The Wake-Up Call — "The Spiritual Gift of Carpentry?"

Host: Andrew Forrest
Date: February 10, 2026
Podcast: The Wake-Up Call (Seedbed)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Andrew Forrest encourages listeners to find meaning in the often-overlooked sections of Exodus, focusing particularly on the story of Bezalel and the idea that everyday skills—such as craftsmanship—are spiritual gifts. Through Scripture, reflection, and song, Forrest reframes the value of ordinary work in God’s kingdom, inviting listeners to recognize and steward the unique gifts God has given them, no matter their profession.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Introduction: Rhythms and Relatability (00:03 – 02:30)

• Andrew starts the episode reflecting on his own weekly rhythm, noting the structure of his days and the comfort of free afternoons.
  • "I'm one of those guys... I like having nothing on my calendar. Like when I see my calendar filled with stuff, it stresses me out." (00:23)
• Friendly banter about ‘Taco Tuesday’ brings a light, relatable tone, establishing a welcoming atmosphere.
  • "Somebody slapped my hand last week because apparently I didn't mention... that Tuesdays are Taco Tuesdays." (01:24)

2. Scripture Focus: Exodus 31:1-6 (02:35 – 04:00)

• Andrew reads and centers the episode on Exodus 31:1-6, where God calls and fills Bezalel with the Spirit for craftsmanship.
  • "See, I have called by name Bezalel... and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship..." (Scripture reading, 03:12)

3. Reclaiming the Value of Everyday Work (04:01 – 07:45)

• Many stop reading Exodus here due to its perceived dryness, but Forrest argues that these passages show that all work can be sacred.
  • "This part of Exodus is filled with descriptions and regulations, things that just do not seem particularly relevant... But this is precisely why I am focusing on these passages..." (04:30)
• Not everyone is meant to be a pastor; ordinary roles are essential to God's work.
  • "It would make absolutely no sense for all Christians to become pastors. This is because the pastor is like a coach. He's meant to prepare people for ministry." (05:10)
  • "Well, you can't win the game if all you have is a bunch of coaches and no players." (05:22)
• Bezalel is the first person in the Bible said to be filled with the Holy Spirit—and he’s a craftsman, not a prophet or priest.
  • "Not Moses, not Joshua, not Abraham, but Bezalel, a craftsman is gifted by the Spirit for his work." (06:17)
• God values and fills people for all kinds of work, not only explicitly religious roles.
  • "The so-called ordinary trades and professions matter to the Lord and... the Lord gives skills to people so that they can do their everyday tasks in ways that honor Him." (06:36)
  • "There's not like special ministry for the pastors and regular ministry for everybody else." (07:04)

4. Living Your Calling: Spiritual Gifts in Ordinary Life (07:45 – 09:20)

• Challenges listeners to see the spiritual significance in all kinds of talents and routines.
  • "Have you ever considered that there is a spiritual gift of carpentry? What about a spiritual gift for driving carpool, doing yard work, stocking the shelves at the grocery store?" (08:01)
• Encourages confidence: everyone baptized into Christ has the Spirit and is gifted for good work.
  • "If you have been baptized into Christ, you have also received the Holy Spirit, who strengthens and gifts you for every good work." (08:19)
  • "Be confident today as you go about the Lord's business. God has given you what you need, and he's given us today..." (08:34)

5. Prayer and Reflection (09:21 – 10:06)

• Offers a prayer asking for clarity, strength, and confidence in using one’s gifts.
• Followed by journaling prompts to help listeners reflect on their own gifts and callings:
  • Have you ever known someone with the 'spiritual gift of carpentry' or a non-religious gifting?
  • What is your particular gifting and calling?
  • Is there someone you can encourage today in their gifts?

6. Inspiration for Evangelism & The Church (10:07 – 10:36)

• The gifting of Bezalel drives home the case for evangelism: there are people with gifts outside the church who could be used by God.
  • "There are people that have been gifted by God for certain works who don't know his saving grace... They need to come to faith... and be therefore used by God to continue to build up the church..." (09:58)

7. Memorable Moments: Song & Nostalgia (10:36 – 12:01)

• The episode includes a hymn, “Blessed Assurance,” as an expression of faith and assurance in Christ, inviting spontaneous worship at home.
  • "Blessed assurance Jesus is mine, oh, what a foretaste of glory divine..." (10:39)
• A nostalgic reflection on hymns and their impact.
  • "It reminds me of my childhood and of, like, old ladies playing the piano at the church when I was growing up." (12:01)
  • "I hope you are encouraged and have a sense of confidence in God today and the gifts that he has given you." (12:18)

Notable Quotes

• On Ordinary Callings:
  "Not Moses, not Joshua, not Abraham, but Bezalel, a craftsman is gifted by the Spirit for his work."
  — Andrew Forrest, (06:17)

• On Gifts & Ministry:
  "There's not like special ministry for the pastors and regular ministry for everybody else. The point of the pastor is to prepare the people for ministry and the Holy Spirit is gifting men and women, boys and girls for that work."
  — Andrew Forrest, (07:04)

• On Confidence in Calling:
  "If you have been baptized into Christ, you have also received the Holy Spirit, who strengthens and gifts you for every good work."
  — Andrew Forrest, (08:19)

• On Evangelism:
  "There are people that have been gifted by God for certain works who don't know his saving grace... They need to come to faith... and be therefore used by God to continue to build up the church..."
  — Andrew Forrest, (09:58)

• On Assurance:
  "It's a great hymn and a hymn about just the assurance we have in Christ."
  — Andrew Forrest, (12:05)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:03 – 02:30: Host introduction, weekly rhythms, Taco Tuesday tradition
• 02:35 – 04:00: Scripture reading, Exodus 31:1-6
• 04:01 – 07:45: The value of “ordinary” work, Bezalel’s Spirit-filled craftsmanship
• 07:45 – 09:20: Application for listeners: discovering and stewarding their gifts
• 09:21 – 10:06: Prayer and journaling prompts
• 10:07 – 10:36: Evangelism, the significance of spiritual gifts beyond the church
• 10:36 – 12:01: Worship through “Blessed Assurance”
• 12:01 – End: Hymn reflection and closing encouragement

Tone and Takeaways

Andrew’s tone is warm, encouraging, and approachable, blending personal storytelling, biblical insight, and humor. For listeners, today’s message is a robust affirmation that every believer, regardless of their work or talents, is known, gifted, and equipped by God’s Spirit. The ordinary routines—carpentry, driving, organizing, creating—can be sacred if offered to God.

Final encouragement:
"I hope you are encouraged and have a sense of confidence in God today and the gifts that he has given you." (12:18)