Dear Heart of a Shepherd Readers and Hillsdale family members,

The opportunity for studying the scriptures in a systematic, daily discipline has never been easier than it is today.  While the internet is unfortunately a place of grave temptations, it also provides believers resources and opportunities to study the Bible, with commentaries and devotionals only a few mouse clicks away from any who have a computer, tablet, or smart phone.

Of course, the universal problem for us all is making time and exercising the self-discipline required to study the scriptures.  The apostle Paul challenged Timothy,  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

I announced in an earlier post that, while I plan to write and post devotionals periodically, I am discontinuing my practice of posting daily devotional commentary this New Year.  I do, however, want to encourage you to continue reading the scriptures daily and am suggesting you consider following the attached “One-Year Bible Reading Plan” published by iBelieve.com (this is not an endorsement of that organization since I am not familiar with them).  I will have copies of the plan available to the Hillsdale church family this Sunday; however, I am also attaching a copy of the same plan to this post.

God bless you dear friends as we stand at the threshold of a New Year and embrace King David’s conviction, 14  But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. 15  My times are in thy hand…” (Psalm 31:14-15).

With the heart of a shepherd,

Pastor Travis D. Smith

Copyright 2017 – Travis D. Smith