In this first episode of 2026, Bobo Beck is joined by Dwight Gibson—founder and Chief Exploration Officer of The Exploration Group—for a thoughtful conversation on curiosity, leadership, and the lost discipline of pondering.

Building on the previous episode’s focus on slowing down, this discussion invites leaders to adopt an explorer’s mindset—one rooted not in control or replication, but in curiosity, courage, and attentiveness to what God may be doing next.

Together, Bobo and Dwight explore why modern leaders struggle with stillness, how organizations get trapped managing the known, and why wisdom often begins not with answers, but with noticing.

Key Themes

• Why exploration must come before management
• The difference between replicating the past and discovering what’s next
• How noise and busyness crowd out wisdom
• Why leaders must learn to say, “I don’t know—but I’m willing to explore”
• Practical ways to cultivate pondering personally and organizationally

The EXPLORE Framework

• Expect – What might lie beyond the present?
• Crossroads – Choosing to change, not maintain the status quo
• Ponder – Observing, listening, and discerning
• Landmark – Identifying key insights
• Orienteering – Connecting insights into a way forward
• Realization – Acting on what’s been discovered
• Evaluation – Reflecting on what’s been learned

Scripture Referenced

Proverbs 4:26; Proverbs 6:6; Proverbs 24:30–34; Luke 2:19; Matthew 6:26–28; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 91

Organizations & Projects Mentioned

• The Exploration Group – Helping leaders and organizations explore what’s next
• For the Life of the World – A documentary exploring vocation, faith, and flourishing (Amazon Prime)
• A historic camp and homestead restoration project in Michigan focused on reimagining gospel-centered presence in the 21st century

Books & Resources Referenced

• Pathfinders: A Global History of Exploration — Felipe Fernández-Armesto
• Undaunted Courage — Stephen Ambrose
• Uncharted — Margaret Heffernan
• Uncertain — Maggie Jackson
• Canoeing the Mountains — Todd Bolsinger
• Atomic Habits — James Clear (referenced conceptually)

Closing Thought

In a world designed to keep us reacting, God invites us to slow down, look carefully, and explore with faith-filled curiosity. Wisdom often begins not with knowing—but with noticing.

You can order the devotionals at https://amzn.to/4h8zFe6 or https://wisdomcalling.org

Follow us on Instagram: @wisdomcallingnow

As the year draws to a close, Proverbs calls us to slow down before we move ahead.

In this reflective episode, we explore what it means to “ponder the path of your feet” (Proverbs 4:26)—to clear and level the ground before stepping into a new season.

Drawing from Volume 5, Devotional 130 of the Wisdom Calling series, this year-end reflection invites listeners to pause, evaluate their path, and rediscover the beauty of God-dependent planning.

You’ll hear:

• The Hebrew meaning of “ponder”—to make level, to prepare a path
• The parable of the neglected vineyard (Proverbs 24:30–34)
• How intentional reflection leads to wiser decisions
• Practical rhythms for daily, weekly, and quarterly review

If you’re a business or organizational leader seeking to grow in wisdom, learn more about Wisdom Lab Coaching—a 3–6 month one-on-one experience for cultivating wisdom in life and leadership.

👉 Explore more devotionals and resources at wisdomcalling.org

You can order the devotionals at https://amzn.to/4h8zFe6 or https://wisdomcalling.org

Follow us on Instagram: @wisdomcallingnow

At Christmas, we celebrate not only the birth of our Savior but the unveiling of divine Wisdom in human form. In this special Christmas episode, Bobo traces the thread of Wisdom from Creation to Christ—from the master workman of Proverbs 8 to the child of Bethlehem and the Lamb enthroned in Revelation. Along the way, you’ll hear echoes of the ancient O Antiphons and the beloved carol O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, reminding us that the Wisdom who ordered all things now dwells among us.

(Approx. 10 minutes. A warm, devotional reflection to center your heart on the wonder of Christmas.)

You can order the devotionals at https://amzn.to/4h8zFe6 or https://wisdomcalling.org

Follow us on Instagram: @wisdomcallingnow

We live in an age overflowing with advice — from social media gurus to professional consultants, from friends to influencers. But not all counsel is created equal. In this episode, we revisit one of the most sobering leadership stories in Scripture: David’s flight from Absalom and the competing counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai.

