David Mann, Ontario, Canada

It’s an honour to be included in such an encouraging collection of testimonies. This was certainly a refreshing exercise and, like many others, I had trouble narrowing down verses. The Bible has played such a vital role for me in better understanding my position in Christ, and I am excited for how it will continue to mould me. These are five verses which I cherish and would be delighted to have with me while abandoned on an island.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Moreover, the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. Romans 5:20

The law was put in place to constitute guidelines for avoiding sins. I have found the final sentence in this verse to be a breakthrough in understanding the power of God’s grace. It’s simple, but draws the comparison beautifully of how much further His grace extends beyond the sin that I can so often feel bound in.

The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will deliver the enemy before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’. Deuteronomy 33:27

This verse is on the wall at Heath Evangelical Church in Cardiff. While studying abroad, I attended this church and was challenged to consider its significance. I was drawn to appreciate Moses’ closing speech in a new way. God not only shelters me while on earth, but His protection over me endures into heaven. I am re-oriented and reminded of His continual defeat over Satan in my life.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

I have to include a verse that speaks to the Triune nature of God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, are so intricately connected and each fulfil such a distinct role in the trinity. The Holy Spirit not only advocates on my behalf, but redirects me to Jesus and the Father. He is my ultimate teacher as I read the Scriptures, as I approach God in prayer, and He intimately speaks to me and guides me in my life at all times.

Search me, God, and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-4

God knows me far better than I know myself. He knows my heart’s desires, and the temptations that I face before they even become apparent to me. This verse reminds me of my desperate need for God to reveal to me what I’m blind to see, more specifically to filter out what is not of His will in my life.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-1

Life doesn’t always make sense, the emotions I experience, and the events that unfold: the things of this world. As a ‘citizen’ of heaven I know that I don’t belong here, but get a glimpse of what my home will entail. This also keeps me fixed on the living hope I have in Jesus.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

There are so many godly people from the past, but I’m going to choose Martin Luther. He had such reverence towards the Lord. Specifically, its Luther’s spiritual disciplines that I imagine I would be most edified by. He was known as a man of prayer, someone who had a deep understanding of how the Holy Spirit helped him in this desire. It’s been documented that he spent three hours praying diligently each day. Luther was also very keen that thoughts of God not be tarnished by man’s thoughts and image of Him.

Which song would you take to the island?

I may be the first person to choose a modern worship song. I admit it was tempting to go with a hymn, but there’s something about a rich song that combines both Biblical truth and raw emotion. This is a song that we grew up singing at my home church and it’s never left me: Casting Crowns – East to the West.

Jesus, can you show me just how far the east is from the west?

‘cause I can't bear to see the man I've been

Rising up in me again

In the arms of your mercy I find rest

You know just how far the east is from the west

From one scarred hand to the other

Dan Owen, Newtown, Powys

Ever since my mother made the mistake of thinking I was asleep on the sofa at the age of six and inadvertently let me watch the film ‘Jaws’, I have tried to avoid flying over any ocean that has man-eating sharks.  So, I’m not sure I can request this, but could I please be stranded on a desert island in the Baltic? 

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

I reckon that being stranded on a desert island, even if I’m in the Baltic far from any great whites, would be pretty jolly frightening. These words of Jesus ooze reassurance. They breathe peace into my heart whenever they even cross my mind, let alone have years to meditate upon.

First, they tell me that, no matter how fearful the circumstances, it gives my heavenly Father pleasure to bless me! I am so prone to drift into a wrong view of God’s heart towards me that I need constant reminding of His unconditional love for me. I need reminding that, no matter how often I stumble, no matter how often I fail, God absolutely and unequivocally and without qualification loves to bless me. There is a never-ending torrent of delight in blessing me flowing from the heart of my loving heavenly Father. What peace-giving reassurance that truth would bring as I chew on my fifth raw haddock of the day.

Second, I am in his little flock. It’s a lovely thing to hear your whimpering child on the landing alone in the dark at night, not having the foggiest where they are, petrified with night terrors - bear with me - and then to get up, turn on your bedroom light, open your bedroom door and see their faces light up with joyful relief as they see their loving Dad shrouded in light looking down on them with tender, loving care. As they leap into your arms, brimming with love and sympathy, I say, ‘It’s OK little one, Daddy is here’. In their little hearts they know that, though they are little and afraid, Daddy is strong and they’re safe now that they are with him and he is with them. That’s the reassurance I hear in these words of Jesus, my Shepherd, who is protecting me, providing for me and will always be with me, even when I’m out of everyone else’s sight and thoughts in the middle of the Baltic.

Finally, I reckon being stuck on a desert island might make me a little stir crazy.  I’ll need rock solid hope for the future. Jesus’ words remind that my future is unimaginably awesome for I am given the kingdom by my loving heavenly Father! It gives me strange reassurance knowing that I cannot even begin to fathom the depth or magnitude of this gift. I only know in small part what I am being promised, but one day I’ll know in full. I’ll always have hope in my nippy desert island home.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

Well, I’d hold out before playing my ‘bring someone who has died along with you’ card.  There’s a 50/50 chance (from my perspective) that my wife would pop her clogs before me.  This would give me the unmissable opportunity to pretend that heaven is actually a desert island in the Baltic with her chubby hubby!  The expression on her face at that moment would keep me going in good humour for many, many years.

Which song would you take to the island?

I will sing the wondrous story

Of the Christ Who died for me;

How He left His home in glory

For the cross of Calvary.

Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story

Of the Christ Who died for me,

Sing it with the saints in glory,

Gathered by the Baltic sea.

I was lost, but Jesus found me,

Found the sheep that went astray,

Threw His loving arms around me,

Drew me back into His way.

I was bruised, but Jesus healed me,

Faint was I from many a fall,

Sight was gone, and fears possessed me,

But He freed me from them all.

Days of darkness still come o’er me,

Sorrow’s path I often tread,

But His presence still is with me;

By His guiding hand I’m led.

He will keep me till the river

Rolls its waters at my feet;

Then He’ll bear me safely over,

Where the loved ones I shall meet.

Francis Rowley 1886