Return unto Me: Old Testament Messages of God's Love for You

by Kerry Muhlestein

We know the power of God’s love is eternal and all encompassing—but how can God truly love the sinner? The temptations of the world are powerful, and the inevitability that we will all make mistakes is sure—yet the truth of God’s love for His children remains unchanged. No matter how often His sheep stray from the flock, God is waiting with open arms to receive them back—a fact powerfully evidenced in the pages of the Old Testament. Replete with tales of individuals making and overcoming mistakes, this sacred book of scripture demonstrates the reality that God never stops loving His children. In Return unto Me, BYU professor Dr. Kerry Muhlestein encourages readers to discover the eternal principles hidden in the pages of the Old Testament and come to understand this important our Father in Heaven is a God of love, and He will patiently guide His lost sheep back into the fold. Listen to His pleading voice, feel His guiding hand, and return unto Him.

Genres: Religion, Lds

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing book for anyone who’s struggled reconciling a loving God with the stories they read in the Old Testament. It’s not a fast read, but it is thoughtfully and carefully laid out with references so that you can use it to enhance your study of the Bible. I loved the personal anecdotes that helped teach principles in a more relatable way and the insights into scriptures I hadn’t considered before!

[Trent Mikesell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always struggled with the Old Testament. The stories are odd at times, and I have found it hard to apply. This provided some practical applications for Old Testament stories and principles. It made it come alive and showed the evidence of God's love that many find lacking in the Old Testament.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I’ve been studying the Old Testament this year it has really struck me how God will always call His covenant children back. (As a covenant making and keeping person, I love this!) Then I got this book for my birthday, which discusses this very theme, pretty good timing!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. It will make you see the Old Testament in a whole new light!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved seeing key messages from the Old Testament applied to me and my relationship with Christ. I really do better understand the message of God’s love for us.

[Angie]

Listened to the audiobook. I was really interested in the content, however the narrator wasn't quite there. It didn't seem like there was any emotion in what he was saying. Frankly, that made it difficult for me to pay attention.
I wanted to finish, I really did. But I had to stop after the first disk.
Maybe one day I'll try reading a hard copy.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audio book, so I'd love to go back and read the words - I remember and internalize details better that way, but I did love listening and I think that helped me hear themes better. Sometimes it almost seemed redundant - God loves us! He is always there waiting for us to return to Him, no matter what we have done.

Muhlestein shares many scriptural examples from the Old Testament that show examples of the Lord's love and mercy. We may think of God in the Old Testament being more concerned with justice, but He is the same loving and merciful God we learn of throughout all scripture. His ultimate goal is for us to be happy and to progress and to return to Him. He is not waiting for us to make a mistake and need to be corrected, but for us to come to Him again and again. He is there to love us no matter what!

There are many wonderful scriptures, stories, quotes, and examples shared in this book and many important applications for our day. I think the principle and reminder of the Lord's love is so important for each one of us to remember and understand for ourselves. We shouldn't be confused by what others say or do that might not exhibit that love. His love will heal us in every way.

Two of my favorite thoughts from the book:

Isaiah 44:22 teaches: "Return unto me; for I have redeemed thee."

And from Isaiah 54:10,"My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee"

I am eternally grateful for the Lord's unending love! What a miracle and blessing and reason for great hope and purpose! We can each accept His invitation and ask for His help that we might each return to Him! :)

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent. The author used examples from the Old Testament to prove that God loves His children, all of them, and that it is never too late to return to God. If you ever doubted God's love for you this book will make it clear that God loves you and His purpose really is all about us.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written and thought provoking.

[Ryceejo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference book for Old Testament stories about God's love