
Candace is joined by Pastor Jonathan "JP" Pokluda — and a very special surprise guest, her son Lev Bure — for conversations that pull back the curtain on spiritual realities most people avoid.
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Candace Cameron Bure
When the LA fires happened, you know, you, you were thinking or what can I. What do I have available to me to care for these people in need? It's like that's the life of the. That's the Christian life all the time.
Lev Beret
Yeah, but did you eat the cake?
Jonathan Pakluda
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Candace Cameron Bure
I am too.
Lev Beret
I'm kind of sad. I'm kind of. I'm nervous like it's our.
Candace Cameron Bure
I'm protesting this. You should.
Jonathan Pakluda
We could keep going.
Candace Cameron Bure
Let's do.
Jonathan Pakluda
We could just go on and on.
Candace Cameron Bure
Stop him to come back next week.
Lev Beret
Why quit when something's amazing?
Candace Cameron Bure
That's what I'm saying, like, this could be a. This could be a thing. Think about how easy it would be for you if you just had the same co host, like, until Jesus returns, right?
Jonathan Pakluda
Because it's. It's not.
Candace Cameron Bure
Like, why ruin a good thing?
Lev Beret
Are Nate and Kathy listening to this?
Candace Cameron Bure
I know.
Jonathan Pakluda
Like, don't you have a podcast with co hosts?
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah, but that. But they're replaceable.
Lev Beret
Yeah, everyone's replaceable.
Candace Cameron Bure
Everyone, Everyone.
Jonathan Pakluda
This is tr. Are all replaceable.
Candace Cameron Bure
I think Lev is the new Nate and Candace is the new Kathy.
Lev Beret
So do I take that as a compliment or as a dis?
Candace Cameron Bure
You said earlier. You said earlier you love Nate.
Lev Beret
I do. I love Nate, but you give him a hard time on be so. So I'm not sure if, you know, I'll take it as a term of endearment.
Candace Cameron Bure
There you go.
Jonathan Pakluda
How does JP open? Every podcast left, I think about this.
Candace Cameron Bure
It's, what's up? It's your boy JP in the podcast studio.
Lev Beret
You say, what a podcast world. What up, podcast world? Even I know your intro better than you.
Candace Cameron Bure
What's up, podcast world? It's your boy JP in the podcast studio with Lev Beret and Candace Cameron Bure.
Jonathan Pakluda
Very good.
Candace Cameron Bure
Come on, own it. Yeah, trying.
Lev Beret
I love it.
Jonathan Pakluda
Should I. Should I change up? My life is like a roller coaster.
Lev Beret
We like the roller coaster.
Candace Cameron Bure
Life is like.
Lev Beret
It is.
Jonathan Pakluda
I like it.
Lev Beret
I, like, very relatable.
Jonathan Pakluda
I'm relatable. I'm very mom, like, relatable because I'm a mom.
Lev Beret
Speaking of being relatable, I have something, like, embarrassing. I've been struggling throughout.
Candace Cameron Bure
I like, embarrassing.
Lev Beret
All of. All these 11 episodes. I am a huge, nervous sweater. Like, I, like. I will sweat through shirts, all this stuff. So I have to ask, like, is that a problem for you on stage? No, you don't, Right?
Candace Cameron Bure
No, I. I get.
Jonathan Pakluda
You're lucky.
Candace Cameron Bure
I know it's not nerve. Like, I won't sweat from nerves, but when I'm preaching, I would get hot to get hot, you know, and, like, how some guys have the. The bag and they're, you know, while they're preaching, it's like, I get that. It's not nerves, though. It's just like, you're. You're. It's kind of a workout. Honestly, I know that sounds lame. You're like, it's. Yeah, you're working those calories, but it. It is. It is like. It is.
Lev Beret
No, I get that.
Jonathan Pakluda
No, I feel like, Lev, you. You get that from me. I talked with Priscilla Shire about that, and, yeah, I Get less. Less nervous in terms of that. It comes out in sweat now, but I used to always put, like. Like guard shields. Priscilla had said before they made those. She didn't know they made those. And she would put pads, like a feminine pad in her jacket, so. Not the sweat.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah, that's how we roll.
Lev Beret
100%.
Candace Cameron Bure
That's how we roll.
Lev Beret
Yeah.
Candace Cameron Bure
Do you feel different if it's alive? Like, if you're doing a live. Something. Live versus something.
Jonathan Pakluda
Yes.
Candace Cameron Bure
That's going to be edited.
Jonathan Pakluda
It. It depends. If it's an interview on live television, I'm not as nervous. If it's a performance on television, you know, any live performance, then, yes, I get more nervous.
Candace Cameron Bure
Like, what's an example of a live performance?
Jonathan Pakluda
Like, so if I was being interviewed on Good Morning America, that's an interview, and I'm not really nervous about that. But if I was doing, like, hosting.
Lev Beret
The Oscars or something.
Jonathan Pakluda
Yeah, host. Yeah, exactly. Like hosting something where it's. It's a performance. I have a script I be reading off a teleprompter.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
Then I'm a little bit more nervous.
Candace Cameron Bure
Sure.
Jonathan Pakluda
But it's usually, like, nerves right at the beginning. And then once I'm 30 seconds into it, I'm like, oh, I got this. I know how to do this. The motor skills kick in.
Candace Cameron Bure
That's amazing. I. That would. I would be really hard for me. I don't enjoy the teleprompter.
Lev Beret
No.
Jonathan Pakluda
It is a skill.
Candace Cameron Bure
I'm not. I can hardly read. I'm telling you, I'm borderline illiterate. So I don't, like, be. Be what? I don't know.
