Day 2

Since we started our series with God’s Greatest Commandment: Love God, it is fitting that we move on to His second greatest commandment: to love others as we love ourselves. Ouch! That is a tall order. In my opinion, it is easier to love God than to love other people. Other people can be annoying. They can let us down. And quite often they don’t love us back. How can we love somebody who does not love us? How can we love others?

Fortunately, loving others is a choice we make, which does not depend on their attitude towards us.

Loving is a choice, not a feeling.

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Identifying others.

Today’s verse uses the word neighbors. Love my neighbors … I don’t even know some of my neighbors. In the Greek, others/neighbors transliterates as plesion, which means “neighbor, friend, any member of the Hebrew nation and commonwealth; according to Christ, any other man irrespective of nation or religion with whom we live or whom we chance to meet.” Did you notice the spatial/geographical progression of the definition? Neighbor … friends … Americans … any person in the world. So others refers to everybody in the whole world. Wow! While it is impossible for me to tangibly love everyone, I can love others whom I chance to meet.

Loving others as you love yourself.

How do I love me, let me count the ways. Start by thinking about how you treat yourself. You take the best piece of cake for yourself (the one with the frosting flower). You sit in the chair, which affords the best view of the TV screen. You order first (always) at Panera. You ride in the front seat of the car. When with your friends, everyone eats at your favorite restaurant and shops at your preferred stores. Loving others calls for a 180 attitude adjustment.

Do you want others to pray for you? Pray for them. Do you desire mercy? Show mercy. Do you like encouragement? Encourage others. Do you want others to love you? Love others.

Love others as you love yourself.

For Today:

Before you start your planning for today, take a moment to pray for God’s guidance and power as you seek to love others. Today, as situations arise which involve others, think of how you’d wish to be treated and treat them accordingly. Be especially aware of people who:

• cut you off in traffic (you and I have NEVER done this).
• are slow in the checkout lane.
• bring you food you did not order (or forgot to leave off the onions-again).
• are late for an appointment, meeting, or dinner.

Use the To-Doers List Study Guide or a journaling app to plan and journal your day.

• To Do-ers List Study Guide PDF The study guide is very essential to your learning!
  
• Days Lite: My Wonderful Life App free app from App Store.

For ideas on how to love others, please check the resources below.

• Love Like Jesus
• Love By Faith

Don’t forget to leave a comment in the comment section below. Have a blessed day. Remember to love others!

In case you missed day 1, click on the link below:

To Do-ers List, Day 1: Love God

By Mary Kane

all rights reserved.

copyright 2015

Whether it feels like it or not where you live, summer has arrived in full force. In July we usually enjoy long, hot days with lots of sunshine. Summer evenings are illuminated by thousands of lightning bugs, and crickets and cicadas serenade us with a chorus of songs.

Thanks for taking some time to pray with Only By Prayer this month.

1. Independence Day, July 4 — In 1776, the American colonies won their independence from Great Britain, and we have enjoyed the privileges of a free nation ever since. As we consider the persecution that many are suffering around the world for personally held beliefs, our freedom is not to be taken lightly. In recent years, controversies regarding race, sexual orientation, religion, and politics have made us seem anything but the United States of America. We can pray for Americans to seek God and His plans for their lives and our nation.

Resources:

Intercessors for America

Verse: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

Prayer: Jesus, we thank You for the freedom we have enjoyed for many years in America. We never want to take these for granted. May we keep a spirit of thankfulness ever before us. Many times, however, we have abused these freedoms and made ourselves an offense to You by our sin. We ask for Your forgiveness. May Americans repent and turn to You, seeking Your plans for us as individuals and for our nation as a whole. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

2. Mission Trips — Churches frequently schedule mission trips during the summer months when individuals and families may have a bit more time to devote to this commitment. Let’s pray that God prepares the hearts of all those involved. This can be a life-changing experience for both those going and those who are on the receiving end of the mission’s work.

