More From Turkey

Our first evening in Istanbul, Turkey we had the occasion to walk a few blocks and ascend to the top floor of a neighboring hotel.  The report was that from the bar/cafe there was a wonderful view of the city and straights.  We weren't able to make it before sunset, our favorite time.  However, the view was spectacular at twilight.
At the moment this picture was taken there weren't many boats in view.  However a bit later, there were many freighters and ferries on the water.

Let me point out the mosque in the lower left hand area and just to the right, between the two larger buildings, a soccer game is in progress on the lighted field.  And, you may know, Istanbul is a city which sits on two continents:  Asia and Europe.

(You may click on the picture for a larger image.)

Grandson Owen

Can you believe how cute this little guy is.  He's growing up fast. 

Thought for Today!

No title necessary!!

Worship in a Cave

Have you ever had the chance to worship in a cave?  How about a cave in which Christians have gathered for worship for more than 1,500 years? 

While we were in the Cappadocia area of Turkey last month, we had the chance to gather our small tour group in a cave that was sufficient for just a few more people that what we had in the group.  A small cave carved out of the old deposits of a volcano has provided a place of worship for persecuted Christians.  It was an humbling place to gather and sing "Amazing Grace" (the acoustics?  AWESOME!!) and to proclaim the glory of our freedom in Christ and our freedom to worship.  The cave isn't used regularly today as a worship site.  In fact, if our tour guide hadn't have known "the guy with the key" we wouldn't have gotten in for this experience.  Once inside, it was obvious that someone comes regularly to tend to the flowers on the altar.

As you ponder your weekend, I'd invite you to think about where you want to gather in worship.  It will be no cave, for sure.  Nor will you have to know "the guy with the key."  Thankfully, we're free for more than all of that.

Blessings, and thanks for stopping by....

Moving in Faith

While in Turkey last month we traveled to the central section, the Mediterranean Coast, not so far from Syria.  We were at the ancient city of Seleucia.  If you aren't familiar with that place, it is an important seaport in the life of St. Paul and Barnabas.  The whole story is in the first verses of Acts 13.  The important part of the story is that it was from here that the mission work of Paul (and all of essentially all of Christianity) launched into the larger world.

(The photo at left is the "Old" Harbor with some piers still visible.  The photo below looks to the North West with the current Harbor visible at the end of the beach.)

Part of what struck me from this vantage point was this, Paul and Barnabas launched out in faith into an unknown sea, trusting only on the leading of the Holy Spirit of God and their confidence in the power of the resurrection to change lives in Jesus' Holy Name!  Little did they know where God was going to lead them.  They had no idea the wonderful things God would do through their faith and confidence.  Wow! oh Wow!



This has led me to give some thought to the question, "What 'sea shore' am I standing on today?"  Where is the Holy Spirit inviting me to launch out into unknown waters with only faith in the leading of the Holy Spirit and confidence in the Resurrection of Jesus?  Is it the nudge to pick up the phone and call my friend and ask for forgiveness?  Is it the longing in my heart to be able to confront a friend regarding their destructive behavior patterns?  Or is it the deep sense that I ought to make a trip across town and get more deeply involved in meaningful ministries to hurting neighborhoods?

My point is that the place to which I go from this "sea shore" might not be so profound or far away.  But what remains is that it might be just as formidable as what Paul faced in Seleucia a couple of thousand years ago.  And, just like Paul, what we have to go on to launch out into this unknown sea is the same thing Paul had:  The leading power of the Holy Spirit and confidence in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.

Are you ready to sail?
I'm believing that I am....

Today is an opportunity!

We all have a purpose and an opportunity every day!
Thanks for stopping by!