We are thankful that God lets us live in conversation with him. We embrace this gift of communication by voicing our hopes, fears, successes, failures, questions, thanks, and praise. By speaking these to God, we learn to trust him beyond our own abilities. We are thankful that God hears us, and that we see the power of God who moves in response to his people who look to him before looking to ourselves or our culture.

Monday — Jesus-Enabled Patient Endurance

Tuesday — Jesus-Centered Lament

Wednesday — Patiently Enduring in Hope

Thursday — Finding Peace through Patient Endurance in Relationships

Friday — Active Engagement in the Family of God

Saturday — Patiently Enduring in Kingdom Advancement

Answered Prayer for 2020

This Week of Prayer and Fasting is a continuation of what God is doing in the body of Second Mile. This week is a reminder to embrace the God of Scripture and to persevere along the narrow path.

We started 2020 with two prevailing thoughts:

1. The kingdom of heaven is here. It is both present and future.
2. Jesus is equipping disciples with the personal character necessary to impact a lost world with the message of the gospel. It is time to own and live the life of a disciple.

2020 was a year of unmet expectation and unexpected pain. It was a year the divisions found in humanity were on full display. It was a year full of opinion and yet severely lacking in plain, humble truth.

It is very natural for us to expect 2021 to be different. We all long to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And yet, is it possible that we have fooled ourselves concerning the location of this light? The light is, in fact, not at the end of the tunnel. The light is placed in God’s children through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

2021 is a continuation. Our focus this week is to be children of God who patiently endure.

The Holy Spirit prompted us to make the following statement in the 2020 prayer guide, “This will be a year of maturing and training. As part of the Second Mile body, are you willing to prepare yourself for this journey?”

We have not been given the ability to predict the future, but we most certainly can look back and reflect. Jesus wants us to be a people who listen to his voice, learn, grow, change, and actively participate in his kingdom. God’s people bear fruit that will last.

An identifier of a Jesus-follower is one who patiently endures. Scripture overflows with this language and understanding.

In Matthew 10 Jesus warns the disciples of the realities which will take place as a result of their bold gospel proclamation (vs. 16-21).

But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22

The Greek word here translated ‘endures’ is rich in depth and meaning.

The word is ὑπομένω (English pronunciation is hü-po-me’-no). Another form of the word is ὑπομονή (English pronunciation is hü-po-mo-na’).

This is the word given to one who does not swerve from their deliberate purpose and their loyalty to faith and holiness despite the greatest trials and sufferings.

Second Mile is leaning into Jesus so that we can grasp a deeper understanding of patiently and steadfastly waiting and enduring.

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, Romans 5:3-4

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:3

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

A life rooted in the person and mission of Jesus will be a life of patient endurance. Your journey this week and this year continues. It will give you every opportunity to patiently endure. Will the decisions you make be informed by devotion to God’s Word? Will reliance on the Holy Spirit be part of your decision-making process? Will the joy of salvation be central to your heart’s desire?

Let us press into this week and this upcoming year. Let us imagine the completion of 2021. Will it be a year we learned the benefit and the beauty of a unified church? As brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus let us link arms and tighten grips for the glory of God.

Monday:  Jesus-Enabled Patient Endurance

Preparing for Patient Endurance

Last year we discovered new and not-so-new ways of being wary of each other. Political views and potential contagions are very much still at the surface. Humanity is divided on cause and solution. We’re almost a year into social distancing, disruption, unmet expectations, and not gathering all together. Pretend hugs are no substitute for real embrace. Not in our lifetime have so many people been unified in a cry of, “How long, O Lord?”

This guide that you hold in your hands is a representation of us, the Second Mile family, coming together. It’s not a substitute for all being together again, but we’re determined to link arms and tighten grips as we pray together, even if we’re scattered for a time.

Thus we enter into our need for patient endurance. It’s not the first time that God’s people have waited and longed for an end to trouble. It’s not the first time that God has worked to convince his people of his care and steadfast love in the midst of that trouble (Exodus 3:7; Psalm 106:44).

Perhaps patient endurance, the “long obedience in the same direction,” seems really hard at this time. It can feel like someone moved the finish line. Does it feel like God’s forgotten us?

Stop and take a deep breath.

Do you doubt God’s care because there’s a need to endure?

• Release these doubts to God in prayer.
• God, help us to see that you care for us in the midst of hard times, as you did for your people in slavery (Exodus 3:7), and in the midst of the destruction of their capitol (Lamentations 3:21-26). As your children you love us as only a father, who IS love, can (Romans 8:31-39; Matthew 25:25-26; 1 John 3:1).

Peter put it most succinctly when he wrote, “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). Time and time again, people cry out and God comforts. That’s the pattern. Because He cares for us.

Are you afraid of what more you’ll be asked to endure?

• Release these fears to God in prayer.

Over and over he tells us, “Do not fear.” How prone we are to it! In Matthew we’ve seen Jesus on and off boats and in both cases the disciples fall on fear as their base instinct. (Matthew 8:23-27; Matthew 14:27). “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid,” are Jesus’ words. Jesus reassures us. “I am with you, always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). Time and time again, people cry out and God comforts. That’s the pattern. Do not fear. Because He is with us (Isaiah 41:10).

Learning to Patiently Endure

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:3

Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain... Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:1-3, 58

Thank God our ability to endure patiently is rooted, not in the strength we can muster, but in all that we are and have received in Christ. Hebrews 12:1-4 gives us a glorious picture of the most significant of marathons:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Hebrews 12:1-4

Sin by its very nature doesn’t want us running free. Whether you’re entering into this week fighting despair or filled with self-confidence, we’re all working through the effects of sin. Let’s begin laying aside every weight, casting off the hindrances that so easily entangle us. Spend time in confession:

• I confess that I am spiritually bankrupt, that still sin clings so closely and that I am prone to wander.
• I confess that I often focus my day around what I can do, and not what Jesus has done and is doing.
• I confess that I’m slow to believe all that you have done on my behalf.
• I confess that my view of your good news is small because I consider my need of you to be small.
• I confess that I often presume upon your goodness instead of being motivated by it to live boldly.
• I confess that my affections for you often waver, that I am easily distracted and easily anxious.
• I confess that my hope is small and my watching and waiting poor, because I am too easily satisfied apart from you.
• I confess that I am often complacent and passive, timid and not bold, when it comes to drawing near to you.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

What are some of the seen and transient things in your life that God doesn’t want you to be influenced by? What are some of the unseen and eternal things that God is leading you to look towards?

