Whole-Life Worship with Cheryl Marshall

Putting Distractions in Their Place, Part 2

Episode Description In this inspiring episode, Cheryl Marshall continues her conversation with Dr. Shelbi Cullen on the theme, "Putting Distractions in Their Place." Together, they revisit the story of Mary and Martha, exploring how even good responsibilities can hinder our worship if misplaced. Dr. Shelbi Cullen offers practical wisdom on identifying heart-level distractions, trusting the Lord with our time, and finding contentment in both service and quiet devotion. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking to live a life wholly devoted to God amid the busyness and noise of daily life. Key Topics * Re-examining Martha: Misconceptions and Her True Faithfulness  * Heart Motives: When Service Gets in the Way of Worship * Trust & Control: Letting Go and Leaning on God’s Timing * Jesus’ Tender Correction & How He Shepherds Us in Our Weakness * The Change in Martha: Comparison of Luke 10 & John 12 * Three Truths For Putting Distractions in Their Place * Worship as the Central Focus * Service Overflowing From Worship * Guarding Against Subtle Distractions * Practical Ways to Abide & Commune With Christ Daily * A Prayer for Listeners Takeaways * Worship is, first and foremost, a posture of the heart and must remain central even in busy seasons. * Martha’s story reminds us that good service can become a distraction when our hearts lose focus on Christ. * True service and ministry should overflow from love for Christ, not replace our worship of Him. * Jesus corrects us with gentleness and love; He invites distracted, weary people to come to Him for rest. * It’s easy to be pulled away by responsibilities, technology, and others' opinions. Spiritual disciplines help us reorient our hearts. * When distracted, we can confidently return to Christ, who is always compassionate, never distant or impatient. * Abiding in Christ, being rooted in His Word and prayer, empowers both our worship and our service. Resources Mentioned Key Verses: Luke 10:38-42 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010%3A38-42&version=NIV] John 12:1-8 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2012%3A1-8&version=NIV] Book: All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] by Cheryl Marshall  Book: Steadfast in Every Season: Seeing God’s Faithfulness in the Lives of Women of the Bible [https://www.amazon.com/Steadfast-Every-Season-Seeing-Faithfulness/dp/1636643868] by Dr. Shelbi Cullen.  Techniques for practical Bible study: Discovering Wonderful Things worksheet [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7jq5rg7akmacuojgodym8/Shelbi-Cullen-s-Bible-Reading-and-Study-Worksheet.pdf?rlkey=h4wg83y1qmhmegiaj3g1cozec&dl=0], focusing on observation, interpretation, and application. The Women’s Hope Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-womens-hope-podcast/id1074407605] (co-hosted by Dr. Shelby Cullen) Next Steps / Calls To Action * Reflect: Pause and ask: What’s distracting you from worship and whole-hearted devotion to God? * Read: Dig into Luke 10:38–42 and John 12 this week, meditating on the examples of both Mary and Martha. * Abide: Prioritize time at Jesus’ feet: consider removing distractions (like your phone) during your Scripture and prayer times. * Connect: Share this episode with a friend who wrestles with busyness and the tension between serving and being still. * Engage: Subscribe, rate, and review Whole Life Worship [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whole-life-worship-with-cheryl-marshall/id1896563848] wherever you listen, and check out Cheryl's new book, All of Me [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books], for deeper study and encouragement in pursuing a life wholly devoted to God. * Follow Cheryl Marshall: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/_cherylmarshall], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/cherylmarshallbooks], Substack [https://substack.com/@cherylmarshallbooks], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@wholelifeworshippodcast] Subscribe to Cheryl’s Newsletter [/free-resource-library] Thanks for tuning in to Whole Life Worship. Keep pursuing a life wholly devoted to God, without compromise, comparison, or distraction!

