The older I get the more I see shadows of my father in the things I do and enjoy. Whether it’s the gait with which I walk, my general suspicion of politics, or my obsession with some details and my apathy for others, you don’t have to be around me very long to recognize that I am my father’s son. Another enduring trait passed down from my dad is my unexplainable affection for the Andy Griffith Show.

To me, the idea of “first things first” has always made beautiful sense. Therefore, one might ask, “Just what is the first thing I should do?” There is one act that eclipses all other things in importance that one might possibly do on earth, and it must be done while living on earth. And that one most important of all things is trusting Jesus Christ as Savior through sincere belief in Him as God and in calling on Him for salvation.

It is mind-boggling and heartbreaking to learn that another school shooting has taken place in America, and this time in our beloved state of Georgia. Apalachee High School in Barrow County became the latest target for a deranged and troubled shooter on Wednesday morning.

In 1787, when Benjamin Franklin was walking out of the convention hall, a woman approached him and asked him a question regarding whether or not they had been given a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin responded by saying, “A republic, madam - if you can keep it.”

When we think of being a missionary, most people think of someone who goes to another foreign country to spread the Gospel.  However, as we see from the Scripture passage above, the Great Commission is not limited to foreign countries.