Podcast Summary: The Wake-Up Call

Episode: Receiving the Deep Approval of God

Host: John David Walt (J.D. Walt)
Guest: David Walt (J.D.'s father)
Date: March 12, 2026

Episode Overview

In this deeply encouraging episode, J.D. Walt explores the theme of "Receiving the Deep Approval of God." Drawing from Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:16-17), he invites listeners to truly internalize the approval and love God has for them—not as something to be earned, but as a gift rooted in grace. The episode interweaves scriptural reflection, practical encouragement, relatable stories, and a touching dialogue with J.D.'s father, culminating in a hymn celebrating God’s continuous, loving presence. The tone is warm, pastoral, and sincere, calling listeners to reorient their hearts and lives around the reality of God’s love.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Starting the Day with Jesus

• J.D. opens with the promise that as followers of Jesus, “He’s going everywhere you’re going. He’s going. And you’re going to be fully alert, alive, awake, attuned, abiding in him all day long.”
• Listeners are encouraged to expect unexpected “Jesus moments” throughout the day—divine appointments, new insights, unexpected acts of kindness.
  • Memorable Quote:

    “He’s gonna tell you things that you didn’t know about yourself. He’s gonna lead you to certain interactions with people you’re gonna call, people that you wouldn’t have thought about.” (00:20)

2. Consecration and Centering Prayer

• J.D. leads a prayer of consecration, inviting listeners to fix their eyes, heart, mind, and body on Christ (01:18).
• Emphasis on belonging to Jesus and setting intention for the day.

3. Scriptural Focus — Matthew 3:16-17

• Reading of Jesus' baptism where a voice from Heaven declares:

  "This is my Son, whom I love. With him I am well pleased."

• J.D. investigates why Jesus was baptized—not for himself, but “for our sake…to fulfill all righteousness.” (02:30)

4. What is ‘Righteousness’?

• J.D. challenges the common misconception that righteousness is about “perfect behavior,” noting that the biblical Greek term dikaiosune means “the approval of God” (04:30).
• Key insight:

  "Baptism is not something we do in order to be approved. It is something we do because we are approved." (05:32)

• Approval comes before transformation; it’s foundational—not a reward.

5. Acceptance Before Change

• In contrast to worldly relationships (where conformity earns approval), God’s process is:

  “We have to be accepted in order to truly change…He wants deep hearted healing.” (06:15)

• Transformation is the result of God’s presence and approval, “by the renewing of our minds.”

6. Divine Approval Is Unconditional

• J.D. personalizes God’s approval, encouraging listeners to insert their own name into the words spoken over Jesus:

  “You are my son. You are my daughter. You are my beloved one. With you, I am well pleased.” (08:18)

• He highlights the need for this truth to “wash off all the lies” we encounter and to reject messages that say approval must be earned through performance or possessions.

7. Kindness Leads to Repentance

• Notable quote on God’s unconditional love:

  “This is the risk God takes—to give us the performance review before the job starts…It’s not conditioned on your performance. It’s not conditioned on your behavior. Only thing it’s conditioned on is his goodness, his grace, his love.” (10:40)

• God’s goodness compels genuine repentance and transformation.

8. Living from Approval, Not for Approval

• J.D. calls this teaching “revolutionary,” emphasizing how many people—even in the church—misunderstand, striving for what can only be received (12:00).
• "Are you ready for a shift to a righteousness that can't be earned, but only received as a gift by faith?”
• Living from divine approval naturally results in healing relationships:

  “Broken people break people. Healed people heal people. That’s how it works.” (12:55)

9. Prayer and Reflection Prompts

• J.D. prays for the Holy Spirit to “activate this deep approval of God for us in our lives.” (13:18)
• Journal Prompts:
  • How have you worked for approval from God or others?
  • Are you ready to receive righteousness as a gift, not something earned?
  • Can you receive God’s approval and work from it rather than for it?

10. Father-Son Conversation: Legacy, Hymns, and God’s Love

[14:29-22:48]

• J.D. welcomes his father, David Walt (now retired), for a heartfelt segment on singing hymns and spiritual legacy.
  • Memorable exchange highlighting purpose and faithfulness:
    • J.D.: “You can quit your job, but you can’t quit the Lord.” (15:14)
    • David: “You gotta keep going…He’s got good for you to do, still.” (15:34)
• Discussion of the Seedbed hymnal, "The Great Redeemer's Praise," encourages making worship a daily practice, not just a Sunday activity.
• Reflections on fatherhood and the healing power of God’s approval for those missing a loving father figure.
  • J.D.: “A lot of people didn’t grow up with the best fathers…and they can’t hardly believe that God would feel that way about them. And I just want to say thank you for being the kind of father…that helped me believe in God.” (18:08)
  • David: “But everybody doesn’t [have that]. And…the mercy and the miracle of God is that he can break that cycle…He can turn it around today.” (19:00)
• Encouragement for anyone struggling in their family relationships:
  • David: “All He needs is to hear from you…Dear God, please help me. I need Your help.” (20:15)

11. Hymn: "Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this Place"

[20:53-22:01]

• J.D. and David sing together, reinforcing the episode’s message that God’s presence—and approval—is available wherever we are, not just in church.
  • "Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place. I can feel His mighty power and His grace…"

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On daily life with Jesus:

  “He’s gonna see them through your eyes and smile at them through your smile. We don’t even know what all is going to happen today, but we know it’s all going to be good because it’s going to be full of Jesus.” (00:26)

• On righteousness:

  "Righteousness does not come from following the rules, but from coming to know the ruler." (05:55)
  “You will change only when you know you are approved and loved.” (07:10)

• Father-son wisdom:

  “You can quit your job, but you can’t quit the Lord.” (15:14, J.D.)
  “You gotta keep going…He’s got good for you to do, still.” (15:30, David)
  "But the mercy and miracle of God is that He can break that cycle…He can turn it around today." (19:00, David)

• On prayer and divine help:

  “All He needs is to hear from you…Dear God, please help me. I need Your help.” (20:15, David)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Opening encouragement & prayer: 00:05 – 01:58
• Scripture reading & reflection on Jesus’ baptism: 01:58 – 05:32
• Exploration of ‘righteousness’ and approval: 04:30 – 08:00
• Personalizing divine approval: 08:00 – 10:00
• Performance vs. grace: 10:00 – 12:00
• Prayer and journal prompts: 13:18 – 14:28
• Father-son conversation: 14:29 – 20:52
• Hymn & closing reflections: 20:53 – 22:48

Takeaways for Listeners

• God’s approval is the starting point—not the finish line—of the Christian journey.
• We are called to live from a place of deep acceptance, not striving for it.
• Transformation comes by grace and presence, not by performance.
• This truth has the power to heal not only us, but our most important relationships.
• Worship, prayer, and even singing are accessible ways to anchor ourselves in God’s love every single day.