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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You Are Never Alone!

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Tenth Avenue North is the group and their album is “Over And Underneath” I really enjoy the music from this group – this song (By Your Side!) expecially has been special to me during the last month!  I hope it ministers to your Spirit, as it did to mine!  God bless, enjoy the journey and remember:  God is always by your side!

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Encouragement!

When I came into the office this morning, I had a letter waiting on me that had been written by one of my “truck driving” friends!  We have a man in our church that has to run some long hauls and He will occasionally on one of those hauls drop me a few lines about what God is up to in His life.  His three page letter was such a blessing to me.  The very moment that I saw the envelope, I was excited, because I knew that whatever was inside – it was going to be good!  I opened the letter and began to read as he shared some very distressing news about some things that he was having to go though, but then “the night turned into day” and He began to share about how God was taking this bad and using it for good!

When I laid the letter down, I could not help but think that each one of us, everyday get to decide!  We get to decide if we will be an encourager or a discourager!  This past week, I have had encounters with both.  This past week I have been guilty of doing both.  But I am going to do my best in the days ahead to make the choie to encourage, rather than to discourage!

I could not help but to think about Philippians 4:6-8  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praise-worthy – meditate on these things!”

Who can you encourage today!  Start with yourself and work your way out!