Submitted by Diane Hall, Southeast President

The holiday season is closing and for most of us life is returning to normal.  For me, it is time to sit down with a big cup of coffee and begin to evaluate, pray and discover what God would like me to accomplish in the year ahead.  I am a person that loves disciplines, schedules and lists; therefore this is an exhilarating experience.  Yet, it is simply a tool.  The key to success is effectively using the tools!

One of my favorite spiritual tools is studying the Bible.  Diving into God’s word and dissecting its meaning brings delight as I learn precepts and gain wisdom.  But, like the tools used to accomplish goals in my life, I have to actually use it.  Repeatedly I have every intention to simply read scripture, not even dive into it.  Despite that, the book is often not opened and I neglect to use the tool God has given me.

While it is important to study God’s word, using it as a tool for learning is not sufficient.  Attaining knowledge without application is merely an intellectual pursuit.  Satan used his knowledge of God words to tempt Eve in the garden. (Gen 3:1-7) He even went as far as to misquote scripture while attempting to lure Christ from God’s plan in the wilderness. (Matt 4:1-11) God’s word needs to be hidden in our hearts but it also must change our lives. (Ps 119:11)

I challenge you to make a list of goals for the coming year.  That list should include daily time in God’s word.  Ultimately, when this is accompanied with meditation and prayer, God changes us with His word. (Heb 4:12)

 The key to success is effectively using the tools!  Specifically, God’s tools!