Putting Distractions in Their Place, Part 1

How to Fight Personal Sin, Part 2

Description Cheryl Marshall continues the conversation with author and counselor Rush Witt about overcoming persistent, "die-hard" sins. Together, they discuss the importance of knowing and understanding our personal patterns of sin, how beliefs and desires shape our actions, and the wealth of resources God provides for our sanctification. This episode encourages listeners to pursue lives wholly devoted to God with honesty, grace, and hope. Key Topics Covered * Embracing a posture of "contented discontent" in the Christian walk * Becoming a student of your own sin: self-examination without despair  * Recognizing patterns and triggers of sin (DFIT: Duration, Frequency, Intensity, Triggers)  * The value of honest community and godly friendship in fighting sin  * How beliefs and desires at the root of our hearts shape the fruit of our lives  * God's provisions for fighting sin: Himself, the Bible, the gospel, the church, and the ordinances  * Psalm 1 as a model for rooted, fruitful Christian living Take Aways * Real change starts with honest self-awareness, fueled by grace and rooted in gospel hope. * Understanding your sin, its patterns, triggers, and impact, equips you to fight it more purposefully. * Lasting transformation comes from the inside out, beginning with renewed beliefs and desires. * Community and godly friendships are essential for seeing where your perspective may be skewed and for encouragement in the journey. * God provides everything believers need to battle sin: His presence, His Word, and His people. * Happiness and holiness are deeply connected in God’s plan for us (see Psalm 1). Resources Mentioned * Books by Rush Witt: * I Want to Escape [https://www.amazon.com/Want-Escape-Reaching-Christian-Counselor/dp/1645072754/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1002RLD270OTC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4PzNjDtDeAECZcMXVmcscQ.CERf5kqGxEs44lLl3wOV2a384ioaFYPqZwvdhR-YpLA&dib_tag=se&keywords=i+want+to+escape+rush+witt&qid=1781264501&sprefix=i+want+to+escape+%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-1] * Die Hard: How to Fight Wisely Against Destructive Daily Habits [https://www.amazon.com/Diehard-Sins-Wisely-Against-Destructive/dp/1629954853] (topic of this episode) * Shepherding Time [https://www.amazon.com/Shepherding-Time-Pastors-Guide-Management/dp/1645076555] (forthcoming, September 2026) * Rush Witt’s Podcast: “The Most Interesting Person in the World [https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-most-interesting-person-in-the-world/id1674377498?l=nb]” * Rush Witt’s Website: mynameisrush.com [http://mynameisrush.com] * Cheryl's Latest Book: All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] Next Steps 1. Reflect on patterns and triggers of sin in your own life, consider journaling using the DFIT acronym. 2. Invite a trusted, godly friend or mentor into an honest conversation about areas of struggle. 3. Spend intentional time in God’s Word (consider memorizing Psalm 1). 4. Explore the books mentioned for further insight and practical help. 5. Commit to regular prayer, asking God for grace, wisdom, and perseverance in the fight against sin. Connect & Take the Next Step * Subscribe: Don’t miss Part 2 of this crucial conversation. Subscribe to Whole Life Worship. * Share & Review: If you found this episode helpful, rate and share it with a friend. * Reflect: Consider how you experience both struggle and hope in your own fight against sin. Journal or pray through the “four gifts” discussed. * Visit: Learn more about Rush Witt and his resources at mynameisrush.com [http://mynameisrush.com]. * Join the Conversation: Connect with Cheryl Marshall [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/free-resource-library]and take the next step in pursuing a life wholly devoted to God, without compromise, without comparison, in every circumstance. Additional Ways to Connect 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], Substack [https://substack.com/@cherylmarshallbooks], YouTube [https://youtube.com/channel/UCL4o5_ojjg9mLQ1fF3PWABQ/] Join: Cheryl’s Newsletter [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/free-resource-library]

