Five weeks from today the dorms open for the fall semester. We are receiving registrations each day, and lots of things are happening here on the campus to get ready for the fall. Students are signing up for classes online and getting their class schedules approved. Many are even applying for jobs here in this area, even though they have not yet been on our campus.

We are looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us in the coming school year, and we are anticipating the greatest year ever. We are praying that God will work in our midst in a wonderful way.

On September 2^nd, the campus of Golden State Baptist College will be a beehive of activity. The new freshman will be moving in for the first time along with returning students who have been gone for the summer.

In the next 44 days, all of our students must:

1.      Work

Finances are often an area of great difficulty for college students, but this can be avoided. You may not feel any financial pressure at the moment, but if you are not working, your finances will eventually be a problem. Find a job. There has to be one out there somewhere. A good rule of thumb is to spend as many hours each day looking for a job as you expect to be working after you have found one.

2.      Save

Having a steady source of income is only half of the battle. Figure out how much money you will need to start college and how much you will need to set aside each pay period in order to have enough saved up by Opening Day. Remember to add some cushion for books, incidentals for your dorm room, and for the time period in which you will be looking for a new job when you get to school.

3.      Prepare

Think about what you will need. Now is the time to check your wardrobe. Will you need to buy some new clothes? Perhaps you have been sharing a hair dryer with a sibling, so you will need to get another one to take with you. Do you plan to bring a computer to school? A computer is not a necessity, because of the availability of the computer lab, but if you plan to have one in school, you need to purchase it now and get it set up with the programs you will need.

Last night Dr. Trieber preached an incredible message “From This Day and Forward” from I Samuel 18. What a moving and powerful service! The altars were filled, and many great decisions were made.

Most of us have spiritual struggles in our lives that need to be dealt with. We know that we need to take care of them, but we put it off for one reason or another. If you have a spiritual need in your life, I would encourage you to take some time to hear this great message. I know it will be a blessing to you. Click here to hear Pastor Trieber’s message.

This Thursday and Friday, Golden State Baptist College will host our annual Summer Music Seminar hosted by the Chairman of the Music Department, Dr. Mike Zachary. Dr. Zachary is America’s premier congregational pianist, and he has made a science of using the piano to create the evangelistic atmosphere that is so needed in our Bible-believing churches. He is a captivating speaker and an expert teacher. He has an uncanny ability to help pianists identify areas that need to be strengthened and introduce them to the techniques that will revolutionize their playing.

It has been my privilege for many years now to work with the song leaders who attend the seminar. Last year, my assistant, Brother Isaac Davis, began helping me host the song leaders; and he will be with us again this year. We work on everything from basic song leading to choral conducting, with an emphasis on infusing the service with enthusiasm. We use a hands-on approach that I believe you will find both informative and engaging. We always have a tremendous time during the sessions, so I am really looking forward to being with the men who attend this year.

There are still a few spaces available for this year’s seminar. If you are interested in attending, click here to register.