Signs of the Time
“No Parking,” read the sign. Nothing unusual about that – ordinarily. But the Spring rains left the prohibition standing stork-like in the high waters of the St. Croix River in Stillwell, MN.
I immediately thought of something Dad used to tell me, “Brenda, stay current. Operate on what is, not what was, or even what you wish it were.” That sign was meant for times when the water stayed within its banks and motorists attempted to park their cars on the walkway.
Leaders keep their antennae well-tuned to conditions making decisions which reflect change while holding true to the vision. Consistent review of policies, products, and procedures keep organizations from wading into the water. Obsolescence quickly comes from missed opportunities.
Strong organizations build on the legacy of history while creating foundations for the future.
Relationships need review, as well. What are our goals? What is our direction? How are we growing? What needs tuning? What needs celebrating?
Recently I cleaned out two closets. A true challenge to staying current! Where is the fine line between holding on until it comes back into fashion and simply cluttering? What separates “good stewardship” from “hanging on to junk?” Staying current means making tough calls and filling bags.
The river waters will recede and the sign will serve its intended purpose. But on this sunny May day it served me well, triggering reflection. No lazy unexamined living for me… time to stay current.
Prayer Network
by Brenda A. Smith, BWFLI.com, BreakfastWithFred.com
The Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute partners with Christian higher education because we believe it is our calling. Their stand on the absolute truth of scripture is not a theoretical, or just a theological, construct – it is pure reality.
This month let’s pray for their courage, and endurance. May they lift high the standard of our Almighty, triune God without compromise. And may we hold them up week by week standing with them in unity and love.
“Everyday” Ministers
by Bob Deffinbaugh, Bible.org, BWFLI.com
“29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men (Proverbs 22:29, NASB).”
In the Bible, as well as in the world today, some of the most influential men and women are not “full-time” preachers or teachers, or even missionaries. They are people like Joseph, and Daniel (and Fred Smith), who were so good at what they did that they stood before men in high positions of authority.
We should pray for those college students who are headed for “secular” positions of employment as well as for those headed toward full-time ministries. Let us pray that they will labor hard in their studies, like Daniel and his three friends – see Daniel 1:11-20. I don’t seek to deny the very clear declaration that their wisdom and understanding, but neither do I wish to suggest that they did not work had at their studies in the King’s school (see Colossians 1:29; 2 Timothy 1:6-7).
Pray our college students, that they would be diligent in their studies, faithful in their testimony, and that God may grant them positions of influence in the future.
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Staying On Track
Weekly Thought – September 8, 2026
Fred knew the Bible spoke more about money than almost any other subject. He filled hundreds of files with one-liners, speech memos, letters, and passing thoughts regarding financial wisdom. He was interested in the philosophy of money. He created filters through which he passed experiences, opportunities, and people. Fred’s other area of intense thought was discipline. These disciplines served him well as he employed them to finish well.
Staying On Track
A few early disciplines served me well. I adopted these when I was making $208 a month in 1941.
1) Define a lifestyle then find a way to finance it. Earning as much money as I could never seemed to be the right focus for my life. Some advise, “Make all you can and then develop a lifestyle to consume the money.” That is materialism. It is also frustrating and most who espouse this philosophy find it lacking in meaning. We outlined a general lifestyle spread over a number of years that would be useful, pleasant, and full. Then we established the specifics from which we created our budget. As our earning capacity increased, we continued defining the lifestyle first, adding in a few luxuries (but not enough to live luxuriously). We wanted to avoid the pressures of temptation. By setting our own standard we avoided social competition.
2) Maintain adequate savings. Early in our married life we determined to save enough to be liquid for a year without working. Without savings a person can become a financial slave. It cost us in our early years because we had to forego a car, live in a one room flat, and do without many things others considered necessities. Adequate savings gives more than just a feeling of security. It provides a foundation for moral decisions you may be called upon to make. I once took a moral stand in a board room which was made much easier because I knew they didn’t have me hamstrung by my need for the next paycheck. In my earlier, more irreverent days I called my savings account FFGTHF (Fat Fred’s Go to Hell Fund). I was assuring myself I could always look a bad situation in the eye and say, “go take a running leap.”
3) Understand financial security. Security is a feeling, not a fact. No amount of money can actually give us security and yet we need to find a place of financial peace. Mary Alice and I decided what we would need for our ultimate needs, medical care, lifestyle maintenance, etc. and created a plan to get there. At first it was only about savings, but then as we reached the specific amount, it shifted to investment, putting “deposits in the memory bank,” charitable giving, and personal development. It was important to learn to feel as secure in our spending as it was in our savings. As a card-carrying member of the “waste not, want not” fan club, this was hard for me. I loved to say to our children: “A fool and his (her) money is soon parted.” But financial security was the attitude of providing for outflow, as well as inflow.
This week think about: 1) What does money mean to me right now? 2) What is my FFGTHF number? 3) How do I define financial security?
Words of Wisdom: “It was as important to feel secure in our spending as it was in our saving.”
Wisdom from the Word: “On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you so that a collection will not have to be made when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2 NET Bible)