How to Fight Personal Sin, Part 1

Description Cheryl Marshall welcomes Rush Witt, lead pastor, biblical counselor, and author, to discuss how believers can effectively recognize, understand, and fight personal sin, especially those persistent, “die-hard” sins. With practical wisdom and gospel hope, Rush Witt unpacks biblical definitions, shares his own journey, and highlights the spiritual resources God provides to help us persevere in the lifelong battle with sin. Key Topics Covered * Defining Sin & “Die Hard Sins”  * Jesus’s Compassionate Ministry to Sinners * Sin as a Worship Disorder  * Four Gospel-Centered Gifts for Battling Sin  * The Challenge of Long-Term Struggles & “Contented Discontent”  Takeaways 1. Sin is More Than Behavior: Sin runs deeper than outward actions; it involves desires, attitudes, and even our patterns of worship. 2. Gospel Hope in the Battle: God gives believers four unchanging gifts: His presence, our dependence, the gospel message, and ongoing vigilance, to encourage and equip us in fighting sin. 3. Perseverance, Not Perfection: The fight against personal sin is a lifelong journey. We’re called to continual repentance, finding hope in God’s faithfulness and the promise of future redemption. Resources Mentioned * Books by Rush Witt: * I Want to Escape [https://www.amazon.com/Want-Escape-Reaching-Christian-Counselor/dp/1645072754/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1002RLD270OTC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4PzNjDtDeAECZcMXVmcscQ.CERf5kqGxEs44lLl3wOV2a384ioaFYPqZwvdhR-YpLA&dib_tag=se&keywords=i+want+to+escape+rush+witt&qid=1781264501&sprefix=i+want+to+escape+%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-1] * Die Hard: How to Fight Wisely Against Destructive Daily Habits [https://www.amazon.com/Diehard-Sins-Wisely-Against-Destructive/dp/1629954853] (topic of this episode) * Shepherding Time [https://www.amazon.com/Shepherding-Time-Pastors-Guide-Management/dp/1645076555] (forthcoming, September 2026) * Rush Witt’s Podcast: “The Most Interesting Person in the World [https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-most-interesting-person-in-the-world/id1674377498?l=nb]” * Rush Witt’s Website: mynameisrush.com [http://mynameisrush.com] * Cheryl's Latest Book: All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books] Next Steps Looking to apply what you heard in this episode? Here are some practical next steps inspired by the conversation between Cheryl Marshall and Rush Witt: 1. Reflect on Your Understanding of Sin Take some time to consider how you’ve defined sin in your own life. Ask yourself: Do I view sin as more than just outward actions? How might my desires and attitudes need to change? Refer back to Rush Witt's explanation at 07:44. 2. Read Matthew 9:35-36 Meditate on how Jesus approaches sinners with compassion, as highlighted by Rush Witt at 06:00, and consider how this impacts your own struggles. 3. Identify Your Die Hard Sins Following the episode, make a list of persistent struggles in your life, those “die hard” sins that seem difficult to overcome (08:19). Pray for insight and honesty as you write. 4. Remember God’s Hope-Filled Gifts Review and pray through the four “hope-filled gifts” discussed by Rush Witt at 16:27: * God’s presence remains with you. * Your dependence on Him continues. * The gospel is your central weapon. * Vigilance can endure because of God’s grace. 5. Practice Contented Discontent with Sin Embrace both a determination not to settle for sin and a patient trust in God’s slow but certain work in your life, echoing Rush Witt at 20:01. 6. Look Forward to Part 2 Commitment: Listen next week for further practical help on fighting personal sin. Connect & Take the Next Step * Subscribe: Don’t miss Part 2 of this crucial conversation. Subscribe to Whole Life Worship. * Share & Review: If you found this episode helpful, rate and share it with a friend. * Reflect: Consider how you experience both struggle and hope in your own fight against sin. Journal or pray through the “four gifts” discussed. * Visit: Learn more about Rush Witt and his resources at mynameisrush.com [http://mynameisrush.com]. * Join the Conversation: Connect with Cheryl Marshall [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/free-resource-library]and take the next step in pursuing a life wholly devoted to God, without compromise, without comparison, in every circumstance. Additional Ways to Connect 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], Substack [https://substack.com/@cherylmarshallbooks], YouTube [https://youtube.com/channel/UCL4o5_ojjg9mLQ1fF3PWABQ/] Join: Cheryl’s Newsletter [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/free-resource-library]

Is Sin Sabotaging Your Devotion?

Episode Description In this episode of Whole-Life Worship, Cheryl Marshall explores how unaddressed sin can sabotage our devotion to God, dividing our hearts and undermining our pursuit of whole-life worship. Through relatable analogies and biblical examples, she identifies three common ways we mishandle sin—compartmentalizing, minimizing, and rationalizing—and offers practical, hope-filled insight from 1 John on how to respond faithfully. This episode encourages listeners to embrace honesty before God, leading to forgiveness and renewed devotion. Key Topics Covered * Three Ways We Mishandle Sin: * Compartmentalizing: Isolating disobedience while serving God outwardly. * Minimizing: Downplaying the seriousness of sin, redefining it, or avoiding biblical terminology. * Rationalizing: Creating excuses or “good reasons” for our disobedience. * Biblical Examples: Lessons from Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5), Lot’s wife (Genesis 19), and King Saul (1 Samuel 13) illustrate these pitfalls. * Gospel Hope: 1 John 1:5–9 gives believers a blueprint for confession, forgiveness, and restoration. Three Takeaways 1. Unchecked Sin Divides Devotion Compartmentalizing, minimizing, or rationalizing sin disrupts our fellowship with God, often leading to a divided spirit, diminished worship, and spiritual stagnation. 2. Honest Confession Brings Restoration Biblical confession—calling sin what God calls it and turning from it—invites God’s faithful and just forgiveness, restoring our intimacy with Him as described in 1 John 1:5–9. 3. God’s Grace Exceeds Our Failures No matter the depth of our disobedience, God promises gentle, thorough forgiveness in Christ for those who sincerely repent, freeing us from guilt and enabling wholehearted worship. Resources Mentioned * Scriptures Referenced: * Acts 5:1-11 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%205%3A1-11&version=ESV] * Genesis 19:15-26 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%2019%3A15-26&version=ESV] * 1 Samuel 13:11-14 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%2013%3A11-14&version=ESV] * 1 John 1:5-9 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201%3A5-9&version=ESV] * Book: All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God by Cheryl Marshall — Available through major booksellers and via the link in the show notes. * Quote: C.H. Spurgeon — "When we deal seriously with our sin, God will deal gently with us."  Next Steps * Reflect: Take time this week to honestly examine your own heart. Are you compartmentalizing, minimizing, or rationalizing any sins? * Confess: Humbly and quickly confess any revealed sins to God, trusting in His gentle and faithful forgiveness. * Engage: Subscribe, review, and share the podcast to encourage others on their journey toward whole-life worship. * Explore Further: Consider reading "All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books]" by Cheryl Marshall for deeper encouragement and practical tools.   Additional Ways to Connect 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], Substack [https://substack.com/@cherylmarshallbooks], YouTube [https://youtube.com/channel/UCL4o5_ojjg9mLQ1fF3PWABQ/] Join Cheryl’s Newsletter [https://www.cherylmarshall.com/free-resource-library]

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.