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Remember and Return: Rekindling Your Love for the Savior--A Devotional
31-Day Devotional from Bestselling Author and Bible Teacher John MacArthur
In the busyness and trials of life, it's easy to drift away from the Savior. We may continue to go to church and even read the Scriptures and pray, but we can still lose our first love. Christ commended the church in Ephesus for their works and for their intolerance of false doctrine yet admonished them to remember and return to their first love--him. In the same way, our outward religiosity can mask an inner lack of love for our Savior.
In this 31-day devotional, John MacArthur takes readers down a biblically prescribed path as they rediscover who Christ is, what he has done, and how they must respond. Each entry will move readers from understanding to application to reflection and prayer, with a goal of rekindling their first love for Christ. Makes a thoughtful gift for any believer.
In the busyness and trials of life, it's easy to drift away from the Savior. We may continue to go to church and even read the Scriptures and pray, but we can still lose our first love. Christ commended the church in Ephesus for their works and for their intolerance of false doctrine yet admonished them to remember and return to their first love--him. In the same way, our outward religiosity can mask an inner lack of love for our Savior.
In this 31-day devotional, John MacArthur takes readers down a biblically prescribed path as they rediscover who Christ is, what he has done, and how they must respond. Each entry will move readers from understanding to application to reflection and prayer, with a goal of rekindling their first love for Christ. Makes a thoughtful gift for any believer.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published October 18, 2016
93 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,913 followersJohn F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 10, 2017
This book came at a perfect time. It is so easy to drift from the Lord as this world is hectic.
Each devotional reminded me of my first love and I could feel the Lord drawing me nearer. I can see so many parallels with the church of today and the church in Ephesus of the Bible (doing many works but losing the relationship). This book reminds us to keep the relationship with Christ central to our lives.
I highly recommend this book to all Christians…it provides hope and grace and helps us return to our first love.
My Rating: 5 stars
I received this book from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review.
Each devotional reminded me of my first love and I could feel the Lord drawing me nearer. I can see so many parallels with the church of today and the church in Ephesus of the Bible (doing many works but losing the relationship). This book reminds us to keep the relationship with Christ central to our lives.
I highly recommend this book to all Christians…it provides hope and grace and helps us return to our first love.
My Rating: 5 stars
I received this book from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2021
Good devotion! Deep and thought provoking!
November 18, 2016
The risen Jesus speaks to us, just as He did to the Ephesian Christians: "Remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first". (Revelation 2:5)
A 31 day devotional to turn our wayward heart, the heart that is prone to wander to Christ. Remember and Return is how we cling. Each day starts with the weakness of our heart, a scripture and commentary that ends with a daily challenge.
Good teaching that is based on who God is and the work of Christ and not on self-help that minimizes the greatness of salvation. When teaching becomes only by the example of Christ, we lose our need for the cross, and minimize the cost that was paid for our sin. By example, we also lose the urgency of our salvation and preaching that the Kingdom of God is at hand.
A devotional that leads to pursue Christ daily and to see Christ more supremely only strengthens our faith. We are saved by grace alone.
A Special Thank You to Baker Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A 31 day devotional to turn our wayward heart, the heart that is prone to wander to Christ. Remember and Return is how we cling. Each day starts with the weakness of our heart, a scripture and commentary that ends with a daily challenge.
Good teaching that is based on who God is and the work of Christ and not on self-help that minimizes the greatness of salvation. When teaching becomes only by the example of Christ, we lose our need for the cross, and minimize the cost that was paid for our sin. By example, we also lose the urgency of our salvation and preaching that the Kingdom of God is at hand.
A devotional that leads to pursue Christ daily and to see Christ more supremely only strengthens our faith. We are saved by grace alone.
A Special Thank You to Baker Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
October 15, 2016
First sentence: Loving the Lord Jesus Christ is what the Christian life is all about. If you are a Christian, you love Christ.
Premise/plot: Remember and Return: Rekindling Your Love for the Savior is a thirty-one day devotional. All of this material has been previously published. I mention this because I know how annoying it can be to think you're getting a brand-new book from MacArthur only to discover that it's an old book with a new name! The material has been adapted into a devotional format, I believe. But there are two previous copyright dates: 1995 and 2009.
What you should know: These devotions are not light and fluffy. They are relatively meaty. Each is about six to seven pages each. So definitely longer than the typical devotional you may be accustomed to. The devotions share a common theme: JESUS CHRIST, OUR LORD AND SAVIOR. All devotions lead to food-for-thought on how to better love Jesus.
