Today's Verse: John 5:30

Saturday, September 16, 2023

[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 Saturday, September 16, 2023

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'A Good Place to Start' (Jn. 3:1-2)
"There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. "Rabbi," he said,...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Tithing Is a Weapon Against The Enemy'
""You have robbed me in your offerings and the tenth of your crops. So a curse is on you, because the whole nation has robbed me. Bring to the..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Don't Let These Truths Elude You!'
"Dear Follower, I love to tell stories from everyday life and connect them to heavenly truths. There is a reason for that. You can remember stories..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Spirit and Love Driven Prayer' (Ro. 15:30)
"I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for 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.

More Today's Verse