Podcast Summary

Podcast: Dufresne Ministries Podcast
Episode: The Day The Earth Stood Still | Richard Roberts | World Harvest Church | Murrieta, CA
Date: April 23, 2019
Speaker: Richard Roberts

Episode Overview

In this spiritually charged episode, guest speaker Richard Roberts delivers a message centered on the biblical account of “the day the earth stood still,” as found in Joshua 10. Roberts draws parallels between Joshua’s faith and the challenges facing believers today, emphasizing the power of prayer, God’s concern for His people, divine control over creation, and the assurance of answered prayer. Through engaging anecdotes, scriptural teaching, and personal testimony, he encourages listeners to expect miracles and persevere in faith.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Miracles and Healing (00:00–04:00)

• Richard begins with spontaneous prayer for physical healings (right shoulder, facial paralysis, migraines, stomach issues).
  • “Thank you, Father, for healing. Thank you that you have not stopped miracles.” (00:45)
• Emphasizes the continuing presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

2. Divine Delays and God’s Purposes (04:00–11:00)

• Recaps travel delays trying to reach California, connecting them to biblical detours (Paul’s detour to Malta).
• Notes Malta’s unexpected blessings and draws a lesson:
  • “Malta became a stopping place along the way. So why do things happen like that? I don’t know. But for some reason, we were delayed…” (05:44)
• Uses humorous anecdotes about California and Texas to connect with the audience.

3. Receiving a Fresh Message from God (11:00–15:30)

• Describes how God prompted him to change his sermon at the last minute.
  • “The Lord said, ‘Get your pen and start writing.’ ... He said, ‘Yeah, I’m going to give you something fresh.’” (13:45)
• Relates the importance of being responsive to God’s leading.

4. Biblical Reference: Joshua 10—The Day the Earth Stood Still (15:30–24:00)

• Reads and explains the account of Joshua commanding the sun and moon to stand still.
  • “This is the day that the Lord caused the earth to stand still because of the prayer of a man.” (18:58)
• Makes a connection to the classic sci-fi film “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and its (likely) biblical inspiration.

5. Three Key Principles from Joshua’s Story (24:00–50:00)

a. God’s Concern for His People

• “He knows who you are. He knows where you live. He knows what you’re going through. He knows your need.” (25:22)
• God is not distant or indifferent; He is intimately aware and engaged in believers’ lives.

b. God’s Control Over Creation

• God can override natural laws for the sake of His people.
  • “Actually, the earth stopped rotating. You talk about God controlling things—wow.” (37:02)
• Uses examples from his ministry (notably in India) to illustrate modern miracles and the ongoing supernatural provision and intervention of God.
• Encourages faith beyond what science or logic may dictate.

c. God’s Consent to Answered Prayer

• “The miracle took place because of concerted, heartfelt prayer. Prayer is the key that unlocks the throne of God’s mercy.” (50:44)
• Stresses prayer as central to experiencing God’s power:
  • “Much prayer, much power. Little prayer, little power. No prayer, no power.” (51:02)
• Shares personal testimony about persistent prayer leading to breakthrough in ministry needs.

6. Applying Joshua’s Principle—Speaking in Faith (24:00–50:00)

• Believers are encouraged to speak their faith boldly, just as Joshua did:
  • “He said, son, stand still, moon, stand still, and they did. God honored his prayer because God wanted the victory to be completed.” (32:40)
• Links to Mark 11: “Whosoever shall say unto this mountain...he shall have whatsoever he saith.” (34:15)
• Prayer should be specific, persistent, and full of faith, expecting God to act.

7. Overcoming Obstacles and Completing the Victory (48:00–54:00)

• God desires us to finish what He has started in our lives.
  • “God wants you to complete it. He does not want you to be defeated. He gets no glory in you being defeated.” (35:04)
• Addresses practical concerns—God’s power is for every area: physical, emotional, and circumstantial needs.

8. Personal Stories and Ministry Testimonies (throughout)

• Shares stories of ministry in India, healings, and answered prayer, both large and small.
• Encourages sacrificial prayer—praying until “the pain stops,” referencing both childhood and adult experiences.

9. Prayer and Healing Ministry (Starts ~54:00)

• Leads a corporate time of prayer for healing and deliverance.
  • “In Jesus name, come out—every cancer, every pain, every problem...” (58:18)
• Invites people forward, prays for specific needs, and encourages all to receive by faith.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Much prayer, much power. Little prayer, little power. No prayer, no power.” — Richard Roberts (51:02)
• “If he’ll hearken to the voice of Joshua, then he will hearken to your voice.” (19:38)
• “If Joshua can stop the sun and the moon, then you and I can stop those things that are coming against us, because God's no respecter of persons.” (69:09)
• “He knows who you are. He knows your need. Let that sink down inside you. You're not a worm. You're not an afterthought. You're not an accident.” (25:30)
• “Prayer is simply the sincere desire of your heart. You don’t have to use any big words. You just talk to God out of your heart...” (63:28)
• “When you pray, believe. Everybody say, when you pray, believe...When do you believe? When you pray.” (36:00)
• “God has not fallen off the throne—he’s the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (65:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–04:00: Prayer for healing; immediate ministry
• 04:00–11:00: Stories about travel delays and signs of God’s guidance
• 11:00–15:30: Receiving a new message from God; being sensitive to the Holy Spirit
• 15:30–24:00: Reading and exposition of Joshua 10; “the day the earth stood still”
• 24:00–26:30: God’s concern for His people
• 26:30–37:00: God’s control over creation; examples from ministry and nature
• 37:00–44:30: God’s consent to answer prayer; power of prayer and persistent faith
• 44:30–54:00: Application—finishing what God started; walking in victory; encouragement
• 54:00–68:00: Prayer ministry; healing and deliverance; declarations of faith
• 68:00–end: Closing remarks; book announcement; encouragement to attend the next session

Final Takeaways

• God is attentive to every believer and is still in the business of doing miracles.
• Through faith-filled prayer, Christians can see God intervene supernaturally—nothing is too hard for Him.
• Victory is found not in giving up, but in persistent, expectant prayer and obedience.
• The same authority that moved God to “stand still the sun and moon” is available to believers today.

This episode offers a passionate call to faith, prayer, and expectation, filled with encouragement and practical application for all believers seeking to see God move in their lives.