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, 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
John 12:1-8
Book: Steadfast in Every Season: Seeing God’s Faithfulness in the Lives of Women of the Bible by Dr. Shelbi Cullen.
Techniques for practical Bible study: Discovering Wonderful Things worksheet, focusing on observation, interpretation, and application.
The Women’s Hope Podcast (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.
- Cheryl’s Books:
- To order “All of Me”: https://www.cherylmarshall.com/books
- To order, “When Words Matter Most”: 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, Facebook, Substack, YouTube
- Subscribe to Cheryl’s Newsletter
Keep pursuing a life wholly devoted to God, without compromise, without comparison, in every circumstance.