Jonathan Pakluda
Be kind. No, my ner. My ner. So you don't get. You don't have any thing that comes out in you when you do get nervous. Like, mine is dry mouth.
Lev Beret
That's the worst part I get from my mama. Dry mouth. I'll sweat. And actually, like, the first few times I was ever in the pulpit, like, I get splotchy red.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
Oh, yeah, yeah. You just see. You see the red, like, creeping up his neck and then goes on his face and you're like, aww.
Candace Cameron Bure
All of that mind, I just get, like, foggy brain.
Lev Beret
Okay.
Candace Cameron Bure
Like, if I. If I'm really nervous, it's like I'm trying to hold a thought. What do I want to say here? Like, that's the worst feeling is like, I don't know what to say. Like, I, like, pray for my mental clarity.
Lev Beret
Right?
Jonathan Pakluda
Yeah.
Candace Cameron Bure
Because I like. And I think I have a Phobia of that not being there.
Lev Beret
Does this, you know, being alone on stage in a 50,000 person stadium make you nervous or no?
Candace Cameron Bure
Well, it did until now. No, like exciting nervous the first time. So, like that's passion. It's probably the biggest stage first time. Definitely had to, you know, work through some nerves. I mean, people say, do you get nervous? I'm like in, in the. Only in the good sermons. Because if dependence is the goal, weakness is the advantage. Like, that's my favorite quote, not in the Bible. The scripture would be, his grace is sufficient. His power is made perfect in our weakness. But you think about that. If, if God desires dependence from us, then our weakness is actually our advantage towards the thing that he desires from us. I'm like, all right, Lord, I'm nervous. I'm really going to need you to do what you do. And so preaching such a supernatural act, it's like, I don't want to give them more of jp Like, I want to give them the Holy Spirit illuminating the things of God. And I'm a conduit. And so sometimes like the worst thing that can happen is people are like, oh, I love you.
Lev Beret
Right.
Candace Cameron Bure
I don't, you know that. I appreciate that and that's kind, but I really want you to love God. And so then I'll, I'll start thinking, gosh, did I get in the way of that? You can overthink that too. I mean, there's grace, but that's good.
Jonathan Pakluda
We were talking about that last night too, because our, our, my pastor, Dudley Rutherford and Shepherd Church.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
And it's, it's really quite big. And there's I think five, five or six campuses now.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
And he's just encouraging this year to do a rotation of the pastors. So. Because he doesn't want. And he's been, he's been preaching there. How long's has he been over? Like 30 years. Over 30 years.
Lev Beret
Long time.
Jonathan Pakluda
And so he's like, I don't want you to come here for me. I want you to come to hear God's word. So this year they're implementing more of the other campus pastors. And when, you know, he's not at the main campus, it's not because he's on vacation, he's at one of the other campuses to do that. So. And I, I really appreciate that. I do. Because you can fall in love with a certain pastor. And I say fall in love. I mean, you just like their preaching style. And then when they're not there and it's a Guest speaker. You're like, oh, you're disappointed. At one point, sometimes we're like, check who's speaking today. Check who's speaking. And you'd look online beforehand, and then it was like, you want to just, you know, watch online and maybe not go or something. And, you know, it's just so the wrong posture and wrong heart attitude. So I. I love what he's doing.
Candace Cameron Bure
Oh, it's my soapbox. Okay. I mean, for a long time, and people would try to encourage me to say, hey, you're my favorite or something. And I'm like, yeah, I know that you. Or. Or they. When. When are you going to have your own church? It's like, I know that you want. Mean to encourage me, but there, you know, do nothing out of selfish ambition. Like, what does it look like for me to set my ambition aside and serve? And. And people will call throughout the week and say, all right, who's preaching this weekend? And people have left the church because. Well, I mean, some have left because I teach so little. And I'm well aware that for others, they're like. They really, like, you know, one of the other backup speakers. And it's like, I get that. It's like, hey, don't let your preferences rob you of paradise. At the end of the day, you're wanting the spirit of God to do something supernatural. So when you see something that's out of the norm, like, prepare your heart for God to do something out of the norm. And you want more of God, not a person. And so, truly, like, I would pray into that, because I think the greatest problem, especially in America, the American church today, is consumerism, Christianity. We're thinking about it like an entertainment sport. Like, what's in it for me? What can I get out of it? And you are like, church is not something you go to. It's something you are. You are the church. So don't think, what can my church do for me? Think, what can I do for my church? So what does it look like for me to deploy my gifts here and to serve here? And I. I believe that's so important so that we don't have a weak church, but a strong church, a strong bride of Christ. Yeah, yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
You can. You can come talk about that anytime here.
Candace Cameron Bure
What our friend Francis, you know, you. You talked about Francis Cheney. He. That's a big message of his, too. It's like sometimes he. He says it almost sounds blasphemous, but it ministers to me. It's like, I think that if. If Jesus had A church. Mine might be bigger. And that scares me because Jesus wasn't popular and, you know, they. They killed him and so. And. And it's good for us to think about those kinds of things.
Jonathan Pakluda
Yeah. It really is. Francis has a way of.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
Saying some things that, man, I cut.
Candace Cameron Bure
So deep in the face.
Jonathan Pakluda
Right in your heart. Yeah. Yeah. Well, today we. We've talked about a lot of heavy, spiritual, dark things on the podcast this season, and we're going to bring it home.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
Today. And we're going to talk about resisting temptation and guarding our heart.
Candace Cameron Bure
Well, well, you talked about Nate and, like, the role he plays on our podcast. And I will tell him sometimes that he's just trying to pull me off sides. And that's what the demons do. They're trying to pull us off side, if you understand that football reference, where it's just, you know, jump off sides to get you to lose your temper, to get you to lust, to get you to purchase something that you don't need, to get you to really waste your life, to get you to be intoxicated, to try to escape escapism, to try to escape reality. That's. This is, you know, that's why the. The scripture repeatedly calls us to be sober minded. And people ask all the time, you know, is it okay if I smoke weed? Is it okay if I do this? Is it okay? It's like, no, God wants you to be sober minded, to. To be fully into the situation, loving the people around you. This is the essence of the Christian life. And so I'm not saying Nate's like a demon, but in that way he is. In that way he is. They're. They're trying to tempt us. And, you know, Jesus, the. The one we follow modeled this perfectly for us in Matthew 4. He hadn't. He. He's out. He's led out into the wilderness, hasn't eaten for 40 days. And Satan himself shows up. And we talked in early episodes that Satan's probably never been anywhere near me. Like, I may have some snaggle tooth demon assigned to me to tempt me to understand my sinful proclivities or inclinations. But Jesus, this is face to face with the chief demon, the chief devil, Lucifer. And he goes after him with his greatest desires and says, hey, you can have all of this without going to the cross. Hey, you can have this food. I know you haven't eaten. I know you're hungry. And four times Jesus responds with memory verses, with scriptures from Deuteronomy. Like, think about if Our only hope of overcoming temptation today was to quote scripture from Deuteronomy. It's like, how would we do? But that's what Jesus. That's how he overcame temptation. And this is why we've talked about a lot about in past episodes, just the importance of having the word written on our heart so we're ready to combat the lie with the truth. The greatest demonologist out there. I mean, the greatest deliverance deliverers out there, exorcists out there. Whatever word most resonates with you would say you want to be aligned with the truth, that demons are liars. Like, that's the native tongue of Satan. He's gonna try to lie to you. So you want to make sure that you're aligned with the truth.
Jonathan Pakluda
Yeah. Lev, can you read in Your Bible Hebrews 12, verses 1 and 2 and share your thoughts on this passage?
Candace Cameron Bure
It's funny because it's the. It's the one from the last week of the question. Oh, the question from last week.
Jonathan Pakluda
Oh, yeah, that's right. Because. Right. It was like a precursor question to when we're gonna. Yeah, Amy, shout out to sister's name.
Lev Beret
Yeah, yeah, I remember we did mention this last week, but it says chapter 12, verses 1 and 2. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders in the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, for the joy set before him. He endured the cross scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jonathan Pakluda
So this is how we live in victory.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah. Yeah, that's it. I mean, just having those. We talked about last week in that question, just having the being surrounded by those people that are cheering us on and. And not giving in to temptation. I. I told you, I give up something every year. You know, as a discipline. I'll fast from one thing every year. And so I. One year I fasted from sugar. And I mean, that was so challenging because I love desserts and I have an accountability partner. And so it was, hey, anytime I would. If I ate sugar, I'd have to give him $100. So that was like my kind of man made consequence to prevent me from that. And I was doing really well. But one day we. Monica and I had a gift card. It's like sometimes people do like an honorarium. It's like a gift card. And we had this gift card at this really nice restaurant. So we go out, I think it was our anniversary, and go to this really nice restaurant and. And talking to the server. And at the end of the night, they just come and bring. And the guy. My accountability partner's name is Scott. And so they bring this, like, amazing piece of chocolate cake, which is like, I mean, chocolate cake. I'm done. Just set it in front of me. And he's like, hey, I want you to know what used to go to the porch. I'm encouraged by your ministry. I just wanted to gift this to you. I was like, did Scott put you up to this? You know, I just. I think about, like, that's how the enemy works. Like, he understands what you're trying not to do. And any presents you with the. With some of the greatest desires of your flesh and just like, lays it in front of you. So I think sometimes we stay on defense, which is all of the things that we're not to do. When it says that Jesus came so that we would have an abundant life. And there's these things that we are. We are supposed to do, like sharing the gospel and. And meeting needs, and we're kind of like these, like, you know, Christian vigilantes, if you will, doing good in the name of God, like, looking for. For great things that we can do in the name of Christ, like rendering aid, caring for people, being benevolent, being philanthropic, and it's fun to do. I saw that, you know, when the LA fires happened, you know, you. You were thinking, or what can I. What do I have available to me to care for these people in need? It's like, that's the life of the. That's the Christian life all the time.
Lev Beret
Yeah, but did you eat the cake?
Candace Cameron Bure
I paid Scott $100.
Jonathan Pakluda
You did?
Candace Cameron Bure
I did.
Jonathan Pakluda
Was it worth it?
Candace Cameron Bure
It was a hundred. It was. It was worth it. It was $100. P. So I'm so curious.
Jonathan Pakluda
Was it just like white sugar that you cut out or did you cut out anything? Like fruit? What? Like every. Every kind of sugar.
Candace Cameron Bure
I think I could have fruit, but it was. It was a few years ago, but it was 9 grams of sugar, so I couldn't have anything with more than 9 grams of sugar in it. Okay. And that's how I would look at it. So it wasn't like zero sugar, Right. More than nine grams. So.
Jonathan Pakluda
Always curious.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah, it was tough.
Lev Beret
Is there a. Is there a place for fasting in the terms of spiritual warfare or in the conversation?
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah, it's like, you know, do you guys fast?
Lev Beret
Yes.
