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.

Leave A Trail Of Peace!

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” -Hebrews 12:14 (KJV)

Friend, one of the greatest choices you will make today is the choice to pursue peace.

Notice the wording of Hebrews 12:14. It says, “Follow peace.” That means peace does not always happen automatically. Sometimes we have to chase after it. Sometimes we have to choose forgiveness instead of bitterness. Sometimes we have to choose grace instead of getting even. Sometimes we have to value a relationship more than being right.

Living at peace does not mean everyone will agree with us. It does not mean life will be free from conflict. It means we allow the love of Christ to guide our attitude, our actions, and our words.

The verse also reminds us to follow holiness. God has called us to live differently. Not with pride or judgment toward others, but with a heart that desires to honor Him in everything we do.

Every conversation is an opportunity to show Christ. Every response is an opportunity to reflect His grace. Every day is an opportunity to become more like Jesus.

So today, before you speak, ask, “Will my words bring peace?” Before you react, ask, “Will my actions point people toward Christ?”

Because a life that follows Jesus should leave a trail of peace, grace, and love wherever it goes.

Choose peace today. Someone around you may need to see Jesus through you.