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.

Though you may not find a lot of good news in the headlines these days, God’s Word has a great deal of encouragement for those who love the Lord. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). If we as Christians will trust God and allow Him to lead us, He will give us His best in 2010.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

Last night I had the privilege to preach at the Mid State Baptist Church in Paso Robles, California for our graduate, Pastor Bruce Fore. They normally meet on Thursday evening, but their service was moved this week because of Christmas Eve. There was a good crowd and we had a great service. It was such a blessing to see how God is using another one of our graduates to make a difference in the lives of people.

Looking for that perfect last-minute gift for a college student you know? Buying for that student who already has everything? (I am not sure that person really exists.) Here are a few ideas that you may want to consider.

Cash

Most of the college students I know need money more than just about anything else that can fit under a Christmas tree. However, if you are giving a gift to someone who struggles with handling money and you are concerned that they may not use it for what they need most; you may want to be a little creative.

One Month’s Tuition

Any college student who is paying his own school bill would be very appreciative of a gift like this. You may send the money directly to the college if you wish, so that you can be sure your gift has the total impact you intended.

Books

The cost of books will vary greatly each semester depending on which classes a student takes. However, a student can plan on spending at least $200.00 for books in January, if not more. Many times a student is able to scrape together the money for his school bill, but unable to afford books. What a blessing it would be to receive a card with money for books enclosed!

Quarters

A roll of quarters or two goes a long way toward keeping the washer and dryer going when it is time to do laundry. Students always welcome a thoughtful gift like this.

Of course, there are many other ideas for gifts, but I can guarantee you that any of the above would be greatly appreciated. They would not know what to do with that stuffed animal anyway!

The GSBC Choir, led by Brother Isaac Davis, did a wonderful job in the NVBC cantata last night! You can hear them live this evening at 6:30 PM, or watch archived video at http://www.nvbc.org/preaching_main.htm.

On Thursday, we celebrate Thanksgiving here in America. I wonder how much giving of thanks there will be on that day. For most, Thanksgiving simply consists of eating turkey and watching football. If that is all Thanksgiving means to you, you have missed the purpose of the day.

“In everything give thanks” (I Thessalonians 5:18). I hope you will take time this year to thank God for what He has done for you. Thank Him for salvation, for His Word, for the peace that He gives. Thank Him for your family and for your church. Thank Him for the freedom that we still have in this country. Though we see socialism advancing, and secular humanism and heathenism gaining ground on every hand, God has still given us the freedom to worship publicly as we see fit. There are billions in this world who could not enjoy that freedom. We must be grateful for what we do have.

If we take time to think about it, we can list many more things to be thankful for. This year, let’s make Thanksgiving exactly that—a time of giving thanks to God for all his blessings to us.

I had the privilege to be with the Hope Trio last night at the Harvest Baptist Church in Daly City, California. The Lord has given Pastor Win Pechardo and this new church a beautiful place to meet on top of a hill overlooking the city. We had a great crowd and the people were very receptive. A lady who came to the church for the first time only two weeks ago came to the service and brought several visitors. During the invitation time, three of her visitors got saved! I am so encouraged to see what God is doing at Harvest Baptist Church, and I believe that we will see this new church continue to grow and reach people for Christ.

Last night I had the privilege to travel with the Hope Trio to the Bay Area Baptist Church in Newark, California. Pastor Jeremy Stalnecker and his wife have been there for just over one year, and it is obvious that the Lord is using them in a great way. I was impressed with the beautifully remodeled auditorium and the good crowd in attendance on a Wednesday evening. The trio did a great job and the people were very open and responsive to the preaching. I am blessed every time I see a church placing an emphasis on getting out the Gospel. It is our prayer at Golden State Baptist College that we would see many more gospel-preaching churches started throughout the Western United States and around the world.