Building My Battle Book: Faith, Survival, and a Little Humor

Why a Battle Book?

Because let's face it, when the world's gone topsy-turvy, and people are wondering where all the good folks went, they'll need some answers. Enter the Battle Book: a spiritual survival guide, a faith-based Swiss Army knife, and a journal of everything I wish I’d known sooner, all wrapped up in one handy little volume.

The Setup

I structured my Battle Book like a bullet journal. Why? Because trying to find specific information without a structure is like rummaging through a junk drawer looking for the one pen that still works. But then—brace yourself for my stroke of genius—I bought a notebook with a ready-made index and pre-numbered pages! No more hand-numbering pages or painstakingly creating an index myself. Honestly, it felt like a divine revelation: "Why reinvent the wheel when you can buy it at the store?" Now, when I need to find "Basic Hermeneutics" or "Spiritual Warfare Tips 101," I’m not stuck flipping through pages like a frazzled detective. It’s my spiritual GPS—if something’s in there, I can get to it faster than you can say, "Rapture Ready."

Then I prayed. I mean, really prayed. I asked the Holy Spirit to guide me. What should go into this book? What does someone terrified, confused, and newly curious about Jesus need to know?

Starting with the Letter

First, I wrote a letter to the "left behind." (Cue dramatic music.) I’d seen examples before, and it seemed like the perfect opening to set the tone and explain why I went to all this effort.

Then came the Bridge to Life graphic, a treasure I found in my new NLT Bible. Created by Navigators in 1969, this visual beautifully sums up God’s plan of salvation. If it hit me that hard, I figured it might be powerful for someone grappling with questions like, “Why did they all believe this?” and “Where did they go?”

Basic Bible Study Tips

I included an intro to Bible study: a pinch of hermeneutics (it’s not as scary as it sounds) and an explanation of why traditional Bibles are credible. I imagine future readers might be bombarded with weird, "new-agey" Bible translations or even counterfeit faith materials. The Battle Book isn’t just about surviving; it’s about discernment.

Cool Graphics & Resources

Next came Bible Project graphics. Their designs are top-tier, distilling complex ideas into bite-sized visuals. I also included the Bible translation spectrum chart—it’s a great way to explain why The Message isn’t the same as the ESV (not knocking it, but know your audience!).

Then I created some Canva graphics to emphasize why the Bible is crucial for Christians. Think of these as faith-infused infographics, complete with a dose of inspiration and a little sass.

Notes from the Faithful

I copied down notes from Pastor Vlad Savchuk’s teachings on prayer and spiritual warfare and added my own reflections on Hosea. Why? Because as the world spirals into chaos, people will need these truths—and fast.

Spiritual warfare is no longer a niche topic. These days, it’s as out in the open as Christmas decorations in November. As believers, we need to be prepared to fight the good fight (Ephesians 6:12), and the Battle Book is my personal war manual.

The Tribulation Survivors' Toolkit

I also included a running list of false teachers, anti-Christian organizations, and cultural trends that have openly opposed Christ’s teachings. Right now, that list is long. In the Tribulation? It’ll probably need its own appendix.

I believe this is vital because, post-Rapture, the people left behind will need guidance more than ever. With the true church gone, the false prophets will step in, shiny smiles and all, ready to mislead anyone who’s desperate for answers. Matthew 24:13 tells us, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” That’s the ultimate goal: helping people endure in their newfound faith until they’re taken up with Jesus.

Why the Battle Book Is for Me, Too

This isn’t just for others—it’s for me. As I build this book, I’m learning, growing, and deepening my faith. Knowing my efforts might benefit someone else is the motivation I need to keep journaling.

What’s Next?

Over the coming weeks, I’ll share more about what’s going into the Battle Book. I’ll even include links to videos and resources I’ve found helpful, so you can create your own. Remember: the battle is spiritual, and it’s not just about surviving—it’s about thriving in Christ.

So grab your journal, your favorite pen, and let’s get to work. The Battle Book isn’t just another DIY project; it’s a lifeline, a legacy, and a light for the darkest of times.