Through this story, we learn three timeless lessons:

1. Discern the source — Wisdom isn’t about eloquence; it’s about godliness.
2. Surround yourself with truth-tellers — Seek counsel from those who fear God more than they fear offending you.
3. Trust God’s sovereignty — Even when advice goes wrong, God’s purposes remain right.

This 10–12 minute reflection will encourage you to think deeply about the voices shaping your decisions — and remind you that God is still directing your path, even through the noise.

Referenced Song: “Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right” – Sovereign Grace Music

Keywords: wisdom, discernment, leadership, advice, sovereignty, counsel

You can order the devotionals at https://amzn.to/4h8zFe6 or https://wisdomcalling.org

Follow us on Instagram: @wisdomcallingnow

In Psalm 63, David writes from the wilderness, declaring, “Your steadfast love is better than life.” His praise wasn’t circumstantial—it was covenantal.

In this Thanksgiving reflection, we explore what it means to worship when life feels uncertain or weary. Through personal stories of worship from unexpected places—a living room during recovery, a hospital bed in South Philly—we see how gratitude and trust can rise even in limitation.

Join us for a meditation on satisfaction, safety, and steadfast love—the kind of praise that doesn’t depend on comfort, but on covenant.

Key themes: Gratitude, worship, Psalm 63, steadfast love, Thanksgiving reflection, covenantal praise

You can order the devotionals at https://amzn.to/4h8zFe6 or https://wisdomcalling.org

Follow us on Instagram: @wisdomcallingnow

When life feels like it’s falling apart — when fear, betrayal, or uncertainty surround you — what do you do? In this episode of Wisdom Calling, we look at Psalm 3 and discover how David found peace and confidence in the middle of chaos. Through his simple yet powerful prayer, “You, O Lord, are a shield for me,” we’ll explore how to turn fear into faith and find rest when the world feels unsafe.

🎧 Take a few quiet minutes to reflect, pray, and remember: the same God who lifted David’s head can lift yours too.

• Song Link: https://youtu.be/MAccVVUI0dM?si=M9KHC6Ab_sssw5To

You can order the devotionals at https://amzn.to/4h8zFe6 or https://wisdomcalling.org

Follow us on Instagram: @wisdomcallingnow

In a world that celebrates hustle and self-promotion, what happens when wisdom and ambition collide?

This episode follows the tense return of Absalom — David’s son, whose charm, strategy, and ambition turned into a full-blown conspiracy against his father. As David flees barefoot and broken, we see a profound picture of leadership, humility, and divine discernment.

When Wisdom Meets Ambition invites you to examine the motives that drive your influence. Are you seeking to serve or to be seen? David’s story reminds us that real wisdom doesn’t manipulate outcomes — it trusts God’s timing, even in seasons of humiliation or setback.

Scripture Focus: 2 Samuel 14–16
Themes: Ambition, Discernment, Leadership, God’s Mercy in Consequence
Reflection Prompt: Where in your life do you need to trade self-promotion for surrender?

You can order the devotionals at https://amzn.to/4h8zFe6 or https://wisdomcalling.org

Follow us on Instagram: @wisdomcallingnow

When strength is used for self instead of service, hearts break and wisdom calls us back.

In 2 Samuel 13, the lingering consequences of David’s sin unfold through Tamar’s tragic story—revealing what happens when desire, deceit, and power collide.

This episode invites sober reflection on consequence, compassion, and the call to steward strength for the good of others.

Drawing on David’s family story and Psalm 51’s backdrop, we discover that true power protects, serves, and restores rather than takes or controls.

Whether you lead a home, workplace, or ministry, Wisdom Calling helps you see power through the lens of stewardship—not selfishness—and points you toward integrity, empathy, and healing.

Content Warning: Mentions of sexual assault and the misuse of power (2 Samuel 13). Listener discretion advised.

You can order the devotionals at https://amzn.to/4h8zFe6 or https://wisdomcalling.org

Follow us on Instagram: @wisdomcallingnow