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.
Where are you and where do you want to be in this thing called life? I hope that each of us have learned to become BETTER and not BITTER during this past month! Most people that I encounter in life – want to be happy, but many never seem to get to that place. Is happiness really an elusive place, floating some where out there in space? I don’t think so! I think we have to learn to look through different eyes to really see!
I hope you will join me on Sunday morning as we take some time to think about “The Power Of State!” God will work in our lives – whatever the circumstances! And God will use our circumstances to grow us into happy, fulfilled and productive Christ Followers! God has given us RIGHT DIRECTION and that means that RIGHT DIRECTION living is a possibility – so let’s live it together!
One of the things that makes Northwood such a special place is all of the men, women, boys and girls that give of themselves in a volunteer capacity to make this whole thing called ministry to happen week after week. It is amazing to think about all that God has allowed us to accomplish as we have worked together for His glory. I am especially thankful for those that continue to give and give and give. All of us could have a boat load of excuses and reason as to why we can’t, but we are so fortunate to have a select few who are always willing to go above and beyond and make sacrifice after sacrifice for others and the Kingdom! It is great to have people that you can count on some of the time. It is grace to have people that you can count on all of the time!
I just want you folks that I can count on all of the time to know that you fill my heart with joy, my spirit with enthusiasm and my life with encouragement! When the devil attacks and that is often, it is the strength of God and my encouragement from you that gives me victory! I am so glad that God has brought us together and wanted to say thank you for helping me to do the ministry that God has called me to!
Anyone that is reading that has not jumped on board – what are you waiting on? We need you and I am looking forward to God continuing to build and grow His Kingdom through our labor together! So come on already!
God has been talking to me a lot lately about my being concerned about stuff that I have not got any business being concerned about! A lot of the stress in my life – is stress that I put on myself. God has called me to do two things: Share Him with others and share with others how they can grow in a relationship with Him. My problem is, I often get focused on all kinds of other stuff that does not do anything to help me accomplish the two main goals of my life! I am working hard this week to stay focused on the main thing! I want to share God and the difference that a relationship with Him can make with at least one person every day! I want to help as many people as I can everyday to grow in a meaningful relationship with God!
So today let me encourage you to practice Matthew Six! Three things to focus on this week: 1. Give to the Needy! Everybody has a need – it should not be to hard to find someone to give to! And remember: There are a lot of different ways to give! 2. Pray to really communicate with God! We all need to pray! Prayer is not just talking – it is also listening. Have a goal of getting something special from God this week. 3. Fast and give up to grow up! What could you give up that would allow you to grow up in your spiritual relationship? Don’t just think about it – do it and obey God – you will be amazed at what He can accomplish in you and through you! God Bless & Keep It Real!
Michael Joe Harvell 