Jonathan Pakluda
I don't regularly fast, but I've fasted many times in my life.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah, it's, it's an interesting spiritual discipline to think about, like going without food. And so like in, you know, in. That's what Jesus is doing when he's tempted in that way and he tempts him with food. He hasn't eaten for 40 days, which I, I've had, have two friends that have done 40 day fasts. You know, I will preface this. If you struggle with eating disorder, body image, like, of course, like talk to some, talk to a professional. Don't do this alone. Make sure that it's wise for you to do so. And, but like our church right now where we fast on Wednesday and so we go without food on Wednesday. And what it does is like your, your flesh, like your natural desires are saying, hey, you, I want this. And, and you're saying, hey, I'm not going to, to do whatever my body tells me to do. You're like, I'm not just going to react to it. And so a lot of times we think of fasting as just that time that, you know, we can hear from God or sit and listen to him. But there actually is this like physiological, biological aspect of fasting where it's like, hey, I'm not just going to follow the desires of my flesh.
Lev Beret
Right.
Candace Cameron Bure
Like, I'm going to grow my, I'm a. Strengthen my resolve not to do what I want to do.
Jonathan Pakluda
Yeah.
Candace Cameron Bure
And I mean, I meet with people just about every single week that can't not do what they want to do. This double negative there. But they, they are just given over to something so much so that they feel like they have to follow those urges. And I've been there. I've been an addict.
Jonathan Pakluda
Yeah.
Candace Cameron Bure
I mean, I have a history of addiction. And so I understand and empathize with that. And I want anyone that's listening that's stuck in addiction, even if it's, it is body image. Even if you don't like what you see in the mirror or you're cutting yourself or you, you, you're struggling with, with a depression that's not just a mental illness, but something that's tied to addiction of sorts. Of alcoholism, for example. I want you to know there is freedom, that it is available to you. That. Yeah. That a lot of times the demonic want to keep us slave to those kinds of things.
Lev Beret
Preach it.
Jonathan Pakluda
You said that to me one time, Lev, because I wanted something so badly. I don't remember if it was ice cream after dessert or it was Something with a work decision that I'm like, I want to do this, but I done. And you had said, mom, like, the most powerful thing you can do is deny yourself.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
Just tell yourself, no, no, don't do it. And I was like, oh, yeah, thanks, Lev. It was so simple. But I'm like, you're right. It's such a powerful tool.
Lev Beret
Yeah. It's so healthy to, you know, and wise, I think, to tell ourselves. No, to be able to do that. But it's actually something that I learned from you. Your ministry, the ministry of Harris Creek even, is like the moment you want something so badly is like, that's. I mean, can you finish that quote for me?
Candace Cameron Bure
Trust yourself the least when you want something the most.
Lev Beret
There you go.
Candace Cameron Bure
So whenever you. Whenever you want. When you ever you want most, want something, that's when I'm like, okay, let me go slow here. Let me widen the circle. Let me make sure others have perspective in this. Because I am a master justifier. I am masterful at, you know, putting scripture to something, convincing my heart that it's the right thing to do. And. And if it's. If it's wrong, you know, I need to. I need to think that it's toxic. So I. We. I don't know which episode it was, but just this verse. Proverbs 4. 23. This is one I would say with the girls and Weston now too, on their way to school. Just above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Or above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows out of your heart. And think about that above all else in the Hebrew, it's like, more than you guard anything, more than you protect your money, more than you protect your car, more than your home security system, more than you protect your jewelry, your valuables, more than you protect your life, more than you protect anything, protect your heart. Yeah, and I. I don't a lot of people like that becomes this like junior high lock in verse for young ladies. Like, guard your heart. Right. It's like, no, everybody feeds their heart something. And you gotta understand, you know, I think it was Woody Allen said, the heart wants what it wants. And he said this when he was in affair with his stepdaughter. And you know, and he just. That was his response to a journalist. Well, the heart wants what it wants. No, the heart doesn't want what it wants. The heart wants what it's fed. I would say to Selena Gomez, the heart wants what it's fed. Fed. And we feed our Hearts with. If you go down that verse, it's what you look at, what you listen to, where you, where you walk, who you hang out with. Like, this is you. You. Your heart's like a bloodhound and it gets on a scent and it wants more of what is fed your heart. Works like Netflix. Do you guys know what I mean by that, please?
Jonathan Pakluda
Yeah. It, it, what it sees what you watch and what you're feeding it, and then it keeps giving you suggestions of the next thing that you should watch based on the algorithm of what you've given a thumbs up and continue to watch.
Candace Cameron Bure
Boom. Exactly. Like we were talking about those, how addictive those TikTok reels are.
Lev Beret
Yeah, it's.
Candace Cameron Bure
It, it knows. You know, it's like if I watch a reel about Australian labradoodles, you know, all of a sudden now I'm like the Australian labradoodle expert. Because it's like, look at this one, look at this one, look at this one, this one. And it just starts to feed you more of what you look for. That's how your heart works. You know, it's. It's gonna feed you more of what you look for. And so you can. When you introduce something toxic like pornography or a million other things, you know, it, it's gonna pull you offsides, it's gonna take you somewhere. And that's in conjunction. We talked about early, early on, you know, the, the flesh, the demonic, and the world. All three of those things are working together to try to pull you out of right relationship with God. I'm not talking about salvation. I'm talking about intimacy with God. Like you feeling close to him, you. You growing spiritually under him. They do not want that. And they're going to appeal to your flesh, with the world to pull you out of right relationship with God. Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
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Lev Beret
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Candace Cameron Bure
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Jonathan Pakluda
When the Bible Talks when the Bible says that your heart is wicked and deceitful above all things. Y Can you talk a little bit about that just because we're talking about the heart? It was interesting. I was filming a movie.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
And I was talking with the writer and there was a line in the movie that had the, the. The line that is kind of the death of me. In the type of movies that I do, it's the follow your heart. Follow your heart.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
And so I wrote back to the writer and I said, actually as a Christian, we don't follow our heart because the, the. Our heart is wicked and deceitful above all things. I said, so we want to follow truth and we, we find the truth in the Bible. That's where I find truth. So I said, hey, let's, let's rewrite this line. Instead of follow your heart, let's make it something like, you know, and you can think of maybe a better word. But my suggestion was like Instead of follow your heart, let's, you know, let's take us on the path or go, go find do what is right. Let's go do what is right or find truth to do what is right. Something like that.
Candace Cameron Bure
Instead of follow your heart, praise God for you.
Jonathan Pakluda
And the writer then wrote, yeah, no problem. And then I, I saw him a couple of days later and he goes, you know, I looked that up, I looked that up on Google because I've never heard that follow your heart is a bad thing. It was so, and I purposely wrote it in the right and I gave him the Bible verse as to what it was. And he goes, that was so fascinating. He goes, I'm really curious about it now. And so we got into this conversation and he said, but is your heart always bad? Like, is it always leading you to bad things? Should I never trust my heart? And I said, well, no, you just have to know what right and wrong is. And again, truth is found in the Bible. So I know what is right and what is good. And that could be in my heart because if it lines up with God's word. But a lot of times our heart will deceive us because does. We can say it wants what it wants and sometimes we can think, oh, that's a good thing if, but you know, but maybe it's not. And he go, he was so fascinated and curious. I was so grateful for the conversation. But when we're speaking of the heart and you're talking about it, we feed it and it, it takes that on.
Candace Cameron Bure
But yeah, so just what about the.
Jonathan Pakluda
Nuance of like, is it all. Is our heart always bad, desperately sick.
Candace Cameron Bure
And wicked, beyond cure?
Jonathan Pakluda
It says, yeah, yeah.
Candace Cameron Bure
So when we talk about our heart, I want to just bring clarity too. We're not talking about the physical organ. It's, it's like when we talk about our, our mind, we're not talking about our brain. We're talking about thoughts and we're talking about feelings, our emotional quotient. And so really it's like the same thing. To say follow your heart is to say do what you feel, which is again the Satanic mantra. The mantra of the Satanic Bible is do as thy will, do whatever you want is the mantra of the Satanic Bible. It could be, you know, if it was a, a modern day song in 2025. Follow your heart. So we know that the Holy Spirit gives us a new heart. Again, not the new organ, not a heart transplant, but he replaces our heart of stone with one of flesh. And so I liken it to, you know, if I give you directions, remember MapQuest, we always print out directions before the GPS and navigation. It's like, you might have directions that would be like, drive 500ft, turn at the stop sign, take a left. You know, go two blocks, take a right. So you're, you're following the directions. This is the law, right? Well, the Holy Spirit says, hey, it's now just, hey, just follow me. I'll drive in front of you, you just follow me. This is what Jesus does. This is what it means to have the Holy Spirit. So we, we have the law, we have the scriptures, we have this kind of moral code, and this, the scripture, the, the Holy Spirit. Rather, as we walk with an understanding of God's word, as we're not seeking to sin, the Spirit is guiding us. This is Proverbs 3, 5 and 6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways. Acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight. And so, you know, I struggle with that because it's like, well, can we trust the regenerate heart, the new heart that he gives us? Can I trust that heart? And here's the English language fails me a little bit. But here's how I would answer that. I would say you can trust the regenerate heart, but the degenerate heart is always there until, until we're face to face with Jesus.
Lev Beret
Yeah.
Candace Cameron Bure
So as long as we're in this fallen world, as long as we're under the sun, as Solomon would say, the, the degenerate heart, the fallen heart is still presence. The, the flesh is still seeing to, to lead us away.
Jonathan Pakluda
Yeah, that's really good. So how, how do we, when we're resisting temptation, do we do that by building good habits? Is it that simple?
Candace Cameron Bure
It's a part of it for sure. I mean, I think it is. I think fasting is a part that you know something that will help you overcome temptation. Knowing the word as you go back on that spiritual armor, some will say the only offensive weapon there is the sword of the spirit. So it's like the armor. Armor, Armor, armor, armor, helmet, breastplate, like armor. And then the offensive weapon, the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. This is Jesus responding to Satan, you know, from Deuteronomy. So if he comes and says, hey, you're so lonely, you're pathetic, you're all by yourself, you might go, Deuteronomy 31:6. God says, he will never leave me nor forsake me. And so you're responding to the enemy with the word. I don't, by the way, I don't talk to demons like some people do. They'll be like the Lord, rebuke or I rebuke you in the name of. I'm not here to talk to demons. I talk to Jesus and I, yeah, I'm like, Jesus, would you rebuke that demon? Jesus, would you do that? That's, that's just me. I mean somebody, somebody listening is going to disagree with me. You don't, no need to email me. You, you continue.
Jonathan Pakluda
I've tried to rebuke a demon before in the name of Jesus. I don't think I did.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah, so you, you keep running your offense. You know, brilliant people disagree with, with me and so that no problem. But I, I talk to God and, and, and so yeah, I think strengthening our resolve to overcome temptation, knowing the truth and, and, and having the Word written on our heart surrounding ourself with God's people, since we've been surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that entangles us. The sin that so easily entangles us, everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us. So that that community aspect is going to be so important in that. Find a church that teaches the word, Join and become a member there. Serve there. Yeah, go all in there.
