MEMORISE: As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. Mark 5:36
BIBLE READING: Philippians 4:8, Mark 5:22-42 (KJV)
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” 24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.
25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”
29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”
31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”
32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; onlybelieve.” 37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. 39 When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”
40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.
Read yesterday’s Open Heaven Devotional here
A report is the result of an action or event. There are good reports and there are bad reports; God is telling you today to think only on good reports. In Mark 5:25-34, we read the story of the woman with the issue of blood. The doctors had given her a negative report that she was going to die in her sickness. However, she had heard many reports about how Jesus healed people of their sicknesses and diseases. She had a choice of whose report she would focus on-the report of the doctors or that of Jesus’ power. Thank God she focused on the good report of Jesus’ healing power and she got her miracle. In Mark 5:36, someone came to give Jairus a bad report that his daughter was dead. Jesus told him to ignore that report and only believe that of the Lord. He focused on Jesus’ report and his daughter lived. The report you think on will determine the result you get.
Many a time, you may get scared of trying something because somebody tried it and failed. If you keep thinking about the people who failed at it, then the result will be failure. God says “Think on the good reports, not the bad reports”. Someone might have passed through what you are passing through now and did not succeed, but other people experienced the same thing and they overcame; think of those ones who made it. Even if you don’t know anyone around you who has passed through that particular experience successfully, look into the good report of God’s word. I am certain that your case is mentioned in the Bible and the report is a good one.
There is a popular song by the legendary singer Dr. Ron Kenoly where the lead singer calls: “Whose report will you believe?” Everyone responds: “We shall believe the report of the Lord. His report says I am healed, His report says I am filled, His report says I am free, His report says victory!” Kill the thoughts of bad reports and focus on the good ones so that you can have victory.
Christ in you is indeed the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). You are guaranteed a glorious future if you remain steadfast in Christ Jesus. Focus on this good report.
PRAYER POINT: The report you think on will determine the result you will get.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 119:1-64
Thank you for studying today’s Open Heaven – Whatsoever Things Are of Good Report – written by Pastor Enoch A.
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Open Heaven 15 July 2022