DuBois Light & Life Church

From the Treestand to the TestimonyThis Sunday, Ernie brought a message that blended everyday life, personal testimony, and powerful truth from God’s Word. It started with a reminder that our testimonies matter — not just because they celebrate what God has done for us, but because they strengthen the faith of everyone who hears them.He shared from 2 Corinthians 1:20, reminding us that every promise of God is “yes and amen” in Christ. When we share how those promises have come alive in our lives, we help others believe that God’s Word is true for them too.Ernie then turned to Luke 17:11–19, the story of the ten lepers. Ten were healed, but only one came back to thank Jesus. That man didn’t just receive healing — he was made whole. Gratitude and faith opened the door for something deeper than physical change; it brought restoration inside and out.Ernie shared a personal story. While hunting during archery season, the Lord began speaking to him — right there in the woods. He talked about how easy it can be to justify our choices, even when we know they aren’t right. “It’s okay, God will forgive me,” we tell ourselves. But obedience matters. Small compromises can slowly dull our hearts to God’s truth.He pointed to Romans 13:1–2, showing how God calls us to live under His order — even when it’s inconvenient. Every authority, he reminded us, is established by God. Disobedience doesn’t just bring earthly consequences; it impacts us spiritually too.Ernie compared it to his time in the treestand. When you sit still long enough in the cold, you start to stiffen up. The same thing can happen spiritually. When we isolate ourselves from others, stop connecting, or let gossip and bitterness creep in, our hearts can grow cold. But when we step into the light of Christ, warmth returns. The Son begins to reveal what’s been hiding in the shadows.He encouraged us to hold onto truth — referencing Proverbs 23:23, “Buy the truth and sell it not.” Truth costs something. It takes humility, obedience, and a willingness to change. But it’s worth every bit of effort it takes to walk in it.To wrap up, Ernie reminded us of 1 Peter 2:9 — that we have been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light. As we walk with Him, His light exposes what needs to change, heals what’s broken, and reveals who He’s shaping us to become.God is still speaking — in the church, in our homes, and yes, even in the woods. The question is: are we quiet enough to listen, grateful enough to turn back, and bold enough to walk in the truth He shows us?

This week, Amy reminded the congregation that broken people often do broken things simply because they don’t know who they are or whose they are. When we forget our God-given identity, we let trauma, words, the opinions of others, and the lies of the enemy define us instead of the truth of Scripture.She acknowledged that even though identity is a familiar topic, it’s still one we wrestle with daily. We live in a world that constantly tries to redefine us — and as believers, we must stand firm in who God says we are.Referencing her earlier messages on convictions and the church’s “Guardrail” series, Amy reminded everyone that convictions are what keep us aligned with Christ. If we trade conviction for convenience, we lose the foundation of who we are.She pointed out that life feels increasingly complicated, tense, and confusing — because we live in a culture that celebrates what God calls sin, questions what He has made clear, and mocks those who stand for truth. Yet, our call is not to withdraw, but to stand firm and love well.Amy turned to the story of Daniel, drawing parallels between ancient Babylon and our modern culture. Babylon didn’t just conquer God’s people physically — it tried to redefine who they were.King Nebuchadnezzar renamed Daniel and his friends, attempting to reshape their identities around false gods. Daniel’s name, which means “God is my Judge,” was changed to Belteshazzar — meaning “Bel protects the king.” This was more than a name change; it was an attack on identity.Amy explained that Satan still uses the same tactics today — whispering lies like “You’re not enough,” “You’re too broken,” or “You can’t be used by God.” But God’s Word says the opposite: You are chosen, forgiven, victorious, fearfully and wonderfully made, and more than a conqueror.“When the enemy tells you who you’re not,” she said, “remind yourself who God says you are.”Just like Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness, we defeat deception with truth — through Scripture.Daniel “resolved not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). That means he made up his mind before the temptation even came. Amy urged the church to do the same — to decide in advance what they will and won’t compromise.She gave examples of these commitments:“I will seek God first every day.”“I will worship faithfully.”“I will reserve intimacy for marriage.”“I will not join the crowd when it goes against God’s ways.”Daniel didn’t protest or shout to make his point. He acted with wisdom, respect, and compassion — choosing to make a difference rather than just make a point. His quiet faith changed lives, including the guard assigned to him.Even in exile, Daniel’s story shows that God was working behind the scenes. What the enemy meant for evil, God turned for good. Amy reminded the congregation that no matter what happens in our culture or nation, our King is still on the throne.Psalm 103:19 declares, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”When we live out who God says we are, our lives become living testimonies that influence others — just like Daniel and his friends influenced kings and nations.Amy was transparent about her own journey — admitting that even after years of studying identity, she still finds herself struggling to fully live it out at times. But she emphasized that it’s possible to stand firm without conforming.“You can live in Babylon,” she said, “without letting Babylon live in you.”Practical Ways to Walk Out Your IdentityAmy closed the message with seven practical ways to live out your identity in Christ:Live Out Your Faith Authentically (Matthew 5:16) – Let your good deeds shine so that others see Christ in you. Be consistent, real, and genuine.Be a Person of Integrity (Colossians 3:23) – Let honesty and excellence define you. Be the same person in private that you are in public.Share Your Story – Your testimony is proof of God’s transforming power.Show Love and Compassion (John 13:34–35) – Love is your loudest sermon. Don’t just win arguments; win hearts.Speak Truth in Love – Truth without love is harsh, but love without truth is hollow.Pray for Opportunities – Ask God daily to open doors to share His love.Reflect Christ’s Joy – In a dark world, joy shines brightest.Amy ended with a heart-searching prayer:“Lord, help us be the best version of ourselves in You. Father, do people see the ‘me’ that You see and want me to be?”She reminded everyone: You may live in Babylon, but Babylon doesn’t have to live in you.

