Dear Brides, Are you hearing "those voices"? Maybe from someone close to you, or even strangers. Words said a long time ago or recently, no matter what I want to encourage you to bring it to Him, the one who can set you free from guilt, shame, and the pain, the one who will teach you the truth so you no longer will believe in lies.

I found it interesting to read the opening verse in this lesson Chapter 13 "Those Voices" today since I've been reading 1-2 Samuel and meditating on it. This is not the first time that I read this chapter, but I just realized how much hurt I was carrying with me recently because of "those voices".

Sometimes it came in the voice of my ex-husband saying that I should exercise more and about being overweight, and those who know me, will see that I have a normal weight. Sometimes there are voices telling me how little I care for my parents and that I should be living close to them, but the Lord wants me here… When I begin to bring everything to Him, was when I begin to see that lies and shame were not coming from Him.

“Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Some of the things that I heard that hurt and brought a lot of guilt was about my parents, and how much they are struggling financially and spiritually. When I heard those voices in my mind immediately the idea that it was my fault that they were in that state came to my mind, that If I was there, I could help them more and it was a constant prayer and wrestling with the Lord.

But then My Beloved reminded me that He is working in their lives, He is the one who provides, He is their comforter, and He will be the one teaching the way they should go, He will bring peace, He is the author of faith and the one who brings Joy to their lives, not me. PTL for that, He also reminded me that He wants me here, to do what He called me to do even before I was born. When I listened to Him, then I was able to let go and find peace.

We know about the schemes of the enemy, so I want to continue to bring everything to the Lord, asking Him about things said to me. I know that sometimes it can be a sin in my life, but also it can be a lie, He knows me and I know that He will show me if it is true or lie. I also had an opportunity to share this "those voices" with one of my friends this week even not knowing that it was my next lesson. Like me, she also was struggling with family problems that brought a lot of shame and guilt to her life. Reading this Chapter 13 "Those Voices" was just a confirmation of what He is telling and teaching me.

Instead of listening to those “voices” let’s pray now and practice “listening” to His voice and believing His word instead:

Lord, thank you so much for your word, for your love, for the truth that set me free, for your patience and for your assurance that I am yours and I belong to you. I want to ask to not let me forget who you are, teach me your ways and your word so that it won't leave my heart, that I can think about " whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report; if there is any virtue" Guide me, so I can also speak words of truth and freedom to those who are struggling with the same things as I am.

Lord, forgive me for listening and believe so many lies, and for taking so long to come to you. Forgive me for forgetting your word and promise so easily and to hear what others say when I need to hear Your words, words of life. Forgive me Lord for looking so inwardly when I need to look at You. For carrying and want to please others, when You are the reason that I am here, you are the reason that I live for.

Dear Brides, we all struggle with the same things "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man..." I encourage you to read what Michele shares about her struggles and then to go to and ask Him to show you the lies that you're believing. Soak yourself in His word and renew your mind with what is the truth.

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Living the Abundant Life shows that we are all facing the same situations, struggling with the same things, none of it is uncommon to us.