My thoughts: I definitely liked this one. I did. I am always looking for devotional books that I feel comfortable recommending to others. What I liked best about this one was MacArthur quoting from so many other great theologians.
Premise/plot: Remember and Return: Rekindling Your Love for the Savior is a thirty-one day devotional. All of this material has been previously published. I mention this because I know how annoying it can be to think you're getting a brand-new book from MacArthur only to discover that it's an old book with a new name! The material has been adapted into a devotional format, I believe. But there are two previous copyright dates: 1995 and 2009.
What you should know: These devotions are not light and fluffy. They are relatively meaty. Each is about six to seven pages each. So definitely longer than the typical devotional you may be accustomed to. The devotions share a common theme: JESUS CHRIST, OUR LORD AND SAVIOR. All devotions lead to food-for-thought on how to better love Jesus.
My thoughts: I definitely liked this one. I did. I am always looking for devotional books that I feel comfortable recommending to others. What I liked best about this one was MacArthur quoting from so many other great theologians.
November 21, 2016
“Love for the Lord Jesus is the defining reality in the life of every true Christian,” MacArthur writes. (8) But what can we do when the fire of that love grows cold? MacArthur has written a thirty-one day series of devotionals aimed at reigniting that love and keeping it growing.
MacArthur reminds us what we have in Christ and what He has done for us. He takes us through several passages, exploring Greek terms and giving us a great deal of information. He also includes a Daily Challenge at the end of each reading.
MacArthur writes in a somewhat academic way. He writes from a framework of knowledge rather than passion. His style is one of instruction. He does not use any personal stories as illustrations or encouragement. (He does tell a few stories similar to sermon illustrations.) Rather than drawing us back to a passion for Jesus, he tells what we ought to be doing. A good example is the Daily Challenge of Day 5. He writes about our ultimate purpose of worshiping God and our reward in heaven. “That was 'the goal' Paul strived for in this life,” MacArthur writes, “and it certainly ought to be the focus of those who would return to their first love.” (39) I would have rather read an encouragement written with passion for the Daily Challenge.
I recommend this book to those who respond well to devotions written with intellectual rigor rather than personal passion. This book is a very good reminder of who Christ is and all He has done for believers. Reading this book will increase your knowledge of what Christ has done for you, or remind you of it. You will better understand what Christ has accomplished for you. I am just not so sure it will reignite love for Christ, unless that love arises out of increased knowledge and understanding. This would make a good book to read leading up to Easter.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
MacArthur reminds us what we have in Christ and what He has done for us. He takes us through several passages, exploring Greek terms and giving us a great deal of information. He also includes a Daily Challenge at the end of each reading.
MacArthur writes in a somewhat academic way. He writes from a framework of knowledge rather than passion. His style is one of instruction. He does not use any personal stories as illustrations or encouragement. (He does tell a few stories similar to sermon illustrations.) Rather than drawing us back to a passion for Jesus, he tells what we ought to be doing. A good example is the Daily Challenge of Day 5. He writes about our ultimate purpose of worshiping God and our reward in heaven. “That was 'the goal' Paul strived for in this life,” MacArthur writes, “and it certainly ought to be the focus of those who would return to their first love.” (39) I would have rather read an encouragement written with passion for the Daily Challenge.
I recommend this book to those who respond well to devotions written with intellectual rigor rather than personal passion. This book is a very good reminder of who Christ is and all He has done for believers. Reading this book will increase your knowledge of what Christ has done for you, or remind you of it. You will better understand what Christ has accomplished for you. I am just not so sure it will reignite love for Christ, unless that love arises out of increased knowledge and understanding. This would make a good book to read leading up to Easter.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
November 4, 2017
A great reminder of the importance of our relationship with Jesus.
I did enjoy this book. The chapters are rather short so there was the temptation to read two or more chapters a day but it is a 31 day devotional so I read a chapter a day for a month. That gave me time to meditate on what I had read. It is well worth a few minutes a day for a month to be reminded of how worthy of glory our Savior is.
I did enjoy this book. The chapters are rather short so there was the temptation to read two or more chapters a day but it is a 31 day devotional so I read a chapter a day for a month. That gave me time to meditate on what I had read. It is well worth a few minutes a day for a month to be reminded of how worthy of glory our Savior is.
November 8, 2016
John MacArthur. Remember and return: Rekindling Your Love for the Savior—A Devotional. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2016. 205 pp. $10.43.
In Revelation 2:5, the Lord Jesus calls on the Ephesian church to remember the love that they once had for him and to repent, returning to that love. Two verses later, Jesus promised those believers who would return to him as their first love a great, heavenly reward. For all who know the Savior, there is a need for us to, from time to time, refocus our hearts on the glory of the Savior whose gospel we proclaim.
In Remember and Return, John MacArthur writes to call believers to return to their love of Christ. He attempts this task by writing a month-long, daily devotional for believers to help us to remember who the Savior really is and to reignite our spiritual love of our Lord.
This little devotional book is a very accessible, very readable devotional. The daily readings are around six pages of text. Most people could easily read through those pages in just a few minutes. Yet the concepts in each little chapter are certainly deep enough to call us to do some intense thinking about Jesus.
In many ways, this little book is a Christology, a theological study of the person and work of Jesus Christ. In each chapter, Dr. MacArthur highlights a theologically significant point about Jesus and calls us to consider that point in the light of our lives. Whether these points be the incarnation of Jesus, his sinless perfection, or another aspect of the biblical revelation about Jesus, each passage points the reader to an important and solid truth.
Some believers will have a criticism of this book simply due to its theological nature. Unlike many daily devotionals, this work by MacArthur is not an emotionally driven writing. For some who are more accustomed to less intellectual and more emotional daily readings, this book may feel dry. I would argue, however, that the dryness is not something that is the fault of the author so much as it is a symptom of modern Christianity’s fascination with warm emotional texts above solid truths of the faith.
I would happily recommend Remember and Return to Christian readers at all stages of Christian growth. The doctrines in this little book are solid. Very seldom does this book wade off into any area that would be considered controversial by a biblically-minded Christian. The book is helpful. Though, as I mentioned earlier, the content is not playing on the heart strings so much as it is a mental refresher on the glories of the Savior.
I received a free copy of this book from Baker Books as part of a reviewer’s program in exchange for an honest review.
In Revelation 2:5, the Lord Jesus calls on the Ephesian church to remember the love that they once had for him and to repent, returning to that love. Two verses later, Jesus promised those believers who would return to him as their first love a great, heavenly reward. For all who know the Savior, there is a need for us to, from time to time, refocus our hearts on the glory of the Savior whose gospel we proclaim.
In Remember and Return, John MacArthur writes to call believers to return to their love of Christ. He attempts this task by writing a month-long, daily devotional for believers to help us to remember who the Savior really is and to reignite our spiritual love of our Lord.
This little devotional book is a very accessible, very readable devotional. The daily readings are around six pages of text. Most people could easily read through those pages in just a few minutes. Yet the concepts in each little chapter are certainly deep enough to call us to do some intense thinking about Jesus.
In many ways, this little book is a Christology, a theological study of the person and work of Jesus Christ. In each chapter, Dr. MacArthur highlights a theologically significant point about Jesus and calls us to consider that point in the light of our lives. Whether these points be the incarnation of Jesus, his sinless perfection, or another aspect of the biblical revelation about Jesus, each passage points the reader to an important and solid truth.
Some believers will have a criticism of this book simply due to its theological nature. Unlike many daily devotionals, this work by MacArthur is not an emotionally driven writing. For some who are more accustomed to less intellectual and more emotional daily readings, this book may feel dry. I would argue, however, that the dryness is not something that is the fault of the author so much as it is a symptom of modern Christianity’s fascination with warm emotional texts above solid truths of the faith.
I would happily recommend Remember and Return to Christian readers at all stages of Christian growth. The doctrines in this little book are solid. Very seldom does this book wade off into any area that would be considered controversial by a biblically-minded Christian. The book is helpful. Though, as I mentioned earlier, the content is not playing on the heart strings so much as it is a mental refresher on the glories of the Savior.
I received a free copy of this book from Baker Books as part of a reviewer’s program in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2017
"Remember & Return: Rekindling Your Love for the Savior" is a 31-day devotional that is fantastic. It is centered around growing your love for Christ and does just that. John MacArthur is a trusted pastor, teacher and as this is my first book of his that I have read, I can now add author to that list. His teaching in this devotional is very solid. I would not classify this as the typical "quick devotional" where you spend 5 minutes each day. Each of these devotionals is approximately 6 pages long (small dimension book of about 5 x 7), which for me personally, is perfect in content and depth. This devotional is 31-days long by design, so not something that you have to commit an entire year to like some devotionals. However, with that said, I can guarantee that I will be revisiting this devotional multiple times throughout the year. Overall, this devotional is highly recommended. I received a copy of this book in exchange for this review from Baker Books and all opinions are my own.