Getting into the life-and-death work of fighting sin and locking eyes on eternal things is no joke and hard work. Over time we will tend to grow tired, “weary or fainthearted,” sapped of energy. To keep going, patiently enduring, seems too difficult. When fatigue sets in, despair seems right at hand. We grow “fainthearted” and we lose heart. Read Hebrews 12:1-4 again. The antidote to such weariness and faintheartedness isn’t simply ‘pulling yourself together.’ It’s “Consider him…” and “looking to Jesus.”

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Patient endurance is rooted in our increasing realization of the exceeding goodness, immeasurable beauty, and infinitely glorious truth of all that Christ is and all that He has done for us. Patient endurance looks like us in growing in wonder and increasing faith that in Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, we receive blessing upon blessing.

Spend some time looking over the verses below and letting each lead you into thanksgiving.

• Thank God for the grace you received without merit. (2 Timothy 1:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9)
• Thank God for mercy that he gave, while you were justly condemned and deserving of judgment. (Ephesians 2:4-5; 1 Peter 2:10; Titus 3:5)
• Thank God for his love that he lavished on you while you were a sinner, an enemy of God. (Romans 5:8-10)
• Thank God for life that he gave through Jesus’ death. (Ephesians 2:4-6; Romans 8:10-12)
• Thank God for his patience, though we are impatient. (2 Peter 3:9)
• Thank God for his compassion despite our selfishness. (Hebrews 4:15; James 5:11)
• Thank God for his righteousness that covers our unrighteousness. (Romans 1:17; Romans 3:10)
• Thank God for freedom from the enslaving power of sin. (Romans 6-7)
• Thank God for his abiding presence, even though we ran from him. (John 14:18-19; Matthew 28:20; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Isaiah 53:6)
• Thank God for his strength when we are powerless and weak. (Colossians 1:11; Isaiah 40:29-31; 2 Corinthians 12:9)
• Thank God for his total forgiveness according to the riches of his grace. (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 1:7-8)
• Thank God for our guaranteed inheritance, out of our poverty. (1 Peter 1:3-5; Ephesians 1:11; 2 Corinthians 8:9)
• Thank God for giving us a family to share and proclaim this blessing, when we were strangers without hope. (1 Peter 2:9-10; Ephesians 2:12, 19)

In other words, “It’s a big deal!” (See Chad’s message, December 27th, Active Engagement, Matthew 25:14-30.)

God is good. He is the rewarder of those who seek him. He is faithful to keep his promises and does not lie. Therefore, we can patiently endure.

You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. Psalm 119:68

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6

…by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 2 Peter 1:4

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

…in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began. Titus 1:2

Tuesday: Jesus-Centered Lament

Lament is a gift given to us as individuals and given to us as the Church.

“Instead of giving God the silent treatment, falling into either despair (“I can’t do this”) or denial (“everything’s fine”), lament encourages us to talk to God about our struggles so that we can reaffirm our trust in him. Lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust.” ~ Mark Vroegop

Vroegop outlines a simple process to engage in the gift and grace of lament.

1. Pray - Turn and talk to God about the pain, struggles, and hard questions of life.
2. Complain - We can be upfront with God. Lament invites us to be blunt with our questions, fears, and frustrations.
3. Ask boldly - Ask for help in the middle of the pain. Pain awakens us to our need for God’s help. Call on God to act in accordance with his promises.
4. Trust - Lament is a journey which affirms our trust in God. It gives each of us a pathway to move through the intensity of our pain.

The collection of psalms in the Bible is filled with lament. It is a place God’s people often turn for comfort. It is the music (soundtrack) of God’s people. The Psalms reflect the realities of life — joys, struggles, sorrows, and accomplishments.

At least one third of the 150 psalms are laments. They take shape in a variety of ways. There are corporate, individual, repentance-oriented, and imprecatory psalms. Lament is the largest category of content within the Psalter. The following is a description of each type along with specific psalms for you to read:

Personal
The expression of pain, grief, fear, or some other strong emotion. 
3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13, 17, 22, 25, 26, 28, 31, 39, 42, 43, 54, 55,  56, 57, 59, 61, 64, 70, 71, 77, 86, 120, 141, 142

Corporate
A group or nation expressing pain, grief, fear, or some other strong emotion. 
12, 44, 58, 60, 74, 79, 80, 83, 85, 90, 94, 123, 126

Repentant
An individual or group expressing regret or sorrow for sin. 
6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143

Imprecatory
Communicate a deep yearning for justice, written from the point of view of those who had been mightily oppressed. 
35, 69, 83, 88, 109, 137, 140

When studying the imprecatory psalms, it is important to note that these psalms were not written out of vindictiveness or a need for personal vengeance. Instead, they are prayers that keep God’s justice, sovereignty, and protection in mind. God’s people had suffered much at the hands of those who opposed them.

Partial 
Includes lament within other psalms.
9:13-20; 27:7-14; 40:11-17

Other
Psalms that some consider to be lament in total or in part.
14, 36, 41, 52, 53, 63, 78, 81, 89, 106, 125, 129, 139

*The above lists was taken from Appendix 2 of Mark Vroegop’s book Dark Clouds Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament

Today is the day for you to not be silent in your pain before a God who is eager to listen. Use the process outlined throughout today. Do not self edit. Allow the pain, tears, disappointment, anger, frustration, and any other emotion you are feeling to be laid bare before your heavenly Father.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal hidden or ignored emotions you are carrying.
• Ask Jesus to give you clarity to sort through what may rise to the surface.
• Take time to write out questions or concerns you have in the form of prayer.
• Ask God to reveal his truth in the messiness of your questions and concerns.

