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Law keeping is impossible without knowledge of the law.
It is also impossible if the law isn't available to do its work.
Let me explain.
Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
According to this verse we need the word of God to convert or revive the soul. It must first be available. Then we must seek its treasure. We must sell all we have and go get the pearl of great price as in the parable Jesus told.
We must seek Him while he may be found. We must seek His righteousness and Kingship.
Then we must meditate upon his word day and night.
Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success
Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
What does it mean to meditate? I think it means to prayerfully think and decifer the meanings and applications to which God is glorified in our thoughts and actions.
(Psa 119:11-16 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
The best way for me to meditate and guard my affections are to memorize prayerfully the word of God. Select whole passages or verses that speak God's truth to your heart.
As King David said. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
This is a simple but very effective way to keep your heart in the way that you should go. The word will make your spirit alive and alert. It will bring conversion and love for Christ. It will guide your conscience. It will draw your affections to the one who wrote you such a wonderful love letter. It will reveal His majesty and wonder.
So if you desire this love that will keep your heart in his law, prayerfully meditate and memorize the word of God. Hide it in your heart.
I use to carry verse packets with me so that I could memorize God's word. They were index cards in a pouch. I would memorize verses in portion while praying. It is very rewarding.
This is a good Place to start. Psalm 2, Psalm 8, Psalm 19.
(Psa 19:9-14) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
[Edited on 7-26-2005 by puritancovenanter]
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