“And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets. And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.” (Luke 5:5-7 ESV)

Miraculously filled to the point of breaking

It’s interesting, how in the above passage, Simon’s net was miraculously filled to the point of breaking, so he signaled to his partners in a nearby boat to come and soon their nets were full also to the point of breaking. The second boat benefited from partnership with Simon and completely shared in his blessing. 

It’s not you!

I went into full time ministry as the executive director of Whatcom County Youth For Christ during the Jesus Movement that started in the late 1960’s early 1970’s. All my meetings were jam packed and many people responded to the invitations to trust in Christ. I saw amazing results all around me but I took it all for granted at the time. It was so easy and wonderful! I fully expected it to continue forever with the same kinds of amazing results. I hadn’t any concern that it would end someday. Then, I received a phone call from a local pastor who asked to meet with me. He told me he was a long time pastor and wanted to tell me something important. So I met with him. He said, “Mike, I have noticed the crowds at your events and have been very happy to see so many young people responding and making commitments to Christ! That is so wonderful, but, I want you to understand something very important—It’s not you! What you’re experiencing here is a special move of the Holy Spirit that you are fortunate enough to be sharing in. God is doing something amazing and you just happen to be present and receive His blessing in it. One day, however, the crowds may no longer be there, but, if and when that happens, remember what I said, ‘it’s not you!’” He then gave me some advice. He told me that if I wanted to continue to be successful in ministry in the future, I should look around carefully and find out what God is actively doing—where His mighty hand is at work—and then get involved and partner with it. Then, I would continually be a part of what God is doing and what He is blessing. I took what he said to heart and did what He said! I got involved (partnered) with ministries that were obviously being blessed such as the Billy Graham crusades that came to our area and the Promise Keepers rallies, just to name a couple of them. And, yes, I have been truly blessed as a result! Just like those fishermen who had partnered with Simon, my “nets” have been been miraculously filled!

Therefore…

“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:13 ESV)

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38 ESV)

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” (Eph. 3:20 ESV)

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24 ESV)

Prayer is powerful 

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16 ESV)

Ask in His Name with faith

 “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14 ESV)

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6 ESV)

 Pray about everything 

 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7 ESV)

 God will help you pray correctly 

 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Therefore…

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matt. 7:7 ESV)

“Pray without ceasing,” (1 Thess 5:17 ESV)

“Therefore I remind you that you stir up the gift of God, which is in you...” (2 Tim. 1:6 NKJV)

Don’t allow yourself to become settled!

 Settled is defined as “fixed or established; unlikely to change, concluded, decided, ended, over and final”. That should NEVER describe the life of a follower of Jesus. 

 Grow and increase

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,” (Prov. 1:5 ESV)

“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—“ (1 Pet. 2:2 ESV) 

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:12-14 ESV)

Therefore…

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Col. 2:6-7 ESV)

 “Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” (1 Tim. 4:15 ESV)

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9 ESV)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13 ESV)

 “And though your beginning was small, your latter days will be very great.” (Job 8:7)

 Even when you’re old 

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age,” (Psalms 82:12-14 )

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Rev. 3:20 ESV)

Relationship:The condition or fact of being related; connection or association; connection by blood or marriage; kinship; a particular type of connection existing between people related to or having dealings with each other.

In a relationship

When you look at someone’s social media profile there is a category called “In a relationship”. The moment you receive Christ you are adopted into His family and you become a child of God with all the family benefits. You are then “in a relationship” with God! He is your loving Father and you can boldly come to Him with any care or concern you may have. 

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1 ESV)

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Heb. 4:16 NLT) 

Therefore…

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8 ESV)

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:9-11 ESV)

“Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23 ESV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;” (2 Cor. 5:17-18 ESV)

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32 NKJV)

It’s the truth you know

I have heard many people, over the years, repeat the old saying, “What you don’t know won’t hurt you”. But, that’s not true, when it comes to knowing the promises found in the Word of God! In order for them to work for you and to enable them to help you in your times of need, you must know them! If you don’t know them, you cannot apply them! There are thousands of them throughout the Bible. Look what the Bible has to say about them. 

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4 KJV)

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 1 Cor. 2:20 NKJV)

How many promises do you know and apply to your life? Most Christians can’t think of three! That’s sad! They’re missing out on the many blessings that God has provided for them. 

The following are just seven promises that you should know and apply

1.    God has promised to supply your every need

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus".  (Phil. 4:19). Read also Matt. 6:33.

2.    God has promised that His grace is sufficient for you

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Cor.12:9). Read also Eph. 2:8 and Rom. 5:2.  

3.    God has promised that His children will not be overtaken with temptation

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (I Cor. 10:13). Also read Jude 1:24 

4.    God has promised us victory 

"but thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Cor. 15:57). 

5.    God has promised that all things work together for good of those who love Him 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28 NIV)

6.    God has promised that those who trust in Jesus will be saved

“If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom. 10:9 NIV) Read Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38).

7.    God has promised His people eternal life 

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”  (John 10:27,28). 

“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Heb. 9:28 ESV) 

Coming soon

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.” (Rev. 22:12 ESV)

Every eye will see Him

“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.” (Rev. 1:7 ESV)

“For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Natt. 24:27 ESV)

Be watchful! It’s nearer now than when you first believed

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36 ESV)

“This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (Rom. 13:11 ESV)

Therefore…

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28 ESV)

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matt. 25:13 ESV)

“Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:13)

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4 NIV)

 Give thanks and praise for His steadfast love endures forever!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;  the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;  to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever; and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever; with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever; and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever; but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever; and killed mighty kings, for his steadfast love endures forever; Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever; and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever; and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever; a heritage to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures forever. It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever; he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalms 136:1-6 ESV)

 Therefore…

“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” (Heb. 13:15 ESV)

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:1-6 ESV)

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1 NIV)

Be a good example in speech, conduct and love

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12 ESV)

Show yourself to be a model of good works

“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,” (Titus 2:6-7 ESV)

“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:15 ESV)

Keep your eyes on others who are good examples 

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” (Phil. 3:17 ESV)

When they see your good deeds they will glorify God

“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Pet. 2:12 ESV)

 Therefore…

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:9 ESV)

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” (1 Pet. 2:16 ESV)

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:37 ESV)

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:7 ESV)

 Lay aside every weight and sin and run with endurance the race set before you

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” (Heb. 12:1 ESV)

 Do not run aimlessly but exercise self control 

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” (1 Cor. 9:24-27 ESV)

 The prize you’re racing toward 

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13-14 ESV)

 Therefore…

“Holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” (Phil. 2:16 ESV)

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isa. 40:31 ESV)