We Are Better TogetherWe just finished an incredible series on guardrails, and it left many of us doing some serious self-reflection. At times we could celebrate the areas where God has helped us grow and strengthen our boundaries. Other times we realized there is still work to do as we align who we are with who God created us to be. One of the greatest truths that stood out is this: I am not myself, by myself. God never designed us to reach our full potential alone. We need the family of God, the community He places around us, to become the best version of who He made us to be.To illustrate this, consider the Canadian geese. When they fly in their well-known “V” formation, each goose creates an airlift for the birds behind it. This allows the flock to travel 71 percent farther together than they could on their own. If one goose falls out of formation, it feels the drag of flying solo and quickly returns to its place. When the lead goose tires, another steps forward to take its place. The geese honk to encourage each other to keep going. If one is injured or sick, two geese drop out of formation to stay with it until it recovers or passes away, then join another flock. Their teamwork allows them to travel hundreds of miles each day, pressing on toward their destination. The lesson is clear: together is always better.In the same way, God created us for community. Yet our culture often pushes us toward independence. Over the last fifty years we have seen the family unit drastically change, dinner tables sit empty, and neighborhoods fill with strangers who never speak. We have traded face-to-face connection for digital interactions. Social media, food delivery, and endless entertainment have made isolation easy, but isolation was never God’s design.The book of Acts shows us what God intended. Acts 2 describes the early church as a community devoted to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and sharing life together. They met daily, broke bread in each other’s homes, and cared for one another so that no one had a need. Their generosity was not forced but was a joyful response to God’s generosity toward them. That same spirit is what we are called to live out today.Community touches every part of our lives. Spiritually, we are meant to pray, worship, and grow in the Word together. Physically, we are called to meet each other’s needs with tangible acts of love and service. Emotionally, we are wired to find joy and strength in relationships. Studies even show that people are happier when they are with others, no matter if they are extroverts or introverts.The truth is that isolation is one of the enemy’s greatest tactics. When we allow fear, offense, or self-centeredness to take over, we drift toward loneliness and miss out on the very thing Jesus asks of us. Genuine fellowship is not about scheduled events or perfect homes. It is about letting others into our daily lives, even in the messy moments, and being present for each other in both joy and sorrow.Scripture is full of “one another” commands. We are told to serve one another, encourage one another, forgive one another, carry one another’s burdens, and love one another. None of these can be lived out in isolation. They require intentional, authentic relationships that go beyond a quick greeting on Sunday morning.At the heart of it all, Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Community is not just about us becoming stronger or happier. It is about showing the world who Jesus is through the way we love each other.The message is simple but powerful. We need one another. We are better together. And when we choose to live in true biblical community, we experience the fullness of God’s design and reflect His love in a way that changes lives.Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!

Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!Guardrails Release the Favor of God: Daniel 1:8–21 | Proverbs 11:3Most of our regrets could have been avoided if we had guardrails — boundaries in our lives that protect us from drifting off course.The good news? Future regrets can be avoided if we choose to put those guardrails in place now.Why We Often Don’t Have GuardrailsWe avoid setting personal guardrails because we think they’ll limit our freedom. But the truth is, no guardrails doesn’t mean no tension — it means chaos, destruction, complications, and deeper consequences. Culture isn’t going to help us here. It won’t encourage you to stay on track. Culture will bait you toward the edge and then mock you when you fall off.We have to decide ahead of time where our lines are — make up our minds before we know the end of our story.Daniel’s Guardrails Invited God’s FavorDaniel and his friends were exiles in Babylon, living in a godless culture. When offered the royal food and wine, Daniel “made up his mind” not to defile himself. This was his guardrail.Daniel’s response initiated God’s response.“But Daniel…” became “Now God…”While Daniel didn’t know it, God was already moving on his behalf behind the scenes.Verse 9 says:“Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel.”God was actively working to bring Daniel and his three friends favor with the king’s officials. Daniel’s obedience activated the supernatural.He didn’t see immediate results in verse 10 — and neither do we always see instant miracles — but God was still working the entire time.Whether the miracle comes now or not until eternity, God is always moving on behalf of those who trust Him.Faith Tested and ProvenDaniel respectfully asked to be tested for ten days on only vegetables and water. At the end of the test, Daniel and his friends were healthier and stronger than all the others.Because they kept their guardrails, God gave them unusual wisdom and understanding — and gave Daniel the special ability to interpret dreams.King Nebuchadnezzar found none equal to them. He placed them in royal service, and this favor launched a chain of miraculous events: fiery furnaces, lion’s dens, and the power of God displayed to entire nations — and it all started with one decision.Guardrails Release the Favor of GodIf you don’t actively look for the hand of God, you’ll miss it. You’ll only see the chaos and evil around you. But guardrails release the favor of God.“The integrity of the upright guides them,but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”— Proverbs 11:3Daniel’s integrity guided him. He refused to compromise.And God responded with supernatural movement and lasting influence.The Challenge for UsLike Daniel, we have to decide.We must put guardrails in place before the temptation comes.If we refuse, it won’t remove tension — it will only weaken our ability to say no.God will honor your decisions.God will react with favor.God will respond with supernatural movement.But you have to reject the lie that life without guardrails is freedom.In reality, no guardrails means:chaosdestructionmore complicationsdeeper consequencesDaniel still faced the lions’ den — which shows us something vital:Sometimes when it feels like God is breaking you, He’s actually building you.Final WordYou will never know what God wants to do through you until you do what Daniel did:Make up your mind.Choose your guardrails now.God will use them not just to protect you — but to direct you.Your decisions today can shape the future of kingdoms, nations, and hearts.It only takes one choice of obedience to start the ripple.

Daniel 1:8–9This week’s message centered on Daniel’s decision not to eat the king’s food, reminding us that his choice wasn’t about the menu—it was about allegiance. Daniel knew that obedience to God was more important than fitting in with Babylon’s table. His guardrail wasn’t about diet, but about devotion.The Big Deal About GuardrailsAt first glance, refusing royal food might seem small. But small choices reveal big loyalties. Who are we following? Who are we obeying? Daniel’s decision drew a line in the sand: his heart belonged to God.In the same way, our guardrails protect us from compromise. Saying “no” to temptation is more than just self-control—it’s a declaration of trust in Jesus, the One who made us pure, turned our sorrow into joy, and transformed us into light.Satan’s Subtle StrategyThe enemy doesn’t come waving red flags. He comes disguised—appearing helpful, friendly, even godly—only to pull us toward destruction. Temptations always look attractive, but they aim to erode our faith step by step.“But Daniel… Now God”Verse 8 begins, “But Daniel…” and verse 9 follows with, “Now God…” That’s the principle at work: when we act in faith, God responds in power. Daniel’s small, private decision to draw a guardrail became a defining moment that shaped his entire future.God uses our guardrails not just to protect us, but to direct us. What we say “no” to today can become the very thing God uses to set the course of our lives.Defining DecisionsOur choices are never neutral. They impact us, those around us, and even those who come after us. Every “yes” and “no” carries eternal weight.Daniel likely didn’t realize the full ripple effect of his stand, but his determination encouraged others and influenced generations. Likewise, there may be people in your circle waiting for you to show them a different way.Cause and EffectDaniel acted in righteousness—and God responded with favor and compassion. The natural obedience of a faithful servant released the supernatural response of a holy God.Even when Daniel couldn’t see it, God was moving behind the scenes on his behalf.Takeaway: Guardrails may feel restrictive in the moment, but they’re actually gateways to God’s direction and blessing. When we refuse to compromise, we invite God to work in ways we could never imagine.

The further back you stay from the lines of temptation, the easier it is to resist them.Some of us need new guardrails. Some of us need to move the ones we already have closer. Some of us need to reinforce them higher. Guardrails aren’t weakness—they’re wisdom. And make no mistake: we have a role to play in protecting ourselves. That’s why God says, “Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find. Knock and it shall be opened.” Those are action words. First we act, then God steps in with His strength.Let’s look at Daniel. In 605 B.C., King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem. He was brilliant, strategic, and subtle. When he took captives, he didn’t just lock them away. He hand-picked the best and brightest—young men like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—and put them in Babylon’s reprogramming system. He gave them luxury food, world-class education, and high status. To most, it probably felt like an upgrade. But Nebuchadnezzar wasn’t being generous. He was slowly stripping away their identity and their faith until they looked more like Babylonians than followers of God.Most celebrated the perks. Daniel saw the trap. He realized compromise doesn’t remove temptation—it just weakens your willpower. Compromise doesn’t solve conflict—it postpones it. And compromise reveals whether you’re living for God or for your own comfort.Daniel drew a hard line. He decided he would not eat the king’s food. That was a bold refusal to let Babylon redefine his values. It was offensive to their system, but Daniel had already made up his mind. Think about that—he didn’t wait until the pressure was on. He decided ahead of time. He was young, far from home, surrounded by power, and under threat of death. But he chose not to defile himself before a holy God.Every time we compromise, it gets easier the next time. Every time we give in, our spiritual strength fades. But every time we stand firm, we strengthen our resolve. Your God-honoring beliefs will offend worldly standards. The question is—are you ready for that fight?Daniel made his choice before he knew the end of the story. We already know how sin’s story ends. That’s why we must decide now—before the pressure comes—to draw our lines and not defile ourselves in the presence of a holy God.

Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. Live from DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!Push Back: Why We Need Personal GuardrailsEvery one of us can look back at regrets in our lives and see a pattern: those regrets often came from times when we had no moral guardrails in place. Guardrails are those spiritual convictions and personal boundaries that keep us from wandering too close to danger. They may feel restrictive in the moment, but in reality, they protect us from destruction.The truth is, common sense alone tells us that we need these guardrails. Even without the Bible, we know that life works better when we set boundaries. Yet we resist them. Why? Because our flesh whispers that guardrails will keep us from something we want. That’s how strong temptation is — we can know the truth, understand the consequences, and still reject it.The Danger of Living Without GuardrailsWhen we refuse guardrails, we begin living only for ourselves. That leads to no convictions, no discipline, and eventually no growth. If left unchecked, it can even leave us with no real relationship with Jesus.James 2:18–24 makes this clear. James points out that even demons believe in God — but their belief does not transform them. They know who He is, they even tremble at His power, but they do not obey Him. In the same way, Christians can have plenty of head knowledge about God but lack a true, life-changing fear of the Lord.James is not teaching that we are saved by works, but that real faith always produces action. Abraham’s faith was proven by his obedience. Our faith, too, is proven not by what we say we believe, but by the way we live. Faith without works is useless.The Tension We All FeelIf we’re honest, many of us resist setting up guardrails because they feel too hard. We prefer the thrill of “living on the edge.” But the tension we feel between the Spirit and the flesh will never go away. Refusing guardrails does not remove temptation — it only moves the battle line closer to disaster.The further we walk into temptation, the harder it becomes to turn around and say no. Each “yes” to sin complicates the consequences and makes them greater than they would have been if we had stopped earlier. The enemy’s bait always looks fun in the moment, but it trades the eternal for a temporary vapor of pleasure.Guardrails Protect Us Before It’s Too LateThink of it this way: every one of us has a point where we want to hit the brakes. But the longer we ignore guardrails, the less room we have to stop. If we cross too many lines, it becomes nearly impossible to escape without damage.Romans 13:11–14 warns us that time is short. We are called to “put on the shining armor of right living” and clothe ourselves with the presence of Jesus. Guardrails aren’t about killing joy — they’re about living ready for eternity.Galatians 5:16 reminds us that when we let the Holy Spirit guide us, we won’t be feeding the cravings of our sinful nature. Our appetites are never fully satisfied. The more we feed them, the more they grow, demanding more and more. If we constantly feed the flesh, our spirit will starve. But if we live by the Spirit, we find real life..Living for Eternity, Not the MomentGuardrails are not meant to rob us of life, but to protect us from destruction. They are an act of love — love for God, love for others, and yes, even love for ourselves.So ask yourself: If I really loved myself the way God loves me, what boundaries would I put in place to protect me?Common sense says we should draw the line far enough back that temptation is manageable. Saying “yes” to the flesh only brings us closer to pain, regret, and loss. Saying “no” may feel hard in the moment, but it leads to growth, freedom, and eternal joy in Christ.The call is simple but challenging: stop living for the moment, and start living for eternity. Stop feeding the flesh, and start walking in the Spirit. Guardrails may feel like restrictions, but in reality, they are the path to life.

Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. This week features our VBS program before worship.To Skip to the Sermon; "Everyone Obedient" go to 45:00 mins. <3Live from DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!Seeking First the Kingdom in Our FinancesJesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 are both a promise and a challenge: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” The question for each of us is simple: What comes first?Many times our excuse is, “I can’t afford it.” But God’s Word says otherwise. The truth is, both rich and poor struggle with giving—the poor often think they have nothing to give, while the rich think they have too much to give. Fear holds us back, and it cripples the church from stepping into its full calling.God’s Financial DesignGod’s plan is clear: Give first. Save second. Live off the rest.When we trust Him with the first portion, we show that He—not money—is our source. Tithing isn’t about generosity; it’s about obedience. True generosity begins when we give above and beyond the tithe.Why Tithing MattersThe Bible teaches that tithing serves a bigger purpose than just “keeping the lights on.” Tithing:Provides for God’s houseDeclares our trust in HimReminds us He is our sourceConnects our money to Kingdom purposeGives our work eternal significanceTransforms our money into seedCrushes greed and self-relianceDeclares to our own hearts that God is firstTo withhold is to cripple the mission of the church. To obey is to release God’s blessing.The Danger of a Poverty MindsetWhen the church only has “just enough,” it can’t fully live out its calling to meet the needs of the broken and hurting. Instead, those needs fall to governments and systems that were never designed to replace the role of the church. God’s design is for His people to live with more than enough so the church can reach more people, help other churches, plant new campuses, and support pastors and leaders who advance the Kingdom.Some argue that tithing was part of the Old Testament law, but Jesus Himself affirmed it: “You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things” (Matthew 23:23). Tithing wasn’t abolished; it was affirmed. And now we give not from law but from grace—from what Christ has already done for us.Obedience Unlocks BlessingMalachi 3:10 makes God’s heart clear: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse… If you do, I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in!”This isn’t about rules—it’s about trust. When we put God first, we invite Him into our finances. When we hold back, we grieve His Spirit.The Choice Before UsEvery believer must decide: Will I live with my hands tightly closed, or wide open? Will I settle for doing ordinary things for God, or step into the extraordinary?Tithing is not an act of generosity. It is an act of obedience. Generosity begins when we go above and beyond the tithe. And when we do, we not only honor God—we open the door for His church to thrive, grow, and impact the world with the Gospel.As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7-8: “God loves a cheerful giver… and God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”Pray with us:Father, thank You for every blessing You’ve entrusted to me. Forgive me for the times I’ve clung too tightly to what was never mine to begin with. Teach me to put You first in every part of my life, including my finances. Help me to give with open hands and a cheerful heart, not out of pressure, but out of obedience and love for You. May my giving be a seed that grows Your Kingdom, blesses others, and brings You glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. Live from DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!This message wraps up our series on guardrails in the area of money, possessions, and “stuff.” Last week we saw God’s promise from Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” That promise comes with two conditions:Seek God’s Kingdom first — make Him your top priority, above your feelings, rights, and opinions.Live righteously — not just avoiding sin, but actively pursuing holiness and reflecting God’s character.This requires a shift from “more of me” to “more of Him” (John 3:30). Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, let Him lead, and crucify sinful passions (Matthew 16:24, Galatians 5:24).The danger comes when, like the Israelites in Numbers 13–14, we double down on bad ideas instead of trusting God’s promises. They were on the edge of the Promised Land, saw its abundance, but let fear and doubt drive them back toward slavery. Many of us do the same—returning to old habits, unhealthy coping mechanisms, or worldly thinking—because change feels “too hard.”The truth is, transformation is a process, not an instant event. The journey from bondage to freedom takes time, patience, and willingness to be teachable. When we resist change, remain stubborn, or cling to worldly views, we prolong our wilderness season. Difficult seasons are meant to refine us, expose what needs to be healed, and draw us closer to God—not send us back to Egypt.Your choices today don’t just affect you—they impact generations. Guardrails in your finances, relationships, and daily decisions protect your future and keep you moving toward God’s promises.If something you’ve believed or practiced is wrong, don’t double down—renew your mind, adjust your path, and embrace the life of freedom, generosity, and “milk and honey” that comes from walking with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. Live from DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!What is going to COME FIRSTMatthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”We have been talking about where we need guardrails in our lives: relationships, temptations, money, possessions, and the way our lives get wrapped up in stuff. The point wasn’t that God cares about money for money’s sake—He cares about where your devotion is. The real competition for your heart isn’t the devil; it’s the pull to trust in wealth, consumption, or security instead of trusting God.Jesus tells us not to worry about daily needs because our Heavenly Father already knows them. Worry isn’t a neutral habit—it’s the default posture of those who don’t truly trust God, described in the text as “unbelievers” or “pagans” in the cultural language of the day. A true follower of Christ is someone who isn’t ruled by worldly anxiety but lives from the assurance that God knows and cares.That leads to a bigger diagnosis: much of modern Christianity has become superficial, flimsy, and self-centered. Saying “I believe” is not enough. True belief is a full-life commitment—picking up your cross, following Jesus in a way that reshapes priorities, actions, and identity. Too many Christians live with anemic faith: they go through the motions, seek personal gain, and only “believe” when God delivers what they want. That’s a vending-machine version of God instead of a relationship rooted in trust, regardless of timing or circumstance.So what do we do while we wait? Jesus gives us the answer in Matthew 6:33:Seek God’s Kingdom above all else. That means making God’s rule, values, and purpose the priority—aligning heart, mind, and actions with His direction. It’s not a weekend checkbox or superficial lip service; it's a lifestyle.Live righteously. This isn’t legalism. It’s transformation—pursuing holiness, love, justice, and reflecting God’s character from the inside out. True righteousness springs from relationship, not just rules.If what we say with our lips isn’t matched by our calendar, our checkbook, our speech, and our actions, then we’ve muted the impact of our faith. God must reclaim the rightful place as King of our hearts—not just in words, but in how we order everything else around Him.A practical outworking: when it comes to finances, the formula is clear—Give first, save second, live on the rest. Don’t fall for the lie “I can’t afford it.” Whether rich or poor, God honors faithful, obedient giving. Often what we hoard or consume reveals misplaced trust. Giving isn’t about what happens after you give—it’s about obedience and trusting God regardless of human mishandling. Even if others mismanage what you’ve given, your faithfulness still carries eternal value.Generosity needs guardrails too. We aren’t called to hoard time, talent, or treasure. God invites us to reorder and renew our minds, to unlearn unbiblical habits, and to grow teachable. Too often we become rigid—defending old beliefs or cultural positions (even political ones) more fiercely than we pursue God’s truth. That stubbornness stunts transformation.Takeaway / Call to Action:Examine where your trust really is. Are you anxious about needs, or are you seeking God’s kingdom first?Measure your life: do your priorities, your giving, and your daily choices reflect a heart submitted to Christ?Commit to faithful, obedient generosity—give first, trust God with the rest.Stop “acting Christian” and start living in authentic relationship—renew your mind, stay teachable, and let transformation grow from the inside out.If revival and real transformation are going to happen—in your life, in the church, in the culture—it starts with putting God back in His rightful place: not just on Sunday, but as King of your heart every day.

Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. Live from DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!

Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. Live from DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!

Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. Live from DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!Who’s Your Master? Trusting God Over WorryIn Matthew 6:24–34, Jesus draws a sharp line:“You cannot serve both God and money.”Let’s be clear—Jesus isn’t just talking about finances. He’s talking about your focus. Your loyalty. Your heart. You will be devoted to one thing and despise the other. So which one is it—God or worry? Faith or fear?“That’s why I tell you not to worry about everyday life.”—Matthew 6:25God doesn’t need your money. But He doesn’t want your life ruled by worry.Worry Isn’t HarmlessJesus asks a tough question in verse 27:“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”The answer? A resounding no.In fact, worry and anxiety often do the opposite. They steal your peace. They exhaust your mind. And in today’s culture, the world offers a counterfeit cure: marijuana, escape, numbing out. But new research is confirming what God’s Word has always said—these quick fixes don’t fix a thing.Despite what culture has promised, marijuana doesn’t bring peace. It actually increases anxiety and damages the brain’s memory and emotional regulation. The enemy will use anything—drugs, distractions, consumption—to dull your mind and distance you from God.Don’t let the world choose your god.Living Like There’s No GodWhen we’re consumed with the future, we start living as if God can’t or won’t intervene.As if He doesn’t know. As if He doesn’t care.But He does.“Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.”—Matthew 6:32Worry dominates the thoughts of unbelievers. So when we let worry take the wheel, we start living like God isn’t in control.That’s why Jesus calls us back—back to trust, back to faith, back to Him.So What Should We Do?If Jesus tells us not to worry about what we’ll eat, drink, or wear…What should we do while we wait for God to show up?We shift our focus.We live as though God: Knows exactly what we need, cares deeply about our life,and acts in ways we can’t always see. That kind of belief leads to peace—not the kind the world offers, but the kind that lasts.When you truly believe God knows and cares, you can trust Him with all of it.Not just your Sunday mornings. Not just the big decisions. All of it.Because when God is your foundation, your life becomes:SteadyDependablePeace-filledFree from fearLet This Be Your Shift:From stuff-centered to God-centered.From “God, sit and stay until I need You”to“God, walk with me through every part of this.”Let go of the worry.And live like you know your Father is already on it.

Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. Live from DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!Never Be Owned by What You OwnThis week’s message in our Guardrails series focused on a powerful truth: money and possessions are not just practical parts of life – they reveal the devotion of our hearts.Why does God talk so much about money?It’s not because He needs it or wants to take it from us. Money itself isn’t the issue.What is the issue? Our devotion.Jesus taught that money is God’s #1 competition for our hearts – not the devil. We often trust in what we own instead of the One who owns everything.Who is your master?Matthew 6:24 says:“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”We may say God is our Master, but our choices often reveal that money and possessions rule us instead. We put our trust in wealth over God, forgetting that He alone provides what we truly need.Two dangerous ditches:The message described two ways we go off track:Consuming – spending everything that comes our way on ourselves.Hoarding – keeping everything tightly to ourselves out of fear.Both of these are fueled by greed. Jesus defined greed simply:The assumption that everything that comes to me is for me.When we live like this, we act as if there is no God, except for when life gets hard. Then suddenly, God becomes our backup plan, and we cry out – but often, we’re really just asking for more money or stuff, not for Him.Do you treat God like your backup plan?The truth is, God wants to be more than just our helper when we’re in trouble. He wants to be our Ruler, Master, and Provider every single day. Yet often, we only turn to Him when our finances are threatened. We freak out when we lose money because our peace and joy were rooted in money and possessions instead of in God.Choose your master wiselyWe can only be servants in one house. We must choose who we will serve:Money and stuff, which promise everything but can only give us “never lasting,”Or God, who offers everlasting peace, joy, hope, resources, blessings, and favor that this world can never match.If our ultimate dependence and reliance is on our income, finances, and stuff, then greed is fueling us. And if greed fuels us, we’re essentially living like God doesn’t exist… until a problem comes up.Final encouragement:God doesn’t want to just help you get by.He wants to be your first plan – your Master, your Provider, your peace.Let us never be owned by what we own, but instead devote our hearts fully to the One who owns it all.

Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. Sermon Title: God's #1 Competition for your heart.Live from DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!Most if not all of our greatest regrets either have to do with sex or money. Our culture totally dismisses what the Word of God has to say about sex and money. Yet the #1 reason that the world contacts a church or a pastor is about their struggle with sex or money.“If the entire country were to TAKE THE BIBLE ‘SERIOUSLY’ about what it teaches about SEX & MONEY for just 6 months, We would have a CULTURAL REVOLUTION.”Andy StanleyThe reason God says so much about money in the bible is because it has everything to do with your devotion. Money is the number one competition for your heart. It's not the devil, it's your internal struggle to put your dependence on God or continue to place your trust on your wealth and consuption. He knows that the majority of our time - talent - and thought life is spent thinking about money.“No one can serve TWO MASTERS. For you will HATE one and LOVE the other; you will be DEVOTED to one and DESPISE the other. You cannot SERVE GOD and be ENSLAVED TO MONEY.”Matthew 6 : 24Jesus is trying to get us to recognize that there is a tension within all of us that when it comes to who will be the master of our lives, we tend to place our trust in money over our dependence and trust in God.Jesus says that when we put our trust in money we become a servant to money. Then, there is no way that you can be a fully committed servant of God. When we put our trust in money we are running around making money in the name of peace and security, spending money in the pursuit of happiness and pleasure. God isn't even in the picture or on your schedule. OUCH. Because God loves you, and knows what is best for you, he wants your undivided attention.2 ‘DITCHES’ for Finances & Possessions: ‘CONSUMING' & ‘HOARDING’We THINK that ‘Hoarding’ is WAY WORSE than ‘Consuming’‘Consuming’ means that – EVERYTHING THAT COMES YOUR WAY – YOU CONSUMEWhen this is OUT OF CONTROL…Consume, Consume, Consume....Then we become the Person who has ‘CONSUMER’ ‘DEBT’. Hoarding is all about – ‘WHAT IF?’ ....Hoard, and Hoard, and Hoard.... None of that is about trusting God. Hoarding comes from fear and control. ‘Consuming’ & ‘Hoarding’•These 2 Kinds of people – USUALLY ‘MARRY’ EACH OTHER•‘Consumers’ – ‘SPENDERS’ / ‘Hoarders’ – ‘SAVERS’•Dave Ramsey – ‘FREE SPIRITS’ / ‘NERDS’The PROBLEM with being a Consumer or Hoarder is that both are very self-centered. Both leave you living as if there is no God. Both are fueled by greed. Greed is almost impossible to see in the mirror. Jesus defines greed as the assumption that is all for my consumption. You can be poor and greedy and rich and greedy. Greed is simply if anything comes to me, its for me. It leaves you living as if there is no God. It doesn't mean that you don't believe in God. It means that finances, wealth, posessions, things, stuff are your chief pursuit instead of God.

