Tag Devotional

ONE NATION UNDER GOD

Allen Frederick Leave a comment

A Defense of Christian Nationalism

Scripture Foundation

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance.” [Psalm 33:12]

“The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will.” [Daniel 4:17]

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” [Philippians 2:10–11]

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” [Proverbs 14:34]

A Nation Under God — The Foundational Truth

Two hundred and fifty years have passed since a group of imperfect but determined men signed their names to a declaration that changed the world. They believed that human rights were not granted by kings, parliaments, or governments, but by God Himself. They believed liberty was sacred because it was rooted in divine authority, not human invention. And they believed that a nation could only remain free if it remained under God.

That phrase — One Nation Under God — has become our national motto. But long before it was printed on currency or recited in classrooms, it was a spiritual truth woven into the fabric of Scripture.

Because the Bible teaches something modern culture has forgotten: “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” [Psalm 24:1]

Every nation on earth is under God — either willingly under His blessing, or unwillingly under His judgment. There is no third category.

Israel: The Only Nation God Created — But Not the Only Nation God Rules

Israel stands alone in human history. It is the only nation created directly by God through covenant promise. God chose her land, set her borders, shaped her identity, established her laws, appointed her kings, sent her prophets, and guaranteed her future.

“I will make of thee a great nation.” [Genesis 12:2]

But while Israel is unique in origin, she is not unique in accountability.

The prophets spoke to Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Moab, Edom, Nineveh, Tyre, Sidon, and many more. Why? Because God is not a regional deity. He is the Lord of all nations, and every nation rises or falls under His authority.

“For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and He is the governor among the nations.” [Psalm 22:28]

Israel was chosen by God. Other nations must choose God. That is the difference.

America at 250: A Nation Built on God-Conscious Foundations

As America marked her 250th year, it is worth remembering that our founding documents were not secular manifestos. They were declarations rooted in the belief that: rights come from God, liberty is sacred, justice is objective, government is accountable, and people are morally responsible

These are not political ideas. They are theological realities.

So, when America calls herself One Nation Under God, she is not claiming perfection. She is confessing dependence. She is acknowledging that freedom cannot survive without the moral gravity of divine authority.

President Reagan said it plainly: “If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”

That warning is not political. It is biblical. “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” [Psalm 127:1]

Every Knee Shall Bow — Every Nation Included

The question of whether a nation should honor God is not ultimately political — it is inevitable. Scripture declares a reality that no government, no ideology, and no cultural movement can escape.

Paul writes: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” [Philippians 2:10–11]

This is not symbolic language or poetic exaggeration. It is the final and unavoidable truth of history: all creation will acknowledge the Lordship of Christ.

Every knee will bend before Him, whether willingly in worship or unwillingly in judgment. Every tongue will confess His authority, whether joyfully in faith or fearfully in defeat. And every nation — without exception — will ultimately recognize that Christ is King.

America will bow, just as surely as Japan will bow. India, Kenya, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, China, and Israel will bow. No nation will stand apart. No government will remain neutral. No culture will escape the moment when Christ’s authority is openly acknowledged by all.

This universal submission is not dependent on national preference or political alignment. It is rooted in the reality that Christ is Lord, and reality itself bends to His authority.

For that reason, when I say I desire a “Christian nation,” I am not speaking of political dominance or cultural supremacy. I am expressing a longing for my nation to bow willingly under blessing rather than unwillingly under judgment.

If that desire is labeled “Christian nationalism,” then I accept the label without hesitation, because the alternative is not neutrality — it is national collapse under divine judgment.

And if wanting a godly nation is considered wrong, then I would rather be wrong on that side than stand with those who celebrate a nation gone under.

Under God — Voluntarily or By Judgment

Here is the truth modern culture refuses to face: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” [Proverbs 14:34]

A nation is either under God by submission or under God by judgment. There is no such thing as a “godless nation.” There are only nations that honor God and nations that answer to God. If a nation acknowledges Him blessings follow, but if a nation rejects Him there will be consequences. Not because of politics. Because of spiritual reality.

The truth is God does not stop being God simply because a nation stops believing in Him.

“The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: He maketh the devices of the people of none effect.” [Psalm 33:10]

A Final Word for America — and for Every Nation on Earth

Whether you live in America, Japan, India, Kenya, Brazil, Indonesia, or any other place on this planet hear this:

“For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” [Psalm 95:3]

God is the God of all nations. And every nation will either bow to Him in blessing or bow to Him in judgment.