Resources:

Avoiding Pitfalls of Short-term Mission Trips

Verse: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NIV

Prayer: Lord, may the short-termers’ first thought be of preparing their hearts before You and seeking Your plans for the trip. We ask that those going would be aware of cultural customs so as not to offend anyone and would be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We pray for safety and good health while traveling. For those whom the trip is planned, we pray for salvation, healing, and growth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

3. Ebola — Although it’s been out of the news lately, Ebola continues to be a problem in certain parts of the world. Liberia, which the World Health Organization declared clear of Ebola in May 2015, has just confirmed two new cases. Neighboring countries Sierra Leone and Guinea are still reporting several cases every week. Let’s pray that this disease can be wiped out and that another widespread outbreak does not occur.

Resources:

News Story

Verse: Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. Psalm 103:3 NIV

Prayer: Lord, we pray that the scourge of Ebola would be wiped off the earth. We ask for healing for those who are suffering from this illness. We pray it will not spread any more. We pray it will not cross the boundaries of cities and countries. We ask a hedge of protection around those who have contact with Ebola patients. Please give the doctors and health care workers wisdom as they treat those infected. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

4. Shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston – Nine people were killed at this black church when a lone, white gunman opened fire after a prayer meeting that he attended. Since then, three arson fires have been set at predominately black churches in the South. These tragedies should spur us on to pray against racism in the United States. We have always been a melting pot of different races and cultures; rather than letting that divide us, let’s be a force for prayer that can overcome prejudice and hate.

Resources:

Prayer Against Racism and Prejudice

Verse: A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34.

Prayer: Jesus, out of a heart filled with love, You died so that we might all have eternal life. When You look at us,You see your children. Help us to remember we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. May our hearts cultivate a spirit of love. We ask for healing at Emanuel Church and for the friends and families of those murdered.  We pray for these other churches that were victims of arson. We pray that hearts of stone and hatred would be changed by your unfailing, color-blind love. May your church be leading the charge of changed hearts. Amen.

5. The Feast of Mary and Martha of Bethany, July 29 — This church feast day celebrates the story of Mary and Martha offering hospitality to Jesus as He was visiting and teaching at their home. We can cull many lessons from this vignette of Jesus’ life. First of all, we can see the importance of offering hospitality and sharing our home with others, just as Mary and Martha did. Perhaps even more, we see the importance of priorities and how we spend our time as we study Jesus’ words to the worried Martha.

Resources:

She Sat by Mary Kane

Mary and Martha at Lectionary.com

Verses: Now as Jesus and his disciples went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 NIV

Prayer: Jesus, we ask for the trait of hospitality that Mary and Martha demonstrated. Help us to freely share our homes and resources as they did. And we pray for the focus that Mary had on what is important — You. May we set our eyes on You as she did; align our priorities with Yours. Amen.

Thank you for praying with us this month, and be sure to add other requests in the comment section.

Pray on!

June bursts with the fresh air and sunshine that marks the beginning of summer. Students take a break from school, graduates throw their caps into the air, and many brides and grooms say “I do!” As we welcome the arrival of summer, here’s a few ways you can pray with Only By Prayer through June.

1. National Cancer Survivor’s Day, June 7 — I included this event because of the sheer number of people who are battling/have fought cancer. I can’t imagine that there is a person who exists that doesn’t have someone in his or her life who is fighting this disease. I’ve lost dearly loved ones to cancer and know people in the throes of chemo right now, as I am sure you do too. Here is what the National Cancer Survivor’s Day website says about this day: “National Cancer Survivors Day® is a CELEBRATION for those who have survived, an INSPIRATION for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of SUPPORT for families, and an OUTREACH to the community.” Be sure to check out their suggestions; if you are putting together an event for this day, register it on their website.

Resources:

National Cancer Survivor’s Day website

American Cancer Society

Ways to Prevent Cancer

Verse: “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:14

Prayer: Lord, we ask for your healing touch upon those battling the scourge of cancer. We pray that in Jesus’ name the cancer cells would be decimated and that their bodies would be free of this disease. Please comfort and strengthen the sick and their families and friends. We ask for wisdom for doctors who are treating patients and for researchers trying to find a cure. Amen.

2. Summer Vacation  — Unless schools are on a year-round calendar, they will be taking a break starting in June. Let’s pray that kids will be healthily occupied this summer with jobs, enriching activities, and times for rest and play. Intercede against unhealthy associations, gang activities, violence, and criminal activity. We also need to remember the teachers who give so much of themselves and their personal resources throughout the year, while having to deal with ever-evolving rules and regulations in the schools.

