Time has a way of revealing what really matters. In this episode, Chuck reflects on how becoming a good shepherd doesn't happen overnight. It takes patience, consistency, and a willingness to show up day after day—even when progress feels slow.

So the question becomes: if it takes us this long to learn, to grow, and to lead well… does the Lord already know that? And if He does, does He still desire the relationship first?

Maybe the waiting, the learning, and the slow shaping of who we are isn't a delay at all. Maybe it's the process He uses to draw us closer to Him. Not rushing the outcome, but building the relationship along the way.

Because sometimes the time it takes is exactly the point.

First Light Ep. 25 — Just Click Follow

Trust doesn't come natural, especially when you can't see where the path leads. In this episode, Chuck talks about how following the Lord often feels like stepping into the unknown, where logic, comfort, and control all want to push back. But faith was never meant to feel safe; it was meant to be obedient.

"Just click follow" sounds simple, but living it out means surrendering the need to understand every step before you take it. Sometimes what's right won't feel right at first. Sometimes the best direction is the one you wouldn't have chosen on your own.

Learning to trust Him is learning to move before you have all the answers.

In this episode of First Light, Chuck takes a hard look at the difference between what we want and what we truly need. It's easy to chase the things we think will satisfy us, only to find they leave us wanting more. Chuck ties this struggle back to the Lord, reminding us that God already knows our needs, often better than we do. He provides exactly what we're meant to have, right on time. Another thoughtful and grounding episode of First Light that challenges us to trust Him and realign our hearts with what truly matters.

In this episode of First Light, Chuck talks about fear and what it feels like, where it shows up, and how it can either stop us or shape us. Through personal stories of moments when he was genuinely scared but chose to do the right thing anyway, Chuck reminds us that fear isn't always something to avoid—it's often something to walk through with faith. He ties those experiences back to Scripture and the reminder found in Psalm 27:1: "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"

A quiet encouragement to trust God, even when fear is loud.

In this episode of First Light, Chuck reflects on the nature of sheep and their relationship with a shepherd. Sheep don't always understand what the shepherd is doing, and because of that, they often resist—confusing guidance for restriction and protection for loss.

Chuck connects this truth to our own lives. When God's direction doesn't line up with what we want, it can feel disappointing or even wrong. But often, that feeling isn't because His plan is bad—it's because we don't yet understand what's best for us. Not What I Wanted is a reminder that trust is built in the unknown, and that the Shepherd sees the full picture even when we don't.

In this episode of First Light, Chuck reflects on the nature of sheep—how they begin wary, unsure, and cautious of everything around them. Over time, they learn to recognize and trust their shepherd, understanding that he leads them with purpose and care. In the same way, we often struggle to see what's ahead in our own lives. We don't always understand God's plan, and uncertainty can make us hesitant to follow. But faith calls us to trust the Shepherd, even when the path isn't clear, knowing He leads us where we need to go.

Chuck Halford reflects on Christmas and the idea of anticipation. He shares a simple reminder from childhood—sneaking a look at your gifts never compares to the joy of the surprise. In the same way, we don't always see how the Lord is working in our lives. Sometimes the waiting, the unknown, and the trust are part of the gift itself. This episode is a reminder to lean into faith, trust God's timing, and embrace the beauty of not always knowing what's coming next.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7

In this week's episode, Chuck reflects on living with a heart of gratitude — not just when life falls into place, but in every moment God gives us. As we move through the holidays and approach Christmas, it's easy to get distracted by plans, gifts, and the rush of the season. Chuck reminds us that true thankfulness isn't tied to circumstances, but to recognizing God's goodness in every part of our lives.

Whether it's family, fellowship, quiet mornings, or the challenges that teach us, we're invited to give thanks in all things — because every blessing comes from Him.

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

This week Chuck turns our eyes toward Advent — a season built on anticipation. Christmas didn't happen overnight… God's people waited generations for the promised Savior. And even now, the best things in life are formed in the seasons where we learn to wait well.

Chuck reminds us that waiting isn't a punishment or a pause — it's part of God's process. Just like Christmas came in God's perfect timing, the blessings, answers, and direction we're praying for will too. Waiting stretches our faith, teaches patience, and reminds us that God is writing a story far better than anything we could force on our own.

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son…" – Galatians 4:4

It's opening weekend in Arkansas, and everything moves fast. Gear gets tossed in the boat, trucks get loaded in a hurry, and sooner or later somebody realizes they forgot something important. Chuck uses that moment we all know too well to dig into something deeper—how quick decisions, rushed mornings, and overlooked details mirror the way we sometimes move through life as believers. In this episode, he reminds us that the Lord doesn't just guide our steps, He places the right desires in our hearts when we slow down long enough to look to Him. What we forget, how we respond, and the choices we make in the moment reveal exactly where our focus is—and where it should be.

"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." — Proverbs 3:6