Rachel C.

Today, Rachel speaks to us about the trap of spiritualism, how God tells us that we are chosen, and how God found her in a London flat.

Rachel C.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask my Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” John 15:13-17

This verse is SO powerful. The greatest love of all involves sacrifice. He tells us He is our Lord but also our friend. He tells us we are chosen. He tells us that He has chosen us to bear His fruit and that the fruit will abide in Him. And that whatever we ask in His name, it will be given. But all of this, so that we can better love one another.

“He tells us we are chosen.”

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: I am trying to be more disciplined in digging into the Word. I’m also learning to trust in Him to be BOLD in who He has made me to be and do what He has called me to do.

Profession: Insurance Broker.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I’m pretty much the Jesus-loving version of Lorelai from Gilmore Girls, or so I like to think.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? The first time I encountered God moving in my life was when I moved to the UK to live for a semester of studying in London. I was going back and forth with my husband Stuart about whether I believed in God or not, despite having grown up Catholic. But, when I moved into my flat in London, God knew I was seeking Him in my heart.

Come to find out all of my flatmates were Christian, and my flatmate that I got along best with was pretty devout Christian. She answered a lot of questions. One night, I saw her Jesus Calling devotional and pink Bible and thought, that looks kind of cute and not daunting at all! So, I asked her if I could borrow it, and the rest is history. I remember opening that Bible with an open heart, and God rushed in.

“I remember opening that Bible with an open heart, and God rushed in.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? My blog. I used to be scared of writing for the Lord for many reasons. I know the Lord will judge those that teach His word more harshly. I also know that I am very vulnerable to being carried away by the desire for attention and a following. But that’s why I named my blog Heart After God. I am constantly in pursuit of Him and the name of my blog is a constant reminder that everything I create should be in line with His heart. He is the one that created me with a writer’s heart after all! The Lord has revealed to me that He gifted me with a love for writing for a reason and that is to grow in relationship with Him and that I shouldn’t be afraid. I should be bold and fearless and live according to my calling knowing He has given His blessing over it. He is in control of it, and I dedicate it only to Him.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): The parable of the talents! I’ve been loving this parable. I didn’t understand it at all. There were so many questions I had about it. Lord, why did you give more to others and less to others? Why did you punish the servant who was afraid of you? Why really is a talent? He’s answered all of these questions and more and I’m looking forward to writing about it!

Top three essentials: I’m sure everyone says this first one but coffee, a study Bible, and a great dry shampoo.

How did God speak to you recently? I am going through a loss of a friendship. I kept everything I wanted to say bottled up but ranted about it to my husband and said things I didn’t necessarily mean but needed to say. I felt guilty but the Lord in His understanding said to me, Now that you’ve let out what you needed to let out, my Truth will settle onto that layer. I don’t know what that means, but that’s what He said! I assume it means He is going to cover the situation and that it is under His control. I hope so!

Hobby: I love to write, draw, read, and do an occasional HIIT workout.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Acknowledge Him in everything. Meditate on His word whenever you can. Pray continuously over all situations even when you can’t speak; write, think, cry out to the Lord, listen to worship music and clear your mind. Connect with Him in the way that you need to so you aren’t putting off speaking with the Lord because you don’t feel like reading the Bible or speaking out loud. God knows your heart. The Spirit will intercede. Pray in whatever way you can.

Favorite person in scripture? Jesus first and foremost because of the sacrifice He has made. Ruth really inspires me as well; she is loyal, hardworking, courageous and humble. She is exceptional. The same goes for many others in the Bible but I identify with Ruth in a way as I’ve also traveled far from home to be with someone I love. I’ve learned to trust the Lord in new ways as a result.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want others to know that the Lord is love. He is not a doctrine, but a living person. He laid down his life that we could find ours. That we could be with our loved ones again. That we are created in His image. We are uniquely and wonderfully made. And He desires our hearts.

“He is not a doctrine, but a living person.”

Favorite season? Fall, fall, fall. Cozy scarves, fleece leggings, and pretty colors.

Favorite holiday? Christmas!

A dream you have? I have a dream of being an entrepreneur and working from home as a full time stay at home mom. Because who doesn’t want to work in their pajamas? I’m not sure what I would like to do yet, but I am enjoying blogging, for now. One day, I would like to write an eBook. About what, I have no idea yet!

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: My momma and I always grab coffee every weekend, and my Dad and I grab breakfast when he comes off his night shifts. I can’t wait to go back home and pick up these traditions again!

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? I’m really not sure! I haven’t thought much about that. I trust that the Lord reveals to His children what we need to know. Anything beyond that would be too overwhelming for me, you know? I barely understand the book of Job, know what I’m saying?

“I trust that the Lord reveals to His children what we need to know.”

Thing you want to raise awareness about: The trap that is new age spiritualism. I see so many Christians falling victim to ideas like the law of attraction and false teachers. Be vigilant, friends.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Well, if I’m not sleeping I’m probably chugging a fat cup of coffee!

What is on your nightstand? My Bible, an autobiography of a forensic scientist (don’t ask), a journal, some pens, and a water bottle.

Define Christianity in a sentence: You are fearfully and wonderfully made to love and serve a loving Creator and friend.

For more Rachel:

Instagram: @rachelchamberlayne

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO