“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
The words to our “Pledge Of Allegiance,” were written by Francis Bellamy in 1893. The original version did not contain the words, “under God.” Those were added in 1954 at the urging of President Dwight Eisenhower. On a Flag Day speech in the same year, President Eisenhower said this about adding “under God” to our Pledge of Allegiance. “In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.” It’s interesting to note that President Eisenhower didn’t say that America’s most powerful weapons were armored vehicles, submarines, fighter jets, missiles, nor any nuclear weapon. He said our most powerful resource was spiritual weapons. Perhaps President Eisenhower was referring to the spiritual weapons found in Ephesians 6:11-18. Those weapons are “the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace (for the feet), the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.” With the exception of the “sword of the Spirit” those weapons are defensive ones, meant to protect us as we do battle “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). Verse 18 of Ephesians 6 mentions one other weapon that is in the arsenal of every Christian, that being prayer. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Never underestimate the power of prayer.
James said, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
James is saying that an effective prayer requires a righteous life. We cannot and must not harbor any sin if we expect God to answer our prayers. We must confess our sins and forsake them before coming to God with our petitions. Additionally, our prayers must line up with His will (1 John 5:14). Prayer is an amazing and powerful weapon for a Christian who has a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ. During this crucial time in America, we must humbly come before God, asking for His aid, strength, guidance, and wisdom, knowing He will answer according to His good and perfect will.
Put on the full armor of God each day to protect yourself as you do spiritual warfare, but do remember your offensive weapons of God’s Word and prayer. Stand up and fight with your sword (the Word of God), by reading it, studying it, meditating on it, and by memorizing it. Go down on your knees in prayer begging God for forgiveness, for healing in our nation, and for the upcoming election.
“I call upon Americans to bend low before God and go to their knees as Washington and Lincoln called us to our knees many years ago. No nation is ever taller than when on its knees.” – Billy Graham