Israel was created by God. But every nation is ruled by God. And the greatest national decision any people can make is simply this: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” [Joshua 24:15]

To live under God voluntarily — before they find themselves under God involuntarily.

May America — and every nation — choose wisely.

Featured Forest path lined with glowing stones under tall trees in misty light

FROM ICHABOD TO GLORY

Allen Frederick Leave a comment

A 14 day journey back to the presence of the Lord

Title: From Ichabod to Glory – The Devotional Is Finally Here

For almost a year, From Ichabod to Glory has been sitting quietly on the launch pad.

I wrote this devotional for believers who feel like the glory has lifted—who are tired, discouraged, or just going through the motions—and who long to experience God’s presence in a fresh way again.

This is a 14‑day journey from emptiness to encounter, from “Ichabod” (the glory has departed) to Glory.

Each day gives you:

  • a Scripture passage
  • a short teaching
  • a heart‑level reflection
  • and a simple prayer

If you’ve been saying, “I know God is real, but I don’t feel Him like I used to,” this devotional was written with you in mind.

👉 You can get your copy here: From Ichabod to Glory: A 14 day journey to fulness in Christ

My goal is simple: 30 readers in the next 30 days—one person a day choosing to step back into the glory of His presence.

If you know someone who needs this, would you share the link with them today?

Thank you for walking this journey with me.

—Allen

Sunday Drive Devotional: Keeping Between the Lines

Allen Frederick Leave a comment

“Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”** (Jeremiah 6:16**)

The Ancient Paths and the Modern Highway

There’s a quiet wisdom built into every well‑marked road. The lines don’t shout, they don’t argue, and they don’t demand attention. They simply guide. Jeremiah called them the “ancient paths,” the good way laid down long before we arrived, the road that leads to rest. Those ancient paths were never meant to be decorative. They were meant to be followed.

But even the best paths need maintenance. When a road is neglected, it stops feeling ancient and starts feeling hazardous. A once‑smooth drive becomes an obstacle course, a vehicular game of dodgeball or bumper cars. Instead of enjoying the journey, you spend your time bracing for impact.

Anyone who has driven a Pennsylvania backroad in early spring knows the feeling. One moment you’re admiring the scenery, and the next you’re praying your suspension survives the pothole that just tried to swallow your front tire. Potholes have a way of reminding us that even the oldest, most trusted paths require care.

Learning to Drive on the Roads That Teach Us

Many country roads don’t have lane markers at all, but that doesn’t mean the driver is free to improvise. Your driving habits were shaped on the roads that did have lines, the ones that trained your eyes, your instincts, and your sense of responsibility. The driving test wasn’t about memorizing rules; it was about forming habits that would keep you and everyone around you safe.

God’s Kingdom works the same way. His boundaries are not burdens; they are blessings. They are not restrictions; they are protections. They are not obstacles; they are guidance.

Scripture tells us that God set the planets in their courses and told the ocean how far it may come (Job 38:11, Psalm 19:6). All of creation honors the lines He drew. The stars don’t wander. The tides don’t rebel. The seasons don’t negotiate. Creation stays in its lane.

And then there is humanity, the only part of creation that looks at God’s markings and says, “I think I’ll try something different.” One person ignoring the rules of the road can cause a wreck. One believer ignoring the wisdom of God can cause spiritual damage that ripples far beyond their own life.

Returning to the Good Way

Jeremiah’s call to “ask for the ancient paths” wasn’t nostalgia. It was an invitation to return to the well‑marked road, the one God laid out for our good. The one that leads to rest, not chaos. The one that keeps us from turning life into a demolition derby of our own making.

The lines are there because God loves us. The boundaries exist because the journey matters. The ancient paths still lead to rest but only if we stay on them.

So today, as you drive, let the road preach. Let the lane markers remind you of God’s steady guidance. Let the potholes remind you that neglect creates danger. Let the whole journey point you back to the One who laid out the path long before you ever set foot on it.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for the ancient paths You have laid before us. Teach us to honor the lines You have drawn, not as restrictions but as gifts of protection and peace. Keep our hearts attentive, our steps steady, and our lives aligned with Your wisdom. Strengthen us to walk in the good way, to maintain the paths entrusted to us, and to travel with humility, gratitude, and obedience. Lead us safely, guide us faithfully, and grant us rest for our souls as we follow Your road. Amen.

