Category Archives: Wisdom Hunters

Wisdom Hunters – Value Virtue

January 27, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:13-14

Those who criticize the Christian ethos as outdated, narrow minded and meddling, forget that the virtues they seek to marginalize are a timeless value system that provides them the freedoms they enjoy. Yes, freedom of speech is a freedom only exercised where liberty has been bought by blood and retained by virtuous living. One generation can quickly forget past generational struggles and sacrifices that developed present day prosperity. Devalued virtue leads to decadence. But, a culture that values virtue expands liberty and creates opportunities for all.

Scripture identifies virtue as the very heart of God: patient forgiveness bound together by love’s unifying perfection. The Lord’s ultimate virtue was the payment of His son Jesus on the cross in exchange for the sins of the human race. Love gives. Love forgives. Love unifies. Voices that dismiss Christian virtues are not motivated by love, but by selfish agendas. A life behaving badly looks for ways to justify their disingenuous actions. However, a life that values virtue seeks to know God and grow in His heart of love. Virtue’s value is defined by the inordinate price paid by God.

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Wisdom Hunters – Maybe It’s Not a Good Idea to Post that Post

January 26, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” Colossians 4:6.

I enjoy social media because it’s a great way for me to keep in touch with family and friends. I like perusing the pictures they post and reading their reflections online. But sometimes social media is also grievous. Because—as perhaps you have also realized—there are few places where the condition of the human heart can be so obviously seen than online. Granted, I am often blown away by the kindness shown from one stranger to another through online platforms, but I am even more blown away by the human tendency to become quickly offended.

It seems that some folks are quick to jump to conclusions, rushing to judgment about a situation they know little of. They jump on the bandwagon of bad-mouthing someone they have never met because it feels safer to say mean things behind a screen than in person. But as Christians we are called to a higher standard. It takes care and wisdom to know when and how to insert one’s beliefs or opinions into an online conversation. We must remember that the most godly and loving thing to do may be to not say anything at all when online conversations get heated, and when we do speak, (or text, message, tweet, or post) to be kind.

2 Timothy 2:14; 23-24 says,

“Warn them [the believers in Ephesus] before God against quarreling about words; it has no value and only ruins those who listen . . . Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”

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Wisdom Hunters – Misapplication of Truth

January 25, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal. Job 5:17-18

A good thing misapplied can become a bad thing. For instance, if a medical doctor diagnoses a person with cancer—when in reality the tumor is benign—then chemotherapy would be unnecessary, perhaps harmful. In the same way, the misapplication of truth can create confusion and hurt, especially when spoken out of judgment and pride. Good words become bad words when they are the wrong words, spoken in the wrong way. If I say the Lord detests dishonesty, but honesty finds favor with God, this would be true. But, if I accuse an honest friend of lying and threaten them with this truth—then I have misapplied, even abused, the truth.

Eliphaz, Job’s “friend,” assumes the worst of his “friend” and wrongly determines that Job is being disciplined by God for sin in his life. He attacks Job’s integrity with a judgmental misapplication of truth. Yes, God’s correction is a blessing to His children, not to be despised—but in this situation Job is not suffering because of the Lord’s punishment. Since God loves and respects Job’s integrity, He honors him by allowing Him to suffer for the sake of righteousness. The Lord trusts the testimony of the faithful to draw the unfaithful to the Faithful One—Jesus Christ.

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Wisdom Hunters – Discreet Deeds

January 24, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1

Discretion is the better part of doing good deeds. Why? One reason is that it does not bring attention to the giver but to the motive behind the gift. If I am the main attraction of a good act, then praise from men is my reward. But if I am serving others for an audience of One, then the Almighty’s pleasure is my reward. His smile is enough remuneration for my good works. If not, I fall prey to the need for people’s praise as fuel for my faith.

Hypocrites have to be stroked by someone other than their Savior Jesus. However, mature followers of Christ are satisfied to know their Lord is delighted with their discreet deeds. Jesus warns that our Christian duties of giving, praying, and fasting be done in secret so we do not become like those who wear their religion to impress others. Moreover, when your deeds are discreet, you do well for yourself, and you benefit. Your secret service serves your soul in prayer, your body in fasting, and your emotions in giving.

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Wisdom Hunters – Built to Last

January 23, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, his upper rooms by injustice, making his countrymen work for nothing, not paying them for their labor. Jeremiah 22:13

Anything worth doing is worth doing well. If you are building a family, frame it well. Furnish it with faith, love, hope, and the fear of God. If you are building a business or ministry, grow it relationally and systematically. Pour a foundation of honesty, trust, and excellent work. If you are building a life, develop it with discipline, forgiveness, humility, grace, service, and obedience to God. Spend your time building people, processes, projects, and enterprises that are sustainable and eternal. Seek to focus on endeavors that contribute to and facilitate faith-based initiatives. Indeed, build people who will improve on your accomplishments. Above all else, dedicate your building to God (Nehemiah 3:1).

