Transcript from June 8 chat

I just posted the transcript from last week's chat. Sorry I didn't get it posted sooner.

God bless!

Transcript from last Monday's chat

I've just posted the transcript from last Monday's chat. Taxes this week had me swamped!

Questions for March 30 Hinds Feet Study on Chapter Six

1. Please read Psalm 51:17 and be ready to apply it to this Chapter “Detour Through The Desert.”

2. How did M.A. initially respond when she saw the path ahead of her? How do you respond when life takes a sudden and unexpected detour?

3. What was her next reaction?

4. What does the Shepherd ask M.A.?

5. Why do you think M.A. build an alter? Have you ever had to build such an altar?

6. What is the Scriptural significance of the memorial stone?

7. Why do you think all of the Shepherd’s servants go down into Egypt?

8. What lesson did they learn? What is the “secret”?

9. How do you interpret the vision M.A. had?

10. What can we learn from the granary? (Please read 1Thes. 5:18 and be prepared to comment.)

11. Do you identify with the furnace. Why do you think it was on the highest floor?

12. What was your reaction to “Acceptance-with-Joy”?

13. What do you think M.A. has learned so far? (Be able to summarize in two or three sentences!)

[Made minor corrections 3/28/09 -Liz]

Transcript for Last Nights Study 3/23

What a great study last night! Thanks all! Here is the link for the transcript if you missed the study time or would like to review what all was talked about! I'll be posting the questions for next week. As it is a longer chapter, we will just cover chapter six. Looking forward to it!

Hinds Feet Transcript Chapters 2 and 3

I forgot to post the link to last nights chat transcript! Here it is

Questions for Chapter Five 3/23 Hinds Feet Study

We will attempt to get through chapters four and five this coming week!

Encounter with Pride

1. How do Sorrow and Suffering help Much Afraid? What does she learn?

2. Who does she meet on the journey?

3. Why do you think the Fearing was chosen?

4. Why was M.A. vulnerable to this Fearing?

5. What doubts does he plant in her mind?

6. What stops M.A. from turning back? What can we learn from this?

7. How do we know that M.A. is growing even at the beginning of her journey?

8. What chastisement does the Shepherd have for her?

9. What is the first important lesson M.A. learns.

10. What were the consequences of her actions?

Questions for Chapter Four 3/23 HInds Feet Study

Start for the High Places

1. What did M.A. learn about love from the wild flowers beneath her feet?

2. What lesson does the Shepherd say M.A. needs to learn while she is still in the valley?

3. M.A. is taking a journey to the high places. Where does the Shepherd say the real start of the journey is? Why?

4. Did M.A. realize what He was talking about?

5. What different nature “languages” did M.A. become aware of as the journey started? Are we in tune to the nature languages around us? What lessons can we learn?

6. Why does the Shepherd not take M.A. to the high places himself?

7. What happens when M.A. looks back to the valley. Does this ever happen to us when we look back in our lives?

8. Who are M.A.’s guides and what does she think of them?

9. Does God give you “unrecognizable guides” on your journey to the High Places?

10. Who does M.A. remind you of when she says to the Shepherd, “To whom else would I go?”

11. How does M.A. find comfort in the fact that others have gone before her in her journey? Do you derive the same comfort?

12. Why do you think the development of hinds feet is a “secret process”?

Closing your day with the Shepherd

It is not quite dusk yet, but you know that in a few moments, it will be. Flowers are starting to close, colors are growing dim. You look to the sky at the setting sun. A wave of peacefulness sweeps over you. Another day is done. It is time to go to the Shepherd once again. The hurry is not as great this evening. You enjoy watching the world around you as the shadows deepen. You walk through the fields, once again following the bubbling little brook until you see the dim form of the log bench by the pond. The Shepherd has yet to arrive. You smile as you sit and watch and listen. The frogs are chirruping in the pond – the ducks and geese are making their way to their nests. Almost lost in thought, you hear the gentle bleats of the sheep as the come forward for their final drink before they too settle down in the pasture for the night.

Your eyes strain to see Him. Suddenly, He is there beside You, looking at you with a bit of curiosity, yet a gleam of satisfaction in His eye. “Good evening, little one. Tell me, how was your day?” You bubble forth with the days adventures, much like the brook as it bubbled it’s way to the serenity of the pond. You explain your day. The ups of it – the downs of it. The successes – the failures. He beckons for you to sit next to him on the bench. Gladly you do so. Just to be near Him. You sit comfortably together, listening to the evening sounds.

“Thank you for meeting me here, Shepherd, night after night.”

“Oh, you are so welcome, child. It is a joy to sit and hear about your day. I delight in your successes, I encourage you in your failures that tomorrow, when it comes, may give you other opportunities to share.”

You look into his eyes, not wanting to go, but knowing you must get your rest if you are to meet Him again in the morning.

“Shepherd?” you ask.

“Yes?”

“Will you be awake all night with the sheep?”

“Yes child, I will be awake all night watching over them, protecting them from harm.”

“Shepherd?”

He does not wait for your question this time, but smiles lovingly at you.

“Yes child, I will be watching over you tonight, as well. Watching and protecting you. You may rest easy in that.”

Sighing, you walk slowly away, turning back now and then to reassure yourself that He is still there. His figure fades into the darkness, yet a warm glow has settled inside of you.

“He is my shepherd. I will not want.”

You walk slowly home and slip quietly into bed. You close your eyes and remember your Shepherd’s face – His voice. You drift off to sleep, knowing you are loved beyond measure.