Lament is not just personal; it is also the posture of God’s people concerning the evil that is in the world.

• There has been tremendous loss and pain because of COVID-19.
• Human relationships are fractured due to the absence of humility and a refusal to learn and understand a different point of view from people of color.
• The Church in America is deeply divided. Religion and patriotism are often conflated into cultural ideologies. This is evident even within the divisions of our own families.
• There are many people groups who have yet to hear the name of Jesus and the truth found in God’s Word.
• The value of human life and dignity is reduced to convenience and cultural standards of worth.
• Real issues of global health, poverty, hunger, war, etc. are never ending.

Unfortunately this list is just a start to the impact of human depravity.

Pray, Lament, Mourn with those who mourn. Read from the list of psalms and join generations of God’s people in praying for God’s deliverance, protection, defeat of evil, justice, and mercy.

Take the time you need — Don’t hold back — Cry out to God!

Helpful resources concerning the topic of lament:

Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop

Songs of Lament by The Porter’s Gate

Wednesday — Patiently Enduring in Hope

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation. Psalm 42:5

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Psalm 62:5-7

For most of us, hope does not come naturally. It is easier to worry, avoid, control, fuss, and/or rage. Often when we express our hope in any given situation or relationship, we are expressing uncertainty rather than certainty. When we hope we get the job or we hope the relationship works out, we communicate the desire for our best case scenarios. It is a normal Christian experience to struggle to maintain our hope because so much of our everyday hopes, desires, and dreams are uncertain.

Yesterday, we spent our prayer time in a posture of lament. We faced much of the uncertainty we carry and lamented about it to God. For some of you, it may be difficult to move into hope, but biblical lament is coupled with hope in the faithful promises of our steadfast God. We must move past the circumstantial uncertainties of hope and move into how God describes hope in Scripture.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11-12

“The full assurance of hope until the end” - This is not circumstantial, finger-crossing, worry-inducing, unsure, maybe-it-will-all-work-out hope. Full assurance is a declaration of confidence that we believe God will do what he says he will do.

“Imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” - Faith and hope go hand in hand. Faith demonstrates where we place our trust in our current realities: salvation and sanctification through Jesus Christ. When we direct our faith to the future promises of Jesus, we call it hope. Hope is faith in future tense.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

As our faith in what Jesus has done and is doing grows, our hope in what Jesus will do strengthens. As our hope in our glorious future with Jesus strengthens, our faith for how he is actively working in our lives grows.

“Biblical hope not only desires something good for the future — it expects it to happen. And it not only expects it to happen — it is confident that it will happen.” John Piper

If we are to be people of hope we must preach it to ourselves regularly and diligently. Do you ever speak truth out loud to yourself? Let today be a day in which you preach to yourself all day long: “Hope in God!”

• Stop now, open your hands on your lap or place your hands on your chest, maybe even look at your reflection in the mirror and say, “My hope is in God!”

Patiently enduring in hope takes intentional effort. We must ask God to enable us to wait for his fulfilled promises, to look to the future with bright expectation, to help us push back doubt, cynicism, and fear.

Today we will focus on the promises of God through Scripture to bolster our ability to patiently endure in hope. Take time throughout the day to focus your mind and heart on the goodness of what God has done for you as well as the goodness of what God is preparing for us when he comes to make all things new. He will strengthen you as you wait for him with patience and endurance.

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:24-25

Through [Jesus] we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:2-5

• Plead with God to help you patiently endure in hope.
• Ask him to remove doubt, worry, and anxiety about your salvation, ongoing sanctification, and future with him.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with hope as you read and pray through the following promises of God. Turn each of the Scripture promises into prayers of gratitude and petitions of hope. Please add any promises of God with their Scripture references to this list.

He will never leave or forsake us.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

He is our keeper, nothing can snatch us from his hand.

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, Jude 1:24

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30

He is compassionate for us.

Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:16-17

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

He will provide a way out of temptation and sin.

Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Psalm 19:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

He will continually change us into his image.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

He will restore us after times of suffering.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

He is equipping us for the work we do on earth.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 3:20-21

He is building his church and the gates of hell will not prevail.

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18

So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:10-11

He is drawing new believers from all nations to himself.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14

He is preparing a place for us to be with him.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:3

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’ Matthew 25:34

He is preparing a banqueting table with an unimaginable, delicious feast.

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. Isaiah 25:6

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:9

He will return.

So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28

For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Matthew 16:27

Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. Revelation 1:7

I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. Revelation 3:11

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:12-13

He will bring justice and righteousness to the earth.

For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their

recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Isaiah 61:8

Give attention to me, my people, and give ear to me, my nation; for a law will go out from me, and I will set my justice for a light to the peoples. My righteousness draws near, my salvation has gone out, and my arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands hope for me, and for my arm they wait. Isaiah 51:4-5

He will make all things new.

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5

Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:11-13

He will conquer death once and for all.

He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:8

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4

We will be with him, the nations will gather before him, he will teach us on the mountain, he will be a canopy of peace, warmth, goodness, and light over us forever.

It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills;

and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Isaiah 2:2-5

Then the Lord will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory there will be a canopy. There will be a booth for shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain. Isaiah 4:5-6

And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. Revelation 21:22-26

Say it again, “Hope in God!”

“Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20

Thursday — Finding Peace through Patient Endurance in Relationships

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10

Love one another  — This word for ‘love’ is specific to friendship.

Because other Jesus-followers are our family (specifically consider those at Second Mile) we learn their names, likes, and dislikes, and we are genuinely inquisitive about their interests and concerns. They become dear to us.

Brotherly affection — This is affection of a family that comes with long familiarity and deep bonds.

We are to have this type of love and affection for one another in the church: brothers and sisters caring deeply for one another. We not only care for their well-being, but we care for their growth and maturity in Christ.

You might immediately say out loud, “That is impossible.” You are right. If left to our own devices it is impossible. This reality is not intended to be done by our own strength.

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

• Take time and reflect. Ask Jesus to reveal to you the quality of relationships you have in your spiritual family. Who are your friends in Second Mile? What do you know about their every day lives? How do you care for their growth and maturity in Christ? Do they know you have a familial affection for them?

Showing honor — We look at others with respect, looking for opportunities to serve, perhaps even treating others better than they deserve.

This type of honor regards your spiritual family as worthy, the same way God counts you as righteous. This isn’t ignoring others’ weaknesses; it is simply acting and speaking in such a way as to esteem them.

Outdo one another — We spend more time lifting others up than living to get noticed. Be a person who loves to show honor more than a person who loves to be honored.

This type of outdoing one another shows that you walk with humility, not seeking to diminish another person’s gifts and purposes. You willingly defer in decision making and acquiesce in debate.

Scripture shows us many ways to care for one another. The New Testament uses the phrase “one another” almost 100 times!

• Ask God to show you how you can love the people of Second Mile with brotherly/sisterly affection and outdo one another in showing honor.

Pray through a few of the “one another” statements:

• Love one another (John 13:34) This command is given at least 16 times.
• Forgive one another (Colossians 3:13).
• Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32).
• Show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9).
• Speak the truth in love to one another (Ephesians 4:15).
• Stir up provoke, stimulate one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).
• Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21).

If you would like a list of the “one another” statements in Scripture, please email David (david@secondmi.org) or Angel (angel@secondmi.org).

Practice the discipline of peace through patient endurance in your relationships.

To take it a step further, this patient, enduring love in the body of Christ is to be without prejudice. God intentionally created diversity. As God’s family we need to be humble, open to correction, eager to learn, and ready to listen. This means listening to people with different backgrounds and perspectives than your own, including listening to our brothers and sisters of color. We must listen to the stories, experiences, and perspectives of people who are different than us. We do not allow race, educational level, age, or gender to determine our care and honor toward each other.

Read James 2:1-6. Now process and pray through the following questions.

Is your faith rooted in Jesus?

How have you shown partiality?

How do you seek comfort over the needs of others?

• Ask God to teach you about racial reconciliation. Posture yourself as a listener and learner. Email Christe LePeau (clepeau@gmail.com) for a list of resources to help you learn.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of racial bias in your own heart and mind.
• Pray for a holy curiosity of culture and people groups.
• Ask Jesus to keep you from contributing to the oppression of others.

If the above prayer points caused you discomfort or defensiveness, take it to Jesus in prayer. He already knows your hidden thoughts (Psalm 19:12-13). Like the Canaanite woman, ask him for help (Matthew 15:25). We are the family of God. Our hearts should be cheering and exceedingly glad for one another, including every tribe, language, people, and nation (Revelation 7:9).

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

Because we belong to Christ, we belong to his family. It may not have been our choice, but our brothers and sisters have been chosen for us.

The church is not a man-made society we can simply opt-out of based on our comfort levels. It isn’t a gym membership or a neighborhood association. The church is a family that depends on personal sacrifice from each of its family members.

We have an eternity to spend with one another. It will be an eternity of care and belonging. It will be an eternity that celebrates the diversity of all nations. There will be no anger or suspicion or finger-pointing. Jesus wants his Bride — the Church — to live in this reality now!

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-12

How do we live in the reality of care and belonging?

• Pray earnestly and regularly that God will work in you, whatever it takes, to establish, grow, and strengthen your love for God’s family.

We are brothers and sisters in Christ. God has given you a spiritual family at Second Mile in Tucson, Arizona. Is your love and affection for our local, tangible body of Christ growing?

• Ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart and serve the needs of others.
• Ask Jesus to allow you to be a dependable brother or sister who is eager to share in a brother or sister’s grief, challenges, and disappointments.
• Ask God to change your perspective. Loving your family will leave you with less money and less free time, but it will fill you with great joy.
• Pray that you will humble yourself and be a learner. Listen to those in the family who have a different background and perspective.

Jesus laid down his life for God’s family the same as he laid down his life for you. They are forgiven like you are forgiven. If God has clothed them with the righteousness of Jesus, you too can see the righteousness of Jesus and treat them accordingly.

Are your brothers and sisters perfect? Absolutely not. Are you?

All of us deal with bad attitudes, incorrect thinking, and lessons that need to be learned. God’s grace is the fuel for maturity. Will you be an instrument of God’s grace?

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call. Ephesians 4:1-4

Friday - Active Engagement in the Family of God  

Maintaining unity in the body of Christ is part of our calling. As we prayed for holiness, care, and deep love for one another in yesterday’s prayer focus, today we will pray through taking the wholeness of our relationships and turning it into active engagement in the family of God. Scripture speaks over and over to the necessity of using our talents, skills, personalities, resources, and gifts to glorify God. We work to build his Church.

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16

If possible, please take time today to read your notes or listen to Chad’s December 27th message, Active Engagement, Matthew 25:14-30. The message will be a foundation for today’s prayer points. If you’ve already heard the message, listening again will jog your memory as well as inspire you to action. (You can find the message at secondmile520.org under the Messages tab.)

Read Matthew 25:14-30. Remember, the point of this parable is the responsibility of the servants to be about their master’s business while he is away. The focus is the conduct of the servants while the master is gone. What do you ponder as you read how the three servants responded to the master’s assignment given to each of them?

• Take time now to reflect on how you spend the majority of your time. Make a list of your personal responsibilities, hobbies, and other ways you use each day. Prioritize your list.
• Ask God to show you personal application between Matthew 25:14-30 and your current day-to-day schedule.
• Pause, reflect, and pray through this topic. We must all face the reality of how we manage our time and responsibilities. Do you honor God? Do you think about Jesus at work and at home, when you are out, and when you do the daily tasks you must do?
• Ask Jesus to teach and enable you to patiently endure, stay alert, and be ready for his return even in the mundane, regular responsibilities of your every day life.