December 30, 2016
This 31 devotional was a wonderful reminder of all that the Lord has done throughout history so that we can be brought back to remembering how a life lived with Him at the helm is immeasurably better than anything we had before we knew Him. Unfortunately, the business of life sometimes takes over and we forget. We are gradually pulled away by the distractions of this world, so we do need these reminders.
If you are not yet a Christian I believe this book may be of great value to you too, as it explains why Jesus came and all that He has done for us. If you are a Christian, this book may be one that you want to read again and again as a reminder of where your focus should be in this life.
I highly recommend this book. It is definitely 5 stars!
If you are not yet a Christian I believe this book may be of great value to you too, as it explains why Jesus came and all that He has done for us. If you are a Christian, this book may be one that you want to read again and again as a reminder of where your focus should be in this life.
I highly recommend this book. It is definitely 5 stars!
February 5, 2017
Great little 31 day devotional, by John MacArthur. If you need to recharge your spiritual life - or just be reminded why daily and consistent communion with God is so vital this book is for you. God's heart is for his people and his creation, yet ultimately He doesn't need us; we need - and indeed LONG for - Him. But despite our brokenness, stubbornness, and tendency to drift, He always welcomes us back with open arms forgives our trespasses. We must simply admit our need for Him and His forgiveness. If we do that, we'll live fulfilling and blessed lives in the center of God's will.
April 13, 2018
Although designed as a devotion book with 31 days of devotions designed to help a follower of Christ return to their first love of Christ, this book can be used to read normally. Writing in his usual passionate yet careful style, John MacArthur has written an excellent volume that reminds us of what we think we already know about all Christ has done and calls us to a radical love as shown through obedience. A good read.
June 24, 2017
This amazing devotional reminds me of his book "First Love" which has been out of print for several years. Such a good reminder to keep Christ as the first and foremost object of love in our lives. Every page is packed with implications for the life of the believer followed by practical application to live out on a daily basis. Definitely on my "yearly" list from now on.
July 18, 2019
R&R is better than expected. The 31 day devotional is a theological look at why and how we are to love Christ. When we understand all that Christ has done for us, why He did those things for us, and that He continues to work in us, it's not hard to repent from our autonomy and live for him. Good read. Highly recommended for those who want a starting point in studying theology.
August 16, 2021
Be renewed on all that Christ is! This book did that! John did a wonderful job of reminding the reader what a precious savior we have. With a wonderful reminder of all that Christ has done for us, as a display of his immense love! We can never remind ourselves to often of what Christ has done for us, stirring affections once more in our hearts.
October 4, 2019
A very good book to remind us of who Christ is and what He's done. The last third or so of the book was especially poignant and convicting. Let us press on in the race and seek to know and love the Lord much more!
January 17, 2020
This is my second read through this book. It’s one that I will keep close and reread many more times. “Christlikeness cannot be reached with intermittent effort - it is an ongoing pursuit. So Paul says, “Let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained” (Phil. 3:16).”
May 31, 2020
Maybe the greatest experience of my life. Drawing into intense and intimate fellowship with my Lord every day. I didn't want it to end. Simply magnificent is our Lord. Thanks to Him for the ministry of John MacArthur.
February 17, 2018
Great reminder
I would recommend anyone going through something to read this book. You can always get something from reading this book if nothing refocus.
I would recommend anyone going through something to read this book. You can always get something from reading this book if nothing refocus.
July 19, 2019
A great book that really does help us to re!ember and return. Short devotionals with rich heart warming scripture.... Great for reading, for gifting
June 20, 2020
An excellent, down to earth devotional.
June 29, 2021
It is a very good devotional to guide our study of the Scriptures nevertheless it is a little bit complex in some parts but again, it is really worthy to read.
February 29, 2024
One of the best devotional books, if not the single best, I’ve ever read. This is to be savored and read repeatedly. It is challenging and comforting, encouraging and convicting.
March 3, 2017
Remember and Return is a 31 day daily devotional written by John MacArthur for the purpose of reminding Christians of their first love, Jesus Christ. I found this devotional to be very biblically sound and very informative. Pastor MacArthur does a very good job of explaining scripture and at the end of each teaching session he offers you a daily challenge.
I think this devotional is a great tool in helping you understand and appreciate the relationship God has set up for us, to be he’s children and Christ’s joint heir. I was however a bit surprised by some of the weighty and complex topics that he chooses to discuss in such a short matter, such as predestination. I think this type of subject needs much more discussion as there are many differing teachings on these types of subjects.
All in all, I think it is a good devotional; it is geared for the Christian that has been a believer for awhile and needs a refresher of God’s love and it delves quite deeply into the subject. I think new Christians can learn a lot but some of it may be a little difficult to understand and fully comprehend.
I was given this book in EBook format by NetGalley for my honest opinion. For more of my reviews go to my blog, Blessings N Bloggings
I think this devotional is a great tool in helping you understand and appreciate the relationship God has set up for us, to be he’s children and Christ’s joint heir. I was however a bit surprised by some of the weighty and complex topics that he chooses to discuss in such a short matter, such as predestination. I think this type of subject needs much more discussion as there are many differing teachings on these types of subjects.
All in all, I think it is a good devotional; it is geared for the Christian that has been a believer for awhile and needs a refresher of God’s love and it delves quite deeply into the subject. I think new Christians can learn a lot but some of it may be a little difficult to understand and fully comprehend.
I was given this book in EBook format by NetGalley for my honest opinion. For more of my reviews go to my blog, Blessings N Bloggings
December 20, 2016
Rekindling Relationship
Forgetful, we fall away.
We center our faith around the responsibilities that we fulfill or the well-worn habits that frame the seasons, when Christianity, at its core, is not a job description, but, rather, a relationship. Love for God is foundational to all defining realities of the true believer, and if it has ceased to be, John MacArthur says that it’s time to Remember and Return to that love.
While a devotional book should never supplant the place of time in the Scriptures, this collection of thirty-one reflections begins each day with a Bible passage and then goes on to clarify the teaching with a focus on the deepening of a God-ward relationship.
Deep theological truth can be startling when it is presented as a warning, as it is to the church at Ephesus who, after a great beginning under the ministry of Paul the Apostle, had slid away from a rich, loving relationship with God by the time the Revelation was penned. Even in the midst of the Christmas season, when we are treated to a steady stream of reminders of the lengths to which God would go to make a connection with humanity, it’s easy to lose sight of the love of God and our love for Him. When we become “cold, orthodox, and mechanical” in our faith practices, apathy moves in and relationship wanes.
However, when viewed through the lens of God’s love, the process of sanctification becomes the mark of a love relationship, a desire to become like the Beloved.
The rescue of redemption is revealed as a loving sacrifice, made for the sake of reconciliation with a cherished people.
Dipping into a rich reservoir of quotations collected over a lifetime of study, MacArthur shares wisdom from a wide range of thinkers including D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, J.I. Packer, C.S. Lewis, Benjamin Warfield, and F.B. Meyer.
John Owen’s observation gives me all the motivation I need for pondering the love of God at this point in history:
“If our future blessedness shall consist in living where He is, and beholding of His glory, what better preparation can there be for it than a constant previous contemplation of that glory as revealed in the gospel, that by a view of it we may be gradually transformed into the same glory?”
May our love for God continue to increase — for our joy and for His glory.
//
This book was provided by Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review.
Forgetful, we fall away.
We center our faith around the responsibilities that we fulfill or the well-worn habits that frame the seasons, when Christianity, at its core, is not a job description, but, rather, a relationship. Love for God is foundational to all defining realities of the true believer, and if it has ceased to be, John MacArthur says that it’s time to Remember and Return to that love.
While a devotional book should never supplant the place of time in the Scriptures, this collection of thirty-one reflections begins each day with a Bible passage and then goes on to clarify the teaching with a focus on the deepening of a God-ward relationship.
Deep theological truth can be startling when it is presented as a warning, as it is to the church at Ephesus who, after a great beginning under the ministry of Paul the Apostle, had slid away from a rich, loving relationship with God by the time the Revelation was penned. Even in the midst of the Christmas season, when we are treated to a steady stream of reminders of the lengths to which God would go to make a connection with humanity, it’s easy to lose sight of the love of God and our love for Him. When we become “cold, orthodox, and mechanical” in our faith practices, apathy moves in and relationship wanes.
