I just found this amazing resource AMEtv.org designed with African Methodist Episcopal saints in mind.  God is always on time and He was truly on time for me finding my way to this site because I needed to see the excitement of serving God through the AME church in a new way.  This discovery came just at this time.

 The message I share for those of you who are experiencing at this time of tough economic times that breeds tension, worry and doubt comes from the Gospel of John 14.  "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1.  Don't be troubled, because today is a Great day for God to do greater works through us as believers.

At the onset of a new conference year, I find my church again embroiled in divisive thoughts and defeatist actions.  Such times as this is when we need to be encouraged that such times present awesome opportunities for Christ to work the miracles that we need and only that He can do.

• GREATER WORKS than feeding 5,000 through with two fish and five loaves?
• GREATER WORKS... that giving sight to the blind, giving movement to those who were paralyzed?
• GREATER WORKS.. that raising the dead?

Lord, how can this be?

We are able to do greater works than Christ because He has divinely inspired, educated us to be able to engineer new means and media to reach those who are lost and out of the ark of safety... as well as those who are lost even in the church.  (Ezekiel 2:3; 3:4-7)  He has more than twelve to be his hands and feet and his mouthpiece.  He has you and me and those who stand on the Lord's side with us.

John 14:12 -- "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he (and she) shall do also; and greater works than these shall (WE) do; because I go unto my father. 

This passage empowers me to see that even the toughest day as a Great Day for Greater Works in Christ Jesus!  Greater work is certainly needed in the church on a normal day.  But Greater Works is truly needed especially when the chips are down and no friends are hanging around.  Greater work is certainly needed when there are many in need of resources and the resources are not available.  Greater works are needed when the sheep have gone astray.  Greater work is needed to help unbelievers BELIEVE in God.

To do this greater work for the Lord I have three things that I need to be faithful in doing.

First, I am BELIEVING in the Heavenly Father... that God is with us.  I am BELIEVING in Jesus Christ that He is my strength in my weakest hour. I am BELIEVING that just as CHRIST has overcome the world... and JESUS will help me overcome negative, destructive, rebellious spirits that seek to destroy God's kingdom and my church family.... I am BELIEVING that He will change our stagnate water into the best of wine!

As I believe, I am determined to WORK...  I am going to continue the WORK... work to feed the sheep, give water to those who are thirsty, give clothing to those who are naked and give companionship to those who are locked up in situations of misfortune.  I am determined to grant the Holy Spirit access to WORK on me to change me from the inside out.... "Create in me a clean heart oh God and renew a right spirit in me."

Lastly, I committed to PRAY that the Lord empowers me to continue to work in love to share the good news with those who are lost... to edify and build up the Body of Christ... to keep the faith that if we shall ask anything in my name, I will do it."  (John 14:14). No, he didn't promise that the road would be easy... but even with bumps in the road  asking in His name... he promised.. I will do it!"

My prayer is simple -- "Lord, do it... do it for me right now." Keep me in the cycle of believing in your Holy Word, Working for the Kingdom and praying for power of the Almighty God... all of this asked in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen

Thank you Lord for a new way to do Greater Works... thank you AMEtv!

Reverend Marian Gibbons