Whether you're tuning in from home, or rewatching later in the week, we thank you for watching! We hope you experience heartfelt worship, practical teaching from God's word, and a welcoming community that feels like family.We invite you to join us in person on Sundays at 10AM.Come as you are and discover the light and life found in Jesus!DuBois Light and Life Church128 South 8th StreetDuBois, PA 15801Suggested Guardrails for SINGLE People:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1. Just gouge your eyes out with a spoon.“IF YOUR EYE CAUSES YOU TO STUMBLE, GOUGE IT OUT and THROW IT AWAY. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”Matthew 5 : 29- this is a joke. Please don't really gouge your eyes out with a spoon. ;) Okay, for real now....Our first suggested guardrails for singles are to: apply the marraige guardrails in your relationships with married people. Your job is to establish guardrails that make all married couples feel safe with you in their lives. Don't do anything to cuase a married person to stumble into an inappropriate relationship with you.Suggested Guardrails for Married People – applied to you:•Don’t TRAVEL ALONE with a Married Person of the Opposite Sex•Don’t EAT ALONE with a Married Person of the Opposite Sex•Don’t CONFIDE IN or COUNSEL WITH a Married Person of the Opposite Sex ALONE•When You Feel Your Heart or Desire DRIFTING Towards a ‘SPECIFIC’ Married Person – TELL SOMEONE•Don’t have an INDEPENDENT Relationship with ANY Married PersonOur second suggested guardrail for a single person is: NO SLEEPOVERS with members of the opposite sex. Remember, if you struggle with homosexuality, you will need to apply these same guardrails to people of the same sex. Simply just decide no sleepovers with my boyfriend/girlfriend. If you grew up with or currently live sith parents who don't care about sex before marraige, your guardrails are going to have to be really strong and really high. Is it a sin to have a sleepover? No. But this quote says it all:“If I NEVER put myself in a POSITION of being ALONE with someone other than my wife, I WILL NEVER FAIL IN THAT AREA”Rev. John StutzmanThe third guardrail for a single person is this: Sex is not required for dating. A date does not mean sex. If you establish guardrails similar to these ones and keep them in your life you will live with less regrets later on. Extreme guardrails now is how you have an extremely amazing marraige. One of the biggest things that fuels intimacy in marraige is exclusivity. When your spouse believes that they are the only one for you, and that begins with having guardrails. “RUN (flee) FROM sexual sin! No other sin so clearly AFFECTS THE BODY AS THIS ONE DOES. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.”1 Corinthians 6 : 18“Don’t you REALIZE that your BODY is the TEMPLE of the HOLY SPIRIT, who lives IN you and was given to you by God? YOU DO NOT BELONG TO YOURSELF,”1 Corinthians 6 : 19

Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. Live from DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!

Thanks for joining us for a weekly message from DuBois Light & Life Church. Today you will hear encouraging words, worship, and a message. Our goal is that you would find Hope, Healing, and Purpose in Jesus Christ. Live from DuBois Light and Life Church.128 S 8th Street,DuBois PA 15801Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and our Website at DuBoisfmc.org, or download our app!Suggested Guardrails for MARRIED People:1. Don't travel alone with members of the opposite sex.Just decide not to get into a car with, fly with, travel with anyone that is the opposite sex. If you are married and it doesn't make you uncomfortable being alone with someone of the opposite sex, you are playing with fire. This marraige guardrail should be a standard operating procedure if you are really serious about maintaining and protecting moral boundaries with your spouse.2.Don’t eat alone with members of the opposite sex.Decide to not eat alone with, meet up with, don't stay late at work with anyone other than my spouse. Will there be times where you can't avoid it? Maybe, but so few that you can't even remember the last time it happened. If it does happen accidentally you call your spouse immediately to let them know it is happening. Let your spouse decide how to continue with that situation. Bottom line is that meeting alone with the opposite sex should never be planned.3. Don’t confide in or counsel members of the opposite sex.Don't fall for the trick of the enemy thinking that they NEED you. They need MY help. -that is a lie. It might not sound compassionate towards them, however it shows alot of compassion for your marriage and their future. It is dangerous when your emotional world gets tangled in their emotional world. All we ever want is intimacy. That is why our enemy loves to leverage it for our destruction and demise. If you are married, get them help, but refuse to be the shoulder they lean on.4. When you feel your heart or desire drifting towards a specific person, TELL SOMEONE.Maybe you don't have anyone safe enough to tell... that is why you have to work on developing Godly friends that are a safe place for you to share your struggles with.The rest of you need to be the kind of friend who will keep their struggle confidential. Not keeping their sin a secret... but help you establish some guardrails for that specific person that you are feeling drawn to.One of the biggest traps in any marriage that leads to inappropriate relationships that lead to either an emotional affair or sexual infidelity is this: Independent friendships with the opposite sex.5. No independent friendships with the opposite sex.Decide that all interactions with someone of the opposite sex will only be work-related. All other independent friendships with the opposite sex will directly involve my spouse. Work-related still doesn't mean that you meet with them at work alone... you have to apply the other 4 guardrails to this one. This guardrail especially includes online independent friends of the opposite sex. Social media. Online chats. gaming. The #1 sign that a relationship is getting inappropriate is when your spouse get's defensive when asked about a relationship with the opposite sex. if they say, 'it's none of your business they're MY friends.' You have a problem in your marraige. The bible says you USED to be independent. Now, you are no longer two, but ONE FLESH. One of the most unhealthy signs that someone is really not committed to the relationship or marraige is that they have 2 seperate groups of friends, 2 seperate sets of bank accounts in case things don't work out. That philosophy will definitely lead you right into a divorce. It screams division. It is not a sin to have friends of the opposite sex... but we place this guardrail in place so that your spouse feels safe and has trust in you. Your spouse needs to know where your guardrails are so that they can call you on it. Your spouse needs to be comfortable with your guardrails to ensure a healthy marraige.