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.

Little Is Much!

Luke 16:10 says, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”

Friend, that’s a front-porch kind of truth right there. Jesus is reminding us that the way we handle the small stuff determines whether we’re ready for the big stuff. You can’t expect God to hand you the keys to the kingdom if you won’t even be responsible with the spare change in your pocket.

Think about it—faithfulness isn’t flashy. It’s showing up on time. It’s doing what you said you’d do. It’s being honest when nobody’s watching. It’s putting your heart into folding laundry, mowing the yard, or serving a neighbor. The world may not notice those little things, but heaven does. And God says if you can be trusted in the “least,” He’ll open doors for the “much.”

So don’t despise the small beginnings. Don’t roll your eyes at the daily grind. Every ordinary task is an opportunity to live out extraordinary faithfulness. Be faithful with today’s little things, and tomorrow’s bigger blessings will find you ready.

Stay steady, friend. Because God can take your “least” and make it much.

The Mind Of Christ!

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5 is more than just a verse—it’s a challenge. Paul is saying: don’t just think like the world, learn to think like Jesus. Now that’s a tall order, because our natural minds want to race toward pride, anger, and selfishness. But the mind of Christ leans toward humility, compassion, and obedience.

Here’s the good news: God doesn’t ask us to do this on our own. He gives us His Spirit to reshape the way we think. Every day, you and I get the choice—will I let my mind be filled with worry, fear, or selfish ambition? Or will I surrender my thoughts and say, “Lord, renew my mind so I can reflect Jesus today”?

When you start to think like Jesus, you begin to love like Jesus. You begin to forgive like Jesus. And you begin to live with the peace of Jesus. So today, don’t just let your mind wander—invite the mind of Christ to take over. It’ll change your perspective, your attitude, and your whole life.

Your Commission!

You know, one of the last things Jesus ever told His disciples before He went back to Heaven was this right here in Matthew 28:19—“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” That’s not just a suggestion, that’s a commission. We call it the Great Commission, but for most of us it’s been the Great Omission.

Jesus didn’t say, “Sit and wait for folks to show up.” He said, “Go.” That little word is big. It means get up from your comfort zone, walk out your front door, and take the gospel with you to whoever God puts in your path. The gospel is portable—it’ll ride in your Jeep, sit with you on the porch, or walk with you through Walmart.

We don’t have to know everything. We just have to share what we do know—that Jesus loved us enough to die for us, He rose again, and He offers forgiveness and eternal life to anyone who believes. That’s good news worth passing along!

Friend, God’s not looking for perfect people—He’s looking for willing people. If He can use fishermen, tax collectors, and even a hot mess like me, He can use you. So today, let’s decide that we’re not going to keep the gospel bottled up. Let’s carry it, live it, and share it, so that somebody else gets to taste the grace we’ve already enjoyed.

Because at the end of the day, our calling is clear: Go. Teach. Baptize. Repeat. And in the going, we’ll find the greatest joy of all—watching lives change by the power of Jesus Christ.