Episode Overview
Episode Title: The Strong Spirit Of A Man, Part 1
Speaker: Morgan Dufresne
Location: Collinsville, Oklahoma | JTH Crusades 2025, Tuesday AM
Date: October 14, 2025
This episode features Morgan Dufresne teaching on the vital role of cultivating a strong spirit, using Proverbs 18:14 as a foundation. She explores the difference between natural and spiritual strength, gives practical steps for building inner resilience, and draws lessons from biblical examples like Abraham, David, and Mary. The message encourages listeners to focus on strengthening their spirit for victory in life, rather than being governed by emotions, intellect, or circumstances.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Importance of a Strong Spirit
- Scripture Basis: Proverbs 18:14 (Amplified): "The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?"
- The "strong spirit" is contrasted with the world's emphasis on emotional or mental affirmation.
- Morgan: "You are a spirit created in his image... brand new. There's nothing old on the inside of you. There's nothing dark or dirty or dingy..." (09:03)
Spirit, Soul, and Body Distinction
- Emphasizes that believers are a spirit, possess a soul (mind, will, emotions), and live in a body.
- Clarity is needed to avoid being ruled by the flesh or intellect.
- Morgan: "If we do not understand who we really are, then we won’t walk in those things that God has designed for us." (11:13)
Examples of the Strong Spirit
Abraham:
- Did not rely on talking things out or external affirmation.
- Strength came from giving glory to God and obedience, not from intellect or emotion.
- Morgan: "Abraham grew strong in faith giving glory to God." (23:34)
David:
- David’s victory over Goliath (and other challenges) stemmed from spiritual strength, not experience, age, or skill.
- Fellowship with God as the key to sustaining strength.
- Morgan: "He was strong on the cattle field and the battlefield because he was strong in his spirit. Where did that strength come from? It came from times of fellowship with God..." (19:47)
Mary (Mother of Jesus):
- Faced immense challenge by embracing God’s assignment with a strong spirit.
- Chose praise and obedience over fear or seeking comfort from others.
- Morgan: "Did you know others are waiting on the strength of your spirit? ...Strength finds strength." (30:29)
Practical Steps to Building a Strong Spirit
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Giving Glory, Praise, and Thanksgiving to God
- Regular celebration and worship strengthens spirit and faith.
- "Growing strong in faith is going to require giving glory and praise unto God on a regular basis." (34:14)
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Obedience
- True strength comes from quick, humble obedience to God, not independence or self-will.
- Morgan: "We lose strength in our spirit when we respond and obey to our spirit one day and then obey and respond to our flesh another day." (36:45)
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Praying in the Spirit
- Praying in tongues builds inner strength that Old Testament saints didn’t have.
- Morgan: "When we pray in the Holy Ghost, we can reach now into the spirit realm..." (39:01)
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Feeding on the Word of God
- A steady diet of scripture renews the mind and empowers the spirit.
- "Sometimes there’s so much Word in your spirit... I need to pray in the Holy Ghost. I need to strengthen that which is on the inside of me..." (42:45)
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Declaring Over Yourself
- Speaking and confessing scriptures to claim spiritual strength.
- "You can declare, ‘I’m going strong in faith today as I give glory to God, I am strengthened…with his might in my inner man by his spirit.’" (47:13)
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Disciplining the Body and Mind
- Paul’s example: Buffet the body, say "no" to fleshly desires, and train towards spiritual maturity.
- Morgan: "Every day that you give into your body is a day that your spirit man grows weaker." (45:03)
Memorable Quotes
- Morgan: "The strong spirit of your pastor will not sustain you. It said the strong spirit of a man... of this man." (54:26)
- On Affirmation and Discipline: "You can have gentle words and still have bad behavior. So what he was saying yesterday, dealing with yourself a little bit more harshly... Learn to put your foot to your own neck." (15:08)
- On Modern Society: "It’s become a weakened society... Because there’s so much natural that’s at our fingertips. The stimulation of the natural man is at an all time high." (25:29)
Notable Moments & Timestamps
- [07:00] — Setting the context: joking about age, then focusing on spiritual maturity versus physical age.
- [09:03] — The principle that we are new creations, not just improved old selves.
- [11:55 - 13:55] — Critique of modern reliance on mental affirmation, "safe spaces," and contrasts with biblical figures.
- [17:07] — Illustration: Managing disruptive behavior on an airplane and the need for discipline in children as training for future spiritual discipline.
- [19:47] — David’s victories tied to strong spirit, not to natural factors like age or status.
- [23:34] — Abraham’s faith and spiritual strength; miracles tied to inner strength, not outward help.
- [28:30] — Mary’s acceptance of God’s will with humble faith—her strong spirit impacted those around her.
- [33:50] — Mary’s praise illustrates the power of worship in building a strong spirit.
- [36:45] — Obedience contrasted with self-will and societal values.
- [39:01] — Transition to New Testament resources: praying in the Holy Spirit.
- [47:13] — Importance of making regular declarations of spiritual strength.
- [51:09] — Disciplining the body, as Paul taught, is essential for maintaining and increasing spiritual strength.
- [54:26] — Final charge: Your own spirit’s strength, not someone else’s, will carry you in trouble.
Actionable Takeaways
- Monitor what you’re feeding daily: Evaluate whether you are giving more attention to spiritual things or to natural, emotional, or mental distractions.
- Cultivate spiritual habits: Praise, obey, pray in the Spirit, read the Word, and make declarations—all are tools for inner strength.
- Take responsibility: Don’t rely on others (even spiritual leaders) to sustain you; strengthen yourself in the Lord.
- Commit body, mind, and spirit to God: Don’t compartmentalize your spiritual life—true strength comes from a fully surrendered life.
Episode Summary
Morgan Dufresne’s message is a motivational call to fortify the inner man through practical, biblical means. Drawing from Proverbs 18:14 and multiple scriptural examples, she demonstrates that faith, worship, obedience, prayer, and the disciplined life are critical to an unshakeable spirit. In an age that values emotion, intellect, and instant affirmation, Morgan challenges listeners to resist complacency, toughen up spiritually, and pursue their God-given race with strength that comes from within, empowered by the Holy Spirit.