You are now positioned as a leader of leaders, so lead leaders well. At this stage of life, you have the stewardship to mentor mentors, so pour yourself into those who will mentor others. Build spiritual discipline into faithful followers of Christ. Do not neglect developing disciples. Disciples of Jesus need a firm foundation of faith. It is imperative to model for them mastery of the Master’s words. Let the Word of God flow freely from your speech. Speak it and live it on behalf of your Savior. You build lives that last when you ground them in the Good Book. The legacy you leave is predicated on the people in whom you invest.

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Wisdom Hunters – Emotional Intimacy

January 22, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis 2:24

Growing relationships require regular investments of emotional energy. Because humans have the capacity for emotional engagement, there is a level of feeling and understanding that machines or animals can never attain. God’s creation—created in His image—is able to engage in intimate encounters. Emotions are meant to move people toward the eternal.

Marriage especially demands growing emotional intelligence to thrive and not merely survive. The Lord has created an emotional vacuum within a husband and within a wife that only their spouse can fill. It is folly to seek to meet this very real need with work or the children, for false substitutes only stunt emotional maturity in marriage. One flesh means to forge an alliance and an allegiance between our mind, our will and our emotions.

“It [love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:7).

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Wisdom Hunters – The Purpose of Beauty

January 21, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4

As I write this, I am looking out onto the beauty of the Gulf coast. Trees sway effortlessly in the sea breeze. Wave after wave gently crashes upon the sandy beach. In many ways the beauty is simply more than anyone can possibly take in, and yet we as human beings are all deeply drawn to beauty. Why is this?

Beauty is a peculiar thing. It doesn’t produce any tangible goods. It can’t be bought or sold, and it is hard to even objectively define. Yet it is universally valued and pursued. We seek it out in the wonder of nature, in art and architecture, and in the eyes of a lover. Beauty, wonder, and glory are all interrelated themes that are central to the story of Scripture and part of a life of faithful discipleship.

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Wisdom Hunters – Spiritual Intimacy

January 20, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Intimacy with God goes hand in hand with your brokenness. Your desire for intimacy with your heavenly Father will be accompanied by brokenness, as it escorts you into intimacy with our eternal God. It is your date with destiny. A broken and contrite heart delivers intimacy with the Almighty so do not despise your broken condition. Rather, delight in its opportunity for intimacy. You long to know Jesus in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering (Philippians 3:10). These prayers were not in vain. Your brokenness is answered prayer. The answer may not be exactly what you expected. You may have anticipated a smoother route, a paved road free of bumps or potholes. But the path of a personal and intimate relationship with Christ is not always easy.

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Wisdom Hunters – When You Want to Give Up Before You Start

January 19, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13, KJV

Have you ever had an idea that set your soul on fire? You were certain it was God calling you out to do something for Him and you were totally stoked. You immediately wrote down your idea, called your best friend, and announced it to your neighbors. But then a couple hours or days passed and the flame of enthusiasm you initially felt began to die, doused by the reality of what it would take: resources you didn’t have; courage you felt you lacked, and expertise you didn’t possess. So, because it looked impossible, you gave up before you started.

This common scenario reminds me of the book of Nehemiah in which Nehemiah describes how he rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem. His passion for this project was ignited when he asked one of his brothers, Hanani, about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile. His brother told him.

“Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire” (Nehemiah 1:3).

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Wisdom Hunters – Business With God

January 18, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

And He [Jesus] said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49, NJKV

At age 19 when I became a Christian, I phoned my father (who was not a Christian) to share my newfound faith. As a pragmatist, he was unimpressed with my “irrelevant religion”. “Son, the church has brainwashed you”, he quipped. Fortunately, there were other father figures in my life, who gave me a clearer picture and understanding of my heavenly Father’s heart. I aspired for my Father’s business to become my business. I’m still a student in God’s business school—as I’m ever learning to adjust to His plan for my life. God’s business is job one for followers of Jesus.

What did Jesus mean as a 12 year old when He said, “I must be about My Father’s business?” His Father’s business included worship with God’s people along with the discussion, understanding and application of God’s Word. Moreover, business success in the world requires a compelling vision, a clear mission and focused discipline to execute and always improve. Our heavenly Father’s vision is to love the world by leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus through His bride: the church. Doing business with God leads to God doing business in us.

