logo
episode-header-image
Jun 23
36m 37s

Making a Deal With God – Right or Wrong....

Pastor Jeremy R McCandless
About this episode

Send us a text


🎙️Welcome to The Bible Project Daily Podcast, the place where we open God’s Word each day to discover the wisdom, challenge, and encouragement it holds for our lives.

Today’s episode is titled “Making a Deal With God – Right or Wrong?” and we’re going to walk through one of the most perplexing, powerful, and emotionally charged stories in the book of Judges.

Have you ever made a desperate promise to God? “Lord, if you get me out of this, I’ll do anything.” You’re not alone. Many have made vows like that—on battlefields, in hospitals, in crises of all kinds. But is that the right way to approach God? And what happens when we bargain with the Almighty?

In this episode, we’ll explore the life of Jephthah, an outcast warrior chosen by God, who made a tragic vow that changed his family forever. His story raises deep questions: Should we make vows to God? What do we do when we’ve made one we can’t—or shouldn’t—keep? And how do we know if we’re walking by faith or leaning on our own understanding?

We’ll see that Jephthah’s story isn’t just about one man’s mistake—it’s a call for us all to know God’s Word, trust His Spirit, and walk in grace rather than fear.

 Let’s get started.

📄 Episode Notes

Summary:
In this episode, we explore the life of Jephthah, a rejected man chosen by God to lead Israel. We follow his rise to leadership and the tragic vow he makes before battle—a vow that costs him dearly. This episode unpacks what the Bible says about vows, spiritual desperation, and trusting God’s promises. Through Jephthah’s story, we’re reminded that knowing God’s Word and relying on His Spirit are essential for wise, faithful living.

Key Themes:

  • God uses those the world rejects.
  • Making vows to God: biblical guidance and spiritual caution.
  • The danger of spiritual ignorance.
  • Trusting the Spirit vs. negotiating with God.
  • Walking in wisdom: Scripture and Spirit together.

Key Scriptures:

  • Judges 11:1–39
  • Psalm 27:10
  • Leviticus 27:1–8
  • Matthew 22:29

Takeaway:
You don’t need to bargain with God for His help—you need to trust Him. Know His Word. Walk in His Spirit. And remember, God doesn’t ask for desperate vows; He asks for surrendered hearts.

Faith Over Breakfast
Pastors from two creative communities, Andy Littleton and Eric Cepin, discuss the...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

Support me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Up next
Yesterday
Do I Need to Get a Hat? (1 Cor 11: 2-16)
Send us a textWelcome:A simple question about head coverings leads Paul into one a tricky passage on worship, creation, and God’s design for men and women. In this episode of The Bible Project Daily Podcast, we tackle a challenging and often misunderstood text and discover why th ... Show More
33m 29s
Aug 6
Can I or Can't I? (1 Cor 10: 14-33)
Send us a textWelcome:What do you do when the Bible doesn’t give a clear “yes” or “no”? In this episode of The Bible Project Daily Podcast, we unpack Paul’s answer to one of the most practical questions in 1 Corinthians: “Can I, or can’t I?” As Paul deals with eating food offered ... Show More
30m 29s
Aug 5
The Perils of Privilege. (1 Cor 10: 1-14)
Send us a textWelcome Back:Are you blessed? Most of us would say yes. But with blessing comes danger—the peril of privilege. In this episode of The Bible Project Daily Podcast, we explore Paul’s sobering warning from Israel’s history in 1 Corinthians 10. How do we live under God’ ... Show More
31m 41s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2024
Dust in the Wind | The Writings | Ecclesiastes 4
Is your significance tied to your work? Do you struggle to have meaningful relationships? Do you have the humility to listen for wisdom? In today's episode, Tanya looks at Ecclesiastes 4, showing how each of these three issues stem from our heart's pursuit of temporary satisfacti ... Show More
10m 32s
Jul 2024
How Do I View God? | The Writings | Ruth 1
Have your experiences shaped your view of God? In your heart, is he a supportive or distant Father? Is He truly working for your good? In today's episode, Patrick shares how Naomi's story in Ruth 1 invites us to question how our experiences have shaped our heart's theology. Read ... Show More
8m 51s
Sep 2024
Should I Let Go and Let God? | The Writings | Nehemiah 4
Let go and let God. Jesus take the wheel. God's got this. These popular Christian sayings are founded on a good, true belief: God is in control. But these sayings might also be leading you into passivity instead of action. In today's episode, Jensen shares how Nehemiah 4 shows us ... Show More
13m 31s
Sep 2024
Stories of the Kingdom - The Gospels
In this Bible Story, Jesus tells parables on the kingdom of heaven, earthly stories with heavenly implications. And His disciples are greatly impacted by the seemingly backwards kingdom of God. This story is inspired by Matthew 13:24-30, 36-50. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn th ... Show More
12m 11s
Sep 2024
The Four Soils - The Gospels
In this Bible Story, Jesus speaks about the four soils. He tells of what happens to many different hearts when they come in contact with the word of God. This story is inspired by Mark 4:1-32 Matthew 13:1-23, 31-32. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year. Today's Bi ... Show More
11m 50s
Aug 2024
Letting Go of Your Past: Maturity and Transformation in Philippians 3
In this episode, we explore Philippians Chapter 3, where Paul shares his personal journey from self-righteousness to finding true righteousness through faith in Christ. Paul warns against placing confidence in our own achievements or religious credentials and instead urges us to ... Show More
27m 29s
Sep 2024
Day 264: Preaching Without Practice (2024)
Fr. Mike continues to explain the parables Christ recites in Jerusalem, specifically focusing on the dangers of preaching God's Word without practicing it in our lives. Jesus goes on to speak against the Scribes and Pharisees, reminding us that he's not only the Prince of ... Show More
26m 26s