Chuck Quinley

Children and pre-teens all over the world are engaged in undertakings generally reserved for adults. Some of these roles happen out of family necessity. Big sisters care for babies. Others put in a full days work on farms at harvest. Millions of kids work jobs after school each day, gaining valuable skills and experience to equip them to live independently.While we would all want to see the hours for such labor limited and the places of work safe for kids, the point is that kids are far more capable than most people understand them to be.Play Episode

In ministry, and especially in missions work, we might not always have legal rights. Some nations and societies restrict the spread of the Gospel either by law or by physical intimidation. In those cases, we'll be as careful as possible and just take any punishment that comes as an honor as representatives of Jesus.Today's Thread shows us how the Apostle Paul went through this difficult situation, yet maintained his composure.Play Episode

There are a few times in every life when you find yourself misunderstood by a group of people close to you. It may be at work, in church, in your circle of friends or even in your home or extended family circle. In these moments you'll need to take charge of the stage and tell your story so you can control the message. Without it, those who misunderstand you will tell the story and get your actions and motivations wrong causing you to lose your precious interpersonal connection, bond, influence and the reputation you've taken pains to build over a lifetime. Today's Thread shows us how the Apostle Paul expertly handled the situation when it happened to him. This is a must teaching for anyone serving in leadership. Play Episode

Have you ever felt pressured by someone else to do something that wasn't exactly wrong, just not natural to you? This is even worse when you are on their turf and have to be especially courteous and so it’s difficult to extricate yourself from the situation or even to figure out your response should be. Sometimes we can be pressured to go against our principles even though we aren't being pressured to actually do evil, just to be unreal. Today’s lesson is about an occupational hazard that is especially dangerous to those who serve in roles that are widely visible--doing things to be seen.Play Episode

"I have a word for you from God..."  Are these the words of a crazy person, a busybody, or a true messenger of God sent to bring comfort, guidance and encouragement to you?  How can you know? What is the proper response if someone approaches you with such a word?  This episode of Thread takes us into the everyday life of the first Christians to see how differently they perceived such things.  Through Paul's repeated encounters with people who give him words of personal prophecy we can see Five Key Responses to a spiritual messenger.Play Episode

Jesus told us that one of the chief signs of the last days was to be the multiplication of corrupt, false spiritual leaders. In this episode of Thread, the Apostle Paul outlines four “birthmarks” of a false leader, someone you should run away from as one of God’s sheep. In his day, the Apostle Paul was an excellent gatekeeper and protector of the flock. Listen to his words of caution and learn what toxic leaders hope you won’t find out.Play Episode

I love technology and I get really excited about the advances that are being made in driverless car technology. Google already has cars driving hundreds of thousands of miles in the United States with no driver. Maybe this didn't mattered before but with the invasion of cell phone and social media use, it just seems like more and more drivers are driving thousands of pounds of automobile at other people at high speed while staring down into their phone texting or playing games. To be a safe pilot you have to pay attention. Your eyes have to be on the most important thing. Everyone is depending upon our diligence just to out all the distractions and keep the main thing in focus.Play Episode

Most of us, they say, have 50 ongoing relationships. Most of these are just people with whom we have normal human interactions, but every now and then someone comes along that we admire so much. Not content with our admiration they actively engage us and change our lives forever. Sadly, some people have never met such a person though their heart cries out for it.Play Episode

I think you’re going to find this episode of Thread to be particularly meaningful especially if you are a leader of a family, church or organization. Today’s Thread is about the secret sufferings most leaders endure in the course of their lifetime of ministry. I know what I’m talking about here. Play Episode

Ever had to leave a group or ministry with which you had been deeply committed? It can be awkward, right? Today’s Thread is about leaving a relational and work circle you have been closely connected to because the Lord is calling you to do something new.Play Episode