that go right in a typical day!  So – Thank you teachers for getting up early and staying up late.  Thank you for battling run away noses and frustrating coughing spells.  Thank you for teaching our children the things that they need to help them advance and grow in life.  It is simple, but we mean it:  Thank You!

Second, I want to talk a moment to talk about service.  One of the things that I heard again and again today, was the unbelief in the voices of those that were being served.  They just could not believe that someone would do this for them.  They were surprised that someone would want to keep their tea glass full.  They just could not believe that someone would want to fix them a special meal – not catered, but home-made!

It is really sad that “SERVICE” surprises people!  I think the reason that it is such a big surprise is because there is so little of it!  Here is the really crazy thing:  My feet are tired and my back hurts, but I really feel good, because I really feel like maybe my service to others today made a difference in their day!  The funny thing about serving others is this:  We rarely look forward to it, but after it is over – we are sure glad that we did!  Who can you serve this week?  Think about it!