Resources:

Avoiding Power Struggles with Defiant Children

Summer Break Is Here: Now What?

Keeping Your Teen From Getting Bored (and in trouble) this summer

Verse: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” Proverbs 3:1

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the break from a rushed schedule that summer gives us. May parents and kids find a healthy balance in the schedule where there is time for rest but also times of active engagement and work. We pray that there will not be an increase in violence. We pray for our teachers to receive rest, wisdom, and recharging for the next year’s work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

3. Graduates — This is the time of year to celebrate high school and college graduations. For the graduates, it’s an exciting and stressful time. Most graduates are pursuing higher education and/or entering the job market and taking bigger steps toward independence. Some may also be getting married. Either way, it’s a transitional time of life filled with decisions.

Resources:

College Planning with Rachel Cruze

Real Life on A Budget with Rachel Cruze

Verse: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3

Prayer: Lord, we pray for our graduates. We ask for those a little further along the road of life to speak into their lives. We pray for wisdom. We ask that they will work hard, plan well, and manage their money wisely. Keep them from paths that would derail them in life, and help them to make decisions that bring life and health. May they know you as Lord and Savior of their lives. Amen.

4. Father’s Day, June 21 — While the modern world seems to minimize the importance of fathers in the lives of families, that is simply a lie the enemy perpetuates. A father’s presence in a family is critical to the development of children. Let’s pray for dads today that they will not be minimized or devalued, and that they will be active and involved in the lives of their kids.

Resources:

My View: How Badly Do We Really Need Dad by James McQuivey

Why Do People Continue to Believe Children Don’t Need Fathers?

Verse: “Listen to your father who gave you life.” Proverbs 23:22

Prayer: Lord, we pray that fathers would be a strong, loving presence in the lives of their children. Restore the dignity to manhood and a man’s proper place in the family, which is being denigrated in the mainstream media. We pray that our families will remain healthy and intact. We ask for wisdom for dads to be the godly leaders that you meant for them to be in a family. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

5. Prayer for Storm Victims in Texas — As you probably know, a huge storm dumped 10 inches of rain in one hour at the end of May, causing terrible flooding, damage, and the loss of several lives. Let’s be in prayer for all those affected by the recent storms moving through the country.

Resources:

Texas Flooding

Verse: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

Prayer: Lord, our hearts ache for those suffering losses because of this storm: loss of homes, properties, and lives. We pray for healing, comfort, and peace for those grieving. We pray for needs to be met and help to arrive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thanks for praying with us through this month. Please add any other requests below.

Pray on!

Day 9: Bread of Life

 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

bread. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bread (accessed: March 08, 2015).

Refreshment and nourishment for your soul!

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

If you are tired and weary, Jesus is calling you to come. In the Greek, come is an interjection, which means we must take immediate action. It is not God’s will for us to live in chaos and turmoil. He is the God of Peace. Our health and our relationship with God will suffer if we are torn apart by stress.

Weary refers to those who are exhausted from physical labor or grief. Heavy burdens, (in Greek: phortizo) means a load, a load with a consciousness of sin.

Carrying our sin is a heavy load … one which we cannot carry. Knowing our weakness, Jesus calls us to come to Him, permanently lay down our sin at the foot of the cross, and rest in Him.

Our daily responsibilities can become a burden if we do not take time each day in God’s Presence to regain strength and courage to carry on. I notice my responsibilities become burdens when I start living in the future; trying to figure out how I will manage this present situation for the next 2 weeks, 6 months, or 10 years. The questions roll through my mind; How can I do this another day? Where will the money come from for tomorrow? Living in the future drains my energy and causes me to squander God’s provision for the present day.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, take time to rest in God’s presence. Open His word and find healing for your soul. Ask Him to provide for you. Thank Him for how He is helping you. Rest in Him.

 Action Step:

1. Get a note card and list the situation that is causing you stress.
2. Look up a scripture that applies to your situation and write it down on the card.
3. Pray the scripture out loud into your situation throughout the day.
4. Thank God for how He is already working (even if you can’t see it yet).

Day 3: Eternal Life

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God,

and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

John 17:3