The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast: Episode Summary
Episode Title: When God Speaks: How Do You Know If It’s God or Just Your Thoughts?
Guest: Jonathan Pokluda
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast, host Candace Cameron Bure engages in a profound discussion with her guest co-host Jonathan Pokluda and her son Lev Bure. The episode delves into the intricate topic of discerning God's voice from one's own thoughts, exploring personal experiences, the power of prayer, and maintaining spiritual focus amidst life's distractions.
Memory and Personal Experiences
The conversation begins with a light-hearted discussion about memory and its role in personal and spiritual life. Lev Bure shares his struggles with memorization, contrasting it with Jonathan Pokluda's strong short-term memory.
Lev Bure [04:14]: "I have to work at something and then it gets stuck in there. Like, I still remember... it's like stuck back from like the 10th grade or something."
Candace humorously interjects about her long-term memory of past mistakes, highlighting the human tendency to remember certain aspects more vividly.
Candace Cameron Bure [05:55]: "I'm messing... short-term memory. You get a good long-term memory when it comes to fallen in the past."
Lev's Influence on His Parents' Marriage Through Prayer
A pivotal moment in the episode centers around Lev Bure's impactful intervention during a challenging period in his parents' marriage. Lev recounts how, amid their marital struggles intensified by the pandemic in 2020, he delivered a heartfelt sermon to his parents, emphasizing grace and reconciliation.
Jonathan Pokluda [15:34]: "Lev preached like a 45-minute sermon on marriage to us... he asked, 'Have you done everything you can? Is there one step of grace you could give?'"
This sincere and mature approach led to a significant turning point, strengthening their relationship and underscoring the profound influence of faith and familial support.
The Role of Prayer in Healing and Mental Health
The discussion transitions to the significance of prayer in personal healing and mental well-being. Lev shares his personal battle with anxiety and how a non-believing therapist introduced him to prayer as a therapeutic tool, blending spiritual practice with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Lev Bure [33:56]: "He was like, 'Praying will heal you.' There's a difference. The act of praying can actually heal you."
Jonathan reflects on the healing power of prayer, emphasizing that it's not just about seeking answers but also experiencing inner peace through constant communication with God.
Jonathan Pokluda [35:32]: "It's the act of prayer that's healing more than the answer we're gonna get from prayer."
Techniques and Practices for Effective Prayer
The trio explores various prayer practices aimed at deepening one's spiritual connection and enhancing the efficacy of prayer. Lev introduces the concept of "Chair Time," a dedicated period of solitude and active listening to God.
Lev Bure [22:00]: "Chair Time... sit in a chair with no Bible, no journal, no phone, no device... just you and God for 15 minutes."
Candace adds that modeling prayer after Jesus and utilizing the Lord's Prayer can help those feeling stuck in their prayer life.
Candace Cameron Bure [41:00]: "Look at Jesus and how he modeled prayer... starting with the Lord's Prayer."
Maintaining Focus on Jesus Amidst Temptations
Addressing the episode's core theme, the discussion highlights strategies to keep one's focus on Jesus amidst the myriad of daily temptations and distractions. Lev uses the metaphor of running a marathon, emphasizing the importance of envisioning supportive figures cheering towards the goal, analogous to fixing one's eyes on Jesus.
Lev Bure [41:48]: "Fixing our eyes on Jesus... like a marathon where the people on the side are cheering you on to keep going."
This approach serves as a deterrent against falling prey to distractions, reinforcing the necessity of a clear mission and unwavering spiritual focus.
Challenges in Prayer: Listening vs. Speaking
Jonathan and Lev discuss the often-overlooked aspect of prayer: listening. While speaking to God is habitual for many, the act of truly listening requires intentionality and stillness.
Jonathan Pokluda [21:45]: "The listening is the harder part for me."
Lev emphasizes the importance of listening as part of a two-way communication with God, advocating for practices that cultivate this skill.
Lev Bure [22:42]: "Ask him what you want to hear from him... Sit down and try to keep your mind listening to God."
Listener Challenge and Conclusion
As the episode concludes, Lev presents a challenge to listeners to dedicate 15 minutes daily to "Chair Time," encouraging a transformation in their prayer lives. Candace and Jonathan underscore the profound impact this practice can have on one's spiritual journey.
Lev Bure [45:41]: "Sit for 15 minutes... just you and God. Ask Him what He has for you."
The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to share their experiences and a free gift offering a "No Fear Guide," aimed at fostering deeper spiritual conversations.
Notable Quotes
- Lev Bure [22:00]: "You're cheering for that. God in his kindness is going to provide a way."
- Jonathan Pokluda [35:32]: "It's the act of prayer that's healing more than the answer we're gonna get from prayer."
- Candace Cameron Bure [41:15]: "Look at Jesus and how he modeled prayer... starting with the Lord's Prayer."
Conclusion
This episode of The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast offers listeners an insightful exploration into the discernment of divine guidance versus personal thoughts. Through heartfelt personal stories, practical prayer techniques, and thoughtful discussions, Candace, Jonathan, and Lev provide valuable perspectives on nurturing a meaningful and effective prayer life. Whether you're seeking to deepen your faith, enhance your spiritual practices, or understand the nuances of divine communication, this episode serves as a profound guide.