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.

Redeemed!

You ever stop and think about how amazing grace really is? Paul says in Ephesians 1:7 that “in Christ we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” That means our freedom isn’t based on how good we are—it’s based on how great God is.

Redemption is a big word, but it’s simple at heart. It means we were bought back. Jesus paid the price that we could never afford, and He didn’t do it reluctantly. He did it willingly—because grace isn’t about getting what we deserve; it’s about receiving what only love can give.

So when guilt whispers, “You’re not worthy,” remind it that grace already shouted, “Paid in full!” When shame tries to drag up your past, point it to the cross where your sins were nailed and your freedom was sealed.

You don’t have to live chained to who you used to be. You’ve been redeemed—bought, forgiven, and set free. Walk today in the joy of knowing that you are loved beyond measure and forgiven beyond reason.

So sit back on your front porch of faith, take a deep breath of grace, and let your soul rest in this truth: You belong to the One who paid it all.

Love That Lasts!

Love suffereth long, and is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4, KJV)

Friend, the world talks a lot about love — but most of what it calls love is really just a feeling that fades when things get hard. The love Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13 is something entirely different. It’s not a fleeting emotion; it’s a holy decision.

“Love suffereth long.” That means love sticks around when it’s inconvenient. It shows up when others walk out. Real love doesn’t keep score, doesn’t lash out, doesn’t give up. It endures.

And “love is kind.” In a world that’s loud, angry, and easily offended, kindness is a rare gem. Love chooses gentle words when harsh ones would be easier. Love gives grace when judgment feels justified. Love builds bridges instead of walls.

This kind of love — God’s love — doesn’t come from human effort. It flows from a heart transformed by His Spirit. When we’ve experienced the patient, kind love of Jesus, we can’t help but pass it on.

So today, wherever you go — home, work, church, or Walmart — let love lead. Be patient with the difficult. Be kind to the undeserving. Because the love that flows through you might just be the only glimpse of Jesus someone sees today.

That’s the kind of love that never fails — the kind that looks a whole lot like Him.

Abundant Life!

The Full Life (John 10:10 KJV)

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

Friend, life has a way of taking swings at us, doesn’t it? The enemy loves to sneak in and rob us of peace, joy, and purpose. He’ll whisper lies that you’re not enough, that your best days are behind you, that God’s forgotten your name. But Jesus steps right into that darkness and declares, “Not today. I came to give you life—and not just a little bit of it, but life overflowing.”

That’s the heartbeat of the Gospel—Jesus didn’t die just so you could exist. He died and rose again so you could live! Not a life of fear or frustration, but one filled with grace, peace, and purpose. The abundant life isn’t about having more stuff—it’s about having more of Him.

So today, shake off the lies of the thief. Breathe deep the fresh air of grace. Step into the fullness of life Jesus promised you. You are not defeated, you are delivered. You are not broken, you are blessed. And the best part? The same Savior who gave His life for you is still giving abundant life through you.

So smile, child of God. The thief tried to steal your joy, but Jesus gave it back—pressed down, shaken together, and running over.