HYMNS OF REDEMPTION: NEAR THE CROSS

Allen Frederick Leave a comment
NEAR THE CROSS FANNY CROSBY-WILLIAM COWPER

Some hymns lift our eyes to heaven, and some draw our hearts back to the place where everything changed. Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross does both. This hymn was written by Fanny Crosby. Her physical blindness sharpened her spiritual sight. It is a quiet plea for nearness, intimacy, and anchoring grace.

Crosby never treated the cross as a distant historical event. For her, it was a living place of refuge, a wellspring of mercy, and the center of Christian hope. Her words are simple, but they are not shallow. They carry the weight of a life shaped by prayer, dependence, and a deep awareness of Christ’s sustaining presence.

Cowper’s hymn cries out for cleansing. In contrast, Crosby’s hymn leans into abiding. It offers a daily, moment-by-moment nearness that keeps the believer grounded in grace. This is not a hymn of crisis; it is a hymn of posture. It teaches us to stay close to the place where love was poured out. It also urges us to stay where redemption was secured. And finally, where hope was born.

The anchor comes from Jesus’ own words in John 12:32:

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

Crosby hears that promise and responds with a simple, lifelong prayer: Draw me. Keep me. Hold me near.

As you listen to the piano meditation, let this hymn settle your spirit. Let it remind you that the cross is not merely the beginning of your faith — it is the place you return to again and again for strength, clarity, and peace.

Hymn Lyrics: Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

(Public Domain)

1
Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain;
Free to all, a healing stream,
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.

Refrain
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

2
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Sheds its beams around me.

3
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadow o’er me.

4
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever;
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.

Audio Meditation

COPYRIGHT TEMPLE MUSIC PRODUCTIONS 2025


Let the music draw you into the nearness of Christ — the place where mercy flows, where burdens lift, and where your heart finds rest.

About the Hymnwriter

Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915) stands as one of the most prolific hymnwriters in Christian history. Though physically blind from infancy, she possessed a spiritual clarity that shaped thousands of hymns still sung today. Her life was marked by humility, prayer, and a deep love for Christ.

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross reflects her lifelong theme: staying close to the heart of God. Crosby never wrote from theory — she wrote from communion. Her hymns invite believers not just to believe in Christ, but to walk with Him, lean on Him, and remain near Him.

Benedictional Prayer

May the nearness of Christ steady your heart today.
May His presence quiet your anxieties and renew your strength.
May His cross remain your refuge, your anchor, and your peace.
And may the One who draws all people to Himself draw you ever closer.
Amen.

Once Born, Once Slain, Once Risen, Now Reigns

Allen Frederick Leave a comment

The church has been lulled into cycles of repetition, borrowing pagan customs and sentimental traditions that obscure the gospel. But the Word of God cuts sharper than any ritual. Here are four truths that stand immovable, each one a pillar of the greatest story ever told.

Christ was born once.

The incarnation was not a seasonal myth or a cycle to be replayed every December. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). That moment in Bethlehem was the opening act of redemption, the eternal God stepping into human frailty. He came once, and that was enough. To rehearse His birth as if it were an annual event is to reduce the incarnation to pagan repetition.

Christ died once.

The cross was not symbolic theater—it was the decisive sacrifice. “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). Pagan gods die endlessly in cycles, but Christ’s death was final. It satisfied the wrath of God, fulfilled prophecy, and broke the curse. There is no need for repetition; the penalty has been paid in full.

Christ rose once.

The resurrection is the hinge of history. “He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4). Unlike Baal or Sol Invictus, Christ does not rise each year with the sun. He rose once, never to die again. His empty tomb is the triumph that validates our faith and secures eternal life. This is not seasonal hope—it is eternal reality.

Christ forever reign.

The story does not end at the tomb. “He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25). His ascension enthroned Him, and His reign is ongoing. He is not a Babe to be revisited each December—He is the King who rules now and will return in glory. The finale is not nostalgia but the appearing of Christ in power.

Admonition

Stop rehearsing pagan cycles. Stop lighting candles for what has already been fulfilled. Preach the gospel: once born, once slain, once risen, now reigns—soon to return.