“So I said, “See, I have come to do Your will, as it is inscribed of me in the scroll. I am pleased to live how You want, my God. Your law is etched into my heart and my soul” (Psalm 40:7-8, The Voice).

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Wisdom Hunters – Doubt God

January 17, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1

Satan’s first goal is to get you. If he is unable to get you, his next step is to get you to doubt God. After all, what good is faith that is watered down by doubt? This isn’t to say we may not go through seasons of doubt as disciples of Christ. But doubt is not the ongoing pattern of a serious and faithful follower of Jesus. Thomas was a doubter for a time, but when he came face-to-face with his resurrected Savior and Lord, his doubts fled like an exposed bandit. Do not underestimate the enemy’s endeavors to get you to doubt God. If he is successful in planting and growing seeds of doubt, your faith will be stunted. Your faith will be choked to death by the weeds of worry, by the crabgrass cares in this world.

In some ways, it was easier to trust God when you first believed. Now that you have aged in years as a Christian, you may have formalized your faith to the point where the miraculous has been replaced by the mundane. Questions and doubt have replaced God’s promises of assurance.

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Wisdom Hunters – God’s Wisdom

January 16, 2016 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart. 1 Kings 3: 12

The wisdom of God goes beyond your ability to understand right and wrong. It gets to the heart of the matter. Wisdom asks: Why do you want to do what you want to do? What is your motive? Are you third? Are your priorities God first, others second, and you third?

Opportunities should become options to further God’s Kingdom, rather than a way to exploit your power and status. This is the motive God looks for to pour out his blessing of wisdom (Ecclesiastes 2:26). He is looking for centered people whose heart’s desire is to obey God and follow His ways. Yes, books can increase your knowledge, but only God can bestow wisdom upon you. In fact, knowledge can work against you if it just feeds your ego and pride. Knowledge can even be a turn-off. People are attracted to what you do with what you know. They want to see you apply the truth you have acquired. This is wisdom. Wisdom is taking the perspective of God and transforming the human worldview.

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Wisdom Hunters – Culture of Candor

January 15, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. Matthew 5:37, NKJV

From time to time I play mind games that become mentally exhausting and relationally unhealthy. Because of my need for approval and my fear of rejection—I can choose the path of least resistance—harmony—over a vulnerable course of action: healthy conflict. A short term false humility only masks my pride—instead of revealing my scared soul to those who can help me and learning to rest in a long term reliance on the Lord. A person with humble candor frees others to be real, while those who cover up their true feelings create a culture of false security.

Jesus addresses the wisdom of sincere conversations, which then become seeds that grow into authentic living. Truth spoken in love makes the recipient of what can be cold, hard facts—feel the relational warmth of feeling understood and valued. Wise and gracious words promote instruction. Prayerful directness addresses the real issues, while offering ways to help solve the problem. Jesus’ words—full of the Spirit—spoke to the heart and mind with life-giving clarity.

“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I [Jesus] have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63).

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Wisdom Hunters – God our Refuge

January 14, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

Of all the images in my mind from this past year, the most vivid are those of refugee children. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a single image of one of these little ones could provide enough content to fill a novel. In their faces you see fear, pain, and sorrow, yet at the same time you see hope, determination, and yearning. Having endured unspeakable tragedy, they set out in search of new meaning and purpose.

Though most of us will never find ourselves living as refugees in this same manner, we must still remember that we are all in need of refuge.

To seek refuge is to seek a place of safety and shelter. It is the acknowledgement that we are needy people who look outside of ourselves for care and protection. And while we may not suffer from political corruption or extreme turmoil, we all have been in seasons where we find ourselves in desperate need. We have all faced the pain of broken relationships, the anxiety of losing a job, or the fear that comes from long-term illness. Perhaps you find yourself in such a season this very day.

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Wisdom Hunters – Generous Heavenly Father

January 13, 2016 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love. Jude 1:2, NLT

Christmas day is always an exercise in expectancy: gift giving and gift receiving. I marveled at the joy of our children and grandchildren, as their beautifully wrapped boxes and packages became tangled ribbons and wrinkled wrapping paper, but what gave me the most pause was their genuine gratitude to one another for their gifts. I thanked the Lord for putting in their hearts and minds a spirit of true thankfulness. I also prayed for all of us to grow more and more grateful for God’s blessings. Yes, an abundant Christian life is a life ever growing in God’s graces.