Jonathan Pakluda
Lev, I'd love to know if you have any, if you have any faith heroes in your life, someone who's been a cheerleader for you in your growth or that, you know, has mentored you whether in person or afar.
Lev Beret
Man, I mean a lot of incredible God fearing men and women over the years for sure. I'm not saying this because you're here, but I mean it, I mean I was introduced to you through Gabrielle McCullough when you did your wedding shout out. Gabrielle and Cooper and their amazing family. But you know, when I started dating Elliot, I went to Waco to visit her and I had the privilege and blessing of attending a handful of Sunday morning services at Harris Creek Baptist Church. And I mean it's incredible how the spirit will move when there's God fearing people leading a congregation. And so you and Harris Creek Baptist Church are, you know, a church that's part of, of the whole church that have, yeah, mentored me and been a really big encouragement from afar over the last, I would say two and a half, three years, man. So that's been really awesome.
Candace Cameron Bure
So I mean that's incredible. But I appreciate you. Thanks for saying that. And likewise with Yalls family. I mean, just so, so encouraged and proud of you guys.
Lev Beret
Yeah, thank you. And I'll shamelessly plug away. I mean but again, becoming something is such an incredible resource for people in their 20s, 30s, 40s and the podcast. Podcast, yeah. JP's podcast with Nate and Kathy and I mean it is an incredible, incredible resource. Talk about using technology in a way that advances God's kingdom. You know what I mean? So if you're listening to this and you fall around that and range or not, please, please, please give it a listen.
Candace Cameron Bure
For sure.
Jonathan Pakluda
Cool. Who are some of the mentors in your life? This some spiritual giants.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah, you know, it's so I grew up, I became a Christian at this church I said, stumbled into. I was hungover, sat in the back row, smelled like smoke. And the guy preaching was named Todd or his name still alive, Todd Wagner. And, and so he, he really like taught me the Bible. And then just God in his kindness surrounded me with some people that would, would really like teach me to teach, which is probably my biggest passion. Like I love to preach, but more than I love to preach even I love teaching people to preach, which, you know, Lev's coming to Waco and we're going to talk.
Lev Beret
Yeah, I'm do that.
Candace Cameron Bure
Nothing.
Jonathan Pakluda
I'm so pumped.
Candace Cameron Bure
Needs teaching, but it's just a really fun conversation for us to grow in that craft. And, and then, you know, I would say just God in his kindness and in the perfect timing place people in my life like Louie Giglio and, and Craig Groeschel and Gabe Lyons. When you start talking, when you start naming someone, I'm sure I'm going to forget someone. But those three men specifically, in different ways invested in me and just sharpened and shaped my leadership in ways I'm really grateful for. And then now, you know, I live life in community. And so I've got a dear friend, John Elmore, who I talk with every single day, who asked me the hardest questions and, and Jay and Stefan and, and others that are investing in me. And like I said, they know they have a complete transparent window into my life. They can see everything from search history to, to bank accounts. And so I, I forfeited my right to privacy so that I can hopefully finish this race. Hebrews 12, 1 and 2.
Jonathan Pakluda
Yeah, you know, incredible.
Candace Cameron Bure
How about you? For you.
Jonathan Pakluda
I mean, a lot of people have affected my life. Like my brother's one of them.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
Especially in the beginning of really finding my relationship first. He did okay. Yeah, he was like 17. That's when I was like, 12. But he had the biggest hand in helping me find my faith, like, at 25, to really become a. Relate. Have a relationship with God. And so, because he's a little bit older, too, and he's. He's kind of paved the way through entertainment in a different way than me because he's really been out of entertainment for a long time. He's very much been in ministry for the last 20 years. Like.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah, evangelist.
Jonathan Pakluda
He's. Yeah, he's. He doesn't have his SAG card anymore. You know, he left entertainment a long time ago, but. But he's just taken some massive hits over the years for standing up for his faith. And so I really look to him for how he's handled that with a lot of grace and appreciate that very much. And then, you know, I was just with a woman. Her name is Sarah Trollinger. She's 92 years old.
Candace Cameron Bure
Wow.
Jonathan Pakluda
She started this organization called House of Hope in Orlando, Florida. And I've. I've done some stuff for the organization over the last 15, 20 years.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
And she is like this spiritual giant to me, because every time I'm in her presence, she's just so filled with the Holy Spirit, but she just cuts to the chase and she. It's like, what's God doing in your life? And this is what God's doing in my life. And she prays over everyone. She's like you in that she can't come in contact with someone without sharing God with them.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
And I just. I praise God for people like her. For people like you.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
That are so bold and so courageous. It gives me so much courage. And, yeah, there's lots of people like that in my life.
Candace Cameron Bure
So, yeah, there's. I mean, there's going to be people that are watching from afar that, you know, are like me, where it's like, okay, you know, Candace is a Christian. You know, what does that mean? And it's. It's just been like. The conversations off camera have been most interesting to me because they're not shallow conversations. It's not. It's Right. This is not coffee cup Christianity. These. You know, it's. This is a. We're like in. In deep water, like, trying to understand theology and. And the scriptures. I'm just really proud of y' all and grateful for your family. I know that your mama is one of your biggest spiritual influences, because you've told me that. And. And so, man, just really very thankful for that. So. And. And I. I feel like y' all are you and Kirk Both are, in some ways, gluttons for punishment because you live out your faith in the places that is. That are most hostile to faith, you know? And so it's like, I could go to an Islamic country or a country closed to Christianity, but I think there's. In a lot of ways, I would rather be proclaiming the gospel on the streets of Afghanistan than Hollywood Boulevard. And. And, wow. I'm just. Keep going. Like, hold the faith. Consider me one of those guys holding a glass of water on the side of the road, saying, keep going, like, cheering you on. You can finish. You can do this. We're almost home. We're not home yet, but we're. We're on our way. We'll be there soon, so.
