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
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