Podcast Summary: Jesus the Healer w/ Nancy Dufresne Audio Podcast
Episode: 086 | Consider Not
Release Date: October 31, 2022
Host/Author: Dufresne Ministries
Description: Nancy Dufresne’s teaching ministry emphasizes faith, healing, renewing the mind, following the Holy Spirit, and embracing all that belongs to believers in Christ.
Introduction
In Episode 086 of Jesus the Healer, hosted by Dufresne Ministries, Kenneth Copeland delivers an empowering message centered on the themes of faith, healing, and maintaining a sound mind. Opening the session, Copeland acknowledges the support of Kenneth Copeland Ministries for broadcasting the message, setting a tone of gratitude and community engagement.
Faith and the Sound Mind
Copeland emphasizes the critical connection between faith and the state of one’s mind. He references 2 Timothy 1:7, stating, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind,” to highlight that a sound mind is part of the believer’s inheritance in Christ (00:30). He further explains that a sound mind is characterized by calmness, balance, discipline, and self-control (01:44).
Key Quote:
“The amplified in describing a sound mind says it's a calm mind, it's well balanced. Look at this. It's disciplined. Yes. And it is self controlled.”
— Kenneth Copeland [01:44]
The Mind as the Enemy’s Battleground
Copeland warns that the enemy targets the mind to undermine faith. He articulates that thoughts influence beliefs, which in turn impact speech and ultimately determine what one receives. By disrupting the thought life, the enemy aims to incapacitate faith (01:58).
Key Quote:
“The enemy has made the mind his battleground because he knows that if he can get us thinking wrong, he can hinder our faith.”
— Kenneth Copeland [01:58]
Defining Faith Through Romans 4:17
Diving into Romans 4:17, Copeland discusses Abraham’s example of faith:
“As it is written, I have made thee the father of many nations before him who was yet in the body, and not that by works, which are of the law.” (Romans 4:17, NIV)
He interprets the phrase “calling those things which be not as though they were” to mean declaring the non-existent as if it already exists (03:00). Abraham was recognized as the father of many nations before having children, illustrating the essence of faith—believing in what God has spoken, even when it hasn't manifested naturally.
Key Quote:
“Faith calleth those things which be not as though they were. That is the definition of faith.”
— Kenneth Copeland [04:09]
The Principle of 'Consider Not'
Copeland introduces the concept of “consider not” as a strategy to protect and strengthen faith. Drawing from Romans 4:18-19, he explains that Abraham “considered not his own body” in his faith journey. This means Abraham did not let his physical limitations or Sarah's barrenness shake his belief in God's promise.
Key Quote:
“Do not limit yourself to your income. Do not create a budget and decide that that's all you can have for that year... Your part is to believe it and to keep our minds out of what only God can do.”
— Kenneth Copeland [15:00]
Maintaining a Sound Mind Amidst Challenges
Copeland shares a personal testimony from October 2013 when his husband unexpectedly passed away. Faced with unanswered questions and unresolved emotions, he chose not to “consider” the problems. Instead, he focused on the “flow that Abraham was in”, maintaining peace and faith despite the tragedy.
Key Quote:
“Consider not. It’s the flow of peace. That's the flow of walking in the spirit... There were so many things unanswered... I didn’t have to consider it.”
— Kenneth Copeland [17:14]
Practical Applications: Redirecting Focus
To cultivate a sound mind and robust faith, Copeland advises believers to:
- Disciplined Thought Life: Protect one's mind by not dwelling on others' failures or negative outcomes (12:36).
- Focus on God's Word: Shift attention from problems to the promises and truths of Scripture (24:53).
- Speak the Word: Verbally declare God's promises, allowing the Holy Spirit to act on them (21:10).
- Rest in God's Work: Trust that God is performing His word, rather than trying to figure out solutions oneself (23:05).
Key Quote:
“He performs his word. He doesn't perform what we consider. He performs His Word.”
— Kenneth Copeland [21:49]
Avoiding Calculations and Limitations
Copeland warns against limiting faith to what can be logically calculated or budgeted. Faith operates beyond human calculations, relying on divine provision and blessings that transcend numerical limitations.
Key Quote:
“On your calculator, there is no anointing button. On your calculator, there is no blessing button... It's so you can know how much you're going to have to use your faith.”
— Kenneth Copeland [14:31]
Creating a Heavenly Atmosphere
By adhering to the principle of “consider not,” believers can sustain a heavenly atmosphere where peace, joy, and faith prevail. Copeland asserts that in such an environment, physical ailments and lack of faith cannot thrive.
Key Quote:
“In that atmosphere, that heavenly atmosphere, sickness can't stay there. It can't thrive there.”
— Kenneth Copeland [19:22]
Conclusion: Embracing Rest and Faith
Kenneth Copeland concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace a lifestyle of faith that prioritizes believing over calculating. By resting in God's promises and refraining from considering doubtful outcomes, believers can experience continuous spiritual growth and divine intervention.
Key Quote:
“Faith is the diligent effort to rest in God. Faith is the diligent effort to rest in God.”
— Kenneth Copeland [23:06]
Final Thoughts
Episode 086 of Jesus the Healer delivers a profound message on the interplay between faith and the mind. Kenneth Copeland effectively uses biblical teachings, personal anecdotes, and practical advice to guide listeners toward maintaining a sound mind and unwavering faith. The recurring theme of “consider not” serves as a powerful reminder to focus on God’s promises rather than on limitations or negative experiences, fostering an environment where faith can thrive and miracles can unfold.
For more teachings and resources, visit dufresneministries.org and explore the offerings of Kenneth Copeland Ministries.