Rev Chris Nuttall - Fuel for your fire

 God’s timing is perfect: Learning to wait on the Lord (Patience)   How many times have you heard someone say, ‘I want it done yesterday’?  It is a staple of many a parent and many a boss.  I know, I have been both and have used it often, without quite ever thinking about it.  We live in a world that craves instant gratification and outcomes and as a result we often struggle with the concept and indeed the practice of patience. In Ecclesiastes 3:11 it says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” For Christian’s, and I count myself as a perpetrator of this, we often find that waiting on God’s timing to be one of the biggest aspects of our faith that we struggle with.  Patience is a trait that we can sometimes pick up last because we must retrain ourselves to be patient.  We are to be born again into this trait through our fa...

  How to hear God's voice in everyday life. Rev. Chris Nuttall   "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it."   ‘Pardon’, ‘Excuse me, I didn’t quite catch that’, ‘You what’, ‘Speak louder, I can’t hear you’. These are all phrases that we have heard and have most probably said as we go through life.  All the hub-hub and noise that constantly bombard us make it difficult to hear sometimes. It is the same with God. We struggle, sometimes, to hear him and even more perplexing to me is that we probably do not recognise his voice at all. The main difficulty we all have is that God is not a physical presence that we can speak to face-to-face or just call on a telephone.  He is supernaturally omnipresent, around us all of the time helping us and guiding us throughout life’s ups and downs, but it is sometimes difficult for us to hear what he is telling us. I think most pe...

 Understanding God’s purpose for your life. Rev. Chris Nuttall   ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…’   Many Christians struggle with knowing what God has planned for them.  What is his will for your life?  Hopefully, I will be able to provide some encouragement for discovering his purpose. As I am sat writing this at 4.12pm (UK time) on the 25 th February 2025, I can tell you that this is something that I have struggled with for a long time.  AS of this moment, I am currently not in work, and under the UK benefits system, I am now one of those people who currently do not have to look for work due to my disabilities and long-standing illnesses.  I currently have four prolapsed disks in my spine, I have heart trouble, am type two diabetic have problems with arthritis in my knees; am having trouble in using my left arm and at the age of 54 I am currently in the very early stages of assessment for Dementia. There are day...

  ‘How to strengthen your relationship with God’ Rev. Chris Nuttall ‘Draw near to God and He will draw near to you’. It is such a simple instruction ‘Draw near to God and he will draw near to you’ taken from James 4:8, and yet we can find it so difficult an instruction that we can, if not careful, fall so far away from God, that it can be difficult to come back to him.  Not on his part, of course, he is always with us, but from our fragile human existence it is sometimes easier to fall away rather than fight to stay. A strong relationship with God does require us to intentionally put effort into it.  It is just like any other relationship that you want to work.  I try and always ‘fall in love with my wife all over again,  everyday’ for our relationship to continue to prosper and this has been the case for the last 35 years that we have been together.  It can sometimes be very hard to do so.  She may have said or done something that has upset me...

  How to Motivate Others in Their Daily Life Motivation is the fuel that drives us to act, achieve our goals, and make the most of each day. But let’s be honest—staying motivated isn’t always easy, life gets in the way and sometimes, the people around us need a little encouragement to keep moving forward. Whether it’s a friend, family member, colleague, or loved one, helping someone find their motivation can be one of the most rewarding things you do. Motivation isn’t just about achieving big dreams; it’s about maintaining the energy and positive mindset and mental toughness to get through everyday life. So, how can you inspire and uplift those around you? Here are ten powerful ways to motivate others in their daily lives . 1. Understand What Drives Them Everyone is motivated by different things—some by personal success, others by purpose, recognition, challenge, or growth. If you want to inspire someone, take the time to understand what truly drives them . Ask que...

   A Guide to Funeral and Celebration of Life Services in England and Wales Saying goodbye to a loved one is one of the most profound moments in life. A funeral or  celebration of life  service provides an opportunity to honour their memory, reflect on their impact, and find comfort in the presence of family and friends. In England and Wales, there are many ways to create a  meaningful farewell , whether through a  traditional Christian funeral, a non-religious ceremony, or a personalised celebration of life . In this blog, we’ll explore the different options available, helping you plan a service that truly reflects your loved one’s life and legacy. Traditional Christian Funerals For those of faith, a Christian funeral service is not just a farewell—it is a  sacred moment of remembrance, prayer, and hope . These services acknowledge  God’s presence , offer comfort to the bereaved, and reflect the belief in eternal life. Church Funerals Many Christ...

   A Guide to Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremonies in England and Wales A wedding vow renewal is a beautiful way to celebrate your marriage, reflect on your journey together, and reaffirm the love and commitment that has grown over time. Whether you're marking a milestone anniversary, overcoming challenges, or simply wanting to express your devotion again, a  vow renewal ceremony  is a deeply personal and meaningful occasion. Unlike a wedding, a vow renewal has  no legal requirements or restrictions , allowing couples to craft a ceremony that truly reflects their relationship, values, and experiences. In this blog, we'll explore the different ways you can renew your vows—whether in a religious setting, with a celebrant-led ceremony, or through a personal gathering with loved ones. Why Renew Your Vows? Couples choose to renew their vows for many reasons, including: 💍  Celebrating a milestone anniversary  (10, 25, 50 years, etc.). 💍  Reaffirming your co...

  A Guide to Baby Naming Ceremonies in England and Wales Welcoming a new life into the world is a joyous occasion, filled with love, hope, and excitement for the future. Many families in England and Wales choose to mark this special moment with a  baby naming ceremony —a heartfelt event that celebrates the child’s arrival and officially introduces them to family and friends. Whether religious or not, these ceremonies provide an opportunity to express gratitude, set intentions for the child’s life, and bring loved ones together in a spirit of love and unity. In this blog, I’ll explore both  Christian and non-religious  baby naming ceremonies, helping you understand the options available to create a meaningful celebration for your little one. Christian Baby Naming Ceremonies For families of faith, a Christian baby naming ceremony is often closely linked to  baptism  or  dedication . These ceremonies acknowledge God’s presence in the child’s life and comm...

Wedding of Kerry and Karl Sacxton that I officiated at.  Photo used with their kind permission. Getting Married in England and Wales Introduction Getting married is one of the most significant events in a couple’s life. In England and Wales, couples have several options when it comes to wedding ceremonies, ranging from traditional Christian services to secular, non-religious ceremonies. This guide provides all the necessary legal, practical, and planning details to help you navigate the process seamlessly. Legal Requirements for Marriage General Requirements Both partners must be at least 18 years old (16 with parental consent in Wales, but not England). The couple must give notice of marriage at their local register office at least 29 days before the wedding. The marriage must take place in a licensed venue or be officiated by an authorized person. At least two witnesses must be present. Documents Required Valid ...