To Minister As Unto Christ
Our Purpose
ISAIAH 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Pastor Donald Williams
Founder of Christian Chaplains State of New York Inc
President/ Pastor C.C.S.N.Y.I.
Donald Williams is Pastor/Founder of Broken Vessels Ministry, Inc. and Pastor/President of Christian Chaplains State of New York ,Inc. Donald came into relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in 1993 and has been in ministry since. As a lay-person, chaplain, minister and pastor, he has ministered compassion and trusting not in his own abilities, but in the God who makes all things possible. He attended Times Square Church, where he ministered with the Raven Ministry ( 1994 - 1996 ) a ministry to the homeless and served as Ministry Leader ( 1997 - 2000 ) and Associate Director ( 2000 - 2002 ) of the Prison Ministry. On February 25, 2007 Donald was awarded with certificate as Minister of the Gospel under the auspices of Open Bible Christian Church Int"l, L.A.C.A. New York State and Freedom Through Christ Prison Ministy. Donald was ordained a Pastor at Open Bible Christian Church International in July, 2010. Christan Chaplains State of New York was established in February 2011 to encourage people of God to minister the compassion of Christ Jesus.
July 11, 2015 · Shared with PublicSummary : From Pastor Donald Williams I remain amazed that my Lord, Jesus Christ, would call me into the ministry. I did not ask for it, nor did I want it. I just started to take God at his word, that he uses the foolish, so no man may glory in what the Lord plans and purposes, and brings to fruition. In this regard, I remain a servant to those in my care as President / Pastor of Christian Chaplains State of New York. It is the greatest of blessings to serve Jesus Christ and his creation. " To Minister as Unto Christ" ...has been my motto and life style since I first came into relationship with Jesus in 1993. It is my heart's desire to acknowledge, empower and encourage other ministries to reach out to the distressed and needy in society, those in need of the embrace of love and forgiveness, which God so freely offers.
To Acknowledge.....We give honor to God in using his ministers
To Empower.........We give ministerial credentials to individuals as:Member / ChaplainMinister / ChaplainPastor / Chaplain
To Encourage.........We encourage ministries to continue in the work the Lord
Certifications
Required Training and Certification - March 1998N.Y.S. Department of Youth Services
Certificate of Award of Duty - Minister of the Gospel
February 25th, 2007
Open Bible Christian Church Int'l
L.A.C.A. Chaplains New York State
Freedom in Christ Prison Ministry
Certificate of Ordination - Pastor - July 10, 2010Open Bible Christian Church Int'l Queens N.Y., License Registration
Broken Vessels Ministry Inc. - November 10, 2010New York State Department of State, License DOS
Christian Chaplains State of New York Inc. - February 9, 2011 New York State Department of State, License DOS
Certificate of Marriage Officiant Registration - September 7, 2011 The City of New York - Office of City Clerk Christian Chaplains State of New York Inc. - September 20, 2012 State of New York Office of the Attorney General, License Organization ID Pastor Williams has ministered with Christian Chaplains State of New York, Broken Vessels Ministry, Freedom Through Christ Ministry, Faith in Action Ministry, Prison Fellowship, Love in Action Ministries, Nahum Ministry and Times Square Church.
Certificate of Marriage Officiant Registration - September 7, 2011 The City of New York - Office of City Clerk Christian Chaplains State of New York Inc. - September 20, 2012 State of New York Office of the Attorney General, License Organization ID Pastor Williams has ministered with Christian Chaplains State of New York, Broken Vessels Ministry, Freedom Through Christ Ministry, Faith in Action Ministry, Prison Fellowship, Love in Action Ministries, Nahum Ministry and Times Square Church.
Contact Us
Christian Chaplains State of New York, Inc.Post Office Box 150133Kew Gardens, New York 11415-0133
Religious Organization
http://www.ccsnyi.org
Religious Organization
http://www.ccsnyi.org
646-546-6154
donaldinchrist@ccsnyi.org
Pastor Joseph Ramos
Christian Chaplains State of New York Inc
Vice- President/Pastor C.C.S.N.Y.I.
