What do they really mean?

You’ve often heard these verses quoted or ideas expressed. Read each passage and before doing anything else, ask yourself what do you think of when you these verses?

Now open your Bible to the passage and start reading about 20 verses before and after it. What is the actual context? Is there more to the statement? To whom is this passage written? Specific people or all people? Is it descriptive or prescriptive?

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. – John 14:13-14

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. – Matthew 18:20

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. – Proverbs 18:21

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. – Luke 6:38

Judge not, that you be not judged. -Matthew 7:1