Bullfrogs and butterflies

I've been reading NO COMPROMISE: The Life Story of Keith Green

Keith was born on 21st October 1953 and died in a horrible plane crash on 28th July 1982,  at the age of 28.

Keith was born to loving parents, who were Jewish and became Christian Scientists who believe in Jesus's divinity but do not view Him as God.

Keith struggled with believing in God in the same way his parents did, but he always had that inquiring mind to ask, "Who is God? "and "Why on earth did He come here?"

He ran away from home at a very early age, seeking to truly understand what life was all about, but kept coming back home. 

During many of his "runaways," he met many people all with differing views on life eternal, and Keith had many, many questions - drug taking was imminent in his life, and he met many others affected similarly.

He kept coming back home, and his parents tried to help, hoping to assist him in many ways.

Keith had many questions involving Christianity, and he was truly seeking the truth about God and that Jesus was actually God Himself - Keith had heaps of questions, and, with his constant seeking, he tried many diferent versions of so-called Christianity and in the end, he virtually gave up trying to uncover the REAL truth.

Keith was a fantastic musician and composer of many songs - he played at a place called the Blah Blah so often his compositions led him in many directions, and he was able to record records in those days, his talents were extraordinary.

Through it all, looking back, God had a plan for Keith's life. Sometimes we find God's plans so extraordinary that we, as mere humans, truly can't understand them.

He then met the amazing Barry McGuire, a well-known singer-songwriter with numerous hit songs, including the 1965 hit "Eve of Destruction".

Barry was a Christian and wrote many Contemporary Christian songs. It was during Keith's seeking years, and because of his recording, he ended up meeting Barry, who changed his life.

To quote Barry McGuire, "What do bullfrogs and butterflies have in common? The frog comes from a tadpole, and the butterfly emerges from a cocoon - but they both get born again. And just like them, we need to experience a spiritual rebirth before we can really know God".

Keith gave his life to Christ at that time. He met Melody, who was also struggling with life in general, and she too became a born-again Christian.

They truly have an amazing story, and if you honestly get the chance, please read "The Life Story of Keith Green - NO COMPROMISE." 

I know this book really made me think of how my life was going and if I really was as committed to God as I should be - I have spent time in prayer asking God to make me aware of how much I need Christ to take full control of my life. 

Keith and Melody were married, and after an amazing story (which I have already suggested you should read), they were blessed to have three children, Rebekah, Josiah, and Bethany. Melody was also pregnant with her fourth child.

Quote: "On a blistering hot day on 28th July 1982, their friends John and DeDe Smalley were coming for a quick visit - they had six children."

Quote: "After dinner, Keith lost no time because it was getting late. Even though we were all tired, they wanted to see the rest of the ranch, including a quick sightseeing flight in our leased Cessna 414. Our pilot, Don Burmeister, who had flown in the military, would take them up. Apparently, John had promised one of the children a plane ride, and Keith was excited to give them a birds-eye view of the area."

Everyone boarded the plane except Melody and her youngest, Rebekah. Melody was so anxious - it was a spur-of-the-moment decision to take everyone.

The plane went down, killing everyone on board. Melody had another daughter, Rachel Hope. A daughter Keith never saw.

Such a tragedy.

You know - nobody knows how our life will be - it can all change in a matter of seconds.

Where are you in your thoughts of life and death?

I know this book really challenged me and how I really thought of life and death. 

God is truly amazing if you trust Him entirely - He is so ready to receive you as one of His own, but it really makes me think how ready are we to face the facts of death. Are you ready? Have you considered what it could mean?

I know this book really made me think and made me recognise that I am a sinner and need forgiveness, as we all do.

Jesus died for you and He died for me - He took our sins upon Himself, and all we have to do is to accept His amazing gift of eternal life. Acknowledge your sins and ask Jesus to forgive them, no matter what they are, and make Him number one in your life as your leader and guide.

God bless you abundantly this week, and please pray earnestly and really consider giving your life over to God and King Jesus.