Putting Distractions in Their Place, Part 1

Episode Description In this episode of Whole Life Worship, Cheryl Marshall is joined by Dr. Shelbi Cullen, Assistant Professor at The Master's University and seasoned biblical counselor, to discuss how to rightly order life’s responsibilities and distractions in devotion to God. Drawing from Dr. Shelbi Cullen’s new book, Steadfast in Every Season [https://www.amazon.com/Steadfast-Every-Season-Seeing-Faithfulness/dp/1636643868], and the biblical account of Mary and Martha from Luke 10, the conversation explores practical and spiritual strategies for Christian women who long to focus on Christ amidst their busy lives. Key Topics * Lessons from Hannah and Mary Magdalene: relying on God in seasons of distress * Deep dive into the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) * The significance of Mary’s posture of listening and devotion to Christ * Practical steps to develop spiritual disciplines amidst busyness * The importance of implementation and application in Bible study * How silence and humility can reflect trust in God during conflict * Biblical counseling approaches to spiritual growth Key Takeaways * True devotion to God means putting distractions in their proper place, not eliminating God-given responsibilities but rightly ordering them. * Biblical women, such as Mary Magdalene and Hannah, modeled faithfulness in trying circumstances, illustrating that sadness and hardship can draw us closer to God rather than pull us away. * Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet serves as a model of teachability, humility, and prioritizing communion with Christ over busyness. * Spiritual disciplines, such as daily Bible reading, scripture meditation, and prayer, are best established gradually and adjusted to life’s seasons. * Application, asking how to live out biblical truths in your current season, is crucial to spiritual transformation. * Silent trust and humility in difficult situations can powerfully reflect faith and dependence on God. Resources Mentioned Key Verses: Luke 10:38-42 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010%3A38-42&version=NIV] John 12:1-8 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2012%3A1-8&version=NIV] Book: Steadfast in Every Season: Seeing God’s Faithfulness in the Lives of Women of the Bible [https://www.amazon.com/Steadfast-Every-Season-Seeing-Faithfulness/dp/1636643868] by Dr. Shelbi Cullen.  Techniques for practical Bible study: Discovering Wonderful Things worksheet [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7jq5rg7akmacuojgodym8/Shelbi-Cullen-s-Bible-Reading-and-Study-Worksheet.pdf?rlkey=h4wg83y1qmhmegiaj3g1cozec&dl=0], focusing on observation, interpretation, and application. The Women’s Hope Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-womens-hope-podcast/id1074407605] (co-hosted by Dr. Shelby Cullen) Next Steps / Call to Action (CTA) * Pick up a copy of Dr. Shelby Cullen’s book, Steadfast in Every Season [https://www.amazon.com/Steadfast-Every-Season-Seeing-Faithfulness/dp/1636643868]. * Cheryl’s Books: * To order “All of Me”: https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] * To order, “When Words Matter Most”: https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] * Reflect: Consider which biblical character, or which lesson from this episode, most resonates with your current season. * Start Small: Set aside time each day this week, even just 10 minutes, for intentional Bible reading and meditation. * Apply & Pray: As you read, ask how you can implement God’s Word in your specific circumstances, and pray the Scriptures into your daily life. * Subscribe & Share: Don’t forget to subscribe to Whole Life Worship, leave a review, and share this episode with friends who desire to grow in faithful devotion! * Tune In Next Week: Join us for the second part of “Putting Distractions in Their Place” for more practical wisdom. * Follow Cheryl Marshall: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/_cherylmarshall], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/cherylmarshallbooks], Substack [https://substack.com/@cherylmarshallbooks], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@wholelifeworshippodcast] * Subscribe to Cheryl’s Newsletter [/free-resource-library] Keep pursuing a life wholly devoted to God, without compromise, without comparison, in every circumstance.

