Why Does Spiritual Growth Feel Like Such a Struggle? - Jonathan Pokluda

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast Episode: Why Does Spiritual Growth Feel Like Such a Struggle? - Jonathan Pokluda
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Host: CandyRock (Candace Cameron Bure)
Guest: Pastor Jonathan Pokluda

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Introduction to Spiritual Growth Struggles

Candace Cameron Bure opens the episode by sharing her personal struggles with the concept of the Armor of God, expressing skepticism and confusion about its practical application in her life. This sets the stage for a deep dive into the challenges of spiritual growth.

"I struggle with that personally. Like that always doesn't move my heart because I'm like, man, what is that? You know, what does that mean?"
— Candace Cameron Bure [00:00]

Pastor Jonathan Pokluda responds by highlighting the empowering aspect of the Armor of God, contrasting his own petite stature with Candace's, and emphasizing how the armor provides strength and protection.

"I feel like you are like a beast walking in a room... for me, when I imagine putting on that armor, it really feels like armor that's giving me power."
— Pastor Jonathan P. [00:06]

Understanding the Armor of God

The conversation transitions to an in-depth exploration of the Armor of God as described in Ephesians. Pastor Jonathan P. elaborates on each component, explaining their significance in spiritual warfare and personal growth.

Candace admits her initial struggle to connect with the metaphorical aspects of the armor but acknowledges its importance in embodying the characteristics of a true follower of Jesus.

"But I know it's kind of to the last episode where it's like God wired people different ways... Ensuring that we reflect characteristics like truth, righteousness, and readiness with the gospel."
— Candace Cameron Bure [10:42]

Pastor Jonathan P. introduces the concept of the Armor being both defensive and offensive, allowing believers to protect themselves and actively engage in spiritual battles.

"It's both for me. I mean, I do like to physically put it on because I feel like a little person and I need to know that God's protecting me. But it's also very offensive too because... God's gonna give me the right words and energy to open the right doors for the right conversations."
— Pastor Jonathan P. [25:27]

Faith as a Shield Against Spiritual Attacks

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on faith as the central shield in the Armor of God. Candace shares her study of spiritual warfare, emphasizing that faith not only protects but also empowers believers to withstand and overcome attacks.

"The enemy's trying to take our faith so that we're exposed. That's why deconstruction is so significant... The shield of faith is what protects us from satanic, demonic, spiritual attacks."
— Candace Cameron Bure [28:24]

Pastor Jonathan P. relates personal experiences of feeling spiritually attacked and the temptation to distance oneself from God, underscoring the importance of maintaining faith even during intense spiritual battles.

"I've had seasons where I have felt so spiritually attacked by the enemy... But looking back, I'm such a stronger person in my faith than I was a year ago, five years ago, ten years ago."
— Pastor Jonathan P. [35:31]

Practical Applications of the Armor

Candace breaks down the Armor of God into a memorable acronym, WARFARE, to help listeners remember each component and its application:

• Walking in the truth
• Aligned with righteousness
• Ready with the gospel
• Firm in the faith
• Aware of our salvation
• Ready with the word
• Engaged in prayer

"So W A R F A R E. Warfare."
— Candace Cameron Bure [40:36]

This framework serves as a practical guide for listeners to implement spiritual strategies in their daily lives.

Encouraging Community and Support

The hosts emphasize the importance of community and support systems in fostering spiritual growth. Pastor Jonathan P. and Candace discuss how surrounding oneself with God's people and maintaining constant communication with the Divine are crucial for sustained faith and resilience.

"If all of this armor is locked in a trunk, prayer is how we access the armor. That's how we open the trunk."
— Candace Cameron Bure [39:36]

Listener Engagement and Parenting Young Adults

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts address a listener question about parenting young adults. Pastor Jonathan P. and Candace offer insights on balancing guidance with allowing independence, highlighting the need for parents to listen more and provide advice only when sought.

"Parenting children that are moving toward adulthood is all about telegraphing what the next season is."
— Candace Cameron Bure [42:13]

Their insights aim to equip parents with strategies to support their young adults effectively, ensuring that they navigate the transition with spiritual and emotional stability.

Closing Thoughts

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of faith and the assurance that spiritual growth, despite its struggles, leads to enduring strength and character. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace their spiritual journey, supported by faith, community, and the practical application of the Armor of God.

"We created this free resource for you this season called the No Fear Guide because you don't have to be afraid to talk about spiritual things."
— Pastor Jonathan P. [44:50]

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Key Takeaways

1. Personal Struggles with Faith: Acknowledge and address personal doubts and struggles in understanding spiritual concepts.
2. Armor of God: Understand each component of the Armor of God and its dual role in defense and offense within spiritual battles.
3. Faith as Protection: Faith acts as a shield against spiritual attacks, reinforcing the believer's resilience and trust in God.
4. Practical Framework: Utilize the WARFARE acronym to apply the Armor of God in daily life effectively.
5. Community Support: Engage with a supportive faith community and maintain strong communication with God through prayer.
6. Parenting Insights: Parents should listen actively and provide guidance without overwhelming their young adults, helping them navigate adulthood with spiritual grounding.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I struggle with that personally. Like that always doesn't move my heart because I'm like, man, what is that? You know, what does that mean?"
  — Candace Cameron Bure [00:00]

• "The enemy's trying to take our faith so that we're exposed."
  — Candace Cameron Bure [28:24]

• "So W A R F A R E. Warfare."
  — Candace Cameron Bure [40:36]

• "We created this free resource for you this season called the No Fear Guide because you don't have to be afraid to talk about spiritual things."
  — Pastor Jonathan P. [44:50]

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Conclusion

This episode of The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast offers a profound exploration of why spiritual growth often feels challenging. Through candid conversations and scriptural insights, Candace and Pastor Jonathan P. provide listeners with practical tools and encouragement to navigate their spiritual journeys with faith and resilience.

Transcript

[Candace Cameron Bure]

I struggle with that personally. Like that. That always doesn't move my heart because I'm like, man, what is that? You know, what does that mean?

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

You're also 6 7. I feel like you are like a beast walking in a room. I'm a very petite, small person, so for me when I imagine putting on that armor, it really feels like armor that's giving me power.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

So I let me say this real quick.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

7. Man, you don't need to put on the armor of God.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

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[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Life is like a roller coaster, but it's so much better when we go through it together. Welcome to the Candace Cameron Bury Podcast. My son Lev is in the studio. Yay. This season with my guest, co host JP Pastor Jonathan P. This is our 10th podcast season and it's called you'd Story Has a villain on YouTube. Click below to subscribe, then tap the bell to notified when new videos drop. Come join us.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Life is like a roller coaster.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

It is Lots of ups and downs.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

I'm sad I didn't get a yay. It was like my son left. NJP is also here, but I feel.

[Lev Bure]

Like it was pretty cool. I mean, like, 10th season called up for the 10th season.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah. That feels special. That feels. That feels like a special. Feels like a big. Like a special. We should throw a special party. I think we should tempt the episode party.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

I'd like Pastor jp.

[Lev Bure]

Yay.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

There, you got it.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Come on.

[Lev Bure]

She's a good actress.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

I thought. I thought you didn't get the casual memo. You went tucked in.

[Lev Bure]

You know, it's Napa casual.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Oh, they say.

[Lev Bure]

Oh, you know, I don't know.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

I don't know how things casual is.

[Lev Bure]

Different Napa just a little bit, you know, Still.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Still learning.

[Lev Bure]

Like, I like your. I was asking you, like, you. You dress yourself like, you love fashion.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

You know, I did. I do dress myself.

[Lev Bure]

I love it.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

I love it, too. Lev showed me a Instagram. An Instagram account this morning. This morning that I had not heard of called. What is it called?

[Lev Bure]

How does she not know about Preachers and Sneakers?

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Preachers and Sneakers? Yeah. I never. I never heard about it.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

You just sold it, really? Yeah.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

For a ton of money?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

No, not for a ton of money. I mean, I don't know if I should. No, it's fine. No, but he. It wasn't a ton of money, but he. He basically, like, wanted to repurpose it toward, like, like, redempt a redemptive deal. There's also profits and watches, which is another one.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Profits and watches.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

There's. There's a couple.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Do you want to be featured on their accounts or. No. You don't?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

No. Typically, it's like. It's like thousands of thousands of dollar shoes or, like, really expensive watches. Okay, but sometimes.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

But you're a preacher.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah, exactly.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Maybe not always appropriate.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Raises some issues, some concerns.

[Lev Bure]

I mean, can you enjoy nice things as a lead pastor or.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Oh, yeah, let's.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Is that what today's about? Is. Is today about that? Yeah, I think so. The essence of enjoyment is, you know, utility.

[Lev Bure]

Right.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Shared use. So if you enjoy something, I think the essence of enjoying it for the kingdom is to really, like, share it with others. And so, yeah, hospitality is a biblical value. It's actually a spiritual gift. The churches were born in living rooms that, you know, I think to be able to create a beautiful charcuterie and to invite in and pair something with an amazing beret.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

I thought you had it down there. I got it.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Oh, man, I can't do it.

[Lev Bure]

It's like you and bure and burre.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

You're never gonna forget that burr, the.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Single greatest wine on the planet Earth. So you. You, you know, pair it and prepare it and. And offer it, I think. But it's like if you. And I think you can. That's where it gets weird. It's like you can invest in things like watches and whatnot.

[Lev Bure]

Sure.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

And if you're wise, it's can be like putting money in a savings account, whatnot. But I think if you love things and you can't share them, then you don't own them. They own you. And when things begin to own you, that's where it's. It's idolatry. And we're putting things before God. Materialism. And things have mass and mass has gravity, and it can often pull us away from a right relationship with God. It can hinder our faith. So. Man, nobody. Nobody said we were going to talk about that.

[Lev Bure]

I think you model it well.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Thank you.

[Lev Bure]

You really do.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Thanks for it.

[Lev Bure]

And I'm a big fan of your. Your fashion choices. Oh, I really am.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

I honestly love this sweater so much today. It says not yet home, shout out, not yet on the front, and then it says on the back. What does it say on the back?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Child of God.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Child of God.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah. Forest told me about this brand, and I love them. So not sponsored, but super cool.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Yeah, I'm gonna have to look them up. What's the brand name?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Not yet Home.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Oh, not. Not Yet Home. Okay, great. I'm gonna follow them.