Pastor Joseph Ramos is Vice-President/Pastor of Christian Chaplains State of New York, Inc and licensed minister with New Testament Church and Mission. He is Founder and Ministry Leader of Love in Action Ministries. He has been serving the Lord since 1987 and is a graduate of New Orleans School of Urban Missions, where he was involved with church planting, homeless ministry, youth ministry and prison ministry. Pastor Ramos served as an volunteer member ( 1992 -1995 ) and as Ministry Director (1995-1998 ) of Times Square Church Raven Ministry feeding program for the homeless . Pastor Ramos was ordained as pastor in 2011 and is a man after God's heart having a deep knowledge of the bible that comes from spending time in prayer.
Love In Action MinistriesWe are a born-again, Christ-centered ministry based in the heart of Jersey City, New Jersey. Our services include visiting nursing homes, prisons, hospitals, feeding the homeless, and ministering the Word of God to shelters. We believe it is every Christians call to live out Matthews 25:35-36
Our Ministries MondaysBible Study at 3 P.M.
1st Saturday of monthFeeding the homeless at Tompkin Square Park New York City
Feeding the homeless at Newark Penn Station Newark, New Jersey 2nd Saturday of monthHudson County Juvenile Detention Center Secaucus, N.J. 3rd Saturday of the monthGoodwill Rescue Mission Newark, N.J. 4th Saturday of the monthLiberty Nursing Home Jersey City, N.J.Newport Nursing Home Jersey City, N.J. Feeding the homeless in Jersey City , New Jersey If we can possibly be of help or service, please do contact us at our email address: janthonyramos7@gmail.com
Feeding the homeless at Newark Penn Station Newark, New Jersey 2nd Saturday of monthHudson County Juvenile Detention Center Secaucus, N.J. 3rd Saturday of the monthGoodwill Rescue Mission Newark, N.J. 4th Saturday of the monthLiberty Nursing Home Jersey City, N.J.Newport Nursing Home Jersey City, N.J. Feeding the homeless in Jersey City , New Jersey If we can possibly be of help or service, please do contact us at our email address: janthonyramos7@gmail.com
Teachings by Pastor Joseph Ramos
The Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
In these scriptures, we see that Paul again is forced to address ungodly behavior. Whereas a meeting with saints should be a blessing, Paul was finding the gathering of these saints was doing more harm than good (v17). He NEVER encouraged those who were in sin. We should take note. In this meeting, instead of edifying one another and glorifying God in unity, there was division, slander, gossip etc. They were to celebrate the Lord's Supper, but instead some were more interested in celebrating their own flesh. In v21, we see greed and covetousness taking control as those that had enough, pushed aside those that were in need. The setting was such as at any banquet. There was food that was to be followed with the celebration of the Lord's Supper. Where was the preferring of one another; the edifying of those that are the least esteemed? Some did not have their needs met because of others' greediness and this is always the case when people are stingy and not willing to share. It is a disgrace to God and a shame to the poor (v22).
Paul admonishes the church by saying if people are hungry beforehand, they should eat at home, and NOT abuse this holy celebration. He was not willing to praise a people who were not dealing with issues of sin. The true meaning of this celebration was explained in v 24b-26: "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant between God and you, sealed by the shedding of my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it." For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again. Jesus didn't give any directions as to how often the Lord's Supper should be celebrated, but rather, the reason it IS and WAS to be celebrated. The Corinthians were going to the Lord's table with wrong motives!
Paul's warning to the Corinthians is equally important for us today. "So if anyone eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily, that person is guilty of sinning against the body and the blood of the Lord (v27)." As in the first part of chapter eleven, when Paul addresses the "covering", we see the connection here as well. When not submitted under the lordship of God, we dishonor the Head. One will be stingy; he will gossip and slander others etc. In general, this is what it means to eat and drink unworthily. God tells us to examine ourselves; to make sure our hearts and attitudes are right before we partake of the Lord's Supper (v28). Many are under judgment (v29) and aren't even aware of it. If you're serving Him, but not under His lordship, you are bringing judgment upon yourself. The church is filled with people like this. They're in various positions and ministries, and yet, they're weak and sick spiritually, and some physically as well. It's not just about the juice and the bread. This includes serving the Lord in any capacity in an unworthy manner. Some have already died physically and/ or spiritually.
We hear Christians blaming the devil for so much of their woes, but the explanation is clear and it's right in these scriptures. God gives the reason. They're not walking under the New Covenant. They're not walking in true faith. Paul again admonishes the believer to examine himself in his walk with God. If one honestly does this, he will not find himself in a weakened spiritual state. He will not be sick, nor dying spiritually, and God will not judge him, as He has to the worldly-minded individual. Yet, the Lord in His mercy, will judge and discipline those who are willing to be corrected in order that they not be under the same condemnation (v32).