Jude, brother of James and half brother of Jesus experienced first hand the mercy, peace and love of Christ. He probably saw Jesus show mercy to the woman caught in adultery who was forgiven, but instructed to sin no more. Perhaps Jude was one of the disciples post resurrection in the presence of the Lord when He breathed the Spirit on them and said, “Peace be with you.” And oh how like torrential rain Christ poured out His love on those poor in spirit. He fed. He healed. He taught. He suffered. He died. He rose from the dead. All for the sake of His vast love.

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Wisdom Hunters – Have You Put God in a Blessing Box?

January 12, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Ephesians 3:20, NJKV

There have been times when I have been guilty of trying to put God in a blessing box. What I mean is, I have decided where and how He will be able to bless me. Maybe you’ve done the same. “Lord, I will be blessed if I live in Florida, but not in Vermont.” “I will be blessed if I have a job using my gifts and talents, but not if I am in a job I don’t enjoy.” “I will be blessed if I am employed, but not if I must be unemployed.” “I will be blessed if I have children, but not if I am childless.” “I will be blessed if I am married, but not single.”

The Bible is filled with stories in which people tried to put God in a blessing box. He didn’t stick to their plan, but He blessed them all the same in ways they hadn’t imagined. Many had things happen to them that they would not have chosen for themselves, things that would have made it seem as if God’s blessings had been forfeited. The story of Joseph is one such example. As I was reading it this week, Genesis 39:1 jumped off the page.

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Wisdom Hunters – Inclusive and Exclusive

January 11, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

You [Cornelius] know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all… All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. Acts 10:36, 43

I met my wife Rita in 7th grade when we couple skated on her birthday. We remained friends until we began to date exclusively at the Valentine’s dance our senior year of high school. A year later we were engaged to marry—an exclusive life long commitment to each other based on our shared beliefs and behaviors. Our love was inclusive of family, friends and acquaintances, but our marriage covenant before God was based on our exclusive relationship with one another.

The good news of peace through Jesus Christ is an inclusive invitation to all human beings. God’s love is inclusive for all who live on planet Earth. However, forgiveness and a personal relationship with our heavenly Father comes from an exclusive belief in Christ’s death as payment for our sins and His resurrection from death to give us life. Cornelius was instructed to take the inclusive gospel to the Gentiles, so they could believe in Jesus and have an exclusive relationship with Him. God’s inclusive love invites an exclusive relationship through Christ.

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Wisdom Hunters – Not Too Serious

January 10, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Be happy young man while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart. Ecclesiastes 11:9

Sometimes we are guilty of taking ourselves too seriously. We get caught up in our little world of what we have to do, where we have to go and who we have to please. Joy jettisons from our heart because we are driven by a “have to” attitude. Unfortunately for our health and for those who love us we become consumed by our agenda, our desires, our worries, our ideas, our work, our hobbies and our needs. Sadly, our unmet expectations become joy killers with no heart.

How do you know if you are taking yourselves too seriously? Suddenly others become the object of your fury. They don’t seem to take things seriously enough. You erroneously think, “If they would just do what I want and work as hard as me, both of our worlds would be much better off!” You act like the Lord can’t get by without you, however the reverse is true. You can’t get by without Him. So, shed the world from your shoulders. Perhaps on your next vacation you totally disconnect from technology. No phone or email. Try it. Lighten up and let the Lord work for you.

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Wisdom Hunters – Pursuit of Pleasure

January 9, 2016 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich. Proverbs 21:17

The pursuit of pleasure leads to poverty. The logical conclusion of pleasure, void of eternal influence, is a man or woman poorly principled, poor with people, poor in soul and a poor manager of God’s provision. Pleasure, without a greater purpose, produces a lame life. However, earthly enjoyments, wed within God’s will, open up the windows of heaven. “And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:9). His pleasure is good.

Pleasure in and of itself is not evil, but when it becomes competition with our devotion to Christ it is down right dangerous. Paul said in the last days we will live with this tension. “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

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Wisdom Hunters – Stop Doing

January 8, 2016 broboinhawaii 1 Comment

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

American culture is plagued by hyperactivity without productivity. We think being busy equals importance or a frantic pace is a path to success. Like a pack mule loaded down with an overabundance of supplies, we pack our calendar to the breaking point. We play mind games with ourselves that busyness is what’s best for our family, when in fact the real outcomes are: relational emptiness, health challenges and irritable emotions. We even justify being over active for Jesus.

Perhaps a wiser start to the year is a stop doing list. As Jesus instructed Martha, we need to take an inventory of our activities and ask what is really needed. What has served its purpose for a season, but is now unnecessary, even an obstacle to what’s best? Let go of emotional attachments and embrace some margin for meaningful relationships. Is it time to stop a sports program, a long commute or a tired volunteer role? Become better with contemplation and strategic availability.

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