[Lev Bure]

Do you guys have boundaries on what you're allowed to wear?

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Do they make women's clothing?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

They do, yeah. Yeah.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Okay.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah, it's. I think it's unisex, and there may be some. That's not.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Okay.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Well, you said, do we have boundaries?

[Lev Bure]

Specifications, no crop tops?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

No. It really hurt my feelings. They made me stop wearing crop tops.

[Lev Bure]

Yeah.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

No, I'm kidding. What do you mean by that?

[Lev Bure]

Actually, yes. So if At. At our church, if you're preaching, you have to wear a jacket, like a sport coat or suit jacket of some kind of like, it's that specific casual. Seriously? Yeah, seriously, though. So I didn't know if the specifications or whatnot.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

No, I literally. A friend taught me this and it stayed with me. He says he. He would wake up and he would look at his week and think. Or look at his day, rather his like, outlook calendar and think, okay, what do I need to wear for that occasion? What's. What's going to best represent the Kingdom. And that was paired with First Peter 5. Like, all of you, clothe yourself in humility. And so that was a good exercise for me just to think through. Okay, who am I going to meet with today? And I love to push the envelope. Like, people make fun of me for what I wear because someone DMed me once and they were like, why do you dress like you're 15? First of all, ouch. Secondly, no, I just. I enjoy fashion. For sure.

[Lev Bure]

You look good, and I like, great.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

So I don't.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

I thought you were younger than you are because you. You dress in a very cool, chic way. I. I like how you dress. It does.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah. Thanks.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Yeah. No, but it. It. Like, I. I thought you were in your 30s.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah, I think it's. It's fun, but I. I'm not. I won't be featured on, like, all. Well, I. I do have a lot of sneakers, but I. They're all either gifts or I. I'm cheap. Like, I love sales. Like, a good deal.

[Lev Bure]

Yeah.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

So, like, I love shopping, but I love bargain shopping.

[Lev Bure]

Got it.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Yeah.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Like, find a deal.

[Lev Bure]

So I'm impressed with what you pull off.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Well, thank.

[Lev Bure]

You look great.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Thank you. I mean, you know, that was the thing that I told you. You popped in that sea of young adults. I was like, this guy got. He's got swagger.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Does. He's got some charm.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

And you get the, like, Taylor Swift lipstick going on today. The.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

I do.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Come on.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

I have red lips. Let me know if any gets stuck to my teeth, please.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

I will tell you.

[Lev Bure]

Will you tell people, like, are you, like, hey, you have something in your teeth?

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

I will, too. Always. I think that's a kind person and a friend.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah. To tell someone, it's like somebody's crushed by that. And it's. That. That's a. That's a whole nother podcast. We should talk about the truth that you mentioned it last week. Truth and love. Like, what does it look like to tell the. Speak the truth in love? So, yeah, love it.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Well, today we're talking about the Armor of God.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

What?

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

That's a big one. We touched on it in the very beginning of this season. We talked a little bit about it. But listen, I love the Armor of God. I love Ephesians. It's such a great instruction manual with so much encouragement and hope, but also practical information. And so I would love for you to break this down for us. You know what the Armor of God really is, how we use it, how we apply it, all the things.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah. Well, I love it. Too. And I said this in one of the earlier weeks episodes that I think Paul is believed that he's on house arrest in Rome, most likely chained to a Roman soldier. I think he's using that as an illustration. We often talk about, like, putting it on. I think you mentioned it in that episode. Hey, how do I put on the helmet? Put on the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth. I struggle with that personally. Like, that always doesn't move my heart because I'm like, man, what does that, you know, what does that mean? But I know it's kind of to the last episode where it's like God wired people different ways. Like some that's really going to minister to them. I can feel silly, like, thinking, all right, I'm going to put on my helmet of salvation.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

You're also six, seven. I feel like you are like a beast walking in a room. I'm a very petite, small person. So for me, when I imagine putting on that armor, it really feels like armor that's giving me power. I also kind of imagine like some angels on this was my off each of my shoulders walking in that are probably your size or bigger. And then that makes me feel protected but cool. Keep going, keep going.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

So I. Well, let me say this.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Six, seven, man, you don't need to be armor of God.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Do you remember that Brand? Massimo, do you remember that?

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Of course. It's one of my close friends. Husband's.

[Lev Bure]

Oh, Brand always one upping.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Sorry.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

This is what happened. Always.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

That is her husband. She's on Full House. But her husband is.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

I had no idea.

[Lev Bure]

Yeah, yeah.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

So like, I loved that Brand. And they had these. There was a time where it came out with like, it was an angel and a devil was kind of like the little design on a. On T shirts. And so I got the. I got the angel tattooed on my shoulder. You know, like in cartoon, like angel and the devil. And so that angel's tattooed on my shoulder. But I did that when I. Before I was a Christian. But now I too think about, like, all right, Lord, like, send your strongest angels. Like, I'm walking in here. I need you to. To protect me, guide me. But as you think about the spiritual armor, what I think Paul is actually doing is describing the character traits, the characteristics of a true follower of Jesus. It's not a salvific statement, but like someone walking in the spirit, like, this is what they do. And you can. You can go through them. It's like they're. They're walking in truth, they're aligned with righteousness, they're ready with the gospel, they are firm in the faith, aware of their salvation, they are responding with the Word and they are engaged in prayer. And so we can walk through each of those during this episode and talk about them. Yeah, I think it's actually like in the same way if you're trying to, to see if like a hundred dollar bill is real and you might hold it to the light and see if it has a watermark or that, that strip in there. Yeah, like he's kind of holding a Christian to the light and saying, this is what it looks like to walk in the fullness of the Spirit. And when you do this, and this is, this is my biggest takeaway from studying spiritual warfare for three years, is like, just walk by the Spirit and you're good. Like, if you just have a right relationship with Jesus, you're good to go. So that's it.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

So here's my question though. If some people get, can't discern the Holy Spirit and so how do they when they're walking by the Spirit? I know that's an easy question for Christians, but some person that is so new in their faith, they're like, I don't know what that means. How do I walk in the Spirit? How do I make sure that's not an evil spirit? How do I know it? Again, maybe it's not just me hoping and thinking what I want.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah, well, the Spirit of God is going to make known to us the things of God through the word of God. I'm going to say that again. The Spirit of God is going to make known to us the things of God or the will of God through the word of God. And so as you read the scriptures, you could know that the Spirit of God is never going to ask you to do something that contradicts his word. The Spirit of God is never going to ask you to sin. And in fact, you're always going to have another option. And we're going to talk about that before we wrap up this, this series. What we do in the midst of temptation because the enemy's trying to. The villain demons are trying to get us to, to sin. Spirit of God's never going to try to get you to sin. And in fact, 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, no temptation has seized you except what is common to people. And God is faithful. He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. And when you are, he will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it and so what that tells me is, is it's never option A, sin, option B, sin. There's always an option C, which is to. To honor God. And so the spirit of God is going to always, always going to push us the way to honor God. And I rarely say never and always, but I can say that confidently there, always. And so as we move towards the armor, it really. He starts with the belt of truth. And so this is that. That truth wraps everything together. And so we live in a time like truth holds it all together. We. We live in a time where there's his truth, her truth, their truth. You know, your truth and my truth.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Right?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

That's not loving because it's not the truth. For example, if, if my truth is I can fly, like, hey, I. I believe I can fly. I had a dream last night and, you know, I think God showed up and told me I can fly. I believe I can fly. I can spiritualize it. You know, I read a verse in Psalms that I think says I can fly. So I believe I can fly and God told me I can fly. And so I climb the. The tallest building around and I jump off. There's another truth that's going to overwhelm my little t. Truth, which is called gravity. And it's going to pull me to the earth at about 200 miles an hour and I'm going to hit the ground and every. All my bones are going to shatter and I'm going to cease to exist. I'm going to breathe my last breath. And if you watched me do that and me saying, hey, I can fly, and you didn't come around me and say, no, man, you can't. Like, I love you too much to believe that you can fly. You can't fly.

[Lev Bure]

Right?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Right. That. That's the essence of what it means to walk in the truth for us to, to seek out the truth and to know it.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Any. Any stories of. Of one of you being in a deep spiritual battle? Like. And yeah, do any. Do either of you have one of those?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

I mean, I mean, lots. I. I don't like the. You talk about like, size and intimidation and whatnot, but I like this. The most afraid I've ever been. I was downtown Denver and I. I was staying in a hotel downtown Denver, and I forgot something. So I walked to, you know, I walked to the CVS or to a pharmacy to get some deodorant or something I had forgotten. And, and it was like 11 at night and I looked around and it was just like zombies around me. I mean, it was wild because they. They had legalized marijuana there. And there's just, like, a lot of drug usage downtown and at night. And I was just. And I just remember being heartbroken. There was, like, a young woman, probably in her early 20s, and she was talking to a wall, and. And I just thought, oh, my goodness. And I'm looking around and there's all these nefarious characters. And, you know, I think we often. Our mind often runs to that, like. Like being fearful, but really in every situation, like, we need the spirit of God. Like, we need. Like, when I walk into a coffee shop, I may not be afraid, but there's people around me who are dying, you know, who don't know Christ. And so I may need courage, not just to protect myself on defense, but to go on offense to say, hey, let me ask you a question. Do you have a faith, if a belief? What do you believe about God? Do you have a. What's your foundation of, you know, what do you. What do you believe is true? And to kind of go in that. And the other thing, like, as we move through that armor, I would just say something else that we're called to do is to act in righteousness. And I know the three of us have talked about, even in past episodes, that as we look around our world, there's just a lot of people not acting in righteousness. It's like, we don't think that there is a. A moral compass, a true north. And you mentioned, Candace, that I spend a lot of time with young adults. I have this conversation over and over and over. I'm curious if it resonates with you where, like, I'll step off a stage and I always talk to. I love to talk to people. Like, I'm not a guy that kind of distanced myself from the crowd. Like, I love to meet people, talk to people. I got in this job because I love to pastor. Not. Not even to preach, but I love to pastor. And so young women will come up and. And say, you know, Pastor, I. I don't know what's wrong with me. I only date losers. You know, it's like, I only. I'm only attracted to guys that hurt me. And. And. And I've had the same conversation, like Groundhog Day over and over and over and say, what. What do you. What? Let me ask you a couple questions. What's your favorite song? You know, and they're like, no, no, no, I'm talking about dating advice. And I go, I get it, but what are you listening to? Who. Who you know, and they're. And they'll say. They'll begin to say artists or songs that kind of glorify sex or broken relationships. And, you know, and they'll kind of say, you know, this artist or, you know, this is one of the top songs right now. And I'll say, okay, okay, well, what's your favorite show? You know, and they're like, oh, man, you know, I'm looking for dating advice. I'm like, I got it. It's coming. What's your favorite show? And they're like, I don't know. You know, the Bachelor Love Island? I'm not sure. You know, I'm like, here's the deal. You're systematically programming your heart to be attracted to people who will hurt you. And that's that thing where I think we started this whole deal. Like I said, Grandma's right. Garbage in, garbage out.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Yeah.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

If we're not filling our heart with the righteous things of God, if we're not walking in righteousness, like, we're going to hurt ourselves.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Grand Canyon University, a private Christian university in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona, believes that we're endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. GCU equips you to serve others in ways that promote human flourishing and create a ripple effect of transformation for generations to come. 1 Peter 4:10 says, as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. By honoring your career, calling you impact your family, your friends and your community. Whether your pursuit involves a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, GCU's online, on campus and hybrid learning environments are designed to help you achieve your unique academic, professional and personal goals. Find your purpose at Grand Canyon University. Private christian, affordable visit gcu.edu. like so many of you, I have seasons where stress, low energy and feeling off balance start to take a toll physically and emotionally. That's why it's important to find real, effective support for your health. I found it through newethics and it's making a huge difference in my life. Lately, I've been loving a few supplements from newethics. I've been taking court ease every day for the last seven months. It's helped me manage stress in a healthy way and stay centered throughout the day. New D3K2 supports my immune system and bone health, both things we want to stay on top of as we get older. And they also make a great greens product called Gourmet Greens that tastes delicious because it doesn't taste like bitter greens. There's an espresso flavor, but I'm not a coffee drinker, so I got the berry blend and you can taste the blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. It's fruity, but it's not too sweet. It's packed with antioxidants and digestive support. New ethics Greens are designed to promote natural energy and overall wellness. Taking care of my health is a top priority. I think you know that I want to be proactive in finding supplements that support my body in a clean, honest way that I feel good about. And I know you do too. Visit newethics.com the link is in the show notes. And don't forget to use my code Candice for a special discount at checkout. I don't know about you, but I love to colorfully mark up my Bible. And Mr. Pen is the company dedicated to creating pens and highlighters specifically to be used in your bible. How cute is this? The ink doesn't bleed through the page and there are so many color palettes to choose from paired with their other products like transparent sticky tape, sticky notes and tabs, and washi tape. And you can create the perfect combinations to make studying scripture an even more meaningful experience. With over 1 million 5 star reviews on Amazon, they are the most popular bible highlighters and pens on the market. That's why I use them. Whether you're looking to deepen your faith through study and reflection or. Or simply need a reliable pen for taking notes During a sermon, Mr. Penn has you covered. To get 10 off your first Mr. Pen order, go to Candacepens.com Join me in diving into the Word in 2025. Go to Candicepens.com to get 10% off your Mr. Penn order. Yeah, I remember having a friend that was going through a really hard time in our marriage on the ring of divorce and she would just blast Adele.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Just to sit in her hello. Yeah. And I was like, stop blasting Adele and turn on the worship music and start praising the Lord and start hearing about the goodness of God. Start listening about restoration. Start filling yourself with the things that God is able to do.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah. I didn't say any artist because I was afraid you were gonna be like.

[Lev Bure]

Oh, that's my best friend.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

I was just hanging out with him yesterday. And you know that her, her husband is.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

That's it. Those are all my, my.

[Lev Bure]

I didn't know if you were going to cancel the Massimo story. Like, I didn't know where it was going.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

So I was, I was a Huge.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Those are all my degrees of OR. It's not really a 7.

[Lev Bure]

I got a question about something you said.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

If you just look at the top music though, it's like, man, this is. We're not going the right direction. Yeah, go ahead.

[Lev Bure]

No, I was going to something you said like armor. Sometimes we think about it in the defense, but you said armor is also for the offense. So I'm curious for you both, like when you think of the armor of God, is that a defensive thing for you or are you thinking it's something that lets you step into battle? Like, what do you mean by offense and defense?

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

It's both for me. I mean, I do like to physically put it on because I feel like a little person and I, I need to know that God's protecting me. But it's also very offensive too because. Because when I'm doing something that I passionately want to do and I'm excited about, I also know that God's gotta speak through me and from me, like, it can't come from me alone. And so that is like on the offense, that spirit that I just, I know through the armor of God that he's gonna give me either the right words that I need or the energy I need, or open the right door for the right conversation or whatever things to happen. So I would say both in my life.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

It's like the next ones, if we're walking down the armor and we go, you know, belt of truth, shield, breastplate of righteousness which protects our heart, the next one would be ready with the gospel. And so that's where we needed offensively to, to go and advance. Like we have the life giving truth. Like we can literally like, you know, such noble jobs are like, you know, what are they called? EMTs? EMTs, like people doctors, you know, you save lives. Yeah, Paramedics, right. You can save people. It's like every spirit filled Christian can partner with the Holy Spirit to save someone's eternity, which is even more valuable than saving their physical life. You know, it's a really noble thing and we all have that ability. And so I think that's like the offensive nature of what we're doing. And then the other, the next one I would say is just like the firm in the faith. So this is huge, guys. This is, this is the thing as we're talking about spiritual warfare, what I think the enemy's trying to do is to take our faith. And so if you go back to that deconstruction episode, I think he's. You remember when I read from first Timothy four, and it's like, hey, in the latter days, some will abandon the faith, right? I think the enemy's trying to take our faith from us. Because check this out. It's the shield of faith, is what protects us from satanic, demonic, spiritual attacks. The enemy can only victoriously attack you in direct correlation to how little your faith is. Bigger the faith, he cannot be victorious. And I'm gonna prove it to you. Okay, Jesus. So shield of faith, that's Ephesians 6. Jesus says to Peter, Luke 22, hey, Satan has asked me to sift you like wheat. To which if. If Jesus said that to me, he's like, hey, jp, Satan asked me to sift you like wheat. I'm gonna be like, jesus, just say no, right? Yeah, make like an 80s drug campaign and just say no. Like, no. Just tell him no, Jesus. But he doesn't. He says, so I will pray for you that your faith will not fail.

[Lev Bure]

That's insane.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Okay, I got another one. First Peter 5. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. So the enemy's trying to take our faith so that we're exposed. That's why that deconstruction is so significant, that as you deconstruct, you got to understand as you lower your faith, as your shield gets smaller and smaller and smaller, be wise, because that's where the enemy is going to attack you. Now, the good news is Jesus says, we don't need a lot. He says, if you have faith just as much as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, you know, go there and it will move. And so it's not how much faith you have, it's the object that your faith is in. Like, as we move closer to the shepherd, as we move closer to Jesus, as we move closer to God, we are protected from the enemy. But don't lose your faith. He's trying to get you to set down the shield. Don't set it down. Don't sit it down. Surround yourself with God's people. Like, keep. Keep going. Maintain the faith. That was huge for me. I would say in studying this, it's like, oh, they're trying to take my faith. That's. That's the thing. That's what he's after.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

What's the one. The. The first verse that you said?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Luke 22. So he. He asked Peter, he says. He says, satan has asked me to sift you like wheat, so I will pray for you. That Your faith would not fail.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Wow, that's good. I. This might not totally correlate, but I've had seasons in my life where I have felt so spiritually attacked by the enemy. And I was like, I need a break from the arrows, God.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

And so I've just not. I've actually, like, pulled away from God versus leaning into God because I feel like the closer I am to God, the more things I'm doing for God, the harder the devil is attacking or demons are attacking. And it's just a spiritual battle. I'm like, I'm exhausted and I feel like I'm treading water. So I'm like, God, I need a break and I don't want to. I've never pulled away from God. I've never lost my faith ever. But I'm like, I. I don't want to do this right now. And so I'm going to. My prayer life decreased a little, and I just was like, you know what it's like was. And I would talk to God about it saying, like, I know this is not what I'm supposed to do and shouldn't do, but I also don't know else how to handle it. And I can't handle the amount of arrows coming at me right now. So if I pull away from you, this is my logic. If I pull away from you, the enemy won't attack me.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

So hard is so incredibly honest. And so I just. I go back to the scripture. He says, Psalm 46, 10, be still and know that I am God. He tells, Moses says, be still and I will fight for you. To Joshua, he says, I will fight for you. And so this is this idea that God fights on our behalf. Like, some people have chariots. I just read in the Psalms, I can't remember which one it is. Like, some trust in men, some trust in chariots, but I will trust in the Lord. And so I think that is how the enemy wants us to think. I think there's a lot of viewers, a lot of listeners, thinking, well, if I just draw back from God, maybe Satan will leave me alone. That's what he's after. But the reality is like, Lord, as I press into you, like, for example, I'll wake up at 3am Some call it like the. The witching hour. I mean, it's like there's some. There are people who believe there are demons that wake you up at 3am I don't know what it is, but I mean, it's like clockwork. 3am In a season of attack. 3am I wake up and I'm just like, all right, guys, y' all want to wake me up at 3am I'm just gonna pray, and I'm gonna recite scripture, and I'm gonna fill my head with truth. So if you wanna wake me up, let's go. Like, let's do. Right. Like, wake me up, because then I'm just gonna know the word better, and then I'm just gonna have more communion. And that's when they're like, okay, don't wake him up. You know, he's just gonna grow in his relationship with the Father. I think that is truer to what's happening in the spiritual realm as. As we talk about this. But that's what they want to do is they want to discourage us. They. They want to move us, you know, from. And I know it's weird. We're like. I'm like, they, like, it's weird, right? But that's where I would just have to ask us, like, right, do we believe there's a spiritual army that's after us? You know? And I do. He shoots those fiery darts, the shield of, like, we think a shield. Like Captain America.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Right.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Roman shields were like doors. They were five feet tall, wood. And. And if you shot a fiery dart at one or a fiery arrow, it would just become kindling. It would. It would burn up. They were wood. So the Romans would stretch a. They would soak leather all night in water, and then they would stretch it over that wooden shield so that when someone shoots a fiery arrow, it would extinguish it. So Paul's using that. That language that, hey, our faith protects us from the attacks from the enemy.

[Lev Bure]

Yeah.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

And so really, our solution when we. When we. Since the fiery darts is like, all right, how do I grow my faith in God right now?

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Yeah.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

So let me ask you guys a question. Can you think of why? Like, this is a. This is not an easy question. Can you think, like, why would, like. Why wouldn't Jesus just say no? Like, it's like.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Like, no to the enemy.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah. Like, Satan's like, hey, may I sift Peter like wheat? It's like, just say no.

[Lev Bure]

I mean, I just think of James 1, verse 2. Yeah, that's it, you know?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah, that's it.

[Lev Bure]

But, you know, tell them, like, just, yeah, but. Yeah, but, like, to parry. But it's all for.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

It's all for considering great joy. Brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of various kinds, you know that the testing of your faith may produce perseverance or endurance.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Guys sleep on the.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

On the scripture, man.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

They got it.

[Lev Bure]

That's it for sure.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

So I think it is. I think it's a. I want your faith to be exercised so that it grows strong. It's like a muscle. And so we. We do. We do resistance training, so our muscles break down and grow stronger. And in the same way, like, we have to go endure challenges today, because in this world, you will face trouble. He says, yeah, and we're going to lose loved ones. Right. And. And we're going to suffer, you know, sickness and lose jobs and go through hardships. And so he's like, hey, as I will allow the enemy to make your face stronger for the future trials that you will face in this world. And that's why we can rejoice in the trials, because we're about to go on an eternal vacation for sure.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Lev Bure]

And it reminds me, too, of, like, it's a touch out of context, but even Galatians 6, 9, like, let us not be weary and doing good at the proper time, we'll reap a harvest.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Yeah. It's really good.

[Lev Bure]

Even what you. Resin. I resonated with what you said with a man, like, wanting to pull back from God because it's hard, but I believe that. Yeah. Where the truth is, we're called to John.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Yeah. And I. I will say, I mean, since then, that was a very specific season in my life, and I've grown a lot since that season, and now it's absolutely not my inclination to do that. And as with each trial that's come and the. And the arrows that have been shot at me, they do build up my endurance and my character, and they just make me stronger for the next one. And it's not that I want them to come, but I. But looking back, I'm like, wow, I'm such a stronger person in my faith than I was a year ago, five years ago, ten years ago. So.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

So I can look at it with joy.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah.

[Lev Bure]

Right.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah. That's going to minister to people, though, because I think there's a lot of folks that. That think about that. I. I hear. I've heard that all the time in writing this book, that it's like, hey, I just feel like the closer I get to God, the more the attacks are the enemy. And I really don't want to put myself out there. Like, I really don't want to speak truth, because if I speak truth or if I start preaching or if I. It's like, you know, the. The target on your back. People tell me that all the time the target on your back is so big. And I'm like, yeah, here's the reality is like, sure, like the bigger the spotlight, the bigger the stage, the stronger your relationship with God has to be. Because it's like that. He's not afraid of us. He's terrified of God. He's not afraid of us, he's terrified of Jesus. And that's where I would just go to the next, you know, the helmet of salvation that we must be aware of our salvation renewing our mind around this reality that we're not home yet. But we're not home yet. Not yet, but we're on our way home.

[Lev Bure]

Right?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

And, and so just thinking, like, he has a place for me in his kingdom, like I'm going to be there forever, you know, and, and this is, I don't know if y' all. Have you ever heard of like the Jewish. I don't think I said this at your wedding, but the like Hebrew wedding metaphor where like a boy would leave when he was of age to be married. He would leave his father's home and go into a foreign land and sear for a wife. And when he would find a wife, his dad would pay a dowry that, that's the right to, to marry her. They would toast, they would drink from the same cup. And then he would return to his father's house where he came from, and he would build on his father's house a bridal chamber.

[Lev Bure]

Yes. You said this. Yeah, he did.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

And so then when he's done with that bridal chamber, he would go back to that foreign land in search of his wife. And he would send word before him with trumpets and they would say, hey, your husband's coming for you. He's coming for you. And he would find her and then he would take her home with him and they would go to his father's house, to that room, and they would be there for seven days while there's a party outside. And they would be in the room for seven days. They would come out and he would present his, his bride to the family. You think about the traditions that we have from this. A toast, a wedding toast, Seven day honeymoon. But, but think about what Jesus says. When Thomas says, hey, we don't know where you're going. John 14. He says, you do know where I'm going. I'm going to my father's house and I'm going to prepare a room there for you. And he's going to come back at an hour and a time that we don't know. And so Jesus is going to come back for us. We can't forget that one day the sky's going to crack open like a scroll in there on a white horse is going to be the ruler, a commander in chief of an army to take us home. Isn't that crazy that we believe that? But we believe it. It's all true. You know, you gotta maintain that faith. And so just thinking about that.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Yeah, I love this. Did you, did you walk us through? Are there any that were leaving? Any of them?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah, I would just too real quick responding, responding with the word, which we've talked about in past episodes. Just having the word of God ready and then engaged in prayer. And the way I said that, I think was like episode two or three a few weeks ago was just this reality. Like if all of this armor is locked in a trunk, prayer is how we access the armor. That, that's how we, we open the trunk. And as you think back to that, the guy, if you think to the guy that. Remember the. At the country club and, and the. The demon manifested.

[Lev Bure]

Right.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

The whole thing started with you. As I'm having a hard time praying. And I remember when I prayed for him and he was released of whatever had him, I said, I think I know why whatever had you did not want you talking to God. And that's so much of what the enemy's after is he doesn't want us talking to the father. He doesn't want us talking. Every good soldier is in communication with the commander in chief. And so if we're going to be this warrior, if we're going to be suited up, then we have to be in constant communication with the commander in chief. So in summary, if you will, it's walking in the truth, aligned with righteousness, ready with the gospel, firm in the faith, aware of our salvation, ready with the word, and never, let's see, engaged in prayer, which is warfare.

[Lev Bure]

Yep.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

So W A R F A R E. Warfare.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Okay.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

So that's how you can remember that. Warfare.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Oh, that's great.

[Lev Bure]

I love it.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Come on.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Yeah, I love it. Okay. Today's listener question is from Melissa. I don't think this is my sister.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

But the names, the names got more normal.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

They did.

[Lev Bure]

Slowly.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

My son is a high, is a senior in high school and he just turned 18. Give me your best tips on parenting young adults. What are the pitfalls that I should look out for? This is a good question. You got an 18 year old, right?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah, I do, I do, yeah. I'd love to Hear from you as well.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Best parenting tips for young adults. Oh, I'll, I'll give you, I'll give you one.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Okay.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Because we just had Natasha on actually this whole past season. Natasha and Ali Schnack you were on. So we were having all kinds of Gen X, Gen Z conversations and how to do things and we talked about what could, what do you want from me as a, as a young adult, what do you want from your mom?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

So Lev, I should ask you that too. And, and I think what the answer was. Well, my answer was I need, I as a mom need to learn to listen more and give advice less unless asked.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

And, and I'm dealing with 20 year olds. I mean, at 18, I'm still going to give a whole lot of unsolicited advice.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

I'm to going, going to. So. But I guess that's into young adults who have their own lives, who are established. I'm like, I need to, to listen more and, and wait to be asked.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

For certain things. What about you?

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah. So you can't have, you can't give answers to people with answers. You have to give answers to people with questions. So I was like, man, speaking of that, I think parenting children that are moving toward adulthood is all about telegraphing what the next season is. And so that's where they're like, whoa, how did you know? And so if you can say, you know, here's what you're going, here's what you're about to encounter, it's almost, they're like, how do you know the future? Well, there's nothing new under the sun. And so while the, the challenges with technology and, and some of the newer things are there, they're kind of repackaged challenges that people had 20 years ago, 30 years ago, 40 years ago, 50 years ago. And so you can say, hey, as you move into the season, you're going to want to find significance from your work. You're going to want to enjoy your work like a hobby. You're going to forget that they're paying you to be there. They're exchanging money for your time. You're going to have challenges with coworkers. You're not going to like having to deal with authority, someone saying, hey, you need to be here at this time and you can have this long for lunch. You know, those kinds of things. The, you're going to get really focused on trying to find someone to spend the rest of your life with. That's what tends to happen when you turn 18 is you really Start thinking like, okay, dating shifts from oh, this is fun, going to prom to I may be with you forever.

[Lev Bure]

Right.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

And so you need to know what are the character traits that you're looking for in someone that you might spend forever with. And so as you, you telegraph those things, you really earn the right to be someone that they call upon later. And so that's what I would say to Melissa.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Yeah, that's a great answer. And love, I'd love to hear from you as a young adult. You're 25, but what, what is it that you had that you liked that Papa and I did well, or what you wished you would have had more from parents?

[Lev Bure]

I think, you know, it's a very formative time where, like I said, you're really becoming an adult a lot. I won't say all, but many 18 year olds are moving from high school to moving out of the house, going to college even. And so I think, you know, support. Knowing you have a parent or your parents in your corner I think is huge because there will be those times where you want someone to fall back or call on and that's what we're looking for.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

So support. Yeah, support. Well, I hope that helps people, Melissa. And we're going to be back next week.

[Candace Cameron Bure]

Yeah, we are.

[Lev Bure]

Come on.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Thanks for joining us today. Remember that we all know life can be messy and confusing, but we get to go through these ups and downs together. And we created this free resource for you this season called the no Fear Guide because you don't have to be afraid to talk about spiritual things. You'll also find a link to Pastor JP's book youk Store Has a Villain. I encourage you to read it and go to kandice.com to find the link. Until next time, be grateful all day, every day. Candy Rock Entertainment. All rights reserved.

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[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Close your eyes, exhale, feel your body relax and let go of whatever you're carrying today. While I'm letting go of that, I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1-800-contacts. Oh, my gosh. They're so fast.

[Lev Bure]

And breathe.

[Pastor Jonathan P.]

Oh, sorry. I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order. Oh, sorry. Namaste.

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