Battle Weary?

I'm not sure of whom the author of this is, but I think it bears posting at this time:

(Also, please, if anyone knows who wrote this, let me know so I can give proper credit to them for this wonderful illustration.)

Dear Commander and Chief of Spiritual Armed Forces:

I'm writing a request to transfer to a desk job. I herewith present my reasons:

I began my career as a private, but because of the intensity of the battle You have quickly moved me up in the ranks. You have made me an officer and given me a tremendous amount of responsibility. There are many soldiers and recruits under my charge. I am constantly being called upon to dispense wisdom, make judgments, and find solutions to complex problems. You have placed me in a position to function as an officer, when in my heart I know I have only the skills of a private. I realize that you have promised to supply all I would need for the battle. But sir, I must present you a realistic picture of my equipment.

My uniform, once so crisp and starched, is now stained with tears and blood of those I have tried to assist. The soles of my boots are cracked and worn from the miles I have walked trying to enlist and encourage the instructed troops. My weapons are marred, tarnished and chipped from constant battle against the enemy. Even the Book of Regulations I was issued has been torn and tattered from endless use. The words are now smeared.

You have promised You would be with me throughout, but when the noise of the battle is so loud and the confusion is so great, I can neither see nor hear you, Sir. I feel so alone. I am so tired! I’m discouraged and I have Battle Fatigue. I would never ask you for a discharge. I love being in your service. But I humbly request a demotion and transfer. I’ll file papers or clean latrines. Just get me out of the battle - please, Sir.

Your Faithful but Tired Soldier.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Faithful but Tired Soldier on the Battlefield:

Your request for transfer has been denied. I herewith present My reasons:

You are needed in this battle. I have selected you, and I will keep My Word to supply your need. You do not need a demotion and transfer. (You’d never cut it on latrine duty.) You need a period of “R and R” - Renewal and Rekindling. I am setting aside a place on the battlefield that is insulated from all sound and fully protected from the enemy. I will meet you there and I will give you rest. I will remove your old equipment and “make all things new.”

You have been wounded in the battle, My soldier. Your wounds are not visible, but you have received grave internal injuries. You need to be healed. I will heal you. You have been weakened in the battle. You need to be strengthened. I will strengthen you and be your strength. I will instill in you confidence and ability. My Words will rekindle within you a renewed love, zeal and enthusiasm. Report to Me tattered and empty. I will refill you.

Compassionately,

Your Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ

(May God bless the author(s) of this work.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (Amplified)
Ephesians 4:22-24 (Amplified)
Romans 4:20-21
Ephesians 3:16-20
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (Amplified)
Romans 15:5-6 (final admonishment--given encouragement, go do to others now)

Different Christian Acronyms

I LOVE ACRONYMS; THEY’RE SO MUCH FUN!

Here are just a few I’ve composed:

CHRISTIANS: Christ Has Risen Inside So That Individuals Are Nearing Sanctification

JESUS: Joyful with Every Saint Under Salvation

SOAR (IN JESUS): Staying Over All Roadblocks (I'm Now Joyful with Each Step Under Salvation)*

TRUST: Total Rest Unto Surrender Today

STOP: Stand Together On (Godly) Principle(s)

STAND: Stay Tough And Never Detour (or Derail)

Here are a couple from my pastor, Pastor Betty Moede:

SWAT: Spiritual Warfare Advanced Training

BELIEVE: Because Emmanuel Lives I Expect Victory Every time

RISE UP: Respond In Sincere Expression Until Purpose and destiny are accomplished! (FOR THIS ONE ONLY: she's not sure if this one had been hers or she read it somewhere--many years ago)

Here is one Helene Peters came up for at my church:

CPR: Christians Praising (or Praying) Relentlessly

And...

Here are some better-known ones (AUTHORS UNKNOWN -- at least to me):

FROG: Fully Rely On God

DOG: Depend On God

GRACE: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

ASAP: Always Say A Prayer

TGIF: Today God Is First

OR

Thank God I ’m Forgiven

FEAR: False Evidence Appear Real

FAITH: Fantastic Adventures In Trusting Him

OR

My personal rendition:

Forsaking All I Trust Him

*Originally-- "Roadblocks" was "Rejection" when I came up with this acronym, but I changed it to become more inclusive. And that's a whole other story for another time.