As we conclude, we are to have the right attitude when we worship; when we eat of the Lord's Table or serve in any capacity. The same theme is throughout this chapter. Paul wants the church to understand that the true child of God will seek to be humble and submissive towards Him and one another: preferring one another. When we're not like this or truly willing to be like this, we're really saying what Jesus did on the cross was not enough. Grieving The Holy Spirit
Eph. 4:30 says "do not grieve the Holy Spirit." To grieve means to burden; to cause to suffer pain; to make sorrowful. The lexicon tells us that it is the opposite of rejoicing. It is an inward grief: an example being the beating of the breast as an outward sign of inward grief. 1 Thes 5:19 says "quench not the Spirit." To quench means to put out; to cool; to ignore etc When we first were saved, we had a fire in our hearts and were excited about the things of God. As time went on though, many put off the things of God and lost the passion.
How Do We Grieve the Holy Spirit?
1) By being passive
Causes and/ or definitions for being passive: a) Lacking in energy or will b) Not active c) Calm d) Not on fire e) Friends Reflection: Show me your friends, and I'll show you who YOU are.
When you're passionate about something or someone, you're excited. Being passive is just the opposite. In Rev. 2:1-5, the Lord rebuked a passive church, saying He would remove the candlestick (Holy Spirit), IF they didn't return to their passion (their first love). Although he complimented them on their discernment and unwillingness to tolerate evil, His biggest concern was that they lost their intense love for Him. Something caused a coldness to set in. One can lose the passion for Christ in their heart and still never miss a Sunday Service. The warning is very strict in v5 i.e. the Holy Spirit will be removed if repentance doesn't take place. Remember the sensitivity you had when first coming to Christ? One sin could grieve you endlessly. What about now? When people look at you, what do they see? What do people see on your face?
Your friends: Friends say a lot about who you are. If your friends are passive Christians, you will be one also. Friends reflect who we are. Paul warns us to separate ourselves from friendships both with the world (2 Cor 6:14-18) and with those claiming to be with Christ while following the ways of the world (1 Cor 5:9-13). Their ways will reflect on you and will bring you down instead of lifting you up. If you continually spend time with a complaining Christian for instance, odds are you'll find yourself being a complainer as well. The opposite also holds true. If you're passionate about the things of God, the Lord will provide likeminded individuals in your life to further exhort your walk with Him.
What happened to the fire? (Rev. 2:1-5, 1 Tim.1:6, Lev. 6:12,13, Mt. 3:11)
1 Tim. 1:6 lets us know that..."some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk..." The fire is lost when our conversation isn't godly; when all one talks about is sports or fashion or other people. The verse before says, "Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith...". Do you want a pure heart?... then love God. He'll give you a pure heart. Wandering away will cause you to listen to or preach false doctrines (vs3-7).
In 2 Tim. 1:6, Paul admonishes Timothy to "stir the gift"; to stir the flame of his passion. In Lev. 6:12,13, the Lord commanded the Israelites to keep the fire burning at all times. The commandment was that the fire must never go out. We are to keep the Holy Spirit's fire burning in our hearts at all times as well. Mt. 3:11: "he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire."
How Do We Grieve the Holy Spirit (cont')
1) By not walking in God's holinessa) By walking in sin or open rebellion (1 Jn 2:3-6)b) By walking in darkness (1 Jn. 1:5-10)c) Not representing Christ (1 Jon 3:2-6)d) Denying Him by our actions (Titus 1:9-16)e) No fear of God before their eyes (Jer. 5:22-29f) Embracing a smooth or false doctrine (Jer. 5:31)G) By not entering into Christ's sufferings (Phil. 3:10)
When walking in the "light" you are allowing God to expose you. Eph 4:17-32 gives a good explanation on how we should and shouldn't walk. V 30 tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Verses 18 and 19 show us what a hardened heart looks like and when your heart is hardened, you will:1) Lose your sensitivity2) Give yourself over to sensualityVerse 24 tells us to put on the "new man" and how do we do this? See vs 25-29, and Eph 5 as well for a detailed explanation.
How Can We NOT Grieve the Holy Spirit?
1) By loving Him with passion (being on fire)1a) with excitement1b) overmastering feeling behind control2) By being obedient (Jn. 14:15)3) By walking in the Light (1 Jn 2:9-11)3a) no secrets (Ps. 129:23, Jer. 17:10)3b) being an open book (Rev 20:11-15)3c) Loving your brother (1 Jn. 3:14,16-20)4) By living in His righteousness4a) by faith (Gal 2:20, Rom. 1:17, Phil. 3:3, Heb. 3:14)4b) By surrender; giving of yourself for others and making Jesus Lord (Lk.6:46)4c) By being a servant; walking in humility (Lk. 14:8-11)
Conclusion: Are you going to grieve the Holy Spirit or please Him? The choice is yours. Let Down Your Net
In Mark 5, we have the story of the demonically possessed man of the Gadarenes. Jesus commanded the demonic powers to leave, and they had no choice but to obey. Often, in the church, when someone is exhibiting signs of demonic activity, the church will try to physically handle the situation, rather than let God do the work. The reason this occurs is because we want the control. Success is only met when we let go and let God take the reins.
In Luke 5, Jesus is sitting in the boat with Peter, talking to the people. When He had finished speaking, Jesus told Peter to again let down the net, but this time to go deeper in the water (v4). Peter had originally been fishing all night and was unable to catch anything, but was willing to relinguish his control; his understanding, by obeying the Lord's request. We have to realize that Peter was a professional fisherman. He knew what he was doing and this didn't make sense to him (v5). Yet, he did what the Lord requested and caught so many fish, the net broke!
The problem with many is that unlike Peter, they refuse to yield everything to God. Any area in our lives that are under our control (instead of His), will produce misery. When we are in "deep waters" especially, we want to control the situation. We fear; we worry; we try to take care of our problems. God's answer to all of this is to let go; "let down your net.". You want to see fruit in your life or be a soul winner? Are you in deep waters? Let go. As long as you are in control, no fruit will be borne. Comparing vs 8-9 with Mk. 5:17, we see similar reactions of people being amazed, followed by the desire that Jesus leave. There is something in "natural" man that does not want to bow to His lordship, but we must, for ours and others' sakes.
The key to it all is found in Luke 5:11: "...they left everything and followed Jesus. In v 27, Matthew was willing and became His disciple. There are many today who have the nerve to call Him Lord and yet are their own lords. Much time is wasted on doing things their own way instead of giving in to Him. Where's the joy; the fruit; the fishing for men? We find ourselves in these "waters" and instead of taking us out, God takes us deeper into them as He did Peter so that we become totally dependent on Him.
Christians are envious of other Christians being blessed; they lack joy, they're not fishing for men because they're not letting go. Preachers make a show of weeping (see Mal. 2:13); pushing people down as a sign that the Spirit is working mightily. Yet, that person who supposedly was filled is now back in his sin a month later. Fruit WILL be borne ONLY when you let down your net.
Do you find yourself in deep waters? Let go of your net: your own control and depend completely on Him. You will then see fruitfulness in your life. As long as you remain in control, God cannot use you. The Lord allowed Peter to fall three times in denying Him because he was still in control. May we learn from this.
In these scriptures, we see that Paul again is forced to address ungodly behavior. Whereas a meeting with saints should be a blessing, Paul was finding the gathering of these saints was doing more harm than good (v17). He NEVER encouraged those who were in sin. We should take note. In this meeting, instead of edifying one another and glorifying God in unity, there was division, slander, gossip etc. They were to celebrate the Lord's Supper, but instead some were more interested in celebrating their own flesh. In v21, we see greed and covetousness taking control as those that had enough, pushed aside those that were in need. The setting was such as at any banquet. There was food that was to be followed with the celebration of the Lord's Supper. Where was the preferring of one another; the edifying of those that are the least esteemed? Some did not have their needs met because of others' greediness and this is always the case when people are stingy and not willing to share. It is a disgrace to God and a shame to the poor (v22).
Paul admonishes the church by saying if people are hungry beforehand, they should eat at home, and NOT abuse this holy celebration. He was not willing to praise a people who were not dealing with issues of sin. The true meaning of this celebration was explained in v 24b-26: "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant between God and you, sealed by the shedding of my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it." For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again. Jesus didn't give any directions as to how often the Lord's Supper should be celebrated, but rather, the reason it IS and WAS to be celebrated. The Corinthians were going to the Lord's table with wrong motives!
Paul's warning to the Corinthians is equally important for us today. "So if anyone eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily, that person is guilty of sinning against the body and the blood of the Lord (v27)." As in the first part of chapter eleven, when Paul addresses the "covering", we see the connection here as well. When not submitted under the lordship of God, we dishonor the Head. One will be stingy; he will gossip and slander others etc. In general, this is what it means to eat and drink unworthily. God tells us to examine ourselves; to make sure our hearts and attitudes are right before we partake of the Lord's Supper (v28). Many are under judgment (v29) and aren't even aware of it. If you're serving Him, but not under His lordship, you are bringing judgment upon yourself. The church is filled with people like this. They're in various positions and ministries, and yet, they're weak and sick spiritually, and some physically as well. It's not just about the juice and the bread. This includes serving the Lord in any capacity in an unworthy manner. Some have already died physically and/ or spiritually.
We hear Christians blaming the devil for so much of their woes, but the explanation is clear and it's right in these scriptures. God gives the reason. They're not walking under the New Covenant. They're not walking in true faith. Paul again admonishes the believer to examine himself in his walk with God. If one honestly does this, he will not find himself in a weakened spiritual state. He will not be sick, nor dying spiritually, and God will not judge him, as He has to the worldly-minded individual. Yet, the Lord in His mercy, will judge and discipline those who are willing to be corrected in order that they not be under the same condemnation (v32).
As we conclude, we are to have the right attitude when we worship; when we eat of the Lord's Table or serve in any capacity. The same theme is throughout this chapter. Paul wants the church to understand that the true child of God will seek to be humble and submissive towards Him and one another: preferring one another. When we're not like this or truly willing to be like this, we're really saying what Jesus did on the cross was not enough. Grieving The Holy Spirit
Eph. 4:30 says "do not grieve the Holy Spirit." To grieve means to burden; to cause to suffer pain; to make sorrowful. The lexicon tells us that it is the opposite of rejoicing. It is an inward grief: an example being the beating of the breast as an outward sign of inward grief. 1 Thes 5:19 says "quench not the Spirit." To quench means to put out; to cool; to ignore etc When we first were saved, we had a fire in our hearts and were excited about the things of God. As time went on though, many put off the things of God and lost the passion.
How Do We Grieve the Holy Spirit?
1) By being passive
Causes and/ or definitions for being passive: a) Lacking in energy or will b) Not active c) Calm d) Not on fire e) Friends Reflection: Show me your friends, and I'll show you who YOU are.
When you're passionate about something or someone, you're excited. Being passive is just the opposite. In Rev. 2:1-5, the Lord rebuked a passive church, saying He would remove the candlestick (Holy Spirit), IF they didn't return to their passion (their first love). Although he complimented them on their discernment and unwillingness to tolerate evil, His biggest concern was that they lost their intense love for Him. Something caused a coldness to set in. One can lose the passion for Christ in their heart and still never miss a Sunday Service. The warning is very strict in v5 i.e. the Holy Spirit will be removed if repentance doesn't take place. Remember the sensitivity you had when first coming to Christ? One sin could grieve you endlessly. What about now? When people look at you, what do they see? What do people see on your face?
Your friends: Friends say a lot about who you are. If your friends are passive Christians, you will be one also. Friends reflect who we are. Paul warns us to separate ourselves from friendships both with the world (2 Cor 6:14-18) and with those claiming to be with Christ while following the ways of the world (1 Cor 5:9-13). Their ways will reflect on you and will bring you down instead of lifting you up. If you continually spend time with a complaining Christian for instance, odds are you'll find yourself being a complainer as well. The opposite also holds true. If you're passionate about the things of God, the Lord will provide likeminded individuals in your life to further exhort your walk with Him.
What happened to the fire? (Rev. 2:1-5, 1 Tim.1:6, Lev. 6:12,13, Mt. 3:11)
1 Tim. 1:6 lets us know that..."some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk..." The fire is lost when our conversation isn't godly; when all one talks about is sports or fashion or other people. The verse before says, "Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith...". Do you want a pure heart?... then love God. He'll give you a pure heart. Wandering away will cause you to listen to or preach false doctrines (vs3-7).
In 2 Tim. 1:6, Paul admonishes Timothy to "stir the gift"; to stir the flame of his passion. In Lev. 6:12,13, the Lord commanded the Israelites to keep the fire burning at all times. The commandment was that the fire must never go out. We are to keep the Holy Spirit's fire burning in our hearts at all times as well. Mt. 3:11: "he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire."
How Do We Grieve the Holy Spirit (cont')
1) By not walking in God's holinessa) By walking in sin or open rebellion (1 Jn 2:3-6)b) By walking in darkness (1 Jn. 1:5-10)c) Not representing Christ (1 Jon 3:2-6)d) Denying Him by our actions (Titus 1:9-16)e) No fear of God before their eyes (Jer. 5:22-29f) Embracing a smooth or false doctrine (Jer. 5:31)G) By not entering into Christ's sufferings (Phil. 3:10)
When walking in the "light" you are allowing God to expose you. Eph 4:17-32 gives a good explanation on how we should and shouldn't walk. V 30 tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Verses 18 and 19 show us what a hardened heart looks like and when your heart is hardened, you will:1) Lose your sensitivity2) Give yourself over to sensualityVerse 24 tells us to put on the "new man" and how do we do this? See vs 25-29, and Eph 5 as well for a detailed explanation.
How Can We NOT Grieve the Holy Spirit?
1) By loving Him with passion (being on fire)1a) with excitement1b) overmastering feeling behind control2) By being obedient (Jn. 14:15)3) By walking in the Light (1 Jn 2:9-11)3a) no secrets (Ps. 129:23, Jer. 17:10)3b) being an open book (Rev 20:11-15)3c) Loving your brother (1 Jn. 3:14,16-20)4) By living in His righteousness4a) by faith (Gal 2:20, Rom. 1:17, Phil. 3:3, Heb. 3:14)4b) By surrender; giving of yourself for others and making Jesus Lord (Lk.6:46)4c) By being a servant; walking in humility (Lk. 14:8-11)
Conclusion: Are you going to grieve the Holy Spirit or please Him? The choice is yours. Let Down Your Net
In Mark 5, we have the story of the demonically possessed man of the Gadarenes. Jesus commanded the demonic powers to leave, and they had no choice but to obey. Often, in the church, when someone is exhibiting signs of demonic activity, the church will try to physically handle the situation, rather than let God do the work. The reason this occurs is because we want the control. Success is only met when we let go and let God take the reins.
In Luke 5, Jesus is sitting in the boat with Peter, talking to the people. When He had finished speaking, Jesus told Peter to again let down the net, but this time to go deeper in the water (v4). Peter had originally been fishing all night and was unable to catch anything, but was willing to relinguish his control; his understanding, by obeying the Lord's request. We have to realize that Peter was a professional fisherman. He knew what he was doing and this didn't make sense to him (v5). Yet, he did what the Lord requested and caught so many fish, the net broke!
The problem with many is that unlike Peter, they refuse to yield everything to God. Any area in our lives that are under our control (instead of His), will produce misery. When we are in "deep waters" especially, we want to control the situation. We fear; we worry; we try to take care of our problems. God's answer to all of this is to let go; "let down your net.". You want to see fruit in your life or be a soul winner? Are you in deep waters? Let go. As long as you are in control, no fruit will be borne. Comparing vs 8-9 with Mk. 5:17, we see similar reactions of people being amazed, followed by the desire that Jesus leave. There is something in "natural" man that does not want to bow to His lordship, but we must, for ours and others' sakes.
The key to it all is found in Luke 5:11: "...they left everything and followed Jesus. In v 27, Matthew was willing and became His disciple. There are many today who have the nerve to call Him Lord and yet are their own lords. Much time is wasted on doing things their own way instead of giving in to Him. Where's the joy; the fruit; the fishing for men? We find ourselves in these "waters" and instead of taking us out, God takes us deeper into them as He did Peter so that we become totally dependent on Him.
Christians are envious of other Christians being blessed; they lack joy, they're not fishing for men because they're not letting go. Preachers make a show of weeping (see Mal. 2:13); pushing people down as a sign that the Spirit is working mightily. Yet, that person who supposedly was filled is now back in his sin a month later. Fruit WILL be borne ONLY when you let down your net.
Do you find yourself in deep waters? Let go of your net: your own control and depend completely on Him. You will then see fruitfulness in your life. As long as you remain in control, God cannot use you. The Lord allowed Peter to fall three times in denying Him because he was still in control. May we learn from this.