THE LAST RIVER MILE

Thoughts near the take-out.

recent posts

GEOFF POSEGATE

Retired United Methodist pastor and leadership coach.

Category: Uncategorized

  • PRACTICING FAITH IN A HOSTILE, AUTHORITARIAN AGE

    Following Jesus does not always take us on an easy path. It can be especially challenging when the culture (mission field) in which we’ve been placed is detrimental or even hostile to the life we have chosen to live. Obviously, we are in such a situation now in many ways. Hostility toward one another becomes…

  • IT’S NOT JUST A PERSONAL TICKET TO HEAVEN

    For most of my life I’ve heard people talk about “a personal relationship with Jesus.” I’ve used this phrase in my own preaching, teaching, and faith-sharing. To me, a personal relationship with Jesus has meaning if it refers to actually knowing him, growing in relationship with him, and loving others with the same love with…

  • A TOUGH 250TH TO CELEBRATE

    Our great nation is 250 years old this year. I’ve been struggling with exactly how to celebrate this. It’s sounds mundane, but I’ve even been stuck on what to wear on July 4th. I love this country, and I’m thankful beyond words for the gift of being a citizen here. Founders built this republic on…

  • ERODING THE BALANCE OF POWER

    The United States Constitution mandates a balance of power in governmental leadership. The legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws. Each branch holds the other two in check by design. Some people believe that our current president’s actions strain this delicate but crucial balance, pushing the limits…

  • AS A DROP OF WATER WILL FIND THE SEA…

    It’s like this: Montauk Spring pushes out crystal clear water not too far from Salem, Missouri. It forms the headwaters of the Current River; arguably the greatest Ozark stream in the state. The most spring-fed of all rivers in the state, the cold and swift waters of the Current cover about 52 river miles before…

  • THE MAIN THING

    Few things divide people who call themselves Christians quite like how we view the Bible. Interpretations run a wide range. Some see the Bible as completely literal. Coming directly from God, it is all proscriptive, containing truth and commandment which are not limited to any particular era or context. Others see the Bible as containing…

  • BULLETS AND BALLROOMS

    Violence is never the answer. No one should be a victim of gun violence, much less the President of the United States. As much as I oppose most of the policies and practices of Donald Trump, I am thankful that he and others were spared on Saturday night. At our president’s initiative, it has been…

  • FAITH IS MORE CAUGHT THAN TAUGHT

    What ultimately draws a person to become a follower of Jesus? In my lifetime I’ve witnessed two extreme approaches. In the faith tribe of my childhood church folks assumed that people would be drawn to churches by a “loving influence.” Somehow just being good, kind people would be enough. The name of Jesus was rarely…

  • WHAT IF…?

    These are two of the most powerful words in our language. Granted, “What if…?” can lead any of us into obsession over worst case scenarios. Conversely, though, “What if…?” can open up visions of previously unrealized possibilities. The examples throughout history are endless: What if enslaved Africans could become free American citizens? What if human…

  • WHERE’S MY ARMY?

    Twice a week I spend a good bit of the morning at a favorite coffee shop. It is a faith-based business. They don’t beat you over the head with it, but the good news of Jesus and a positive welcome are very much in the atmosphere. This includes background music. While sipping my latte and…