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.

Your Circle!

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

—Matthew 18:20 (KJV)

You don’t need a stadium. You don’t need a spotlight. You don’t need a crowd or a choir or a cathedral ceiling. All you need… is two or three folks who know how to call on the name of Jesus.

There’s something beautiful and powerful about that kind of gathering. It could be a kitchen table with worn-out Bibles and fresh coffee. It could be a hospital room with trembling hands and tear-soaked prayers. It could be a church pew, a living room, or even a front porch swing.

Because when hearts unite in His name—He shows up. Not just in spirit. Not just in theory. But in presence. Real. Right there. Right then.

Friend, never underestimate the holy ground of a small circle. Jesus doesn’t measure by numbers—He moves by name. His name.

So next time it’s just you and one more? Don’t say “just.” Say “Jesus.” Because two or three plus Him… is always enough.

Twogether!

Ecclesiastes 4:9 (KJV) says, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.”

Now that’s a verse that sounds like it came straight out of a front porch conversation between two old friends rocking side by side, sipping sweet tea and sharing stories. Because the truth is, life’s too heavy to carry alone.

You weren’t created to walk this journey solo. You were made for community—real connection. God designed us to lean on each other, to help each other up when we fall, and to celebrate the victories when we get back up.

There’s something powerful about a good friend, a prayer partner, a faithful spouse, or a church family that’ll walk beside you—not in front to drag you or behind to push you, but right beside you to lift you. That’s the kind of “two” that Solomon’s talking about.

So if you’ve been trying to do it all by yourself—stop. Reach out. Let someone in. There’s blessing in the bond, strength in the support, and grace in the togetherness.

Because two are better than one. Especially when Jesus is the One tying it all together.

Give!

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over…” – Luke 6:38 (KJV)

I once watched my Grandpa fill a sack of shelled peas for a neighbor. He didn’t just scoop them in half-hearted—no sir. He pressed ’em down, gave that bag a good shake, and kept on adding until it spilled over the top. Then he smiled and said, “That’s how you give—to bless, not just to be done.”

That’s what Jesus was talking about.

You see, the Kingdom economy doesn’t work like Wall Street. It isn’t about hoarding and holding—it’s about giving and trusting. When you give love, give time, give forgiveness, give encouragement—He gives it back in ways that overflow. Not because you earned it, but because He honors it.

Pressed down… shaken together… running over.

So today, don’t give to get. Give because you get to. Pour out that kindness. Bless somebody who can’t pay you back. Be generous with your words, your smile, your mercy. Because God’s got a way of giving it back that’ll fill you up more than you ever thought possible.

Give big… and watch God go bigger.