How to Turn Your Busyness Into Worship

In this episode of Whole Life Worship, Cheryl dives into what it looks like to transform the busyness of everyday life into an offering of worship to God. Rather than focusing merely on doing less, she encourages listeners to reorient their hearts and motivations so that every task, no matter how mundane or hectic, can become a purposeful act of glorifying God. Key Topics Covered * Defining whole life worship amidst full schedules and demanding responsibilities  * The difference between mere busyness and purposeful, God-oriented living  * Common motivations behind our busyness and how they can become distractions  * Jesus as the model for orienting a full life toward God’s purposes  * Applying 1 Corinthians 10:31 — doing all for God’s glory  * Practical steps to align your daily activities with whole-life worship  Three Takeaways 1. Busyness is not the core issue; purpose is. Purposeless busyness can leave us feeling empty, but when the “why” behind our actions is centered on God’s glory, even full schedules become opportunities for worship. 2. Jesus models undivided devotion. Despite His crowded, demanding days, Jesus’ purpose was always clear: to do the will of the Father. We can orient our own lives by following His example. 3. Daily worship starts with three steps: Remember your “why”, receive God’s Word, and run your race in faith and obedience — letting every moment be directed by God’s truth and for His honor. Resources Mentioned * Key Verses * Mark 6:53-56 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%206%3A53-56&version=ESV] * John 4:34 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%204%3A34&version=ESV] * Deuteronomy 8:3 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut.%208%3A3&version=ESV] * John 5:30 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%205%3A30&version=ESV] * 1 Corinthians 10:31 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Cor%2010%3A31&version=ESV] * Romans 12:1-2 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom%2012%3A1-2&version=ESV] * Pre-order “All of Me [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books]" Connect & Take the Next Step * Subscribe & Review: If this episode encouraged you, subscribe and leave a review. * Share: Pass this episode along to friends or family who might benefit from reimagining their own busyness as worship. * Reflect: Take a moment each day this week to ask: “How can I glorify God in this moment, with this task?” Let your full life become an act of worship. * Cheryl’s Books: * Pre-order “All of Me [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books]" * Order, “When Words Matter Most [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books]" * Follow Cheryl Marshall: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/_cherylmarshall], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/cherylmarshallbooks], YouTube * Cheryl’s Newsletter [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/free-resource-library] Keep pursuing a life wholly devoted to God without compromise, comparison, or distraction.

Three Ways Our Devotion Becomes Divided

In this episode, we explore what it means to pursue a life wholly devoted to God—without compromise, without comparison, and in every circumstance. Recognizing that devotion can waver at times, Cheryl reminds listeners that they are not alone in the struggle. We walk through three common ways the heart can become divided: distraction, disobedience, and discouragement. We'll unpack how these challenges can subtly take hold and pull believers away from wholehearted devotion. Through key scriptures, thoughtful reflection, and biblical encouragement, this episode offers hope and practical insight for those desiring to return to a place of wholehearted worship and live each moment for God’s glory. Key Topics Covered * What it means to live a life of whole-life worship  * How our busyness and motivations can unknowingly distract us from pure devotion  * The role that persistent sin (disobedience) can play in dividing our hearts  * How discouragement and believing lies about our limitations can hinder our worship  * Practical ways to turn to God for a united heart: self-examination, confession, repentance, and prayer Three Key Takeaways 1. Worship is More Than What We Say—It’s How We Live: Our worship is not limited to Sunday mornings or devotional times, but includes every part of our life and every action we take. 2. Divided Devotion Often Sneaks In Unnoticed: Distraction, disobedience, and discouragement may come quietly, but they impact our relationship with God. Recognizing these helps us realign with His purposes. 3. God Uses Even Our Weaknesses: Your limitations don’t disqualify you; God uses them as opportunities to reveal His power and grace in your life. Resources Mentioned * Scripture References * 1 John 1:9 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201%3A9&version=ESV] * Psalm 32 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2032&version=ESV] * Psalm 51 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2051&version=ESV] * 2 Corinthians 3:5 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20cor%203%3A5&version=ESV] * 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20cor%2012%3A9-10&version=ESV] * Ephesians 2:10 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph%202%3A10&version=ESV] * Psalm 86:11-12 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2086%3A11-12&version=ESV] * Book Recommendation * Killing Sin [https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Sin-Habits-Conquering-Radical-ebook/dp/B00J4WP6LI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GC2KK0R9HPQT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.w__vNdNyjgpS0vwbElsWIojuv1v4Z1MB2QnD4IaXdE7AT3H6u_zgrJNvIEljtJhX9fHCTaytm8XIUBvewvYG-Tm9JSfu6l8nX3Ws9itlpXw.nCfT0FE9hMYkU_lS8_MmWw5HFEq0zzvz7GV5qAMRjdc&dib_tag=se&keywords=killing+sin+habits&qid=1777147318&s=digital-text&sprefix=killing+sin+habit%2Cdigital-text%2C312&sr=1-1] Habits by Stuart Scott (00:07:35) * Pre-order my new book! * I’m thrilled to announce my new book, All of Me [https://cherylmarshall.com/books], is available for pre-order now on Amazon and releases June 1st, 2026! Connect & Take the Next Step * Subscribe and leave a review for Whole Life Worship on your favorite podcast app. * Sign up for my newsletter at CherylMarshall.com [http://CherylMarshall.com] to receive updates, devotionals, and resources straight to your inbox. * Follow Cheryl Marshall: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/_cherylmarshall], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/cherylmarshallbooks]

