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.

Run To Win!

You picked a good moment to pause—because I’ve got something worth running toward.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 says:

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.”

Now, I’m no Olympic athlete—unless you count racing to beat the ice cream truck—but Paul isn’t talking about foot races. He’s talking about life. About faith. About the eternal finish line that doesn’t fade, spoil, or rust.

See, some folks are just jogging through life, casually hoping heaven will just happen. But Paul says—run like you mean it. Not aimless. Not distracted. Not defeated. Run with purpose, with passion, and with your eyes fixed on the only prize that matters: Jesus.

And here’s the best part—this race is not about beating others. It’s about becoming what God created you to be. It’s not about speed—it’s about stamina. Faithfulness. Temperance. Showing up every day, even when your legs are tired and your heart feels heavy.

So lace up those spiritual sneakers, child of God. Don’t coast. Don’t quit. Keep running your race, because the crown that waits for you? It isn’t made of gold—it’s made of glory.

🏁 Run to win. Run with grace. Run home.

No Limits!

Well, bless your heart for needing a little hope today. Let me share a truth that’s been stirring in my soul like sweet tea on a hot Sunday afternoon…

Ephesians 3:20-21 says this: “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

Now, I don’t know what kind of limits life has tried to put on you lately. Maybe you’ve been told you’re too old, too broken, too behind, or just plain not enough. But God isn’t in the business of barely-gettin’-by blessings. He specializes in exceeding abundantly above all.

That means God can outdream your dreams, outgive your needs, and outdo your expectations. You think you’ve hit the ceiling? God’s got a skylight. You think the story’s over? God’s just turning the page.

And here’s the kicker—it’s not about our power. It’s about His power working in us. So don’t you dare let doubt talk louder than your faith. Don’t let fear rewrite the promises of your future.

Lift your head, open your heart, and give Him the glory—because the best is not behind you… it’s ahead, and it’s bigger than you think.

Power In The Word!

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night…” (Joshua 1:8)

There’s a reason God told Joshua to stay close to His Word—because the battle wasn’t just with swords and shields. It was with fear, uncertainty, and the weight of leading people forward. Sound familiar?

You and I may not be standing on the banks of the Jordan River, but we’ve got our own crossings to make—challenges at work, struggles at home, decisions that feel too big for us. But here’s the promise: If you stay in the Word, the Word will stay in you.

Meditate on it day and night—when you rise and when you lay your head down. Let it be the soundtrack to your steps, the whisper behind your worries, the fire behind your faith.

God didn’t call you to be fearful—He called you to be faithful. And the key to success isn’t found in strength or strategy—it’s found in staying close to Scripture.

So hold your Bible close. Speak its truth. Think on its promises. Walk in its wisdom. Because when the Word gets in you, courage rises, clarity comes, and God makes your way prosperous—not just in things, but in purpose.

You’ve got this. Not because you’re strong—but because He is with you, and His Word is in you.

Keep walking. Keep meditating. Keep trusting.