Have you ever sensed that God was trying to get your attention? I sure have. He's been doing just that in my life lately in some new and refreshing ways, and I am grateful, if not comfortable.

It's amazing what God will use to shake us from our routine and help us refocus on our relationship with Him. It can be a major tragedy, the words of a song on the radio, or even the actions of a small child. Or, perhaps a message on a billboard. 

I thought of that earlier this week as I was thinking back through my first message in our "Signs"sermon series last Sunday. Our subject, of course, was the gospel of John's references to Jesus' miracles as signs, but we discussed all the other types of signs that we deal with every day. And we determined that a sign is never an end in itself; it always points to something else, and usually gives direction or provides information. Signs can also be aimed at getting our attention.

Which reminded me of a billboard campaign several years ago, which started in Florida and spread around the country, including some in our area. Supposedly an anonymous donor walked into an ad agency with a large sum of money and created the campaign on the spot. The campaign was called "God Speaks," and included more than a dozen different messages, all signed by "God." You may have seen some of them. Here are some of the messages:

• "Let's Meet at My House Sunday Before the Game. --God"

• "C'mon Over and Bring the Kids. --God"

• "What Part of 'Thou Shalt Not...' Didn't you Understand? -- God"

• "We Need to Talk. --God"

• "Keep Using My Name in Vain and I'll Make Rush Hour Longer. --God"

• "Loved the Wedding, Invite Me to the Marriage. --God"

• "That 'Love Thy Neighbor' Thing, I Meant It. --God"

• "I Love You, I Love You, I Love You. --God"

• "Will the Road You're On Get You to My Place? --God"

• "Follow Me. --God"

• "My Way Is the Highway. --God"

• "Need Directions? --God"

• "You Think It's Hot Here? --God"

• "Tell the Kids I Love Them. --God"

• "Have You Read My #1 Best Seller? There Will Be a Test. --God"

Obviously, those messages got people's attention, and did so in a lighthearted and disarming way. Whether that led to people dealing with God personally--or following some of the instructions from the billboards--I have no idea. 

But whatever He uses in your life this week, I hope that the Lord gets your attention and you hear from Him. I am praying for you, and I look forward to seeing each of you this Sunday.

--Pastor Ken