IS IT REAL??

 

     Yes, I realize I posted a picture of the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. Christmas was 25 days ago, and Easter is on April 5th. This is a blog about belief and knowing what is real. Speaking on that, I will never forget where I was when I found out Santa Claus was not real. I was in 4th grade, and I was talking to 2 other kids about Christmas. I was probably the only kid who believed Santa was real even at 10 years of age. We were talking about Christmas and I blurted out, "I wish Christmas was every single day!" One of the kids said, "If that was true your parents would be broke." I said, "What do you mean? Santa comes to our house!" Well, let's just say that comment caused me to get made fun of by several classmates, which was very embarrassing, especially since I was such a mature 4th grader ... NOT! I was humiliated but I learned that the fat chubby guy with a white beard and red suit was all made up. It was all in good fun. "Santa isn't real! How could you believe that, Harff?" That's when I found out Santa was a fake and my mom later confirmed it. I then figured out the tooth fairy was also fake. I always wondered why he or she had to use the small Dixey cups from our bathroom to put change in when he couldn't supply his own cups. It was left under my bed when I was asleep. Then lastly, it was the Easter Bunnies turn to learn of his history. I always envisioned him as some guy in a bunny costume and not a real bunny. I knew he didn't come down our chimney, so I guess he had a key for our house. He was not real. It was time for me to grow up. Just ask my mom, I did not want to grow up. Working as a children's pastor and talking to puppets is living proof I haven't grown up! 

     I often wonder how kids today view God. If they are fooled into believing in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny, do they believe God is real? When you teach them about Jesus, do they think he is going to bring them presents and leave money under their pillow? Do they think he only shows up once a year? Does he make all your dreams come true? We know God loves us, but like Santa is he making a list, checking it twice trying to figure out if you are naughty or nice? Do kids believe he is just another fairy tale? My mom shared with me several years ago about how when she was young, they would recite a prayer in school every day before classes began. Today, you are not allowed to pray in schools. God is not taught in schools anymore. It breaks my heart to hear that the New York City Mayor took his oath to office with his hand on a Koran, not a Bible. 

     In spite of what the world and schools tell our kids that God is not real and there are other paths to happiness, I know for a fact God is real. I have heard his still small voice. I have seen him work in my life and I have sensed his presence through good times and bad. When I read the bible, he speaks to me, I have read the bible several times and I will confess I learn something new each time I read it. I don't claim to be a bible scholar. I am just a regular guy who loves Jesus, I love His word and just want to be close to him. It saddens me to hear how schools would rather teach children about meditation, New Age Theology and Astrology. The very thought of teaching them about God "goes against the laws of church and state." How sad! In the last several years, after school Satan programs have also been formed starting in Florida. Their premise is "Let's make the devil fun for kids!" Fun? Seriously? I realize Bible Clubs are allowed also but many of them go through such grief to get started. So sad!

     I pray that God is real in your life. Put him first! He will never let you down! I always laugh when people say, "You are very religious" or "I guess religion works for you." The definition of "religion" is "belief in a supernatural power." Religion is man-made! All "religions" were ideas created by men looking for answers to life. In fact, all of these so called "god's" these people worship and believe in are all dead. Buddha, Muhammed, Hare Krishna, all Hindu god's ... all buried in the ground. But Jesus is alive. His tomb is empty! Forget about them! I am talking more about a RELATIONSHIP with God. That's where the "rubber meets the road" friends! That's what has made a difference in my life. I pray you take the same road and have a personal relationship with Jesus! 

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!!