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Key Bible Verse: I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn (Psalm 130:6). Bonus Reading:Psalm 91:1-4, 14-16

As a young Marine stationed on Okinawa, I was drawn to the refreshing unpretentiousness of Bob Newkirk, a man ministering to military personnel with The Navigators.

I dropped by his home late one evening to pay an unexpected visit. His wife met me at the door and said he wasn't home. "He's been under some stress lately," she said. "I think he may be down at his office. He told me he just wanted to get alone."

Deciding to try the office, I caught the minibus in to Naha, the island capital. I made my way down a street and across an alley to his modest office. As I approached, I could hear singing—"Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace."

It was Bob's voice. I stood outside for a few moments, listening, as the simple hymn continued. I peeked in the window and saw a candle on a table, my friend on his knees, and not another soul around. He was spending time with the Lord, all alone.

Bob never knew I came by that evening. But I got a glimpse of authentic Christianity that night—not piety on parade, but a man "in the shelter of the Most High."

—Charles Swindoll in Simple Faith

My Response: Here's when I'll plan to spend some time alone with God:

Thought to Apply: To adore is to be drawn away from my own preoccupations into the presence of Jesus.

—Henri Nouwen (writer, 20th century)

Adapted from: Simple Faith (Word, 1991) by permission.

Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, show me how to be a first-rate worker without being consumed by my work.

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