However, when viewed through the lens of God’s love, the process of sanctification becomes the mark of a love relationship, a desire to become like the Beloved.
The rescue of redemption is revealed as a loving sacrifice, made for the sake of reconciliation with a cherished people.
Dipping into a rich reservoir of quotations collected over a lifetime of study, MacArthur shares wisdom from a wide range of thinkers including D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, J.I. Packer, C.S. Lewis, Benjamin Warfield, and F.B. Meyer.
John Owen’s observation gives me all the motivation I need for pondering the love of God at this point in history:
“If our future blessedness shall consist in living where He is, and beholding of His glory, what better preparation can there be for it than a constant previous contemplation of that glory as revealed in the gospel, that by a view of it we may be gradually transformed into the same glory?”
May our love for God continue to increase — for our joy and for His glory.
//
This book was provided by Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review.
December 8, 2016
"Love for the Lord Jesus is the defining reality in the life of every true Christian. But the fire of the first love for the Lord can grow cold and diminish the believer's power and blessing. This thirty-one day journey is designed to keep your love for Christ increasing for your joy and His glory." (8)
Remember & Return: Rekindling Your Love for the Savior by John MacArthur consists of thirty one days of scripture, readings and a daily challenge to open your eyes and focus on the Lord. Each day starts with scripture and the author dives into the meaning of the scripture, with references to theologians to explain. As a devotional, I believe this book requires a more in-depth focus for the reader. It is not an "easy" devotional to grasp, as many topics will require further investigation with scripture and other reference books. Personally, I would use this devotional as a challenge of one month of rejuvenation of your faith, and love for our Savior. And be prepare to spend double or more of your usual quiet time. Each day is approximately 4-5 pages, ending with a daily challenge that doesn't tell you what to do point blank, but requires further thought.
As a Christian, I understand times we need to rekindle our "first love" for Christ. The early fortitude and determination to focus on Christ is enticing. As time passes, sometimes our fever can be cooled as the author mentioned. So when I saw what this book focus on, I knew it needs to be read and used. So, yes, I would love for all to Remember & Return to your love for our Lord.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Remember & Return: Rekindling Your Love for the Savior by John MacArthur consists of thirty one days of scripture, readings and a daily challenge to open your eyes and focus on the Lord. Each day starts with scripture and the author dives into the meaning of the scripture, with references to theologians to explain. As a devotional, I believe this book requires a more in-depth focus for the reader. It is not an "easy" devotional to grasp, as many topics will require further investigation with scripture and other reference books. Personally, I would use this devotional as a challenge of one month of rejuvenation of your faith, and love for our Savior. And be prepare to spend double or more of your usual quiet time. Each day is approximately 4-5 pages, ending with a daily challenge that doesn't tell you what to do point blank, but requires further thought.
As a Christian, I understand times we need to rekindle our "first love" for Christ. The early fortitude and determination to focus on Christ is enticing. As time passes, sometimes our fever can be cooled as the author mentioned. So when I saw what this book focus on, I knew it needs to be read and used. So, yes, I would love for all to Remember & Return to your love for our Lord.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
February 19, 2017
Short & Sweet! How can you be reminded of who Christ is and what He has done for you and not have your heart rekindled! (I actually finished at the end of January, but forgot to post)
December 24, 2016
This was a wonderful book filled with great practical advice. I hadn't been making spending time with Jesus a priority and I thought this book would be the push I needed. It definitely was! Each devotional was about 6 pages and consisted of a verse at the beginning and a daily challenge at the end. The first section focuses on who Jesus is, that He was fully God and fully man and his wonderful qualities. Then MacArthur points out the blessings believers have been given. The next section shows how Jesus humbled himself to become a man, giving up so many of His rights willingly and then suffering a terrible death on a cross. We desperately needed a Savior and Jesus became our substitute. Then he looks at how Jesus was exalted and regained His glory through his "resurrection, ascension, coronation, and present intercession." Finally, he looks at how Jesus suffered and how we should view suffering we have to go through, obedience and what to do when we fail and focusing on Heaven and what's ahead for us rather than looking back. MacArthur did a wonderful job explaining the different aspects we need to take into account of how amazing Jesus is and what He did for us. My favorite parts were when he explained the original Greek and Hebrew meanings of words that sometimes don't translate very well into English. We don't always get the nuances that are helpful for understanding meanings. This book really challenged me to be more grateful for all that Jesus gave up when He came to Earth and died for me. It also challenged me to really focus on making Jesus my first love and not getting distracted with worldly things. I highly recommend it!
