Dafydd Taylor, Binfield, Berkshire

I’ve been a Christian for almost 24 years and it’s been such a blessing to reflect on how God’s Word has helped and affected me over the years. I would recommend that every Christian do this, even if you haven’t yet been asked to be on Desert Island Verses – it will cause you to worship.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is death, the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:8-9, 10:13

I remember getting excited by a ‘Romans Road to Salvation’ gospel tract not long after my conversion. These were the first verses I learned as a Christian and they really helped me understand the gospel better. You’ll be glad to know that I still get excited about those verses and often quote them when I get into gospel conversations with people and when I preach.

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:11-12 cf. Hebrews 12:5-6

I’m ashamed to say that I would occasionally look for pleasure in sin as a teenager. In summer 2001, when I was 18 years old, I was travelling to an ungodly place. I believe God literally stopped me in my tracks. On my journey to this place I had a serious car accident on the motorway. My car rolled at high speed and it was written off. I believe that was God disciplining me. He has also used other Christians to rebuke me at times too. As Hebrews 12:10-11 says, “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” As painful and unpleasant as it was to be disciplined by God, I believe that I am a holier, more righteous and peaceful man for it.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

Only because of what Jesus has done we can praise/pray/worship. I love that v16 says we can approach the throne with confidence. I like that famous photograph of JFK Jr. in the Oval Office under the Resolute Desk while his father is busy at work. That little boy could enter the most powerful room in the world with confidence. We can come before the throne of God with confidence – the ultimate place of power where God the Father rules and reigns over the heavens and the earth.

Grace and peace. Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, Philippians 1:2, Colossians 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:2, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2, Titus 1:4, Philemon 1:3, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 1:2, 2 John 1:3, Revelation 1:4

I often find myself quoting these three words from the beginning of nearly every Epistle – “Grace and peace.” That’s what we need more than anything – grace for difficulties and hardships and peace for troubles and anxieties. I’m always finding myself praying for grace and peace for my family, the members of my church and all of my brothers and sisters in Christ that I pray for.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I wouldn’t say that I have been through any severe trials and suffering, but when my wife was hospitalised with hepatitis E; my daughter hospitalised at two week’s old because she was dehydrated, couldn’t keep her food down and had lost over 20% of her body weight; and when the future’s been very uncertain as to where we’d work and live, “My grace is sufficient for you” has been a great help to us.

I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Luke 16:9

For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 1 Thessalonians 2:19

Hywel said that I’d have a big crown in heaven for being a Welshman living in England! I have been thinking about what are these treasures and rewards that Christians will have in different degrees on Judgement Day. I think there’s a clue in these verses. I think that those verses are saying that the treasures we may be rewarded with in heaven are people. I wonder how many will come to us in glory to thank us for telling them the gospel, praying for their salvation while they were on earth and making it possible for them to hear the gospel through our giving and works of service?

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

The people I have probably read the most from church history are Spurgeon and Matthew Henry but I’ve always had a fascination with Billy Graham; we all probably know someone who was converted at one of his crusades and I think I’ve listened to more of his preaching than anyone else who is dead. We probably wouldn’t agree with everything he believed and did, but he could certainly preach the gospel powerfully, simply and clearly. For a great orator and one of the most famous men on the planet, he also came across as very humble and Godly. It would be interesting to spend time with a man who had preached the gospel for over 60 years all over the world to more people than anyone in history. He might be gutted to leave his millions of crowns in heaven to live on a desert island with me though!

Which song would you take to the island?

The first gospel song that I learned as a child in Noddfa, Pontarddulais was “Thank you, Jesus”, a song I sing with my children now. However, if there’s no food or water on this island, I’ll die very soon. I’d love to sing Psalm 116:1-16 (Free Church of Scotland’s New Metrical Version) to the tune of Ellers on my deathbed.

Psalm 116:1-16

I love the LORD because he heard my voice;
He listened when I cried to him for aid.
I’ll call on him as long as I shall live,
Because he turned to hear me when I prayed.

The cords of death gripped and entangled me,
Upon me came the anguish of the grave;
With grief and trouble I was overcome.

Then on the name of God I called: “LORD, save!”

The LORD our God is kind and full of grace;
Both righteous and compassionate is he.
The LORD protects all those of childlike faith;
When I was in great need, he rescued me.

Rest, O my soul; God has been good to you
For you, O LORD, have saved my soul from death,
My feet from stumbling and my eyes from tears,
That I may live for you while I have breath.

I trusted in the LORD, and then I spoke;
I said in anguish: “I am sorely tried”.
And in the very depths of my dismay,
“All men are liars—every one!” I cried.

How can I thank the LORD for all he’s done?
With gratitude salvation’s cup I’ll raise;
I’ll call upon his name, and will fulfil
My vows to him before his people’s face.

The LORD holds dear the death of all his saints.
Hear me, O LORD! I am your servant true;
 I am your servant and your handmaid’s son,
And from my chains I have been freed by you.