Opposite Opposite

     Our space probes and telescopes continue to search for the balance of opposites which is required to hold life on a planet. This precious and wonderful world, of course we know has many such perfect balances of distance and location, composition and placement. Ancients were aware of only a few, but obvious examples of God's providence. The largest, of course, being water. 

     How many cups of water have you had before reading this? How many things around you have been touched by water in a way for its creation or keeping? It is enough to say that water is a proof of God?

     In the same and opposite way, fire is another proof of the destructive and consuming power within Creation. The controlling of fire is good in some ways--being able to make heat in the winter! It has also led to much pollution. How can you and we be better stewards of fire?

2 Peter 3:1-7

This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you that you should remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken through your apostles.

First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!” They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water, through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the godless.

Lord God, count me among those who trust in you. I am squarely on the side of devotion to your good work, let my praises be worthy in your hearing! I am grateful for your creative and redeeming work in the world through your fire and water. I am grateful for your destructive and cleansing work in the world through your fire and water. I submit my life to your mercy and pray your guidance to manage more carefully these and all your wonderful gifts. I lift up to you those mysteries far beyond the elements that I do not understand. Into your care I place those who need their sickness burned off and their wounds washed...In the powerful Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.