"Use the right tool for the job," a common-sense statement. We would expect an auto mechanic to use the correct tools to keep our cars running reliably and safely. I don't know about you, but if I saw him open the hood of my car and then begin pounding on the engine with a sledgehammer, I'd think something was wrong. These days we are likely to see our mechanics pull out a computer and plug it into our vehicle, run a diagnosis long before they lift a single wrench. By using the right tools, our cars take us reliably from place to place every day. 

What kind of tools do we use to help us get to know God? Like our auto mechanic who has computers, wrenches, and a drawer full of tools, we have computers, books, teachers, pens, colored pencils, workbooks, and more, all devices available to help us. There's only one problem with having a drawer full of tools; if we don't know how to use them, they are worthless. Our goal here is to learn some simple, powerful tools and how to use them, learning, and living life together with God.

Familiarity

You have a bible,  software, which includes the ability to search for anything, and all those tremendous note-taking implements, so where do we begin? The first tool we have to have in our box is familiarity; we have to be somewhat knowledgable about the stories contained in the Bible. Yes, for many, it's boring and not very exciting, but it is essential if we want to be a disciple and to get to the satisfying parts of life with Him.

Why is our first tool familiarity and not the idea of taking notes, highlighting passages, and other such things; aren't those tools? Yes, they are study tools; however, they are used to help us gain familiarity and help recall the accounts when we need them. If we want to be able to understand, know, and live the way God intends for us, we have to be familiar enough to be able to remember them when needed.

Back in the day, Jesus' day, a disciple was expected to know, to the point of memorization, the instructions, narratives, and prophets of the Bible. When a teacher took on a disciple, he didn't give reading assignments one day and then explained its meaning the next. He expected them to know and or be familiar with the text, so when asked a question, they could recall it and learn its application for life. 

If we desire to be a disciple and grow close to our God and Lord, becoming very familiar with the Bible is the first and probably most essential tool we need to have. Now go and do it!