Jonathan Pakluda
Amen. Thank you. Yeah, I. Do we have time for a listener question, or should we. Yeah, should we do one?
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah, let's do it.
Jonathan Pakluda
Before we end.
Candace Cameron Bure
Gotta do a listener question.
Jonathan Pakluda
This one's from Crystal.
Candace Cameron Bure
Okay. They got. They went from like, kind of extraordinary names to more normal names, but we're grateful. Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
Yeah. Oh, J.P. i think this is a good question for you because you talked about it in an earlier episode. How do you deal with anxiousness.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
For your kids in chaotic times.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah.
Jonathan Pakluda
I think that could be for all people. I have a hard time fully trusting him with my family and giving up that control.
Candace Cameron Bure
Yeah. Let me say this to parents. If your kids are struggling with anxiety, be patient. Hormones are a funny thing, and they, you know, change. I mean, there's. There's all kinds of hormones that we face through adolescence. You know, when they're younger, they're going through growth spurts. And I see a lot of parents that come, you know, their kids are anxious. I mean, just for a couple weeks, you know, they can't sleep, or they're crying or they're struggling with anxiety, and parents will overcorrect really fast medically and whatnot. And I would just say a lot of that stuff will come and go in different seasons and so be patient and pray and. And I'm not saying, like, there's a place for doctors, there's a place for counselors, there's a place for therapists. I'm big fans of. Of really great doctors, counselors and therapists. And just like pastors, there's some really bad ones and so be discerning. But I would just say go slow in those turns with children. That all kids go through seasons of anxiety. And in the same way that. That I would say that as. As you feel trustworthy for that Child like you, you feel like, hey, no one loves that kid more than me. And so I'm. I'm. I'm overseeing them. I want you to know that. I promise you God, the creator of the heavens, the earth, who formed them in their mother's womb and numbered the hairs on their head and numbered that the number of days that they will live. He loves them even more than you do, Mama or Daddy or Crystal, and he really does. He loves those children. He. He thought them into existence prior to the beginning of the creation of the world. And so you can trust him, and you're really learning to trust him, and just as your kids are learning to trust you. And so, yeah, just prayer as you pray and seek the Lord and try to surround them with people who know him and love them and love him and know them. I think you're going to see that he's trustworthy.
Lev Beret
Amen.
Jonathan Pakluda
Yeah, this has been incredible. I honestly don't want it to end. It's really great.
Candace Cameron Bure
Sad.
Jonathan Pakluda
I would. I would love if you would pray us out like our listeners. Absolutely love to hear our prayers.
Candace Cameron Bure
So, yeah, it'd be a great honor. Well, Lord, I. I just. I want to thank you for being an amazing God. And you did form us in our mother's womb. You do know the number of hairs that are on her head. And there's people watching this through a screen, a computer, a phone. There's people listening as they drive down the road and listening as they work out. And I'm asking you to supernaturally bless all of those people, that they would just experience your grace today, that they would know what you've done for them through your son, Jesus Christ, that you allowed him to die for their sins, that you raised him from the dead. And the same spirit that raised him from the dead is available to them to show them how to live, to help them to overcome temptation. God, I thank you so much for my friend Lev and just the way I see him. Love his bride Elliot, just for his mind and his pursuit of you. And I thank you so much for his mama and Val, Lord, and just their faith in you and the way that they are bringing others to know you and speaking of you unapologetically and courageously. God, I pray that you would send your strongest angels to protect them and to strengthen them, that you would surround them with people that know them and love you and love them and know you, to experience real community even as they travel. God, that you would give them deep friendships with people that know you, God, and that you would bless their family, Natasha and Max and others, Lord, that you would pour out your grace and favor over them. We're so thankful for this podcast and all you've done through it. Would you bless it in Jesus name? Amen.
Jonathan Pakluda
Amen.
Lev Beret
Amen.
Jonathan Pakluda
Thank you guys.
Lev Beret
What a time.
Candace Cameron Bure
What a time. Come on. Thank you so much.
Jonathan Pakluda
Please come back anytime.
Candace Cameron Bure
Thank you for having me on. Truly. It's been a great honor.
Jonathan Pakluda
Well, I know everyone is also going to be blessed by your book too. So please pick that up if you if you haven't yet. That the the link link is in our show notes. But you guys are gonna like it. Your story has a villain by JP Pakluda. Well, Jonathan Pakluta. Okay, remember, life is like a roller coaster, but it's so much better when we go through it together. And that's what this podcast is for. Our free download this season is called the no Fear guide. It's@candace.com that link is also in our show notes. And remember, if you are if you are watching on YouTube, click the subscribe button and tap the bell to find out when new videos drop. Until next time, be grateful all day, every day. Candy Rock Entertainment all rights reserved.
Candace Cameron Bure
Member Week is here at Lowe's. Don't miss your chance to get up to 40% off hundreds of items like paint, faucets, vanities, doors and more. Shop our exclusive deals happening in store and online now through July 18th. Not a member? Join my Lowe's Pro Rewards for free today and get ready to save more Lowe's. We help you save loyalty programs subject to terms and conditions. Details@lowes.com Terms subject to change.
Lev Beret
Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile Now. I was looking for fun ways to.
Candace Cameron Bure
Tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited Premium Wireless for $15 a month is back. So I thought it would be fun if we made $15 bills, but it turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial. Give it a try@mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment.
