Welcome to Our New GRANDSON!! Carter Jude MacDonald
Hey: Check out our first grandson. Born on my mother’s birthday to boot, mega Yeah, God is great and we are blown away by the new life, next generation, new role wow, wow etc. I am still in California and haven’t held the ‘lil man in my arms yet, but he is healthy and strong, mother is doing very well and we have much to be thankful for. I am still taking it all in. This morning his father Luke, my first born son, got me thinking . . .
I got this text from Luke and it said: “Carter is just like his daddy. Lots of fun, interesting but sometimes he doesn’t know when to be quiet, ha ha.” I sent back a text saying, “Wow, he is already changing you.” 
I am sure little Carter is going to change all of us and as I reflect on that I thought I would share some things the reality our first grandchild is stirring in me:
1) A New Generation: If Christ does not return in my lifetime, there are those already being born who will not be influenced by me directly. The ones I continue to pour into are turning now to take what I have given to a new generation, not just in my family but in my church and everywhere I minister. Have I got the right message to them? Have I guarded the treasure entrusted to me? (2Timothy 1:14)
2) Balance is essential: My life has always been a tug of war between one thing and another. Sovereignty and free will, grace and truth, leading and submitting, acting and waiting, doing and being, compassion and conviction, the list could go on but I have never found a lot of blessing in the extremes. When I have gotten out on one edge or the other I have always struggled. The only place I have experienced true power is in the balance. While some seem content to focus on one or the other I find myself sometimes torn or even tortured by the need for balance. Extreme is easy, balance is hard. Jesus said, “these things you ought to have done without leaving the others undone” (Luke 11:42). I hope my grandson will know in me a measured man who knew no extremes other than “the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:2).
3) Life is short and fleeting: No question about it. My father is in his 70’s and now a great grandfather. As he was I am and as he is I shall be. Carter’s children if they come to be will likely know of me only in the stories of their father and grandfather, wow!! My life is racing by and I have so much left to do and be. Time must be utilized with great and greater focus, it cannot be wasted, it must be seized with vigor and utilized in high purposes that keep me “abounding in the work of the Lord.” (1Corinthians 15:58)
4) Not just ministry, reproduction: I was at John MacArthur’s 40th anniversary at Grace church this past weekend. If I was smarter I would have gotten a picture with him, but I never seem to think of that stuff at the time. He is such a good example of one who has spent his energies not just doing ministry but investing in others to do the same. I have to see my ministry more and more about transferring to the younger ones the “things faithful men have entrusted to me.” (2Timothy 2:2) I have always seen myself as the ‘timothy’ recieving so much from guys like John MacArthur, but with a grandson, I must think more and more about being the ‘Paul.” Yeah, that’s not very intimidating. I am always so sad to see older servants of Christ gripping the work more tightly and refusing to rejoice in releasing the reins to younger men. God helping me I will not make that mistake.
5) Same God, same grace. In a reflective moment it’s easy to fear the future. Doctrinal error is rampant, interest among believers in the deeper things of God’s word is not prevalent, fewer and fewer seem to have the stomach or the stamina to stand for the truth without compromise. The future honestly, does not seem bright for an evangelicalism more interested in friendship with the world than impact upon it. BUT, “Lord you have been a shelter in all generations” (Psalm 90:1). Seems like a lot of people my age through the generations have predicted the demise of Christ’s church, but the gates of hell have not and will not prevail (Matthew 16: 18). Carter can come to know the same Lord who has and is walking with me and you every day and if he does he will find the Savior to be all that He has and continues to be in our lives.
Welcome to the world little Carter, you have made your parents proud already and filled your grandparents hearts to overflowing. The world is gonna need you and if you give your heart to the One you need, He will use you in powerful ways. Congrats Luke and Kristen we love you and are so proud of you!
Categorized as: Christian Life, From James, Fun
