Today's Verse: John 5:30

Wednesday, September 16, 1959

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[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
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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.

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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."

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.

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