Murphy24p

Jesus encountered a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well and entered a discussion with her (John chapter 4). The Samaritan woman grasped what Jesus said with fervor that came from an awareness of her real need, and the transaction was fascinating:

She had come with a bucket. Jesus sent her back with a spring of living water.

She had come as a reject. Jesus sent her back being accepted by God Himself.

She came wounded. Jesus sent her back whole.

She came laden with questions. Jesus sent her back as a source for answers.

She came living a life of quiet desperation. She met Jesus and ran back overflowing with hope.

Christ Himself is our answer. He is enough. Jesus is the Bread of Life and the spring of living water.

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all,who is over all, in all, and living through all. -Ephesians 4:1-6

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. -Philippians 1:27

Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. -Colossians 1:10

We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory. -1 Thessalonians 2:12

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. -1 Thessalonians 4:1

So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. -2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. -1 Timothy 4:16

From my friend Heath who put things into amazing perspective:

I voted for Gary Johnson. I was extremely confident that he had no chance of winning the presidency. I had no dog in this race. However, I vote with a long-game approach. Honestly, I’m not certain I’ll see much change even in my lifetime, but I am confident in staying the course. In light of last night’s win, I grieve. I would have equally grieved at either candidate winning. Because I know that we can do better. However, while extremely concerned and heartbroken, I am reminded that ultimately I am a citizen of another Kingdom and will bow to a different King. That invite is for everyone. A Kingdom that truly will win in the end. That will restore the broken, heal the wounded, destroy oppression, provide true freedom and so much more. Regardless of who is America’s president, my mission is still working to see that Kingdom come and it will ultimately benefit all humanity.

Last night, we saw two of the most vile humans compete to be the leader of our nation. Half of America woke up this morning rejoicing, while the other half woke up weeping. We are split almost exactly 50/50.

On social media this morning, I see many Trump supporters rejoicing that in some way God has blessed America by giving us this man to protect us and keep the "bad guys" out. That is appalling.

I see many Hillary supporters spewing rhetoric (towards Trump and his supporters) as evil as the comments that Trump has made, yet unable to see the irony of their speech. That is equally as appalling.

Every four years I’m shocked at just how further and further divided we are as Americans. lf you would’ve asked me four years ago that I would’ve ever guessed a Trump/Clinton race, I would have gasped in unbelief at the question. However, if we cannot find ways to come together and work together for the good of all people, it is only gonna get more divided and polarized.

For those of us who follow Jesus, we are called to be peace-makers, not peace-keepers. Find ways to bring peace into the chaos that our nation is experiencing. Pray for the leaders. Not in a Sunday school sorta way. Really pray that they would lead the country to reconciliation, to feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, etc. And live it out in your own lives. Don’t expect the government to do it for you. That is cowardly.