CrossWalk Community Church Napa

Joy and Acceptance

Angie Barker-Jackson offers compelling words about acceptance of reality in our pursuit of joy. This powerful message invites us to embrace one of life's most challenging yet transformative spiritual practices: acceptance. Drawing from the story of Joseph in Genesis 39, we discover that accepting what is does not mean resignation or defeat, but rather creates the only place where real change can begin. Joseph's journey from favored son to slave to prisoner reveals a profound truth repeated four times in just eight verses: the Lord was with Joseph. Through betrayal by his brothers, false accusations, and unjust imprisonment, Joseph experienced God's abiding presence. This same truth anchors our lives today. God is with us in our celebrations and in our suffering, in our joys and in our heartbreaks. The message challenges us to hold two realities simultaneously: life can be incredibly difficult while joy remains accessible through God's constant companionship. Whether we're navigating family conflict, financial stress, health crises, or personal disappointments, the deepest reality underneath all surface circumstances is that God is with us. This Emmanuel truth, God with us, becomes our starting point for transformation. When we accept our present reality, we position ourselves to either change ourselves or change our circumstances, always grounded in the steadfast presence of a God who never abandons us.

Joy and the Humor Factor

"Laughter is the best medicine." Humor has a surprising way of healing individuals and relational rifts as well. It's not laughing matter - taking humor seriously just might create greater peace in the world.

Joy and the Humility Factor

Pride and egocentrism is a joy thief. How did the lack of humility show up in the story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50? What do the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu have to say about humility and joy? How does our personality type impact our egotistical expression?

Joy Perspective

Perspective can make an enormous difference in our experience of life, including the amount of joy we feel.

Michael Gungor on Joy

Hear Michael Gungor's thoughts on joy.

Joy amidst the Suck

Somedays it feels like the world is crashing in. We feel overwhelmed. Easter's resurrection stories serve as a reminder that joy is present as well, waiting to be found. This is not a silver lining - the joy doesn't justify the suck. But the joy is present as a reminder that no matter how awful things are, it's not all awful.

Easter Joy

Easter reminds us that no matter what the circumstances - good and bad alike - the loving presence of God is with us, and will be forevermore. No matter what, "This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."

In the Making

During the last week of Jesus' life, how was he able to maintain his shalom ethos? Surely he was tempted toward self-aggrandizement, or anger, or frustration, or defeat, or egocentrism. How did he stay on center?

Holy Currencies: Money

How do we think about money? Who was our model of how we relate to money? Is it possible that there is a richer way to living than building and hoarding as much as possible for ourselves? Is there a way that flows with life, love, and God?

Time and Place

Enjoy this immersive journey into one of Jesus' incredible acts of healing and hope.