As we move through our day-to-day lives, it is imperative for a follower of Jesus to realize and remember we are a part of a large, eternal family - the family of God, the body of Christ, the Church. In our context, our local expression of the Church is Second Mile. God has given us the gift of our local church to simplify and intensify our ability to engage. If we were charged with the task to daily serve the whole global Church, many of us would be overwhelmed and paralyzed. In his grace and wisdom, he made a way for people in specific times and in specific locations to engage with specific people and in specific ways. As we seek to serve and build our local church to the glory of God, in his infinite wisdom and grace, he builds his global Church.

Take time now to write a brief description of our church. What do you know about Second Mile? What is our vision? What are our values? Who are our leaders? What are our strengths? What are our weaknesses? How has God shaped us? How has this year affected us? Do you love Second Mile?

• Pray through each point you wrote about Second Mile.
• Ask God to give you a deep love for our body.
• Plead with God to continue to shape and form us for his glory.
• Ask God to enlighten your heart and mind for your place and role in Second Mile.
• Pray for grace and discipline to actively engage as he gives you insight and ideas.

In Chad’s December 27th message, he exclaimed, “The Kingdom of God is a big deal! And your role in the kingdom is a big deal! And Jesus has given you a responsibility that’s a big deal. Our time of waiting between Jesus’ resurrection and his second coming is a super huge, gigantic, big deal!”

How do you process those statements? Do you believe them? Why or why not?

• Ask God to give you vision for his kingdom.
• Pray that you will see your place in the kingdom the way God sees it. Go back to day one of this prayer guide if necessary. You are a child of God!
• Ask God to quicken your spirit with an understanding of urgency. Ask him to help you see that his return will be a big deal and how you use your time on earth is a big deal.

The question many of you may be asking is, “So what now?” This is an excellent question. Some of you may know exactly how you are serving God in Second Mile. Some of you may have some clarity, but feel unsteady. Some of you may have no idea. Remember, we are in this together, you are not alone, we must have these conversations with one another. Before you have conversations pray through these two ideas: desire and fruit.

Desire - Do you take pleasure in using your skills, talents, resources, and gifts to help others? Are you pleased to serve others?

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God. 2 Timothy 1:6

But earnestly desire the higher gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:31

• Pray for discernment in your desires. Ask God to help you know the difference between your selfish desires and your selfless desires.
• Pray that God will show you where you have joy in serving Second Mile.
• Write down a list of ways you find pleasure in helping our church. Be specific in your list. Remember that nothing is too small or too big. If you find pleasure in sending texts of encouragement, God is using your texts to help someone. If you find pleasure in personal discipleship, God is using you to help someone. If you find pleasure in mixing the sound for our worship team, God is using you to help someone.

Fruit - Are you and/or others seeing the fruit of your helping? Are you using God’s gifts in your life to strengthen the church and lead people into maturity? Are you being faithful?

Faithfulness produces fruitfulness which leads to more joy-filled responsibility.

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:17

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

• Ask God to help you see fruit from your service. (This is not an exercise in pride or shame. Allow the Father to help you see ways you are serving and/or could be serving. Sit with him like a well-loved child.)
• Pray for Holy Spirit-inspired ideas. Ask him to give you the courage to act on these ideas.

A word of caution: Do not spend too much time looking for ‘the name’ of your spiritual gift. You may find the answer, but you may not. If you are using your time and resources to help and serve the church, you are using God-given gifts to serve the church! He may or may not tell you whether it is encouragement, leadership, giving, prophecy, or teaching. He simply wants your obedient desire to manifest into beautiful fruit.

Praying for Second Mile

As you continue to pray through these points, ask God to show you where he may ask you to serve in any of these specific ministries and teams. Patiently endure through active engagement.

Core Communities

We are currently in one of the biggest transitions in Second Mile’s history. Throughout COVID, we have seen the need for smaller groups to gather for encouragement and connection. Traditionally, our community groups have been huge. They have been easy to find and because of the size, easy to hide in. Our Community Group leaders have been stretched beyond what is healthy, working to navigate their own personal challenges as well as the challenges of people in their groups.

To ease the tension, we are transitioning away from what we have known as Community Groups into what we will call Core Communities. Here are a few bullet points to understand Core Communities:

• The purpose of each group is two-fold: 1. Meaningful discussion of the weekly Sunday message. 2. Accountability to live out Second Mile’s core values.
• Each group will have 6-12 participants.
• Someone will facilitate the group but will not have the responsibility to “shepherd” the people in the group. Each person will be responsible to love and care for the other people in the group. The hope is shared, relational care.

We know you have many questions about this change because change can be difficult. We ask for your patience and prayer as this vision unfolds. The elders will communicate much more in the coming weeks.

• Ask God to guide this change into fruitful, loving, mature, community.
• Ask God to give you a core community of Second Mile people to love and serve.
• Pray for the elders as they pray through and work out the details of this vision.

Equipping Classes

Consider the coming Equipping Classes as the needed parallel track to Core Communities. We must continue to grow and mature as followers of Jesus so that we are not blown and tossed about by “every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness and deceitful schemes” (Ephesians 4:14).

• These classes will cover foundational and orthodox doctrines of our faith, for example the importance of the Bible. Each participant will learn what we believe and why we believe it.
• We are hoping to roll out the first class in the fall, but we are patiently enduring the pandemic so timing is still unsure.
• The elders are working to create these topics, timelines, and tools for equipping the saints (Ephesians 4:12-13).
• Pray for the elders as they work out the details of this vision.
• Ask God to ready your heart to participate.
• Pray that God will continue to make us into a people who are grounded in him and his Word.
• Ask him to use these classes to make us deep and effective in our faith (2 Peter 1:8).

Bible Studies and Book Groups

There are a few people in Second Mile who have been teaching or are preparing to teach group Bible studies and lead book groups. These groups are another tool to cultivate connection and depth in our church. More information will be announced as the studies and groups are ready to begin.

• If you are interested in teaching a Bible study, ask God to show you what, who, and how he would have you lead. Contact Angel (angel@secondmi.org) or David (david@secondmi.og) to discuss possibilities.
• Pray that we will be people of his Word, that we will take Scripture seriously and seek to know and apply it.
• Pray for Dave and Christe LePeau as they start their second book group on racial reconciliation. They will be reading and discussing The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby. If you would like to participate, contact Christe (clepeau@gmail.com).
• If you would like to lead a book group, please contact Angel or David. Ask God to show you what book and topic would benefit the people of our church.

Second Mile Kids

Our kids have suffered through the pandemic, too. We have greatly missed teaching them in their own classes Sunday after Sunday. If you have been a teacher in Second Mile Kids, we miss watching you interact with the kids and their families. The time of separation has been long and difficult. However, we continue to lean in and pray for the time when we will be together again.

• Pray for Cara DeSmidt, our Children’s Ministry Director. Ask God to give her joy and love for her job of serving the families of Second Mile. Pray for vision and ideas for when the kids regather each Sunday. Ask God to continue to enable Cara to patiently endure during this time of separation from the kids she loves so dearly. Thank God for her.
• Pray for a few Second Mile kids you personally know. Pray for their mental health. Pray for their salvation. Ask God to grow them up into mature followers of Jesus.
• Ask God to show you how you can serve the children and families of Second Mile. The need is always great. (Teach in the children’s ministry, send post cards to kids, help Cara with administration, etc. Be creative and act on your ideas.)

Amplify Team

What a gift our Amplify Team has been to us this year! God used specific people with specific talents and gave them specific spiritual gifts to provide a livestream gathering for us week after week. Have you allowed the generosity of this gift during our time of physical separation to wash over you?

• Stop and thank God for this gift now. Be specific with your gratitude.

Could you serve on this team? The need is always great. (Sound, slides, camera, musicians)

• Pray for Angela DeSoto, our Worship Leader and the leader of the Amplify Team. Ask God to give her deep soul rest, to fill her to overflowing with his love and care, and to give her excitement and fresh expectation for what is to come in this team. Thank God for her.
• Ask God to provide more people to help with the technical side of the weekly gatherings. Ask God if he would have you train to help with this need. Act on how he leads you.
• Thank God for all we learn about him and how we are blessed to worship him through the songs we sing each Sunday.

Seeds Community Center (SCC) - seedstucson.org

SCC is a non-profit started by Second Mile

“Equipping Our Neighbors to Flourish — We aim to fill service gaps by partnering with existing organizations and utilizing a strengths based approach.”

Contact Christe LePeau if you would like to serve. clepeau@gmail.com

Prayer requests from Christe:

Transitioning to online kinship groups means that we are not able to provide childcare. This proved to be difficult for most of our families engaging in the online groups. The majority of our families are single parent homes, which makes offering comprehensive support difficult when kids are nearby or need assistance.

• Pray for our kinship caregivers, that they would feel the support of those in the group, even if they are not able to fully share their own stories.

Remote learning has proved to be another barrier for students to manage as they navigate this unprecedented school year. To help equip our younger neighbors to thrive, SCC will be launching a free tutoring program for students at Magee Middle School. Sowing Seeds Tutoring program is in the early stages of development.

• Pray for wisdom as we venture out in this new frontier.
• Pray for tutors to step in and for the relationship between SCC and Magee MS to flourish.
• Ask God to use our tutors to bolster these students who may be experiencing Zoom fatigue, loneliness, or frustration.

Other Possibilities

The possibilities to serve in Second Mile are exceedingly great. We do not earn salvation; it is a free gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Ephesians 2:8-9). When we are saved, we are changed. We become part of the body of Christ. We are one body with many members with different functions (Romans 12:4). We are to joyfully engage until the end of our earthly life or until Jesus returns. We display his love to one another and to the world around us by what we do with our salvation. Use the following list to start your own brainstorm on how you can serve Second Mile. Will you patiently endure and actively engage?

• Pray for our church: join the Sunday morning prayer team. Contact Nate Edwards for more info. (nate@secondmi.org)
• Pray consistently for our elders and staff: Chad Haynes, David Gouge, Nate Edwards, John DeSoto, Angela DeSoto, Cara DeSmidt, Angel Haynes
• Encourage a leader you know. Tell them about fruit you see in their life.
• Start or continue to faithfully give financially to the ministry of Second Mile. We are able to give generously because of each person’s generosity.
• Find out if someone has a need and give financially to meet the need.
• Bring a meal to someone. Ask God who it should be, listen, and then do it.
• Mentor/disciple someone.
• Help with college students.
• Gather a team to clean up the grounds at El Centro.
• Contact Britt Gouge (brittgouge@icloud.com) about serving through hospitality.
• Ask people in your community if you can help them with a project.
• Gather a group to serve at a local non-profit like the Community Food Bank.
• Ask God to show you a need in our church or in our city and then serve.

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:25

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:9-10

Saturday: Patiently Enduring in Kingdom Advancement

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

“I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.” Revelation 2:19

When it feels like we have enough on our plates, right in front of us, it may seem daunting to consider others. But that’s what Christ calls us to, to consider others as more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). So this year, let’s pray for margin and the discipline to maintain margin. Pray for margin, not just in order to rest, but to be able to overflow in care for others around us. Again, that might seem like an overwhelming thing to pray for under current circumstances, but God’s promises anticipate our feelings.

First, we can have confidence not based on strength we can muster, but on the fact that God is headed to a goal that he can’t and won’t be diverted from.

…I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18b

His church is going to be built. God’s kingdom cannot fail. We, therefore, can act boldly. And Jesus has been given all authority, which leads us to another reason we can go out confidently. Jesus has promised that he will be right there, present, no matter where we go.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28-18-20

What are other promises that God has given through his word that will encourage you to go beyond your perceived capacity?

Yes, 2020 was disruptive, but it also presented unprecedented opportunities.

We learned more about how the Rosemont neighborhood enjoys Fall Family Fun though we had to cancel it. We know its return will be welcomed.

• Pray for the opportunity to serve our neighborhood again through Fall Family Fun.

