Podcast Summary: The Wake-Up Call

Episode: "It's Not What You Know. It's Not Who You Know Either."

Host: John David Walt (JD Walt)
Date: January 29, 2026

Overview

In this thought-provoking episode of The Wake-Up Call, JD Walt guides listeners through a reflection rooted in Proverbs 29, challenging cultural assumptions about success and influence. The age-old saying "It's not what you know, it's who you know" is re-examined through the lens of scripture, highlighting the deeper truth that it's ultimately our relationship with God—rather than human connections—that brings justice, provision, and true safety. Amidst personal anecdotes and heartfelt encouragement, JD offers practical prompts and closes with a time of prayer and worship, all oriented toward trust in the Lord.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Consecration and Invoking God’s Presence

[00:03]

• JD opens with a warm call to “wake up,” inviting the community to draw near to Jesus and consecrate their day to him.
• He emphasizes the unity of believers in the presence of God despite physical distances, describing the experience as being “enfolded” by the Trinity—a “ring of fire.”

  “When the people of God are caught up together in the embrace of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, that's church. … We're in the throne room of heaven.” (JD Walt, 00:54)

2. Scripture for Meditation: Proverbs 29:25-26

[01:50]

• JD reads,

  “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice. The Word of the Lord.”

• Sets the stage for exploring themes of trust, fear, relationships, and dependency.

3. Reframing the “Who You Know” Principle

[02:20 - 06:13]

• Questions the cultural adage: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
• Suggests scripture pushes us further: "It’s not who you know lowercase ‘who’, but capital ‘W’ Who—you know."

  “There are our connections and then there is our connection. Today's text seems to indicate that the latter is far more important to a favorable outcome than the former.” (JD Walt, 04:12)

4. Personal Narrative: Trusting God Over Connections

[06:20 – 08:30]

• JD shares a story from his own experience leading Seedbed and needing significant financial provision.

  “I've pondered how I might get an audience with a particular ruler, AKA an exceedingly wealthy entrepreneur… The Holy Spirit often prompts me to remember that the success of Seedbed's mission does not depend on me getting an audience with a ruler. Seedbed success depends on the favor of the Lord.” (JD Walt, 07:10)

• Emphasizes that while God uses people to provide, he most often uses those who trust in Him, not in their own wealth.

5. The Snare of the “Fear of Man”

[08:40 – 10:02]

• Explains that relying on people for provision leads to the “fear of man,” which is a kind of slavery—seeking to please or appease others to secure what we need.

  “To the extent that we place our trust in people for our security and provision, we will inevitably succumb to what today's text calls the fear of man.” (JD Walt, 08:45)

• In contrast, trust in God liberates us to love others freely, without being beholden to them.

6. Ultimate Wisdom: Connection to God Over Connections to People

[10:03 – 10:38]

“Wisdom teaches us life does not consist in our connections to people, but in our connection to God.” (JD Walt, 10:17)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On church as unity in Christ:

  “We're here and we're there. He's there and he's here. That's the mystery of it all. On earth as it is in heaven.” (JD Walt, 00:50)

• On fundraising and ministry:

  “Sure, God makes provision through people, but He typically chooses people who trust in Him more than they trust in their own wealth.” (JD Walt, 07:55)

• On the nature of fear:

  “I am beholden to the one on whom I am dependent.” (JD Walt, 08:56)

• Core theme:

  “Fear of man will prove to be a snare. But whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25, 01:54 and recurring)

Journal Prompts

[10:39 – 11:22]

• Where do you see the fear of man assert itself in your relationships?
• Do you tend to live more in the fear of men and women or the fear of God? How do you know?
• How might you become more about your connection with God than exploiting your connections with others?

JD reflects:

“Fear man. I've wit[nessed] you. I'm sure you have too. … It's very discouraging to see…how people just cater to and cower to money. … Some trust in chariots and some in horses. Some trust in money, some trust in donors. But we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Right?” (JD Walt, 11:30)

Pastoral Invitation

[12:00 – 12:41]

• Encouragement to pastors and ministry leaders to join a retreat for rest and renewal:

  “Once Jesus famously said…‘Come away with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” (JD Walt, 12:13)

Time of Worship

[13:29 – 16:18]

• JD leads a gentle time of singing:
  • "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"
  • "O Lord, You’re Beautiful" (Keith Green)
  • Additional verse: “O Lord, please light the fire…Replace the light of my first love that burns with holy fear.”
• This segment focuses the listener’s gaze on Christ and dependence on His grace.

  “Lord, we need you. You know how much we need you. And as we close out this morning, we want to make sure that you know how much we want you.” (JD Walt, 16:18)

Closing Prayer & Benediction

[16:19 – 17:05]

• JD ends with an earnest prayer and a send-off:

  “Hear our prayer, receive our faith, and meet us now on the field of today. We go in your name, Jesus. Amen.” (JD Walt, 16:48)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:03] – Wake up call and consecration
• [01:50] – Reading of Proverbs 29:25-26
• [02:20] – Discussion: It’s not who you know, but Who you know
• [06:20] – Personal story: Trust in provision for ministry
• [08:40] – The bondage of fearing people over God
• [10:17] – The pathway of wisdom: Connection to God
• [10:39] – Journal Prompts
• [12:13] – Pastoral Retreat invitation
• [13:29] – Worship: "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"
• [14:38] – Worship: "O Lord, You’re Beautiful"
• [16:18] – Final prayer and benediction

Takeaway

This episode is a stirring reminder that our ultimate security, provision, and sense of purpose are not found in our connections or influence, but in trusting and walking closely with the Lord. Listeners are challenged to examine their relationships for “the fear of man” and to intentionally deepen their connection with God, trusting Him above all.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses. … But we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (JD Walt, 11:48)