The eleventh gate of the City of God is named after Asher, whose name means "happy." Everyone wants to be happy, but the problem is that when we follow the world's recipe for happiness, it always leaves us wanting more. God's plan for happiness and blessing may surprise you, but it never fails!

The Christian life boils down to one thing Jesus called Peter (and all who would follow Him) to do: Follow Me!

Although some people would tell you otherwise, the United States was founded upon Christian principles and has a deep spiritual heritage. It's quite obvious that our nation has strayed from those founding ideals. How do we, as Christians, help our nation find her way back to her roots?

As Jesus was preparing for his death, He told the disciples that they would grieve for a little while, but then they would rejoice. The joy that Jesus gives to His disciples is an everlasting joy that the world cannot take away.

The foundation of a building is the most important part of the building. If the foundation is strong, the building will endure, but if the foundation is weak, the building will not stand. The same is true for us. If the foundation of our faith is strong, we will stand in times of storm. What is the foundation of your faith?

If most of us had a choice, we would choose a carefree, painless life, but what if there was a purpose in the pain? For the follower of Jesus, there is a purpose in the pain.