One must be careful not to take a single verse of scripture out of context. Obviously, the person has good intentions of using it to uplift another, but it is our responsibility to properly interpret and apply scripture. Verses can be misused even without bad intent, so we must be careful.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NET) Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.

(NKJV) Be diligent in presenting yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

(Rightly Dividing): Paul likens the word of truth to a road being built or a furrow being plowed, both of which must be straight. The good workman must be accurate and clear in his exposition of God’s Word, keeping to the road himself and making it easy for others to follow. The “dividing” of the Word of God does not mean to segment it, but to rightly discern its truth by capturing the spirit of the Word (John 6:63, Heb. 4:12; 1 Cor. 2:13,14)

God’s Word: Read It! Study It! Memorize it!

The Bible, God’s inspired Word- is the only conclusive source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding concerning ultimate realities. It is a fountainhead of freeing truth (John 8:32) and a gold mine of practical principles.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jer. 29:11 is an example of a frequently misquoted verse. In the frequent quoting of Jer. 29:11, it is often overlooked that the words are being spoken to people punished by God. He does indeed punish His people to restore them to a proper relationship with Him.

Let us expand and get a deeper understanding of Jer. 29:11-14

Seeking God and Spiritual Warfare

Throughout Scripture, we find repeated references to God’s people seeking after Him. Implied in these passages is a quest for God that includes a level of intensity beyond what might be termed ordinary prayer. The word “search” along with the phrase “with all your heart” suggests an earnestness that borders on desperation. The word “search” (Hebrew – darash) suggests a “following after,” or close pursuit of a desired objective; it also implies diligence in the searching process. In 2 Chr. 15:2, Azariah promises the Lord will be with His people if they “Seek” (darash) after Him – another indicator of God’s emphasis on intensity and diligence in prayer.

Call, pray, seek, and search for God with all your heart and He will be found. Believe that He wants good things for you and has a plan for your life.

Godliness starts with redemption, the process in which old things pass away and new things come to pass, by God’s mercy and grace. (2 Cor. 5:17). Jeremiah paints a vivid picture revealing God’s ability and willingness to save, cleanse, and restore beyond human rebellion, idolatry, deception, and corruption. Today, He does this through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah whom Jeremiah anticipated in faith to redeem and restore God’s people.

Devote yourself to responsible Bible study. Become a sensible interpreter of scripture.