We were able to consistently show appreciation for those who care for us, first responders and health-care workers.

• Pray that there will be fruitful conversations growing out of these interactions.
• Pray for opportunities to followup with interactions we’ve had with neighbors during COVID.

Write out some specific ways that you can introduce yourself to your neighbors.

• Pray that we would be known as a reasonable (Philippians 4:5), peaceable (Titus 3:2) people and that our examples of love would be persuasive (1 Peter 3:15-16) and distinctive (John 13:35).
• Pray that our saltiness (Matthew 5:13-16) would endure, that we would work in our city in such a way that others give glory to our Father.
• Pray that we, especially due to not gathering, will increase in our sense of belonging and be a continued place of welcome for all.
• Pray that we will actively seek ways to be involved in the reconciliation that God offers to all.
• Pray that as we conclude our series in Matthew that the prolonged insight into “who is Jesus?” will embolden us to share who Jesus is to those we work with.

Write out the names of people you know who do not know Jesus. How will they be introduced to the Jesus we’ve discovered in Matthew? Pray for them. Commit to regularly pray for them.

• Pray against “sluggishness” (Hebrews 6:12) as we seek to imitate Jesus in his work to seek the lost, that we will be steadfast, immovable, and abounding, knowing that it is not futile work. (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Continue to pray for our partnership with the Euseys in Sapporo, Japan

Evan and Audrey have been working with teams and individuals from Second Mile for the past four years and we are in the development stages of trying to build a regular and consistent presence in the city of Sapporo. Pray for Evan and Audrey and their four children Gus, Elsa, Moses and Loic.

Despite meeting restrictions due to COVID-19 in Japan, the Euseys were able to stay connected with friends and neighbors and move forward in ministry. Continue to pray for the Japanese to know the peace of Christ in these uncertain times.

• Pray for Audrey as she recently fractured her wrist while on an organized ski day with their neighborhood. Pray for the medical staff who Audrey was able to speak to while receiving care. Pray that there would be no lasting damage, that in fact there would be lasting impact upon the neighbors as they watch the Euseys share burdens and have peace.
• Continue to pray for the Sasaki* family as Dr. S and Evan have recently begun a series of weekly late-night Bible story discussions, looking at the seven basic commands of Christ. After years of sharing stories and inviting people, this represents the first time someone has taken the initiative to ask the Euseys instead! Pray for clear communication and for the Spirit to continue to draw the Sasakis to Himself.
• Continue to pray for gospel witness in their neighborhood and that their influence would continue to grow in Sapporo.
• There have been small breakthroughs with the friends and contacts God has given them, such as their Parenting Discussion Group (PDG). Being willing to consider one’s upbringing and then choose to change is a big step in any culture. It’s even more so in Japan where ancestor worship and protection of tradition are especially strong.
• Pray for creativity as they continue to plan outreaches and followup with those conversations.
• Pray for the Euseys as they determine what “Home Assignment” looks like. COVID disrupted their plans in 2020. Whatever is decided, pray for God’s care for their kids’ spiritual, social, and educational needs, and that their contacts will be able to keep hearing about His love.

*names have been changed for privacy

If you are interested in a newly developed OMF and Pioneers Japan prayer guide “Beneath the Surface: 30 Ways to Pray for Japan,” please request a guide by emailing David at david@secondmi.org.

Pray for discernment as we continue to look into another global partnership.

• Pray that the tyranny of the urgent would not crowd out this important work.
• Pray that God would “cross our paths” with those who could benefit from our help, who are like-minded, and who we can come alongside and be put to work.
• Pray that Second Mile would continue to seek God for the answer to “what would you have us do next” within the context of broad, global horizons.

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;  therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38

• Pray that God will raise up workers from within Second Mile and that we would grow in our willingness to go wherever God might send us.

Pray for the nations at our doorstep in several ways:

University of Arizona and Pima Community College

At the U of A at least 48 countries are represented and  international students make up almost 10% of the student body.

If you know a college student, take the time to pray for them now by name. Send them a note to encourage them in what continues to be a difficult year.

• Pray for perseverance for leadership staff and students through the end of the spring as they continue to do remote instruction.
• Pray for Aly Lowry (Navigators) as we support her work directly this year.
• Pray for wisdom and guidance as they work creatively and respectfully under COVID protocols.
• Pray that the many student ministries would continue to be salt and light on campus.
• Pray for maturity in the students that know Jesus to act with Christlikeness in the midst of cultural chaos.
• Pray for the salvation and equipping of students, especially freshmen.
• Praise God for the abundant fruit he has grown this year in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Refugees in Tucson

Tucson Refugee Ministry (TRM) endeavors to build a bridge between the church and the nations at our doorstep by educating, equipping, and mobilizing churches to serve refugees in our community and beyond.

In 2021, the US is anticipating a significant increase in the number of refugee admissions.

• Pray for the ministry as they continue to connect people to new apartment setups, baby partnerships, youth outreach, tutoring and airport welcomes.
• Pray for Jennifer Tomkins as she continues to transition into her role as Executive Director.
• Pray for TRM as they provide newly developed training related to trauma informed care for refugees. Pray that it will benefit refugees who come having experienced trauma related to war or persecution.

If you would like to learn more about Tucson Refugee Ministry, visit their website at www.tucsonrefugeeministry.com.

Pray for Life in Christ Community Church

John Benson is the pastor of Life in Christ, a local Tucson church. He and his wife, Lacy, have served their church and the city of Tucson for more than 20 years. Chad and Angel have been meeting with John and Lacy to pray and discuss how we may be able to work together to love our city well.

• Pray for John and Lacy. Ask God to bolster their courage to serve God, to give them peace in the midst of so much tension in our country, and to give them vision to lead and love their church well. Pray for their marriage and for their family.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and build the friendship between our two churches. Ask him to help us know how we can work together.
• Pray for Life in Christ to grow in unity, maturity, and love for each other and for our city. Pray for Pastor John and Pastor Derek Taylor as they lead their body.

Pray for International Justice Mission (IJM) who specifically work to ensure justice for all and end slavery worldwide.

If you would like to learn more about International Justice Mission, visit www.ijm.org.

• Ask God to end global slavery in our lifetime.
• Ask God to provide all the resources IJM needs to do the work of rescuing people from horrific circumstances.
• Pray about becoming a Freedom Partner with IJM.

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10

Answered Prayer for 2020

These last pages are placed here to lead you into thankful worship. We list answered prayer to build our faith, lead us to worship, and to allow us to establish an Ebenezer (1 Samuel 7:12). Don’t breeze through these points quickly. Take time to thank God for his continued provision to our church. If the Holy Spirit brings people to mind, thank God for them. At the end of this list or in a journal, take time to write out your own answered prayers from 2020.

Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name. Psalm 66:1-4

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

We prayed for years that God would bring a second pastoral staff member to our church. This year God answered our prayers by bringing David Gouge as a full-time vocational pastor. We are thankful for the giftings, passion, and leadership abilities he brings to our church.

Specifically applying Matthew to our lives, last year we prayed through the Beatitudes during the Week of Prayer and Fasting. God gave us continual circumstances to put our prayers into practice throughout 2020. Make no mistake. God heard our prayers and answered them. Here are some examples to how he answered our prayers directly out of last year’s prayer guide:

• Page two of last year’s prayer guide says, “2020 will be a year for maturing and training.” We had no idea what a difficult journey it would be, but we can be confident in the maturing process of enduring through the challenges.
• On pages 15 and 16 we prayed for university students. This fall we felt led to begin a 4pm college gathering and 30-50 students participate week to week.
• We asked God to increase our mercy and compassion for those in distress. He has given us opportunities to bear with one another through COVID, political differences, racism, and national turmoil (page 19).
• In the same way, we asked God to make us peacemakers. Finding peace let alone making peace, was incredibly challenging during 2020. Again, we have had opportunity after opportunity to have compassion for our city, nation, and world. We prayed for our first responders who desperately needed prayer throughout the year. We asked God to make us all peacemakers in the midst of great tribulation (pages 25-26).
• We asked God to give us perspective concerning whatever time we have on earth. We asked for clarity in our pursuit of him. Both of these prayers were answered given the distress of the pandemic.

We started and ended the year in Matthew. We’ve been studying and reflecting on the question “Who is Jesus?” Week after week the Holy Spirit meets, challenges, convicts, and encourages us through each chapter and verse. The messages have been timely on a personal and national level, providing opportunities for many in-depth conversations. We continue to grow in experiential knowledge that Jesus is better, greater, worth it, enough, and compelling.

God made it clear to the elders and leaders of Second Mile to engage in racial reconciliation in our church, city, and nation. This process has included direct Sunday messages out of the context of Matthew, many intense and important discussions and conversations, and hosting a book group that read and discussed United: Captured by God’s Diversity by Trillia Newbell. 34 individuals participated in the United book study to discover what it means to embrace God's call for his diverse community of believers to be united in him. This group included a wide range of experience. Discussing this book with one another provided opportunities for growth and refinement for everyone.

We have never before been as challenged technologically as a church as we were in 2020. God provided for the livestream through people’s expertise and financial resources. We are so thankful to those who served week to week!

This year we were able to have an increased online presence through our website, Facebook, and Instagram, including a new RSVP system for in-person gatherings.

In March we commissioned three new sets of leaders for community groups. Even through COVID precautions, the connectivity of community groups remained healthy - most people stayed connected through smaller groups even though our larger body wasn’t physically gathering.

We continue to be grateful for Tori Einstein’s investment in the families of Second Mile. As she finished her position as Second Mile Children’s Director, we were able to pray over her and celebrate her through a send-off parade. She began a full-time teaching position at a local middle school in the fall.

Cara DeSmidt came on staff part-time as the new Children’s Director to continue the investment into the families of our church. She is also a part-time Clinical Audiologist.

In the fall, community groups took turns providing the Banner Intensive Care Units with gifts, cards with words of encouragement, and prayer. We ended the year by providing food to those same units as a way to continue to express our appreciation for their hard work.

Second Mile continues to value healthy marriages. More than 40 couples participated in the livestream of Paul Tripp’s virtual marriage conference. We also participated in the weddings of five couples this year!

We were still able to host our Discover and Walking the Second Mile classes. We celebrate that 20 people became covenant members!

Steady and generous financial giving enabled us to support local and global ministries. We were able to give to extra ministries at the end of the year because church giving was above and beyond our budget. Here are a few ministries we regularly support through finance and prayer: Hands of Hope Tucson, Tucson Refuge Ministry, Arizona Baptist Children’s Services, Seeds Community Center, International Justice Mission, the Euseys in Sapporo, Japan.

Because your giving was generous and consistent, giving once again exceeded our needed budget. We were able to give above and beyond our designated giving at the end of the year. Here are a few ministries that received a financial one time gift from our church: The Bible Project, Jesus Said Love, The Crete Collective, The Hoff House, and various ministers who raise support.

During spring 2020 Seeds (SCC) took monthly support groups online in order to continue serving families. Caregivers verbalized that the stability of the group was helpful to them throughout the tumultuous year. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue serving these families through new methods.

To help stay connected to kinship families, SCC was able to bless these families in creative ways throughout 2020 including mini care packages for different holidays and larger gifts for Christmas. These tangible gifts are ways to remind families that we are available to support them and are thinking of them. Caregivers articulated that these care packages were encouraging and financially helpful during the unstable year.

Grace Kingdom Church of God now has their own building. We continue to invest in relationship with them and support their ministry.

Foster and adoptions continue to hold value in our church. We commissioned three new families into foster care and three children were permanently adopted into families.

We had a successful food drive for the Community Food Bank and prayed that we could provide some relief to those in need in our city.

There were many things that God said ‘no’ to this year. We grieve the loss of many events, relationships, and more, and continue to ask him what he would have us do next. We take this moment to thank him for answering our prayers, even when the answer is ‘no’.

When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:20-21

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16