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In Disciplines of a Godly Woman, Hughes recommends
disciplines (of the soul, character, relationships, and ministry) that godly
woman should understand, value, and pursue. With a warm and humble tone, she
clearly expresses solid theology and wisdom as she describes disciplines such as
prayer, worship, perseverance, contentment, nurturing, witness, and giving. She
conveys truths so scriptural and universal that every woman can benefit from the
book. Yet it will bear most fruit if each reader will prayerfully apply its
principles to the particulars of her own life. She who reads the book only for
information will be no different at the end than at the beginning. But those who
work slowly through it, inviting the Holy Spirit to operate on them as they
read, will find it to be a helpful tool in their sanctification.
Like many good books, this one presents few new ideas. But
since for most Christians there is a wide gap between what we “know” and how we
live, the value of this book lies in its winsome, compelling, and biblical
reminders to strive toward godly living by the grace of God in Christ. Hughes
closes, “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!…Begin today to cultivate the disciplines of godly womanhood, and remember
it is a matter of God’s grace from beginning to end…There is no contradiction
between grace and hard work. In fact, grace encourages us to keep at it….as we
attempt to do God’s will, He always gives more grace.”
Reading the book individually or in a very small group will
be more conducive to meditation and application than using it in a large group
setting. Allow adequate time between the chapters to absorb the material, pray,
and begin to practice the truths they contain.
- Amy Veerman, CEP Staff
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