Today's Verse: John 5:30

Sunday, September 16, 2007

[Jesus said,] "By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me."
— John 5:30
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"So who you tryin' to please, anyway?" These words from my dad still ring in my ears. His point? There are only two voices we MUST please:
  1. Our Father in heaven, because all praise and honor are due him.
  2. Ourselves, because we want to know that we've done our best and been the best we could be for God.
Over the years, however, I've learned that I can't begin to honor the second voice very well without seeking the first will of the Father, the heart and character behind the first voice. Don't you hope that someday you reach the place where you can join Jesus in saying with absolute assurance: "I seek not to please myself but him who sent me!" The closer we approach that reality, the more we realize that we can't do anything of eternal significance on our own. Only when we live to honor God do we achieve the significance and have the impact that our lives were made to have.

My Prayer...

Almighty and Righteous Father, I know that without you, I can do nothing of lasting significance that is good. I have tried my way and failed. I have sought my good and seen my success short-lived. I want to live now, today, and the rest of my life to please you. As I do this, I am confident that you will provide what I need and empower me to accomplish what you would have me achieve. In Jesus' name, I thank you. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

The Grand Consultant
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued,] "I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who....."
Whom will you please?
Illustration of John 5:30
Inspirational illustration of John 5:30 -- By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
He is "I Am"
Article by Mike Barres
How do we really help people with low self-esteem? We are given remarkable freedom in Jesus; we can become like him.
Beyond the Sacred Page
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, The Bible is a precious treasure. Don't neglect it. Use it and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through it. Remember! It is a tool....."

Illustration

Illustration of John 5:30 — [Jesus said,] "By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, September 16, 2007

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Believe Moses!' (Jn. 5:45-47)
"[Talking to Jewish leaders who opposed him, Jesus continued,] "Yet it isn't I who will accuse you before the Father. Moses will accuse you! Yes,..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Seeing the Glorious Son of Man' (Acts 7:54-56)
"The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation [about their killing the Messiah and disobeying God's law], and they shook their fists at....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Adoption as Sons' (Ro. 8:22-23)
"For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the....."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 10:3
"The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse