Podcast Summary

Podcast: Dufresne Ministries Podcast
Episode: Biblical Courage | Morgan Dufresne | World Harvest Church | Murrieta, CA
Date: August 29, 2020
Speaker: Morgan Dufresne

Main Theme

Exploring the Nature of Biblical Courage
Morgan Dufresne delivers an insightful teaching on what it means to possess biblical courage as opposed to natural, human courage. Drawing heavily from the story of Joshua, Abraham, and David, Morgan contrasts striving for promised outcomes through sheer human will versus resting in intimate relationship with the promise-giver—God. The episode challenges listeners to shift their focus from “what” God can do to “who” He is, emphasizing that biblical courage is a product of knowing, trusting, and resting in God Himself.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. A Shift from Past Series: Focusing on Courage

• The episode marks a pivot from previous weeks' teachings on offense to the subject of courage as led by the Holy Spirit.

  “I guess the Holy Ghost had felt like y'all had had enough for a moment, because he redirected me this morning to something else.” (00:26)

• Biblical courage, not natural courage, is the priority for believers—especially at moments of transition and challenge.

2. Teaching Courage to Ourselves and Our Children

• Morgan uses anecdotes about parenting to illustrate how real courage is learned through trust and following the example of someone trustworthy, not through facing fears alone.

  “When I try to have my kids step out and try something new, I always tell them, trust me... I want them to not look at what they're about to eat, but look at me.” (01:47)

• The message: fix our eyes on God, not our circumstances.

3. Courage in the Biblical Narrative: Lessons from Joshua

• Joshua 1:8 is examined as God’s prescription for courage—rooted not in Joshua's experience, but in divine presence and Word (see 08:17).
• Key insight: God said, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you," highlighting relationship over results.
• Quote:

  “He didn't tell Joshua based off of what I did for Moses. He said it was as I was with him. That's a big key.” (07:40)

• The fulfillment of God’s promises is not dependent upon personal history or someone else’s testimony, but personal relationship with God.

4. The Danger of Focusing on the Promise Over the Promise-Giver

• Morgan warns about the subtle trap of becoming outcome-focused, using Abraham as an example of someone who almost missed God’s plan by fixating on the promise of a son.
• Notable analogy: The man clinging to a blimp’s rope survived not by his own strength but by being “wrapped” in the rope—just as believers are to be “wrapped up” in God.

  “If you'll stop focusing on what's been promised to you and wrap yourself up in the one who made the promise... it takes so much more effort otherwise.” (13:44)

• Biblical confession and praise should flow from relationship, not just the pursuit of results.

5. The Pitfall of Natural Effort in Faith

• Abraham and Sarah’s detour with Hagar is highlighted as an instance of attempting to achieve God's promise through natural means.
• When opportunities arise that seem to align with God’s promises, discernment comes from intimacy with God, not just holding onto outcomes.

  “If your eyes are on the promise and not the one who gave the promise, the devil can bring opportunity to you. And you will think it's God...” (15:40)

6. Encouragement from David’s Example

• True courage is cultivated long before the moment of crisis—David’s victory over Goliath was built in years of worship and private fellowship with God (35:41).
• Man’s courage needs validation from others; biblical courage only needs God.

  “David slayed the giant long time ago when he worshiped God in the fields...” (34:15)

• The Psalms are, in essence, a record of David encouraging himself in the Lord.

7. The Role of God’s Word and Presence

• Biblical courage is sustained by constant meditation on God’s Word and focusing on His presence (43:28).
• Practical exhortation: Read the Bible not just for solutions, but to know God.

  “If you would read the Word of God, not to gain information and knowledge about how you can gain in your life, but to gain wisdom and knowledge of the One who provided...” (46:44)

• Sometimes, believers need to “lay down the promise and go back to the One you are believing in.” (48:23)

8. Jesus in the Boat: Fellowship Over Formula

• Morgan examines the story of Jesus asleep during the storm (Mark 4), pointing out the disciples were so focused on “getting to the other side” that they failed to fellowship with Jesus.

  “I think the whole point was I'm in your boat... keep the presence of God stirred in your home.” (54:40)

• The real victory comes from fellowship, not formulaic confession.

9. How Rest Is Integral to Biblical Courage

• Rest and peace are signs that one is relying on God’s strength rather than striving in the flesh.

  “Biblical courage is a settled relationship, a knowing of who he is, of resting in him, really. Courage, true biblical courage comes from a place of rest in God.” (1:00:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Are your eyes on the promise, or do you need to shift this morning to give glory to God?” (26:47)
• “It’s not about the word that’s been given. It’s about the word giver.” (09:35)
• “If all you’re looking at is the word that was given and you take more time confessing the word given, your eyes are on the wrong thing. They’ve got to be on the word giver.” (10:37)
• “Sometimes you have to set down the confession of that promise and go back to the One.” (48:23)
• “Biblical courage will lead you to rest and peace and joy and a settled life. Because I know him.” (1:01:25)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:26 – Introduction and context, shift from offense to courage
• 01:47 – Parenting as a metaphor for courage and trust
• 07:40 – Distinction between “as I was with Moses” and “what I did for Moses”
• 13:44 – The blimp rope analogy: resting in God, not striving
• 26:47 – The need to shift eyes from the promise to the promise-giver
• 34:15 – David’s courage developed in worship, not battle
• 43:28 – How to cultivate biblical courage: Word and worship
• 46:44 – Encouragement to read the Bible for relationship
• 48:23 – Laying down the promise to return to the Promise-Giver
• 54:40 – Jesus in the boat: the importance of fellowship
• 1:00:36 – Rest as the true indicator of biblical courage
• 1:01:55 – Final exhortation and call to know God Himself

Summary Flow & Tone

Morgan’s teaching is warm, pastoral, and deeply practical. Her methodical use of stories (her own, as well as scriptural narratives) grounds the theological themes in everyday life. The tone is gentle and encouraging, continually inviting listeners to a deeper, more personal walk with God, culminating in the longing not just for God’s blessings, but for God Himself.

Final Takeaway

Biblical courage is not rooted in a burst of bravery or steadfast focus on promises, but in a quiet, rested, and consistent relationship with God. To possess this courage, we must steadily meditate on God’s Word, prioritize knowing Him over striving for outcomes, and cultivate ongoing fellowship. In doing so, courage becomes not a fleeting feeling, but a fruit of intimacy—leading to peace, joy, and lasting victory.

“I want to know Him. Not just what He gives, but who He is.” (1:01:55)