Discipline is a daily goal in marriage.  If you let your guard down, the enemy (who happens to really hate marriage) slips in and causes all sorts of havoc.  That’s why when I ran across a book called Disciplines of a Godly Woman I picked it up and took it home with me.  It was not easy reading — you see, I am at heart a selfish person.  I would much rather sit on the couch and eat oreos than read a book about being disciplined.  But, I love my husband, and I want our marriage to work.  So, I read the book from cover to cover.

This book was written by Barbara Hughes, who has over 40 years of experience as a wife, mother, and women’s ministry leader.  She doesn’t mince words — she honestly explains that being a godly woman will require me to say “no” to myself and “yes” to God and my husband.

top 10 quotes from the Disciplines of a Godly Woman:

1.  “All the disciplines of a godly woman are about submitting your will to God’s loving rule in daily life.  Reject the popular voices that entice you to put your needs first, to protect your self-interest and rights, to push at God-given boundaries.” p. 40

2.  On Prayer:  “We must always be looking up, even when driving to work or cleaning the house.” p. 48

3.  “Every woman who calls herself a Christian must understand that worship is the ultimate priority on her life.  Worship is what God wants from you and from me — every day.  Jesus made this clear when He chided busy, frenetic Martha when she was so critical of her sister’s sitting at Jesus’ feet…Mary chose the better part, and so can we.  pp. 62-63

4.  “The godly woman’s discipline of the mind is achieved through serious and continual exposure to God’s Word…This is all-important:  You can never have a Christian mind without regular reading of the Scriptures and serious Bible study.  Why is this?  Because you cannot be profoundly influenced by what you don’t know.  If you are filled with God’s Word, your life can then be informed and directed by God — your relationships at home, your parenting, your career, your ethical decisions, your internal moral life.” pp. 71-72

5.  “The rare jewel of contentment will be yours when all that God is and all that He has done in Christ Jesus fills your heart.  We may lack many things in this world, but as godly women we must work to develop the discipline of contentment.” p. 87

6.  “…in Christ, our life is not about what we get, but what we give.  Life is about living in submission to His will regardless of what it may cost us.  God’s will for women since the beginning is to nurture… To live out life as a nurturer in this self-centered, godless culture will cost you.  But the rewards…are rich indeed.”  p. 167

1. “Women were created for relationship!  But it’s important for us to see that it’s our sovereign God who is ordering all of life, including our many relationships.  Our friendships and even our casual encounters are not just social accidents.  God put us in our particular families, neighborhoods, and workplaces for a reason:  He has put us next to people He wants us to influence for Christ.”  p. 195

8.  On Giving:  “…we are cultivating some level of wealth, often without realizing the pitfalls:  a growing delusion that this world is everything, that someday we’ll be content, that we ought to give our family everything ‘more and better,’ that our relationships will be enhanced by money and things, that wealth will make us better people.  Do riches have a hidden grip on your heart?  Materialism has taken its subtle toll on many unwitting Christian women.”  p. 199-200

9.  “The disciplined godly woman rids herself of associations, habits, and attitudes that impede godliness.  Then she invests her energy in the pursuit of godliness.”  p. 211

10.  “The Gospel woman’s greatest wisdom and impetus comes from her understanding of grace.  Everything in this life comes from God’s grace — grace alone! …Sisters, as we attempt to do God’s will, He always gives more grace.”  pp. 214-215

Let’s Talk:  What is the best advice you have received on the subject or marriage or relationships? Is there a godly woman whose example has impacted your life?

To help you get started on your journey, I’ve graded a one-page printable with 7 Scriptural Prayers.  Start your day for the next 7 days saying these simple prayers to your Savior and invite Him to safeguard your home. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library.

SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE WEEKLY FAITH FUEL IN YOUR INBOX.

YOU’LL GET A FREE COPY OF “4 SUREFIRE WAYS TO IGNITE YOUR FAITH

and access the practical resources in the Fatih Fuel Library for members.

I’m also sharing a copy of My Pray Big Prayer Calendar with you. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and  grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning inviting God to strengthen your step and breathe fresh wind into your weary spirit.  

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Photo Credit: Roger Kirby