Podcast Summary: "Jesus the Healer w/ Nancy Dufresne" Episode 013 | "What’s Your Attention On?"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Jesus the Healer w/ Nancy Dufresne Audio Podcast
- Host/Author: Dufresne Ministries
- Description: Nancy Dufresne’s teaching ministry emphasizes faith, healing, renewing the mind, following the Holy Spirit, and what belongs to all in Christ.
- Episode: 013 | What’s Your Attention On?
- Release Date: July 20, 2022
Introduction to the Episode
In Episode 013 of "Jesus the Healer," Nancy Dufresne delves into the profound impact of where one directs their attention, particularly in the context of faith, healing, and mental renewal. Alongside Pastor Reagan, Nancy explores the dynamics between the mind and spirit, emphasizing the necessity of aligning one's thoughts with divine truth to foster spiritual growth and resilience.
The Power of Attention
Nancy opens the discussion by underscoring the significance of attention in the healing process. She posits that the environment of sickness—be it a sick room or a hospital—holds inherent power capable of fostering healing. Nancy encourages listeners to recognize and receive this divine power actively.
Nancy Dufresne [00:10]: "Power is present. That power is there to do a work, believe in what's not. Try to get something, but notice that he's already made it yours. It's present right where you're at. Say, I receive that power."
Renewing the Mind
A central theme of the episode is the concept of renewing the mind. Nancy emphasizes that while God has bestowed the mind upon individuals, its purpose is not to lead but to serve the spirit's faith. She highlights the common pitfall where people allow their minds to dominate their faith rather than the other way around.
Nancy Dufresne [00:51]: "God gave you your mind, but not so that it could lead you, so it could serve you. And too many times people are serving their minds instead of their minds serving the faith that's in their spirit."
Nancy explains that a renewed mind harmonizes with the spirit's faith, ensuring that thoughts align with God's word rather than conflicting with it. This renewal is essential for believers to experience spiritual coherence and strength.
Distinguishing Between God’s Voice and the Devil’s
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around discerning the source of one's thoughts—whether they emanate from God or the devil. Nancy shares her personal journey before being born again, where she experienced Jesus speaking to her mind rather than her spirit, leading to confusion and misinterpretation.
Nancy Dufresne [02:39]: "And there were times that I would sense Jesus in the room and he'd talk to me and I'd hear him, but see, it wasn't coming from within. I wasn't born again. He was not abiding in me."
Post-renewal, Nancy explains that God communicates through the spirit, providing clarity and enlightenment that aligns with His word. In contrast, the devil's influence manifests as intrusive and often distorted thoughts that seek to undermine faith.
Nancy Dufresne [06:33]: "Now let me explain that before I was born again, I didn't know anything about salvation... But once I got born again... he speaks to my spirit. And up from my spirit, he enlightens your mind."
Handling Wrong Thoughts
Nancy and Pastor Reagan delve into practical strategies for managing negative or misleading thoughts. They stress the importance of not giving attention to such thoughts, as doing so can weaken one's faith and create confusion. Instead, believers are encouraged to redirect their focus toward God's word and praise, thereby nullifying the devil's attempts to sow doubt and fear.
Nancy Dufresne [11:27]: "Devil's seeking to confuse you up here because it'll make the faith ineffective in your heart."
Nancy shares a powerful analogy from a fellow pastor about holding onto sickness. The pastor realized that individuals were not receiving healing because they were fixating on their ailments rather than focusing on God's promise of healing.
Nancy Dufresne [20:03]: "When the body is feeling pain to get your attention off of it and to get it on the word... you've got to get your attention off of the wrong thing... and put it on the right thing."
Strategies to Control Attention
To effectively manage attention, Nancy recommends several actionable steps:
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Answer with God's Word: When confronted with negative thoughts or threats, respond by declaring scripture that counters the opposition.
Nancy Dufresne [23:30]: "If the devil says, 'You're going to lose your home,' respond with, 'My God shall supply all my needs.'"
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Praise the Lord: Redirecting attention through worship helps shift focus away from negative influences and reinforces faith.
Nancy Dufresne [23:30]: "One of the best ways... is Praise the Lord. Father, I thank you for your word. Praise the Lord."
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Focus on Positive Affirmations: Continuously immersing oneself in the truth of God's word cultivates a resilient and renewed mind.
Nancy Dufresne [25:38]: "When the devil threatens a wrong thought, there's a momentum of fear... But you can stop it by keeping your attention on the word."
Personal Testimonies and Experiences
Nancy shares her personal struggle with resisting negative thoughts. Initially, she attempted to ignore and suppress these thoughts, believing that mere resistance would suffice. However, through divine guidance, she learned that actively answering and redirecting her attention was more effective.
Nancy Dufresne [17:11]: "I kept trying not to hear it when all I had to do was turn my back to it and get my attention off of it."
This revelation came during a moment of crisis when Nancy realized that letting her attention shift away from the source of the trouble was crucial in weakening the devil's influence.
Nancy Dufresne [18:40]: "What you let your attention go to is what your faith will be on."
Conclusion
Episode 013 of "Jesus the Healer" provides profound insights into the spiritual dynamics of attention and its impact on faith and healing. Nancy Dufresne, alongside Pastor Reagan, emphasizes the necessity of renewing the mind to align with the spirit, thereby fostering a robust and unwavering faith. By distinguishing between divine guidance and deceptive thoughts, and by actively redirecting attention through God's word and praise, believers can protect their minds from spiritual assaults and experience the fullness of God's healing power.
Notable Quotes:
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Nancy Dufresne [00:10]: "Power is present. That power is there to do a work... I receive that power."
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Nancy Dufresne [00:51]: "God gave you your mind, but not so that it could lead you, so it could serve you..."
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Nancy Dufresne [06:33]: "The renewed mind will more easily recognize a wrong thought or a right thought. It can distinguish."
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Nancy Dufresne [11:27]: "The devil's seeking to confuse you up here because it'll make the faith ineffective in your heart."
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Nancy Dufresne [17:11]: "I kept trying not to hear it when all I had to do was turn my back to it and get my attention off of it."
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Nancy Dufresne [23:30]: "Praising God is the best way to hold your attention off the wrong thing and onto the word."
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Nancy Dufresne [25:38]: "When you resist the devil, he flees... Keep your attention on the word. Keep your attention on God worshiping God."
For More Information: To explore more teachings and resources, visit Dufresne Ministries. You can also purchase Nancy Dufresne’s book, A Sound Disciplined Mind, which delves deeper into mastering thought life and overcoming mental assaults.
