Have you noticed how many “different” Bibles are available these days?  There are Bibles “designed” for children, teenagers, women, men, business people and many other groups.  Several years ago, a “Green Bible” was printed for “conservationists” (what their detractors call “tree-huggers”).  And, while this might be an effective way to get more people to read the Bible, true disciples of Jesus Christ and serious students of the Bible need to understand what is also being done under the guise of growing interest in the Book.

Words (and whole passages) are being “spun” and sometimes even being deliberately changed to manipulate the ideas and concepts God wanted preserved in Scripture.

Here’s a Bible news flash for all those who think it’s a good thing to put a “spin” on various passages and manipulate the Word of God for their own agenda: The Word belongs to God.  He inspired it.  He preserved it. The truths contained in it will not disappear.

And, the Bible speaks of its own permanence.  It provides its own warnings for those who truly alter God’s Word and try to take advantage of the new believer or the uninformed reader.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.

You may have heard recently of the Pacific Ring of Fire.  Japan lies along this well known Ring of Fire.  A map of this area can be seen at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Ring_of_Fire and

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12710999

The recent earthquake in Japan happened on the “Japan Trench.” How does the recent earthquake affect the Ring of Fire?  Perhaps, we should take notice (i.e., WATCH!).  The floor of the Pacific Ocean is being pulled underneath Japan and towards Eurasia. Scientists speculate based on the size of the earthquake that the fault may have ruptured about 500 K.

We need to watch.   However, let us not be troubled or anxious. The Bible speaks of great earthquakes in different places.  These events are significant signs of our time.

Luke 21: 9-11 9But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. 10Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

While the world is so focused on the massive tragedies occurring in Japan, the rest of the world is showing significant signs of trouble, also.  We need to be closely watching and praying.  The Bible contains some very explicit verses that contain these directives! Here are a few: Mark 13:33, Mark 14:38, Luke 21:36, Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2, 1 Peter 4:7.

So, what do we watch, and what do we pray about? In summary, we can say we need to “watch what’s going on!”  And, as for what to pray about, the list is possibly endless.  But, here is a great Bible instruction on where to start.

1 Timothy 2:1-6 ¹I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;²For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.³For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;⁴Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.⁵For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;⁶Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

God cares about everything that’s going on, and about everybody, even those who do not yet know Him.