Jonathan Pakluda
Of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month required new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speed slow after 35 gigabytes of networks busy taxes and fees extra. See mintmobile.com.
The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast: "What Does it Really Mean to Protect Your Heart?" Featuring Jonathan Pokluda Release Date: July 15, 2025
In the poignant episode titled "What Does it Really Mean to Protect Your Heart?" hosted by Candace Cameron Bure and featuring Pastor Jonathan Pokluda and Lev Beret, listeners are guided through an introspective exploration of spiritual resilience, community, and the profound concept of guarding one's heart in the Christian life.
Timestamp: [00:00]
Candace opens the conversation by reflecting on recent events—the LA fires—and how such crises test and reveal the Christian calling to care for others. She emphasizes that the Christian journey is invariably a blend of good and bad days, but its true essence shines when experienced collectively.
Candace Cameron Bure: "When the LA fires happened... That's the life of the Christian life all the time."
Lev interjects with a light-hearted remark, setting a relatable and sincere tone for the discussion.
Timestamp: [04:17] - [07:26]
The trio delves into personal experiences with nervousness, particularly in public speaking and preaching. Candace shares her feelings of "foggy brain" during moments of anxiety, highlighting the struggle between maintaining composure and the desire to effectively convey her message.
Candace Cameron Bure: "Like, if I'm really nervous, it's like I'm trying to hold a thought. What do I want to say here?"
Jonathan relates by discussing his own nervous reactions, such as dry mouth, and underscores the importance of relying on faith to overcome these challenges.
Jonathan Pakluda: "Once I'm 30 seconds into it, I'm like, oh, I got this."
Lev adds his perspective, mentioning physical manifestations of anxiety like sweating.
Timestamp: [08:24] - [11:30]
Jonathan shares insights from his pastor, Dudley Rutherford, about rotating pastoral leadership across multiple church campuses. This approach aims to prevent congregants from becoming overly attached to a single leader, fostering a deeper reliance on God's word rather than individual personalities.
Jonathan Pakluda: "He really doesn't want you to come here for me. I want you to come to hear God's word."
Candace echoes this sentiment, cautioning against "consumerism Christianity" where church attendance becomes transactional. She advocates for active participation and service within the church community to build a strong, interconnected faith family.
Candace Cameron Bure: "Church is not something you go to. It's something you are."
Timestamp: [12:18] - [34:22]
The core theme of the episode revolves around the biblical imperative to "guard your heart," drawing from Proverbs 4:23 and Hebrews 12:1-2. Lev reads Hebrews 12:1-2, emphasizing perseverance and fixation on Jesus as the ultimate guide.
Lev Beret: "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus..."
Candace elaborates on the deceptive nature of the heart, arguing against the common saying "the heart wants what it wants." She posits that the heart's desires are shaped by what we feed it—be it positive influences or toxic inputs like pornography.
Candace Cameron Bure: "The heart wants what it's fed... Your heart's like a bloodhound and it gets on a scent and it wants more of what you look for."
Jonathan discusses the importance of scripture in combating deceitful desires, likening the word of God to a powerful tool against temptation.
Jonathan Pakluda: "The only offensive weapon there is the sword of the spirit..."
Timestamp: [35:28] - [36:23]
Candace shares her personal journey with fasting as a discipline to strengthen her resolve against temptation. She recounts an experience where a well-intentioned act from an accountability partner nearly derailed her fasting commitment, illustrating the subtle ways temptation can manifest.
Candace Cameron Bure: "That's how the enemy works... lays it in front of you."
The conversation underscores the necessity of spiritual disciplines like fasting and scripture memorization in maintaining spiritual integrity.
Timestamp: [36:23] - [42:17]
The hosts turn their attention to the role of mentors and spiritual leaders in their lives. Lev expresses gratitude for mentors at Harris Creek Baptist Church and acknowledges the profound impact of leaders like Gabrielle McCullough and Cooper.
Lev Beret: "It's incredible how the spirit will move when there's God fearing people leading a congregation."
Candace honors her own mentors, including Todd Wagner, Louie Giglio, Craig Groeschel, and Gabe Lyons, highlighting their contributions to her spiritual and leadership development.
Candace Cameron Bure: "They sharpened and shaped my leadership in ways I'm really grateful for."
Timestamp: [43:46] - [46:24]
In response to a listener question from Crystal, the hosts offer compassionate advice for parents dealing with anxious children. Candace emphasizes patience, prayer, and the importance of surrounding children with supportive, faith-driven individuals.
Candace Cameron Bure: "If your kids are struggling with anxiety, be patient... He's the creator of the heavens... He loves them even more than you do."
Jonathan reinforces the significance of trusting God's plan and allowing children to navigate their anxieties with faith as their anchor.
Timestamp: [46:33] - [48:26]
The episode concludes with heartfelt prayers, wherein Candace prays for the listeners, the guests, and the broader community. She invokes blessings of grace, protection, and spiritual growth, encapsulating the episode's themes of faith, resilience, and communal support.
Candace Cameron Bure: "I pray that you would supernaturally bless all of those people... Would you bless it in Jesus' name? Amen."
Lev and Jonathan echo the sentiments, reinforcing the sense of unity and shared faith among the hosts and listeners.
Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." [Lev Beret at 15:09]
Proverbs 4:23: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows out of it." [Candace Cameron Bure at 22:26]
Lev Beret: "The most powerful thing you can do is deny yourself." [Jonathan Pakluda at 21:50]
This episode serves as a profound reminder of the importance of guarding one’s heart through faith, community, and disciplined spiritual practices. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, Candace, Jonathan, and Lev offer listeners actionable insights and heartfelt encouragement to navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose.