“God loves a cheerful giver.” That’s a phrase from 2 Corinthians 9:5-11. Paul encourages the church to give cheerfully in that text, but he also tells us what we must remove so that we can give with joy. 

We must not let our generosity be affected by “covetousness.” This interesting word means “to have more.” So generosity will be hindered if we must “have more” and are unwilling to wait.

He also says that we must not give “grudgingly,” which means sorrowfully. If we grieve because of our giving, we’re approaching the idea of giving incorrectly. Choose joy instead!

We’re further encouraged that giving is not “under compulsion.” So, we don’t give because we have to, but because we want to see the result of changed lives and kingdom advancement.

Finally, since God “loves a cheerful giver,” we can be encouraged that there is a specific affirmation from the Father when we give.

God loves us more than we can imagine! He loves it when we give generously and cheerfully! When we give generously, we mirror the character of God Himself. 

"Lord, let me be a cheerful giver in obeying Your call."

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

The Generations Project has a prayerful goal of building with no long-term debt. We’re in the season of prayer and commitment that will help us arrive at a financial point of covering the entire cost of the project. This is what I want you to join us in praying for today. 

Throughout Scripture, the building projects of the Tabernacle, the Temple, rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, and others were accomplished through a great deal of giving, sacrifice, and faith. God’s plan for funding the kingdom has always been through His people’s giving and generosity. Do we have the capacity to be debt-free after our three-year season of giving to the Generations Project? Yes! Do we have the willingness and faith to do so? My prayer is that we would.

Join me in praying that God’s provision would cover every need we have in this project. He is able!

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

Persistence and prayer go hand in hand. God calls us to pray diligently and “pray without ceasing.” Prayer has several elements worth remembering:

Prayer brings our requests to God. When we pray, we’re considering how important a matter is and why we need God’s help. We are also exercising faith that God is listening.

Prayer reminds us that we are not, by ourselves, sufficient. A message weaved throughout the entire Bible is that man is inadequate, but that God hears our prayers and answers them. He redeems us when we place our trust in Him for salvation. He gives us freedom when we ask to be set free of sin. He enables us when we’re weak. We’re not sufficient. He is.

Prayer also changes us. I may have one idea going into a time of prayer only to find that the Lord changes my mind, challenges me more deeply, or leads me to do something I hadn’t considered. 

Prayer makes the impossible possible. It opens the doors for provision. This is why James says, “You have not because you ask not.” Often, I feel impressed to pray because I don’t want to be guilty of failing to ask and trust God.

“Lord, we are asking for wisdom and provision for our Generations Project. Show us your power as we depend on Your answer.”

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

This week, one of our church members shared with me what the Lord is leading them to do. It was such a unique idea that I wondered if others had considered it. This family, already giving 10% to the Lord through their church, decided to add 5% for the Generations Project. They created the margin in their budget to do that, and the result was a lifestyle decision that makes room for great things at Cross City.

They spoke of using the 5% for some other kingdom project after we complete Generations. What an outstanding idea! Their solution may be different from yours, but it’s an example of how many are prayerfully considering their decision. When hundreds pray and think toward such generosity, the kingdom advances!

As we get closer, the question becomes, “Lord, clearly show me what my part is in the Generations Project, and give me the faith and confidence to commit.” 

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

The Generations Project motivates me to walk by faith financially. While I’ve been a tither for many years, there are notable times when God asks me to do something above and beyond that. I’ve seen God’s provision my entire life, but I see His breakthroughs when I obey (by faith) during those special times of giving that are beyond my ability. It’s a true spiritual journey.

When I was a 12-year-old, I planted 100 pecan trees on my grandfather’s property. That was more than 50 years ago. Today, nearly 20 of them still stand, and they are massive and fruitful. I didn’t know much about planting seeds, but I did know that if you plant them, you would see several things happen. I now know these things as the laws of the harvest. Here’s what they are:

• We will only reap what has been sown - holding seed will mean no harvest

• We will reap the same kind that we sow - the seed determines the harvest

• We will reap later than we sow - there’s always a waiting period

• We will reap in proportion to what we sow - sow much, reap much

Today, those 20 trees bear fruit in proper season, and thousands of pecans came from the 100 planted five decades ago. Why? Because of the laws of the harvest.  

These laws also pertain to your giving. “Lord, help me to be a gracious and generous sower of spiritual seeds through our church. May the gospel multiply as I give. And may You bless us to give again and again to Your kingdom.”

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

The Generations Project is about every generation. Here’s a great idea to consider: if you’ve not already done so, include your family in your prayer that asks, “What’s my part?” Preschoolers, children, and students are all interested in this project. Even grandchildren who attend here would love to join you in asking the Lord how they can help.

Start by adding, “What’s our part?” to your prayer before eating today. Let your family pray their part of that prayer and then walk them through the process of understanding what they might give up to make the Generations Project happen. To help you with that conversation, I’ve recorded a video that you can watch together. It’s an excellent opportunity to show your family the importance of investing in the next generation.

During our Generations Commitment Service next week, we’ll ask each person to bring their commitment card in an envelope (provided) to one of many tables set up in our Worship Center. Consider sitting with your family and bringing your commitment together. It will be a memorable moment.

The excitement is building! “Lord, let my family be fully involved in knowing what our part is, and let them watch you provide in unique ways.”

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

Each week, I spend time in the Vision Room visiting with our members about what the new Generations Project will look like when finished. I get questions about capacity, cost, and often about accessibility. I love the fact that we have people at Cross City who have attended for many decades and continue to worship, serve, and give here.

The Generations Project is about all of us, and accessibility is a huge priority. We'll love the three new elevators, covered drop-off spots, and improved stairs and restrooms. These are just a few of the things that make it possible for ALL of us to worship at Cross City. 

Our church's senior members are the ones who laid the foundation for us to have the buildings and ministry we have today. God alone knows how much they've given for buildings, camps, and the kingdom as a whole. We're standing on their shoulders. It's a great strength for a church to have both young and old - all within the same walls, worshiping the same Jesus, and working together for the future.

"Lord, let those of us who are in the 3rd and 4th quarters of life be the strongest advocates for the next stage of the ministry marathon. Use us to help pave the way for thousands who will come after us!"

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

We are still more than a week away from our March 1 unified service. On that day we will ask all of our people to let us know the answer to the question, “Lord, what’s my part?” As you continue to pray, know that many have already responded and we’re hearing from more and more each day.

We’ve heard from 100% of our Ministry Staff, a large percentage of our Euless Campus Team members and deacons, a growing number of our Connection leaders - and we’re very excited about where we are with these commitments.  

However, it will take us all. The Miracle was a moment’s time in the life of our church, but I believe God is doing something even greater!  It will happen when 100% of us ask and look for the answer to the question, “What’s my part?” Have you done this yet?

“Lord, what’s my part in your powerful work? Help me hear You and follow You all the way.” 

10,000 Blessings,
John Meador

Lead Pastor

The nations are here. Trinity High School, across the street from Cross City Church, has 75 languages represented in the homes of the students. Our area is the new "Ellis Island" where people come to America for the first time. How many of them know about Christ? Very few.

With our International and Español services, we reach out to people from around the world. Our compassion partner, 6 Stones, is reaching deeply into the diversity around us with the gospel. Each Wednesday evening, we have more than 100 people, many of them speaking Arabic, coming to learn English as a second language. While they are learning English, we're teaching the Word of God.  

I thank God for strategically placing us in the middle of the DFW Metroplex and literally in the middle of our nation. We have unprecedented and increasing opportunities to touch the world, and our intergenerational and multi-ethnic approach is working. God is sending people our way. 

Pray with us: "Lord, let us reach the nations you bring to our doorstep in ever-increasing ways. Let our faithfulness to You and the gospel be strong as we move forward into the future."

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

We’ve had a sort of “generations project” happening in my home over the years. My wife and I are blessed with six children, and pouring into them has been a quest of a lifetime. We love our children deeply and would do anything for our family.

Macedonia exhibited an amazing connection and commitment to the needs of the saints in Jerusalem. We’ve been reading about their generosity, but there is a secret behind it all: LOVE.

The word “liberality” in 2 Corinthians 8:2 is adequately translated “generosity,” but more accurately and precisely translated “sincerity.” They sincerely LOVED Jerusalem and the gospel ministry taking place there. That love and commitment led them to be extravagantly generous. 

