Otts On Mission
Reflections on ministry, mission, and the Church
Tag: Hope
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“Nascosto”
The other day I was praying and asking the Lord what he was doing with his people. With so many in transition, waiting for the next step, it can be hard to remain hopeful. So many find themselves in a strange and unsettling holding pattern as though on the verge of movement, but not quite…
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A prayer for the weary
Lord, chaos causes eyesto flitter to and fro.The never ending streamof violence and destructionturns and wearies one’s focus, stifling hope. The groans of the wearied soulscan be heard under the weight of oppressionthat darkens the minds of allwho’ve lost sight of good,rendering them unable to see anything other than loss. We know, that in the…
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A Shift In Seasons
A shift is taking place. Seasons are changing. God’s people are being moved. Roles are changing. Assignments are being reworked. For many, what once brought life has slowly been drained of its vitality. The confusion and disorientation that has bubbled forth in the people of God is no accident. God’s people know this is true.…
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“Align Your Hearts With My Spirit”
When Light Is Hard To See It is no secret, darkness seems to everywhere. The people of God have continually been asked to find refuge in God in a world that’s grown increasingly antagonistic and dark for many over these past few years. We hold on to the promise God has for his people, which…
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All Will Be Well
Lord, surely you seethe toil of your childrenwho suffer under the weightof a world that chooses to surrender to darkness. May the wearisome worries and caresof your peoplebe carried by your mighty handsso that compassion would adornthe hearts and minds of the saints. Render hearts humblethat are prone to pride.Like a shield borne out of…
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Watchful In The Dark
A Cloud of Evil Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 There is a strange cloud that seems to hang over the world. Everyone seems to feel it, though no one is able to clearly define it. It’s increasingly hard to see what is really…
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Resting in Goodness
As I was praying today I was reminded of something I heard Dallas Willard say a while back: “none of the fruit of the Spirit are a feeling, they are a condition.” Over the past few years the consistent and pervasive lack of peace in the world around us has been on full display. Peace,…
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Help In Suffering.
“Our world cries out for a theology of spiritual growth that has proven to work in the midst of the harsh realities of daily life.” – Richard Foster. “Help,” so the cries pour forth. A need, a desire; something is wrong. To some, help is for the weak. For others, help means there’s suffering. Who…
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On Waiting and Sorrow
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him – Psalm 37:7 Psalm 37 has been a Psalm our family has returned to repeatedly in the midst of a season of extended waiting and uncertainty. When loss is experienced and the disorienting nature of the in-between swirls around you, the invitation to wait can…
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Finding Life In A World That’s Bracing
Brace For the Worst “Italy Must Brace For the 2nd Wave.” “Brace Yourself For A Long Winter.” “MLB Free Agents Brace For Long Free Agency Battles.” “The World Braces For US Election Results.” “Entire Workforce Is Bracing For More Bad News.” “Brace For A Long Fight.” Headlines for the better part of this year have…