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  A NEW YEAR MEDITATION
  by Andrew Murray
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Summary: A true consecration to God involves listening for His voice,
recognizing our need for spiritual guidance, and waiting for revelation
from the Father.

Topics: "Renewal", "Listening to God"
Scripture References: Genesis 13:14, Proverbs 3:5, James 1:5

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DESCRIPTION
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Andrew Murray emphasizes the significance of starting the New Year with
a renewed commitment to God, drawing lessons from Abram's life. He
encourages believers to listen attentively for God's voice, recognizing
that true consecration involves a humble acknowledgment of our need for
divine guidance. Murray warns against the common failure of Christians
who neglect to seek God's direction, urging them to cultivate an open
heart and mind for revelation. The sermon highlights that genuine
dedication to God leads to a deeper understanding of His will and a
reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance.

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CONTENT
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How many of us are longing and praying that the New Year may be a new
beginning? How many sad hearts will make a vow of renewed consecration
to God and will pray for a new revelation of God as January arrives? In
order to understand what such a recommitment really means, we need to
take in the lesson which this new beginning in Abram's life teaches.

Genesis 13:14 'And the Lord said unto Abram...' When we give ourselves
afresh to God, let it be our first thought to listen for him coming to
us and telling us what he wants us to say and do. Have open ears for
God's voice. Do not imagine that because you are separated to God you
now know how to serve him. I am deeply persuaded that the chief reason
for the failure and feebleness of so many Christians is that they so
seldom keep their ears open, waiting for God's voice and teaching, for
the guidance of his Holy Spirit.

The very first effect of a true consecration to God ought to be the deep
sense that now God himself alone may say what we are to do. Out of this
will grow a true confession of ignorance and a great assurance that God
will not withhold the needed guidance. Again, this will lead to a very
humble and dependent waiting for the teaching which is hidden from the
wise and intelligent, which flesh and blood cannot give, which comes
only by revelation from the Father.

(Excerpted from Consecrated to God, pg. 86)

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/andrew-murray/a-new-year-meditation/
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