E-Book Overview
Discipline. For many of us, the word alone evokes dread. It's not that we don't want to be disciplined physically, mentally, and spiritually. The challenge seems too hard, and the motivation more about duty than desire. When it comes to our Christian walk, we don't want to be legalistic and just follow some set of rules. That's not what it's all about, right? Barbara Hughes answers with this encouraging reality: The true heart of spiritual discipline is a relationship with God. As you grow in that relationship, embracing your heavenly Father and his ways, you discover that discipline is your lifeline to him. It is how he gives meaningful shape to all the days of your life. The "dread" of a disciplined life will be replaced with desire and anticipation as you find that there is no greater purpose than loving Him in every moment, every activity, and every thought. Using poignant stories and faithful reminders, Barbara opens her own heart to help you find the joy of full surrender. Her honest and encouraging look at the Word of God reveals the keys to living a truly godly life. And to strengthen your walk day to day, she offers hymns and praise psalms for your devotional times, a long list of recommended books that will lift your spirits, and Bible study helps to remind you that you're not alone.
E-Book Content
DISCIPLINES
of a
GODLY WOMAN Barbara Hughes
D I S C I P L I N E S O F A G O D LY W O M A N
DISCIPLINES
of a
GODLY WOMAN \
BARBARA HUGHES
C R O S S W AY B O O K S A PUBLISHING MINISTRY OF GOOD NEWS PUBLISHERS WHEATON, ILLINOIS
Disciplines of a Godly Woman Copyright © 2001 by Barbara Hughes Published by Crossway Books a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers 1300 Crescent Street Wheaton, Illinois 60187 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided by USA copyright law. Cover design: Cindy Kiple First printing 2001 First printing trade paperback, 2006 Printed in the United States of America Unless otherwise designated, Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible: New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires the permission of International Bible Society. Scripture references marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible® Copyright © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)
For my daughters, Holly, Heather, Tricia, Kristin, and my granddaughters JESUS CHRIST IS LORD
Contents Acknowledgments
9
1 Discipline for Godliness
11
SOUL 2 Discipline of the Gospel
19
The Source of Godliness 3 Discipline of Submission The Posture of Godliness 4 Discipline of Prayer Submission’s Lifeline 5 Discipline of Worship Submission’s Celebration
CHARACTER 6 Discipline of Mind Submission’s Education 7 Discipline of Contentment Submission’s Rest 8 Discipline of Propriety Submission’s Behavior 9 Discipline of Perseverance Submission’s Challenge
R E L AT I O N S H I P S 10 Discipline of the Church Submission’s Framework—God’s Family 11 Discipline of Singleness Submission’s Framework—Singleness 12 Discipline of Marriage Submission’s Framework—Marriage 13 Discipli