One of the things that I like most about this time of year is the excitement that accompanies each new beginning. With the opening of the dorms, new students arriving on campus, returning students moving back in, and everyone looking forward to the first day of classes there is certainly a lot of excitement around here these days!

Of course, this is a new beginning for the incoming freshmen, but it is certainly a new beginning for every other student as well. The victories and defeats of last semester are now in the past. Each person has the opportunity to succeed in the semester that lies ahead. We must press forward, concerned only with what we can accomplish for the Lord between now and graduation on May 7.

With each new beginning, we would do well to remember the words of Paul. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

Last night I had the privilege to preach with Dr. Trieber at the Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Fallon, Nevada. Brother Trieber was preaching in a revival meeting there and Pastor Darren Robinson also invited the Victory Trio (Dr. and Mrs. Zachary and my wife and me) to sing in the services. The auditorium was packed and extra chairs were set up in the foyer. There were a several pastors there from around the state as well. The singing and the preaching were very well received and the altars were filled in the invitation time. I also met several young people who will be students here at GSBC in the fall. We had a wonderful time and I am so encouraged by what I can see the Lord doing these days here in the West.