Mornings with the Shepherd

The sun is just beginning to rise in the eastern sky. The early morning air is damp, dew settled comfortably on the blades of grass and spring flowers. You quietly slip into your clothes as not to waken anyone else in the house. You find your shoes and quickly lace them up. You know where you are going and who is waiting for you. You smile inwardly in anticipation of the greeting waiting for you. You begin to hasten as you see His shadowy figure ahead of you. You hear the sounds of the brook leading to the small pond. There He is! He is always there, waiting for you. His face breaks into a smile as He sees you approaching! You begin to run as you get closer, yet you slow down to a walk those last few steps. The sight of Him standing, staff in hand, is always so majestic. You come to him slowly, smiling. “Good morning, little one,” he says softly. You raise your eyes to him and gaze upon him. “Good morning, Shepherd.” You reply. You both begin to walk over to the log bench next to the pool. The sun inches it’s way from the horizon. The duskiness of dawn begins to fade. The sheep begin to stir and walk slowly towards the pool for their morning drink.

“What have you for me today, my Lord?” you ask. “I am here to do Thy will.”

He gazes at you compassionately, “I am glad you asked.”

“You know I need your guidance, Shepherd. Without You, I know not what to do. Or if I try, I do not succeed. I only meet frustration. You know I need You, Lord.”

“Yes, I know you need me. I am pleased that You are beginning to remember this, and come to me each morning.” He smiles.

You listen as He begins to tell you about your day and helps you order it according to His will.

Link to devotional for Hinds' Feet on High Places

Google books also has a copy of a devotional for Hinds Feet on High Places which may work if the last one I posted does not. You might also try this.

Looking for Hinds' Feet on High Places?

Google books has a copy of Hinds' Feet on High Places. You can start reading it there but it's copyrighted, so you can't read the whole thing there.

I was able to buy a copy for $7 US at a local Family Christian Store. You may well be able to get a copy from a used book store as well. This book has been in print for a long time. If you want to buy it online, try Amazon.com which has some used copies available as well as new.

Hinds Feet on High Places Chapter 3 study guide

Flight in the Night

1. What awakened Much Afraid and why? How did she feel?
2. Have you ever had pangs of disobedience? What did you do about them?
3. There are several “songs” and “Canticles” quoted in the book? Where do you think these come from?
4. Where does Much Afraid go – and when? Was it hard for her to do? Why was she able to do it?
5. Where does she go next?
6. Do you think this shows Much Afraid’s trust in the Shepherd and why?
7. What does Much Afraid say to the Shepherd? Does she give an excuse for not following him when he passed her cottage? Did she assume she knew the Shepherd’s timing for leaving for the High Places?
8. Do you ever let failure to do what you think God is asking you to do stop you from further action out of fear of condemnation?
9. How did the Shepherd respond to Much Afraid?

(Edited the post so the questions are in it. - Liz)

Hinds Feet on High Places Chapter 2 study questions

Questions for 3/16/09.

Fearing Invasion

1. What does your morning song sound like?
2. Did Much Afraid really believe the Shepherd was able to change her?
3. What allowed the Fearings to be able to invade Much Afraids home?
4. Why do you think Much Afraid was not able to call out to the Shepherd when He walked by?
5. Are their opportunities we miss because we don’t seize them, out of fear?
6. Have you ever experienced subtle lies from the enemy overwhelming you until you found yourself locked in a prison cell or cottage?
7. What “provisions” are you feeding the enemy?
8. Who came to Much Afraid’s rescue? Why do you think she was able to cry for help this time? What brings you help or comfort when you use it?
9. How important are names in this book? What do you think of Mrs. Valiant. Can you surmise anything about her relationship with the Shepherd? Why do you think she lives in the Valley of Humiliation?
10. Why did Mrs. Valiant not scold Much Afraid for allowing her fearing relatives to come in and take control?

Hinds Feet on High Places Study 3/9 Summary

Our study on "Hind's Feet On High Places" last night was enjoyable and a growth experience for all those involved. We discussed Chapter One and talked about our own fears that stop us from growing closer to God. Childhood events, unhealthy relationships, prayers that seem unanswered are all things that seem to keep us from God. We learned we need to trust in God even when we "mess up" and realize that God looks upon us with compassion. We learned that each of us must journey to the High Places and that God has many promises for us. We also learned it's not an easy trip - right from the start, our we must learn to face our fears. If you are interested in the transcript - it is posted here. If you'd still like to join the study, we will be looking at Chapter's 2 and 3 next week. The study guide questions will be posted shortly! Please feel free to join us in our journey! Reading past transcripts can allow you to "catch up" to where we are! Be Blessed - deni

Book Study "Hind's Feet On High Places" Starts March 2nd!

Hi all!  I was wondering if we could get a show of hands as to how many folks will be participating and what time zone you are in?  We might need to adjust the schedule a bit to accommodate some folks.  Either that, or we can hold two studies at different times. Let us know 1. If you will be attending and 2. your time zone and 3. if there might be a second time that would work better for you!  

We'll start just by reading Chapter 1.  The first study will be an introduction as to what you can expect from the study.  In particular we will be examining how "Hind's Feet" can be viewed as a story about the life of a Christian.  Do you identify with Much Afraid?  What do you think of her coming from the family of Fearings?  Can you find "The Chief Shepherd" reference in scripture? Be prepared to share your reactions to the first Chapter and please, let one of the admins know if you need a book!  If you haven't gotten your book yet, please attend anyway as this will be an informal lesson.

deni  aka QuietSoul51