Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Isaiah 57:15-59:21, Philippians 1:1-26, Psalm 71:1-24, Proverb 24:9-10

Rebuilding Fences With Genuine Worship

The Lord is not impressed with empty rituals; He is moved by hearts that live what they profess. He sees beyond our outward shows of devotion and looks for genuine obedience — the kind that transforms lives, heals what was broken, and restores what has been torn down. This is the kind of worship Isaiah 58 calls us to, and it is the kind of life that earns the name ‘rebuilders of walls and restorers of homes.

The Lord gave me a dream that brought this scripture to life. In the dream, my husband and I were in our home. It was dark outside, and a group of rowdy teenagers rode their four-wheelers around our house and property, taunting and tormenting us. At the back of our land, a portion of the fence was down, and they kept coming through the broken place. I thought we should go talk to their parents, but my husband said simply: “No. We just need to rebuild the fence.”

The next morning, the Lord revealed the meaning: “There has been a fence torn down on your property that is allowing tormentors to enter and trespass. You need to rebuild the fence to keep them out and to protect your home and family.” When I asked what the fence was, He answered: “Your trust and respect for your husband. You don’t value his relationship with Me like you should because it is different from yours and you don’t understand it.”

I was shocked — I love and honor my husband! But the Lord gently showed me that what I thought was innocent (withholding things to avoid conflict or to get my own way) was, in fact, deceit. “In order to succeed,” He said, “you must have your home and marriage intact, secure, and in order. Do all you can to repair what was broken… Ask for his unity and approval on everything you do. This will establish trust and keep you from ever being misled. While you are busy fulfilling your calling with Me, he will be the one watching your back so you don’t stumble or fall.”

God sees the hidden places of our hearts — even the motives we don’t recognize. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes” (Hebrews 4:13, NLT). What we think is harmless can be the very thing opening the door to the enemy. Like a broken fence, unchecked sin or selfishness allows tormentors to creep into our lives, our marriages, our homes.

But the Lord’s call is not just to repair what is broken inside us — it is to bring restoration to others as well. “Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help” (Isaiah 58:6–7, NLT). When we walk uprightly with Him, He promises: “The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring” (Isaiah 58:11, NLT).

This is the true fast God desires: an open and willing heart devoted to Him — not outward piety, but inward obedience that overflows in compassion and righteousness. When we are one with Him, He will show us what is broken and teach us how to mend it. His desire is for us to be whole, and when our worship and devotion are genuine, it creates room for Him to dwell in our hearts, to teach us, and to guide us. First He mends the fences between Himself and us, then He restores the fences in our homes and families — and from there, the light of Christ shines outward to others. Then we will indeed be known as rebuilders of walls and restorers of homes — not only in our families, but also in the lives of those we touch.

Action (5 Minutes with God)

1. Ask Him to Search You: Invite the Lord to show you any “broken fences” in your life — hidden motives, relationships out of order, or unguarded areas of your heart.
   • Journal what He reveals to you.
2. Then ask, “What do you want me to do?”
   • Journal what He reveals then do it!

Prayer

Lord, search me and know me. Show me the broken places in my life where I have allowed the enemy to creep in. Forgive me for the times I thought I knew best and failed to walk in unity with those You gave me for protection and strength. Help me to rebuild the fences in my marriage, my family, and my heart. Teach me to live in genuine obedience — filled with compassion, love, and truth. Make me, Lord, a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes, that my life may bring light to others and glory to Your name. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.