What's Your Why?

What's Your Why? You love the Lord — you go to church, you read your Bible, you pray. But then Monday comes, and by the time your head hits the pillow, Sunday feels like a distant memory. Sound familiar? In this first episode, we dig into the foundational question every Christian woman needs to ask: Why do I do what I do? Is God's glory actually driving my everyday life — or just my Sunday mornings? We explore what the Bible says about worship and discover that it's so much bigger than singing at church or a quiet time in the morning. From Romans 12:1 to 2 Corinthians 5:15, Scripture makes a bold claim: your whole life — the carpool, the career, the caregiving, all of it — is meant to be an act of worship unto God. Because Christ didn't just purchase your Sunday mornings. He purchased you. Whether you're a student, a busy mom, or navigating midlife, the call is the same: to present yourself as a living sacrifice and pursue a life wholly devoted to him. This week's question to carry with you: What's your why? Why do you do what you do — and is God's glory anywhere in your answer? Key Topics Discussed * The disconnect between Sunday worship and Monday living * What “whole life worship” truly means * The two aspects of biblical worship: words and life * The call to present our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) * Christ’s complete ownership of our lives * How worship looks different in every season—but the call never changes * A practical question to help align our desires with our daily reality Resources Mentioned * Scripture References: * Romans 11:33-36 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%2011%3A33-36&version=ESV] * Romans 12:1-2 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%2012%3A1-2&version=ESV] * 2 Corinthians 5:15 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Cor%205%3A15&version=ESV] * 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206%3A19-20&version=ESV] * Order New Book! Cheryl's new book, All of Me [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books], is available for pre-order now and releases June 1, 2026! If you want to take a deeper dive into living a life wholly devoted to God, this book is for you. You can pre-order on Amazon today. 3 Key Takeaways 1. Worship includes both our words and our whole lives—not just what we say or sing, but every action and attitude throughout the week. 2. Living as a “living sacrifice” is a response to Christ’s complete redemption of us—He owns all of us, not just our Sunday mornings. 3. No matter your season of life, you are called—and equipped—to pursue whole life worship, and God is faithful to teach and guide you each step of the way. Additional Resources Sign up for my newsletter: Get encouragement and updates straight to your inbox at CherylMarshall.com [http://CherylMarshall.com]. Leave a review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review for Whole Life Worship. It helps others find the show and join our community! Subscribe and share: Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and share it with friends who want to grow in living a life wholly devoted to God. To order “When Words Matter Most,” click HERE [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books]. Let’s keep pursuing whole life worship, one step at a time—without compromise, without comparison, and in every circumstance.