Have you seen these?

They're billboards rising

over the landscape throughout the country right now.

"God speaks,"

they're called, and they're getting quite the attention

all over the U.S.A. The billboards are simple black

background with large white text. No fine print or

sponsoring organization is included.

I know our theological

nuances can pick at them, and we may not agree

wholeheartedly with all of them. But they are

"catchy" and "fun," and just maybe

they make us stop and think about some of the things God

would be saying to us if He were in the billboard

business.

(Who knows, maybe He IS in

the billboard business...)

Here is a sampling of what

"God speaks" on these billboards:

- Let's meet at

my house Sunday before the game. - GOD

- C'mon over

and bring the kids. - GOD

- What part of

"Thou shall not..." didn't you understand?

- GOD

- We need to talk.

- GOD

- Keep using my name

in vain. 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 and you

and you and you and... - GOD

- Will the road you're

on get you to my place? - GOD

- Follow me. -

GOD

- Big Bang Theory

- You've got to be kidding. - GOD

- My way is the

highway. - GOD

- Need directions?

- GOD

- You think it's hot

here? - GOD

- Have you read my

number one best seller? There will be a test. - GOD

- Do you have any idea

where you're going? - GOD

(and one that sounds a

little harsh, but maybe shows God's sense of humor -

which He has, you know!...)

- Don't make me come

down there again. - GOD

So, there they are. Take

them or leave them. Maybe even check them out with

scripture to see if they line up with what we know

"God speaks." My take on them is that they come

pretty close.

I know I'm listening.

[Kollmeyer is senior

pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in

Fayetteville].