Podcast Summary: Jesus the Healer w/ Nancy Dufresne – Episode 078 | "Answer Specifically"
Release Date: October 19, 2022
Host: Dufresne Ministries
Title: Answer Specifically
Introduction: Embracing God’s Power in Every Situation
Nancy Dufresne opens the episode by addressing listeners who may be facing illness or hardship, emphasizing that "there's enough power in every sick room and in every hospital room to raise up that sick one" (00:10), encouraging them to "receive that power" throughout their entire being. She welcomes listeners to Jesus the Healer and highlights the episode's focus on releasing faith to receive answers for one’s life.
The Importance of a Sound Mind
Dufresne delves into the significance of the mind in Christian life, referencing Second Timothy 1:7:
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (02:07)
She explains that a sound mind is part of our inheritance in Christ and must be nourished with God's Word, which serves as the "proper diet" for mental renewal. "As we feed on that sound mind, we have a renewed mind," she states (01:45). This renewal is crucial for living a transformed life, free from harassment by negative thoughts (02:06).
Maintaining a Sound Mind Through Specific Answers
Nancy emphasizes the necessity of "answering everything that is not of soundness" to maintain a sound mind (03:19). She teaches that waiting passively for God to intervene is ineffective; instead, believers are "authorized to answer things that oppose a sound mind" (04:16). By skillfully responding to opposition with the Word, believers grow in their usefulness to God (04:15).
Scriptural Example: Jesus’ Temptations in Luke 4
Using Luke Chapter 4 as a foundational scripture, Nancy examines how Jesus handled temptation:
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First Temptation – Turning Stone into Bread:
- Temptation: The devil challenges Jesus to turn a stone into bread to satisfy His hunger after 40 days of fasting (06:51).
- Jesus’ Response:
“It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” (13:15)
Nancy points out that Jesus "did not entertain the word 'if'," refusing to let the devil have the last word (06:51). By providing a specific and scriptural answer, Jesus nullified the temptation and solidified His authority.
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Second Temptation – Offering All Kingdoms:
The Power of Specific Faith
Nancy shares a compelling story about a pastor who learned the importance of specificity in faith:
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Initial Request:
"Father, the Word says that when you pray, believe that you receive, and you shall have. I need a bicycle. I desire a bicycle. So I believe you for a bicycle."
(17:26)After several months without the bicycle, the pastor sought clarity and specificity:
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Refined Request:
"I want a red Schwinn bicycle."
(17:26)Within a week, the specific request was fulfilled, demonstrating that "specific answers," not general faith, accelerate the fulfillment of prayers.
Applying Lessons: Living with a Renewed Mind and Specific Answers
Nancy underscores that "general answers get generally nothing," advocating for believers to articulate and claim specific promises from God to navigate life's challenges effectively (19:30). She warns against settling for vague declarations of faith, urging instead for precise, spirit-filled responses anchored in Scripture.
Personal Anecdotes: Overcoming Opposition
Drawing from personal experience, Nancy shares how she addressed opposition symbolized by weeds on her church property:
"I mowed them down. Well, you gotta have something to say to everything that tries to hold you back." (12:43)
This anecdote illustrates the practical application of answering opposition with decisive action and faith-driven responses.
Conclusion: Encouragement to Embrace Specific Faith
Nancy concludes by reiterating the importance of "answering specifically" to maintain a sound mind and achieve spiritual victories. She encourages listeners to equip themselves with their book Answer It and to engage deeply with God's Word to ensure their faith is actionable and specific.
"Don't let the devil have the last word in your life. Answer everything right." (05:50)
Key Takeaways:
- Sound Mind: Essential for a transformed life, nurtured by God’s Word.
- Specific Answers: Crucial for effective faith and receiving God’s promises.
- Scriptural Foundation: Jesus’ responses to temptation model how to address challenges with precise, Spirit-led answers.
- Active Faith: Believers are empowered to respond to opposition actively, maintaining authority over their thought life.
- Practical Application: Personal and anecdotal evidence highlights the importance of specificity in prayer and action.
Notable Quotes:
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Nancy Dufresne (02:07):
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
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Nancy Dufresne (13:15):
"It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."
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Nancy Dufresne (05:50):
"You cannot afford to let the devil have the last word in your life."
Resources Mentioned:
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Book: Answer It
Obtain your copy at dufraineministries.org -
Website: dufraineministries.org
Access messages, submit prayer requests, and explore more resources.
This episode of Jesus the Healer offers profound insights into maintaining a sound mind through specific, Spirit-led responses, empowering believers to overcome opposition and live victoriously in Christ.