The Rolling Thunder Podcast

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