The title of my devotional today is; Is the building shaking? In Acts 4:31 we read of a prayer meeting so full of God’s presence that “the place where they were assembled together was shaken.” Those believers were then all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. What a scene—and what a pattern for us today.
Scripture (NKJV)
Acts 4:31 — “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
Romans 12:2 — “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
1 Samuel 4:21 — “Then she named the child Ichabod, saying, ‘The glory has departed from Israel!’ because the ark of God had been captured…”
From Form to Power
Luke tells us the shaking came after they prayed. There is a world of difference between attending a meeting and assembling with expectancy. The early church gathered to seek God, not just to go through motions. The result was tangible: God shook the place, filled His people, and sent them out with courage.
Filled to Speak
The Spirit’s filling produced bold proclamation. This is not natural bravado; it is a holy courage that loves truth and people enough to speak clearly. If we long to see God move in our churches and communities, we must let Him fill us and then step forward in faith to share His Word.
Renewing the Mind
We all feel the pull of the world’s noise. Paul’s appeal in Romans 12:2 is as practical as it is spiritual: stop being squeezed into the world’s mould and be transformed by renewing your mind. That means replacing unhelpful media loops with Scripture, prayer, and truth-filled voices so that our thinking—and living—aligns with God’s will.
From “Ichabod” to Glory
1 Samuel 4:21 is a sobering picture of spiritual barrenness—“the glory has departed.” We don’t want churches or lives labelled Ichabod. Instead, we pursue gatherings where God is welcomed, where prayer is more than a formality, and where His presence is treasured above everything else.
Learning from Worshippers
Our personalities differ—some of us are naturally reserved—but we can be stirred by believers who worship “in spirit and truth.” We don’t copy styles; we seek authentic, wholehearted worship that honours God and opens our hearts to His work.
How to Apply This Today
- Set the table for the Spirit: create a simple daily rhythm of prayer and Scripture (even 10–15 focused minutes).
- Ask and act: pray to be freshly filled with the Holy Spirit, then share a verse or encouragement with someone today.
- Trade noise for truth: swap one media habit for Scripture meditation or a Christ-centred message.
- Assemble with expectancy: when believers gather, believe God to shake what needs shaking and to embolden His people.
Reflection Questions
- Where do I need boldness to speak God’s Word this week?
- What is one mindset I can renew by filling it with Scripture?
- How can I help my church family pursue prayer and the Spirit’s fullness together?
Prayer
Lord, shake everything in me that doesn’t belong, and fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Renew my mind by Your Word. Give me boldness to speak truth in love. Let my life and my church be marked by Your presence—for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Related Devotionals
- Calming the Storm (Luke 8:22–25)
- Going Through the Furnace (Isaiah 48:10)
- In the Spirit or the Flesh? (Galatians 3:3)
- A Trouble-Free Heart (John 14:1–3)
If this encouraged you, please share your thoughts in the comments and pass it on to someone who needs boldness today.