Podcast Summary: Answering Wrong Thoughts

Podcast: Dufresne Ministries Podcast
Host: Grant Dufresne (at World Harvest Church, Murrieta, CA)
Date: October 24, 2020

Episode Overview

In this episode, Grant Dufresne delivers a powerful message on “Answering Wrong Thoughts,” focusing on how believers can actively guard, renew, and protect their minds from negative, destructive, or deceptive thoughts the enemy tries to plant. Drawing from the Bible, personal experience, and practical steps championed by Pastor Nancy Dufresne, Grant outlines both the spiritual basis and actionable process for living in mental freedom and God’s perfect will.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Mind as a Battlefield

• Scripture Foundation: 2 Corinthians 2:11 (Amplified): “to keep Satan from getting the advantage over us, for we are not ignorant of his wiles and intentions.”
• Grant: The devil’s main strategy is to gain access to your mind. It always starts with a single thought or suggestion.
  • “One thought has ruined lives before. One suggestion of the devil has taken lives off course.” (04:00)
  • Temptations and trials do come, but we don’t have to fall victim. Guarding our thought life is critical to succeeding in faith.
• Personal Reflection: Wrong thoughts accepted when young can be difficult to break later; it’s never too early (or late) to begin answering thoughts with God’s word.
  • “The devil is no respecter of persons… He would love to torment your kids.” (10:45)

2. Distinguishing Thoughts & Ownership

• Not every thought that pops into your head is yours. The enemy plants suggestions and hopes you’ll accept them as your own.
  • “Just because a bird’s flying around your head doesn’t mean it’s going to make a nest… unless you let it.” (13:30, quoting Brother Hagin)
• Freedom in Realization: Understanding that a thought isn’t yours brings freedom—no need for guilt or shame about what isn’t “you.”
  • “What freedom that is… what joy there is knowing those thoughts don’t belong to us. But God has offered His thoughts.” (15:00)

3. The Simplicity of the Answer

• The world is crying out for an answer to mental torment; the answer is simple: Answer the thought with the word of God.
  • “We can answer those thoughts with the word of God… with the answer… with the truth.” (17:35)

4. Protecting Every Arena of Your Life

• Worry and fear start as thoughts; accepting them can negatively influence your finances, health, and overall well-being.
  • “When you get into fear, when you get into worry, you open up the door to the enemy. It can affect your body. I’m just telling you the truth.” (20:12)
• Authority in Christ: We have the right and authority to tell the enemy “No!” and refuse him access to our thoughts.

5. Renewing the Mind Is Non-Negotiable

• Scripture: Romans 12:2 — “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
• On growth: Even after salvation, a transformed life and fulfillment of God’s “perfect will” come by continual mind renewal with the Word.
  • “Just because you become born again doesn’t necessarily mean you’re now in the perfect will of God. You’ve received that promise… but now it’s time to renew our mind.” (26:14)
• No arrival: Mind renewal is ongoing; no one ever “arrives.”

6. How to Battle Wrong Thoughts

• You cannot fight thoughts with thoughts, but must answer them verbally and precisely with the Word.
  • “You can’t fight thoughts with thoughts. You have to answer thoughts with the Word of God.” (29:32)
  • Otherwise, you stay trapped in the flesh and in the devil’s realm of confusion.

7. Immediate Response & Consistency

• Don’t wait for a “better time”; answer wrong thoughts as soon as they arrive.
  • “Don’t wait to act. Don't wait for a right time. If you want the change, act on it… If you’re consumed with troubling thoughts, you need to be even more consumed with your answer.” (34:30)

8. Your Company Matters

• The company you keep affects your ability to maintain a renewed mind.
  • “If you don’t like the lives of the people you’re around, don’t give them your priority.” (36:22)
• Choosing “faith people” and safe company is vital for breakthrough and consistency.

9. Recognize and Reject Unpeaceful Thoughts

• Use Philippians 4:8 as a filter for your thought life: “Whatsoever things are true… honest… just… pure… lovely… of good report… think on these things.”
  • “If those thoughts don’t align with what’s stated here, reject it. I see the devil’s strategy now. That thought is a strategy.” (44:55)
• Don’t be discouraged if old thoughts resurface—keep renewing and standing on the Word.

10. Standing on the Word—Practical Examples

• For healing: Isaiah 53:5 — “By His stripes, I am healed.”
• For provision: Philippians 4:19 — “My God shall supply all my need…”
• For peace: Isaiah 26:3 — “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you.” (49:30)

Memorable Quotes

• "It's not faith that fails, but when our minds get off course, the devil's got a stronghold there." – Grant Dufresne (07:15)
• "Just because the thought came doesn't mean it belongs to you." – Grant Dufresne (12:50)
• "You can't fight thoughts with thoughts. You have to answer thoughts with the Word of God." – Grant Dufresne (29:32)
• "Torment's not worth it. Pain is not worth it. Peace is worth cutting things off." – Grant Dufresne (38:35)
• "Don’t accept it anymore… We need to think on the truth. We need to keep it in front of us all the time." – Grant Dufresne (44:20)
• "(God) wants a relationship with you. He wants your heart… As you begin to learn who he is, you'll begin to have stronger and stronger faith in him." – Grant Dufresne (58:41)
• "The word is yours. It's personal. It's your Father talking to you. It's your answer." – Grant Dufresne (01:04:45)

Actionable Steps: The "Answer It" Process (from Pastor Nancy Dufresne)

1. Answer the Thought
   • Verbally respond to wrong thoughts with specific scriptures or truth.
     • Example: “My God shall supply all my needs.” (53:18)
2. Tell the Devil to Leave
   • Firmly command the spirit behind the thought to leave your mind and life.
     • “You wouldn’t let a stranger into your house… Why let the enemy move into your mind?” (54:39)
3. Worship God
   • Turn your focus from yourself and the problem to God; cultivate relationship, praise, and faith.
     • “Turn your attention towards your Father and worship Him and praise Him.” (57:28)

Notable Moments with Timestamps

• (04:00–07:20) — The Devil’s strategy: suggestions and thoughts.
• (12:50–15:00) — Freedom comes from realizing not every thought is yours.
• (29:32–31:10) — "You can’t fight thoughts with thoughts…"
• (34:30–36:22) — The importance of immediacy and association.
• (44:55–47:05) — Using Philippians 4:8 as the filter for thoughts.
• (49:30–53:00) — Scriptural declarations for healing, provision, and peace.
• (53:18–57:28) — Laying out the three-step “Answer It” process (answer, command, worship).

Conclusion: Transform and Protect Your Mind

Grant wraps up challenging listeners to take ownership of this process. Learn from spiritual leaders, don’t settle for torment, and remember: God’s will for you is freedom, peace, and a sound mind. The bible-backed steps provided aren’t just theory—they’ve been lived and proven.

"The word is yours. It's personal. It's your Father talking to you. It's a personal note to you. It's your answer. Take ownership over it and protect your mind and protect your answer." (01:04:45)

For further resources, testimonies, and teaching, visit DufresneMinistries.org.