I received this book free from Baker Books.
I received this book free from Baker Books.
January 1, 2017
Remember & Return: Rekindling Your Love for the Savior by John MacArthur is identified as a 31-day devotional, although it doesn't really read like a typical devotional. Each day's reading is 4-5 pages, and ends with a "daily challenge". The main sections are used to explain a specific aspect or truth of Christianity, by relating Scripture verses, taking certain words back to their root meanings, and helping the reader re-identify with their own understanding of the topic at hand. The "daily challenge" is more of an important noteworthy idea, rather than an action step or suggestion for you to follow.
I personally would not categorize this as a devotional. It's more like notes from a theological lecture series. I would recommend it to someone who has been on the Christian walk for a long while, and has hit a personal "burn out" period where they are still going through the motions but don't feel the closeness and passion that they once did. I would not recommend it to a new believer or someone who has drifted from a pursuit of God for a season, and is trying to find their way back home. I think it would probably too deep and hard to follow for most of those cases. 3/5 stars. It's not a bad read, but it does seem to have a very specific target audience in order for it to be fully understood and appreciated.
*Disclaimer: I received a free print copy of this book from Baker Books to review, and all opinions stated - both positive and negative - are my own.*
I personally would not categorize this as a devotional. It's more like notes from a theological lecture series. I would recommend it to someone who has been on the Christian walk for a long while, and has hit a personal "burn out" period where they are still going through the motions but don't feel the closeness and passion that they once did. I would not recommend it to a new believer or someone who has drifted from a pursuit of God for a season, and is trying to find their way back home. I think it would probably too deep and hard to follow for most of those cases. 3/5 stars. It's not a bad read, but it does seem to have a very specific target audience in order for it to be fully understood and appreciated.
*Disclaimer: I received a free print copy of this book from Baker Books to review, and all opinions stated - both positive and negative - are my own.*
December 1, 2016
Remember and Return has really been a book that challenges my thinking. It is a 31 day devotional, compiled from works previously written by MacArthur. And just like the subtitle says, the point of this devotional is to help you rekindle your love for the Savior.
I've found this devotional to be extremely thorough. It is a deep look into the things that should be helping us develop a strong love for Jesus. Each devotional is about 4 pages long, and I finished each day feeling like I had grown immensely in my knowledge, understanding, and love of Jesus. This is most certainly a devotional to read over and over again. I believe I will be able to gain new insights continuously! MacArthur turns to scripture explain scripture. But not in a way that is confusing. He uses it to help you better understand confusing passages, and to see the overwhelming cross-references that happen throughout scripture.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion.
I've found this devotional to be extremely thorough. It is a deep look into the things that should be helping us develop a strong love for Jesus. Each devotional is about 4 pages long, and I finished each day feeling like I had grown immensely in my knowledge, understanding, and love of Jesus. This is most certainly a devotional to read over and over again. I believe I will be able to gain new insights continuously! MacArthur turns to scripture explain scripture. But not in a way that is confusing. He uses it to help you better understand confusing passages, and to see the overwhelming cross-references that happen throughout scripture.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion.
December 9, 2016
Life can often be busy. In this busyness, there can be a drifting away from Christ. This drifting may result in a waning of love for Jesus. Spending time with Christ becomes less of a priority. If left unchecked, a Christian may one day have a moment "How did this happen?".
Dr. John MacArthur has written a small devotional with the intent of causing Christians to rekindle their love for Christ. This 31-day devotional reflects on who Jesus is, what He has done for humanity, what our response to Him should be, and how to rekindle a love for Christ. Each day ends in a daily challenge to reinforce what was read.
I found this devotional to be powerful in its simplicity. It is also a great devotional to read during the Easter and Christmas seasons and I encourage my readers to look into getting a copy for themselves and even copies to give out to others.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Dr. John MacArthur has written a small devotional with the intent of causing Christians to rekindle their love for Christ. This 31-day devotional reflects on who Jesus is, what He has done for humanity, what our response to Him should be, and how to rekindle a love for Christ. Each day ends in a daily challenge to reinforce what was read.
I found this devotional to be powerful in its simplicity. It is also a great devotional to read during the Easter and Christmas seasons and I encourage my readers to look into getting a copy for themselves and even copies to give out to others.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
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