A “Poke” from God

Poke is “to push your finger or something thin or pointed into or at someone or something; to make (a hole) in something by pushing something sharp or pointed through or into it; to stick out so that a part can be seen.” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poke

My earliest recognition of being “poked” is from my childhood by classmates who were annoying or trying to get my attention.

Facebook has a virtual “poking” option. “People poke their friends or friends of friends on Facebook for a lot of reasons (ex: just saying hello, getting their attention). When you poke someone, they'll get a notification and will then be able to poke you back.” https://www.facebook.com/help/451424538215150/

God has a way of “poking” us every day…in an attempt to get our attention. He often does this in small ways:

• A beautiful sunrise
• The soothing feeling of sunlight; gentle rain; snow or a cool breeze
• The changing colors of tree leaves
• The penetrating eyes of a cat
• The laughter of a baby

I am reminded of the song “God is Trying to Tell You Something” in the epic movie The Color Purple. Some of the lyrics are:

“If I were you I would say yes, Speak Lord, Speak to me

Well you can't sleep at night, And you sure wonder why

Well maybe God is trying to tell you something

You cry all night long, Something has gone wrong

Well maybe God is trying to tell you something

God is trying to tell you something, God is trying to tell you something

Maybe God is trying to tell you something right now”

http://www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/mississippi_mass_choir/maybe_god_is_trying_to_tell_you_something-lyrics-224487.html

In an article titled “10 Ways God Gets Our Attention” it noted He may do this in these ways :

1. By disrupting our ordinary routines.
2. By making us restless.
3. Through the voice of the voiceless.
4. Through an unusual blessing.
5. By saying "No" to our prayers.
6. By using disappointment.
7. By using bizarre or extreme circumstances.
8. Through defeat.
9. Through your financial troubles.
10. Tragedies, sickness and affliction   http://www.examiner.com/article/10-ways-god-gets-our-attention

The Bible says:

Jeremiah 29:11(NIV): 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Proverbs 20:30 (GNT): 30 Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways.

Psalm 119:71 (GNT): 71 My punishment was good for me, because it made me learn your commands.

Psalms 46:10 (NKJV): Be still, and know that I am God;

Memorable Quotes:

“We want big directional signs from God. God just wants us to pay attention.”

“People see God every day, they just don’t recognize.”

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say thank you?”

God is constantly “poking” us trying to get our attention. Have you noticed?