Final Thoughts

 That was a good trip. Turkey was a lot different then I had expected, more European. That, I am sure, is a function of where you are at in the country. In the Southeast they are at war and their president is stirring things up with the Greeks.

There is a bit off animosity towards him as Turks on the ground that talked to us say that he is more interested in Arab oil money than in maintaining Turkish culture.

Inflation in the country is skyrocketing, last I saw it was an average of 73% since January with over 100% on food and fuel.

It does not help that the Russians started a war and their flights and credit are sanctioned. The number tourist nation to Turkey is Russia, Ukrain is in the mix as well.

One restauranteur in Istanbul related to us that he is glad to see Americans and Westerners back, they always seem to be happy. He contrasted the smiling Westerners with most Russians that he meets as being very serious. As Americans we have not known the hardships endured by the people of Russia over the centuries at the hands of others and their leaders. Hard times can make hard people. We have been blessed, and we are soft, at least for the time being.

It was interesting to be in the heart of the former Byzantine Empire, Istanbul (Constantinople), the Rome of the East. To see how the Ottoman Empire repurpoed structures like the Hagia Sophia from one of the greatest church constructions to what was the pre-eminent mosque.

The once great city of Ephesus was a site and sight to see. A reminder of how fragile cities, regions, and civilizations are, even those with technologies that are at the leading edge of their time.

In the apostle Paul's first letter to the chuch in Corinth he tells them, and by extension us, that God the Father has installed Jesus the Son as king of the nations. That Jesus will reign until He has put all of His enemies under his feet, the last enemy being death.

In the ebbs and flows of time He will raise nations up and put them asunder but in the end all the nations will bow to Jesus as king. Then time will be consummated and those who trust in Him alone as their intercessor to God the Father will join Him in eternal life and those who hated Him to eternal condemnation.

Chose this day whom you will serve...