When my children (now adults) have had needs, I find myself totally, sincerely given to meet those needs - even when it impacts my financial resources. It doesn’t make sense apart from love. I have one overriding motive - I love them sincerely. Logic has little to do with it, and love has everything to do with it. That’s what Macedonia had for Jerusalem, and that’s what I should have for my church - our church.  

“Lord, help me to demonstrate the kind of love that can be described as sincere liberality to the church - for whom You died.”

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

The Generations Project is not about buildings as much as it is about lives. Clearly, any building we have occupied as a church has been used to reach countless hundreds and thousands for Christ. I'm so grateful for that. It gives me confidence that future buildings will reach thousands more!  

When Macedonia gave to the church in Jerusalem, Paul detailed how they knew what to give:"For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord..." (2 Corinthians 8:3)

We know Macedonia had little, but they were still willing to be generous. Then, they gave beyond their ability as well! That's the surprise - the convicting part! Macedonia was so connected to the church that they were convicted and committed beyond what made sense to the average person. 

The prayer, "Lord, what's my part?" actually has two parts. The first is, "What can I do according to my ability?" It's pretty rational to explore what's possible with my predictable income or assets. However, the second question is, "What are You leading me to give beyond that - and beyond what I can see?" These questions bring us to a place of faith where we hear from the Lord.

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

When the Apostle Paul wrote the church at Corinth about an offering taken for the hurting mother church in Jerusalem, he held up an incredible example: the impoverished church in Macedonia was leading the way in giving to meet a huge need. Their example is like the “widow’s mite” of churches. Read the words of the apostle from 2 Corinthians 8:2:

“…that in a great deal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality…” 

Do you see the intriguing paradoxes here? They have “great affliction” and an “abundance of joy” at the same time. They also simultaneously have “deep poverty” and “liberality.” Here’s a church that demonstrates that just as joy is not dependent upon freedom from affliction, generosity is not reliant on money.Generosity does not depend upon your wealth, but upon your heart. 

“Lord, help my heart align with Your work and Your ways. I desire to be generous and deeply committed in ways I’ve never experienced. Help me learn to do that.” 

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

At times, it’s difficult to identify with the desperate prayers of the saints of yesteryear. For them, lives were on the line. “Though He slay me, still will I trust Him,” said Job (Job 13:15). For many of them, prayer was for deliverance from their physical enemies or painful, relentless persecution in the New Testament church era. Prayer was desperate because situations were desperate. 

While we may not fear for our lives or suffer from physical persecution, we should still be desperate for God to move in our lives and family. I know that, except for the grace of God, our next generation will go the way of the secular world. I must desperately pray against that. I know that, except for the grace of God, the gospel will not be effectively shared through our church and in our community. 

Desperate times call for desperate prayer. What are you desperate for? 

“Lord, we desperately want You to demonstrate Your power and provision. Help us reach the next generation with the gospel, and help us do what it takes in prayer, serving and giving to do that.” 

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

Our Generations project is well-named! What we’re doing, with God’s provision, is building a new student and children’s facility, as well as creating greater accessibility and interactions across the generations with our Commons area and other aspects of the project. 

Imagine children having first-floor access to their space. Imagine students meeting on the same campus as their family instead of more than 100 yards away, across a major thoroughfare. Imagine the generations coming together in fellowship and discipleship. Imagine one main guest entrance with easy access to secure check-in for their children so they can learn about God’s Word and worship. That’s part of what we’re doing with Generations!

The Generations Project will impact many generations. As you pray, keep teenagers and children in mind. Pray for the families who will raise their kids here, and more families who will come here for the first time and realize that we care and have answers to questions of faith and life.  

It’s often been said, “He who wants the next generation the MOST, will reach the next generation.” Lord, help US want and reach the next generation - for Your honor and for the sake of the gospel.

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

In 2004, our church began to pray three simple prayers in response to a very large need.  We faced a $6.7 million debt and had no plan for repayment. At the time, we were behind in some of our obligations and without a permanent pastor. Bill Anderson, our Interim Pastor, led the church to pray three simple prayers in regards to removing the debt:

Lord, is this of You?
Lord, what’s my part?
Lord, bless your people, so we can give. 

In 28 short months, the debt was removed by what is now called “The Miracle.”  If that season of time can teach us anything, it’s that the ability of God is always present - and that what seems insurmountable is well within the reach of God’s people trusting their Master. It may have been one of the best examples of ALL the congregation trusting the Lord and giving toward a very large goal. 

Those at our church in that period of time knew that God was answering great prayers for direction, and prayers for provision.  We find ourselves in a season when the lessons of trusting the Lord become very important. As you pray these three prayers about the Generations Project, thank the Lord for His provision in the past. He is able!

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

Prayer is always the antidote to human ability or achievement. It’s the antidote because praying acknowledges that only God can accomplish certain things and that we are unable without God’s help. When the disciples failed to cast out demons, it was because of the “littleness of their faith,” according to Jesus. Jesus went on to tell them, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 17:21) The point, of course, is that certain things that are simply not humanly possible. Prayer is the antidote. 

Are God’s people supposed to be attempting great things for God? Yes, we are! Jesus was continually rebuking His disciples for their unwillingness to believe Him. We’re called, as God’s people, to walk by faith in Him - not by sight. Therefore, we plan and pray for what only the Lord can do through us, and not for what we’re able to accomplish ourselves.

Our vision and plans for Cross City Church are large. We believe God for things, such as lives and families, that we could never reach or help by ourselves. In this, we mirror the faith of those who have preceded us - both in the Bible and our church. When it comes to our church and the Generations Project, are you praying big prayers? Are you praying prayers that show an obvious dependence and trust in God? “Lord, let me believe that You can do great things!”

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

God’s people often took time to pray for specific things over a period of time. Moses prayed (and fasted) for 40 days on the mountain before receiving the 10 Commandments. Daniel prayed for 21 days before his prayer was answered. Jesus prayed and fasted 40 days in the wilderness before going public with His ministry. He prayed all night before calling His disciples and He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane while His disciples slept.

The New Testament church prayed together, and the Holy Spirit filled them all at Pentecost. Acts 2:42 says, “they were continually devoting themselves….to prayer.” Prayer is the foundation upon which our dependence on God is expressed, and often the foundation upon which God speaks to us about something He wants us to do!  

This is why we’re calling the church to prayer - to be devoted to prayer - to spend a period of time in prayer. “Lord, what’s my part?” certainly has one clear answer - my part is to pray, at the very least. And having prayed, I’m to obey the Lord when He speaks.  

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

There can be no doubt whatsoever that prayer prepares us for spiritual undertakings. In fact, many would say that prayer IS the battle. Genesis 4:26 tells us that prayer is as ancient as human history. “Then men began to call on the name of the Lord.” Man has nearly always known he can call out to God in prayer - that he indeed needs to call out to God in prayer for wisdom, provision, and strength.

For most of the characters of the Bible, prayer was preparation for the most significant challenges of life. They prayed before going to battle because their lives and existence were at stake. They prayed as they faced drought and famine. They prayed as they suffered through bondage and captivity. They prayed as they waited for a Messiah. Prayer mattered to them because it allowed them to depend on God instead of merely themselves.  

Pray with us in this season of Generations because it matters. Pray because we depend on God. At the same time, please remember that your prayers and your response to our season of Generations truly matters. Together in prayer and together in commitment, God will use us to reach future generations.  

“Lord, provide for us to meet the need for future generations at Cross City. Lord, what’s my part?”

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor

As we embark on our 21-day journey of prayer together, I’ll be writing this daily journal to encourage, inspire, and intercede for our church during these days. This weekend, we were cleaning the storage areas of our church and found a kneeling bench that had been used for many years in our intercessory prayer room. I thought of those who must have knelt there to pray and intercede, and of the resulting testimonies of intervention that came from times of prayer. 

For us in this generation, prayer is no less a priority. Join me today by thanking the Lord for those who have gone before us at our church and have seen God answer prayer “above and beyond” their imagination. Thank Him for the leaders, the teachers, the pastors, and others who have paved the way for our generation. God has surely been faithful!

10,000 Blessings,

John Meador
Lead Pastor