Meet the Pauleys

Our world and our churches are full of hurting people. Far too often those hurts have come from those who are supposed to be fighting in the same army. Friendly fire. The sword of another brother in arms. There is a spiritual sword that we are commanded in Scripture to use. “The sword of the Spirit” is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). This sword is not to be admired and held – it is to be used! We use the sword of the Spirit on the enemy as Christ did when tempted by the Devil. And, yes, the Spirit uses it on us (Hebrews 4:12). It cuts deeply, severing from us those things that do not honor God. This…

It is something I hear often. People are interested in the “great churches” in our generation. What are they? Where are they? Who is even qualified to say that they are great? Over the last thirty months on the road full time I have had the joy of being in hundreds of churches. Churches of all sizes and personalities. A church is a body – a living organism – and, as such, varies from place to place. Each is unique in some way. I have come to three conclusions about “great churches”… Every local, New Testament church is great because of the One to whom it belongs. The church belongs to no man. If it is a true church it…

Did you know that the first time the word “worship” is used in the Bible is in the context of the home? On top of Mount Moriah Abraham taught Isaac what it truly meant to worship God (Genesis 22:1-18). I promise you this was not a lesson that young man forgot! The first “worship leaders” should be parents. The first demonstrations of worship should be as dad and mom lead their children to pray, read God’s Word, and praise the Lord. Such an emphasis would plant the seed of revival in hearts and homes of this generation. Many years ago Thomas Boston was burdened over the cold spiritual state of his church. It was not only cold, but practically empty.…

Below is one of the longest posts I have ever made and yet it will be one of the most enjoyable reads. As a college student, learning to learn, I was introduced to an old story that made a powerful impression on my life. It has helped me to study, to think, to meditate, to look. Though the setting of the story is not a Christian one, the principles found in it will help you to become a better student of Scripture. Take the time to read it and you will never read your Bible the same again… It was more than fifteen years ago that I entered the laboratory of Professor Agassiz, and told him I had enrolled my…

Over the last few weeks I have been privileged to spend time with a number of high school seniors. One of them is living in my own home! Just yesterday I was on the campus of the school I graduated from twenty-four years ago. My heart was filled with both memories from my past and thoughts of the future of the seniors who now walk those halls. Parents, pastors, teachers, coaches and youth workers have a big job every day, but the spring months are especially crucial. Remember your senior year! The senior year is one of the most exciting times in life. Big days and decisions lie ahead. The senior year is one of the most anxious times in…

Most Sunday mornings I am asked to address a combined Sunday School class or spend time with a particular Bible study group. This is always something I enjoy doing and is a little more informal than the preaching services. Recently I began a special meeting on a Sunday morning and the pastor asked if I would be willing to sit in a class with him. “You do not have to speak. I just want you to hear our teacher,” he said. It was one of the most refreshing and encouraging hours I have had in a long time. The Bible teacher had taken an online class with me long ago, but we had never met in person. As I sat…

This generation has grown accustomed to the 24-hour news cycle. Our eyes, ears, minds, and emotions are bombarded by the constant flow of headlines and pictures. We know more detail and digest more information than any people who have ever lived. Yet our souls are starving. Hopelessness and despair are at an all time high. Is it possible we are getting too much news? When our oldest daughter Morgan was very young I flipped on the news channel one evening, only to hear her say sarcastically, “And now for more of America’s problems…” Never were truer words spoken. This does not mean that we should not seek to be informed about what is going on in the world around us.…

In just a few days Lincoln would “belong to the ages.” His life, like the Civil War, was soon to end. The final stages of battle were underway. Lincoln has always been my favorite president. On my desk are two volumes of Lincoln’s letters and speeches from 1832-1865. From time to time I enjoy seeing what Lincoln wrote or spoke on a particular day. On the closing pages I have found an amazing entry. They are words written only eight days before his race was finished. In it is more than a message for his favorite general. Here we find a message for us all… Head Quarters Armies of the United States City-Point, Lieut Gen. Grant.        …

As many of you know I spend a good deal of time on the road. Another frequent traveler, the Apostle Paul, once wrote, “all things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21-22). F.B. Meyer observed that everything is God’s classroom and serves to teach me something. Sitting in a hotel room recently I began to make a list of some of the truths the Lord is patiently teaching me. God is the same everywhere. The omnipresent God is not bound by geography. I am never alone. I never check into a hotel alone or board a plane by myself. Christ is my constant Companion and He has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). The family of God…

Evangelist Byron Foxx has been a tremendous encouragement to me. He is a happy Christian and his enthusiasm is contagious! You may learn more about his ministry at BibleTruthMusic.com. I believe his brief article on attitude will be a help to you today… Have you ever had an experience with a person who had a condemnatory, fault-finding, supercilious attitude? The experience is unpleasant to say the least! On the other hand, have you spent time with someone who is charitable, generous hearted, and kind? What a blessing to be in the company of someone with that attitude! In Matthew chapter seven, Jesus said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and…