By John Damian Adizie

People are dying and are ready to die just for power. They crave for power everywhere and at all cost. Those who relied on political and military power are beginning to realize that their powers are limited either by elect-ion or appointment.

Occultic powers are not reliable either. Even native doctors are beginning to realize that their powers cannot save them from untimely death. Where then can we find authentic and reliable power?

Jesus Christ is a man with the highest authority. He is the most powerful man on earth. In Matthew 28:18, he said, “All author-ity in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Jesus is indeed the Commander in Chief of spiritual, physical and angelic powers. At the mention of His name every knee must bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10). What a powerful name!

Before Pentecost day Jesus assured his follow-ers, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…“ (Acts 1:8) The Holy Spirit is the giver of auth-entic powers. He is the great-est force on earth. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to be filled with power – power from above!

In Acts 1:1-11 Jesus told his followers ”John baptised with water, but before many days you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit…” This was exactly what happened on Pentecost Sunday. As soon as they saw the tongues of fire, they were all “filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utteran-ce” (Acts 2:1-4). The dis-ciples were, in fact, cloth-ed with the power of the Holy Spirit.

The highest form of power here on earth is the authority to forgive sin. A President, a governor or even a soldier cannot ab-solve people’s sin. No amount of force can wipe away sin. After his resur-rection Jesus appeared and breathed on his dis-ciples, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are re-tained.” (John 20:22-23). The power of forgiveness comes from the Holy Spirit.

Prayer and holiness of life remains the easiest way to receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Child of God, as you open yourself to the Holy Spirit you shall receive divine power.

You will be filled with an-ointing power — the power that breaks every yoke! the healing power — the power that sets the sick free and liberating power — the power that sets the captives free. From today you shall become powerful in Jesus name. Amen!

I wish you and all the members of the Carmeli-tes of the Holy Spirit, Happy Pentecost Sunday!