The Rolling Thunder Podcast

We are so glad you joined in to this episode of First Light.

Are you discouraged? Is it hard to find joy? That happens to all of us, including Chuck. As you listen to the story today, maybe you will find a turning point. God's mercy really is available and present - even when we suffer.

Every deer hunter has a memory of their first deer. In this episode of First Light, Chuck shares his first deer story. It's a little embarrasing, but behind this story is a powerful messsage of hope. We hope you will share this one with a friend. Read Psalm 42 first.

First light is a great time to think about things that matter. In this episode, Chucks reflections will help you remember where joy comes from.

A trail at Charis Valley just got a new name. It's a fun story, but some names really matter. Names can have profound meaning. Enjoy First Light as Chuck shines a fresh light on a powerful and meaning filled truth.

The 'why' questions are always the hardest. Hunting season is right around the corner. That's a good time to forget thinking about hard things. But don't do that this year. In First Light Ep. 50, Chuck will challenge you to think about why. We hope you will take the time to really consider why this is so special.

What do you see from your porch, or when you look at the world around you? In First Light Ep. 49, you might be surprised by the view you could have.

In First Light Ep. 48, we hear about how mercy is always near. In this very personal episode, Chuck will share how God surpised him in an unexpected way. This story is sure to encourage you through hard times.

Fear has a way of showing up when we least expect it.

In First Light Ep. 47, Chuck talks about some recent moments that brought new fears into his life and forced him to look at fear, suffering, living, and hope a little differently. The more life we live, the more we realize they are often directly connected.

Suffering can bring fear. Fear can make us question what comes next. But through it all, we are reminded that our hope was never meant to come from knowing what tomorrow holds. Our hope comes from knowing Who holds tomorrow.

New fears will come. Hard days will come. There will be moments we do not understand and circumstances we would never choose for ourselves. But none of those things change who God is or what He has promised.

Sometimes trusting the Lord is easy. Other times, it means choosing Him when we are scared, hurting, and unsure of what is ahead. It means believing His ways are greater than our understanding and continuing to walk with Him even when we cannot see where the road leads.

Fear is part of living. Suffering is part of living. But because of the Lord, so is hope.

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

Anyone who's ever searched for a deer knows the feeling. You replay the shot, follow every sign, and keep going because you know what you're searching for is valuable.

This week, Chuck uses that pursuit to remind us of an even greater treasure. The things we chase in this world will eventually fade, but a relationship with the Lord is worth seeking above everything else. Just like a determined hunter doesn't quit looking, we shouldn't stop pursuing Christ. The greatest treasure you'll ever find isn't hidden in the woods—it's found in Him.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." — Matthew 6:21

Weeds have a way of showing up where they aren't wanted. If they're left alone, they slowly take over and choke out the things meant to grow. In this episode of First Light, Chuck shares how the same can happen in our lives when we allow distractions, bitterness, worry, or sin to take root.

The good news is that the Lord doesn't leave us there. Through His grace, He helps us pull those weeds before they become what defines us. Stay rooted in Him, keep your eyes on His purpose, and don't get stuck in what was never meant to hold you back.

Scripture: Matthew 13:22 "As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful."

Dark seasons don't have to be the end of the story.

Chuck shares how one difficult situation became an opportunity to bring hope to someone else. Sometimes the greatest thing we can offer isn't advice or answers, it's simply being a friend. A kind word, a listening ear, and choosing to walk alongside someone can make more of a difference than we realize.

As followers of Christ, we're called to love others well, even when life is hard. You never know how God might use your willingness to simply be there.

"Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2

In this epsiode Chuck reflects on a peace that isn't dependent on circumstances, but one that's found through faith in the Lord. In a world full of uncertainty, true peace comes from trusting the One who never changes. Join Chuck as he shares how a relationship with Christ brings a calm that the world simply cannot offer.

John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Most fences aren't made of wood or wire. Some are invisible.

This week Chuck reflects on the unseen boundaries the Lord places in our lives. Just as an invisible fence protects without always being seen, God often guides, redirects, and guards us in ways we don't immediately recognize. We may not always understand why He says "no," changes our path, or asks us to wait, but His boundaries are never meant to hold us back. They're there to keep us close to Him and walking in His will.

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"

— Isaiah 30:21

This week on First Light, Chuck revisits the verse that started it all: "His mercies are new every morning." In a world that constantly pulls our attention in every direction, we're reminded that no matter what yesterday held, God's faithfulness never changes. Every sunrise is another opportunity to trust Him, lean on His grace, and begin again.

Anxiety is something most of us face, yet it often feels like a burden we're meant to carry alone. This week, Chuck opens up about some of the situations in his own life that have brought anxiety and uncertainty, and why trying to control every outcome only leaves us more exhausted. Through personal experience and biblical truth, he shares a simple reminder: the weight of tomorrow was never ours to carry. When anxiety creeps in, our answer isn't found in having all the solutions, but in trusting the One who does.

n Episode 39 of First Light, Chuck reflects on how the things that matter most in life take time.

Whether it's learning a new skill, building something meaningful, or strengthening a relationship, growth rarely happens overnight. The same is true in our walk with the Lord. A strong relationship with God isn't built in a moment. It comes from spending time with Him consistently, trusting Him through every season, and allowing Him to work in our lives day by day.

Join Chuck as he shares why patience, consistency, and time are essential ingredients for growth, both in life and in faith.

First Light is a podcast of hope.

Every sunrise is a gift we don't deserve, yet one we're blessed to receive. In this episode, Chuck reflects on the meaning of sunrise, not just as the start of a new day, but as a reminder of God's faithfulness. No matter what happened yesterday, each morning brings new mercy, new opportunity, and another chance to walk with Him. Just as the first light breaks through the darkness, God's presence remains constant in our lives, offering hope, direction, and purpose with every new day.

Chuck shares how a shepherd knows his sheep, and the sheep know their shepherd — just as the Lord knows us and calls us by name. Throughout First Light, we've been reminded that we are seen, led, and deeply loved by God. There's peace in knowing the voice of the Good Shepherd.

In this episode Chuck reflects on the powerful reminder that the Lord's mercies are made new every single morning, at first light. He walks through The Epistle to the Romans and explains how God's grace, freedom, and promises meet us fresh each day no matter what we're carrying. This episode is an encouraging conversation about living without condemnation, trusting the Spirit, and finding hope in the unchanging mercy of God.

Chuck talks about the start of each day and what it really means. First light is more than a time on the clock. It's a reminder of the resurrection of Christ and the opportunity for Him to be present in your life daily. Just like the sun breaks the darkness every morning, we're given a fresh start, a chance to walk in His light and live with purpose. Chuck explains how that idea is the foundation behind "First Light" and why the name matters.