Taking verses from the Bible out of context to justify one's actions or thoughts or views, etc., is unconscionable and not something that should ever done. Each verse should be taken in the context in which it was written in order to get what God is saying and to understand what's being said, to see the story being told. God inspired the Bible the way it is and we must read it in its entirety. That's why it was put together the way it was, I believe. God wants us to spend time in it each and every day and to listen to Him speaking to each of us through it.

However, I also believe that a single verse or phrase can be used on their own to speak to us as well. I do not put together my thoughts on any subject just by what I read in one random verse or phrase, but, rather, I take encouragement from what's being said to me. If I only had time to read one verse in a day and it was something that I got something out of, than I feel that that's fine, too. Overall I read the Bible with the whole picture in mind and with each part in its place, but once on a while I'll find that certain verse or phrase or paragraph, etc., will pop out at me with something I really need from God at that time. Sometimes they don't seem to be what I need them, but they will come back to me at a later time and I'll realise why they stuck with me "back there."

I am so thankful to God for the Bible, daily source of encouragement and strength and source for courage and wisdom that it is!