Shaken by the Spirit: Experiencing God's Presence Together
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | February 19 2025 | Acts 4:23-31
KEY VERSE: After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31 (NIV)
MESSAGE: When the believers prayed for boldness, God responded with a visible and tangible sign of His presence: the ground shook, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. This moment was not about spectacle; it served as a confirmation of God’s power and His approval of their mission.
Sometimes, we long for dramatic signs of God’s presence, but His Spirit often works quietly in our hearts. Still, there are moments when He moves in unmistakable ways, reminding us of His power and call to action. These encounters with God refresh our faith and embolden us to carry out His work.
God is very near to us, and He demonstrates this through His presence in various visible ways. All we need to do is invite Him in through fellowship with other believers and engaging in prayer, for He is present where two or three come together in His name. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Reflect on times when you’ve profoundly experienced God’s presence. Know that He is ever so near; all you have to do is invite him in.
PRAYER:
Lord, let my heart be shaken by Your Spirit. Fill me with boldness and empower me to live out Your mission faithfully. And help me to know you are near. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 50: Exodus 25-26 — Instructions for the Tabernacle
DAILY word study: FILLED
The Greek word for "filled" in Acts 4:31 is "plēthō" (πλήθω), meaning to be fully supplied, saturated, or overflowing with something. In the New Testament, "plēthō" often refers to being filled with the Holy Spirit, denoting divine empowerment, courage, and a deep sense of mission (Acts 2:4, Luke 1:67).
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event but a continuous experience of divine enablement. Although the disciples had already received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:4), yet here they were filled again, showing that God continually renews and strengthens His people. This filling brings boldness, wisdom, and power to proclaim God’s truth.
Reflection.
Ask yourself: Are you filled with the Spirit, or are you running on empty? God desires to empower His people continually. Seek His presence through prayer, and He will fill you afresh.
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