Liz Humphries, Cardiff

The Lord gloriously saved me on January 1st 1998, but in the latter years, I would describe my walk as "lukewarm", hence an initial feeling of discomfort about doing this.  Anyway, as it goes, the Lord must have willed this in His providence as I actually feel as though I am on a desert island at the moment (the world); surrounded by people but desperately desiring only to meet with that one person who can make me sing again and set my heart aflame; God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. As it transpires, thinking about the verses that have been and are precious to me has been a real blessing, so thank you for this opportunity.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

This verse spoke to me when I was first saved. What a thrill to think that the Lord of Hosts would sup with me, and I with Him. I have known this communion with Christ and, once tasted, it is yearned for. To be alone on a desert island, yet be able to have such intimate communion with my Saviour is such a wonderful blessing. Interestingly, the chapter is about the church at Laodicea, the "lukewarm" church. I was warned many years ago by the Lord to keep this door open. Backsliding happens when you don't listen to the Lord through His word. God give me the strength to open my ears and the door to supping with you again!

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6

This verse hung in my Mother's house and now in mine. She found it a great help and so have I through the years. Many times I have pondered, “Why, Lord?” Then I look up in my kitchen and there's the verse. Trust Me, lean on Me, acknowledge Me and don't look to your own understanding. What a relief to not have to trust myself and my own understanding. The Lord knows the path through the desert. Hallelujah!

But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

What a verse! What a Saviour! Thank the Lord for His finished work. What stripes He bore for my healing. Can I complain about being on a desert island? This verse has comforted me yet again.

But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered in to the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9, Isaiah 64:4

Some commentators say that this is not a reference to Heaven, rather knowledge or understanding of the divinely written truth. I have always held to the belief that this is about Heaven (but I haven't got a problem with the other either). It is a reminder for me that I won't always be on a desert island and that one day I will be with Him in glory. I often think of Heaven and long to see my Saviour face to face. How can we even begin to imagine this? This verse has helped me dream of home since being saved and it's just been remembered in the desert.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing John 15:5

I tried witnessing in my own strength when first saved and this is the verse that the Lord gave to me when I realised I wasn't getting anywhere. I then asked for opportunities made by Him and asked for His aid when witnessing; what a difference. I have never forgotten the experience, but my sin always causes me to err on self-sufficiency. There may be no one to witness to on a desert island, but the harvest is plenteous in this desert world. 

Which Christian from the past would you like to find on the island for company?

Charles Haddon Spurgeon. I was saved reading Mr Spurgeon's morning and evening devotions and therefore look on him as a spiritual father; still speaking long after his entrance to glory. When listening to or reading sermons I always look for the 5 C's. Christ at the centre, being Convinced, Challenged, Convicted and Comforted. He always fulfils them and preaches the whole counsel of God without apology, with conviction and compassion. Mr Spurgeon reeks of God and therefore I cannot think of anyone better to find on a desert island.

Which song would you take to the island?

There are lots of hymns I like, but I adore Edward Henry Bickersteth’s 1872 hymn. The tune is very solemn, but the words, oh the words say it all! I treat it more as a prayer really and this would be a must for any desert island.

Not worthy, Lord, to gather up the crumbs

With trembling hand that from Thy table fall,

A weary heavy-laden sinner comes

To plead Thy promise and obey Thy call.

I am not worthy to be thought Thy child,

Nor sit the last and lowest at Thy board;

Too long a wanderer, and too oft beguiled,

I only ask one reconciling word.

One word from Thee, my Lord, one smile, one look

And I could face the cold, rough world again:

And with that treasure in my heart could brook

The wrath of devils and scorn of men.

I hear Thy voice: Thou bidd'st me come and rest;

I come, I kneel, I clasp Thy pierced feet;

Thou bidd'st me take my place, a welcome guest,

Among Thy saints, and of Thy banquet eat.

My Praise can only breathe itself in prayer,

My prayer can only lose itself in Thee;

Dwell Thou forever in my heart, and there,

Lord let me sup with Thee: sup Thou with me.