But as for you,

the LORD your God

has not allowed you

       to do this.

 Deuteronomy 18. 14

(God says,

         "Don't go there."

It is not that the LORD

is taking anything away,

but for our good,

for protection from what

  we cannot see,

for relationship with Him,

out of His deepest love

   for each one of us.

Those things so enticing

  --even what appears

    so innocent, so small,

    so insignificant--

destroys what is precious.

Sin always promises

  what it cannot deliver.

Sin always says,

        "It doesn't matter."

God says,

       "Everything matters.")

O LORD,

Each one of us

  struggles with something.

Please help us to

    not be distracted,

but keep our eyes on You.

Help us to keep Your Word

and be faithful to You,

even in the

   most ordinary days,

even when the world

        pulls at us.

Help us to

  walk with You through this,

respond to You,

stay faithful to You,

and bring our struggles

and needs and love

   right to Your feet.

When we come

     to Your sanctuary,

when we choose You,

You change our affections.