Quiet Time Coaching Episode 412 | “God The Constant Bird Feeder” | Malcolm Cox
Season 2, Episode 412, May 04, 2023, 01:00 AM
Introduction
My father gave me a birdfeeder for my birthday. It's one of those that you stick on to a window using suction cups. That way the birds come up close and you can eyeball them. I was warned that it might take some time for the birds to get used to the feeder. However, I was not prepared for the fact that it has taken two months before the first bird appeared. Every few days I change the bird food because it was getting damp and mouldy. I don't know how much money I spent on the bird food that I have to keep throwing onto the ground. I was frustrated, and faintly angry towards those ungrateful birds. Eventually, a pigeon found its way onto the feeder. You will see one of the first birds in the photograph on the website and attached to the podcast. It looks faintly ridiculous because it's not really the right sized bird for that feeder. However, I appreciate it's resourcefulness.
The Text
“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3 NIV11)
What do we learn about God?
When God decides to love, no one is going to change his mind. The ups and downs of God's relationship with Israel did not affect the quality of his love for them. His love is everlasting, his kindness is unfailing. He continues to feed us, his presence is always available, and his grace is consistent.
Applications
God is still reaching out to you. He has not stopped loving you. No matter how you're feeling today, his feelings for you are the same as they were yesterday. In fact, his love for you on your best days and your worst days is exactly the same.
Conclusion
Don't think that God is like me, impatient, and unloving towards those he is trying to feed! His patience knows no end. May that be an inspiration for you to connect with them again today, and tomorrow, and the next day.
Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).
If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).
Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.
"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
My father gave me a birdfeeder for my birthday. It's one of those that you stick on to a window using suction cups. That way the birds come up close and you can eyeball them. I was warned that it might take some time for the birds to get used to the feeder. However, I was not prepared for the fact that it has taken two months before the first bird appeared. Every few days I change the bird food because it was getting damp and mouldy. I don't know how much money I spent on the bird food that I have to keep throwing onto the ground. I was frustrated, and faintly angry towards those ungrateful birds. Eventually, a pigeon found its way onto the feeder. You will see one of the first birds in the photograph on the website and attached to the podcast. It looks faintly ridiculous because it's not really the right sized bird for that feeder. However, I appreciate it's resourcefulness.
The Text
“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3 NIV11)
What do we learn about God?
When God decides to love, no one is going to change his mind. The ups and downs of God's relationship with Israel did not affect the quality of his love for them. His love is everlasting, his kindness is unfailing. He continues to feed us, his presence is always available, and his grace is consistent.
Applications
God is still reaching out to you. He has not stopped loving you. No matter how you're feeling today, his feelings for you are the same as they were yesterday. In fact, his love for you on your best days and your worst days is exactly the same.
Conclusion
Don't think that God is like me, impatient, and unloving towards those he is trying to feed! His patience knows no end. May that be an inspiration for you to connect with them again today, and tomorrow, and the next day.
Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, or practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).
If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, "How God grows His people", sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).
Please pass the link on, subscribe, and leave a review.
"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm