The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 24 May 2026 – Empowered By The Spirit
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TOPIC – Empowered By The Spirit
READ: John 20:19-31 (KJV)
19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
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20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
THE MESSAGE:
On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together behind locked doors, fearful of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus appeared among them and said, “Peace be with you!” He showed them His hands and His side, and the disciples were overjoyed. Jesus then breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” This passage is significant for Pentecost Sunday, as it marks the moment when Jesus imparted the Holy Spirit to His disciples. The Holy Spirit is a gift that empowers believers to live out their faith, providing guidance, comfort, and strength. Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in their time of fear and uncertainty reminds us that He is always with us, offering peace and the assurance of His presence.
As we celebrate Pentecost, reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. Are you open to His guidance and empowerment? Life is full of troubles and the only source of joy and unending peace is the Holy Spirit. Jesus spoke about the need and work of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16, “And I will pray for the father; and he shall give another comforter; that he may abide with you forever.” One of the promises of Jesus is that He will not leave us comfortless. In every challenge or trouble, the Holy Spirit equips us to be victorious, share the gospel, and live in a way that honours God. Just as the disciples were transformed by the Spirit, we, too, can experience renewal and boldness in our faith. Invite the Holy Spirit and seek His guidance in your decisions, His comfort in your struggles, and His strength in your weaknesses. Trust that He is with you, empowering you to live out your faith with courage and conviction.
PRAYER:
Dear Holy Spirit, please empower me to overcome my fears and doubts, share my love with the world, and experience the fullness of your peace. Amen
