Heritage Christian Counseling Ministries

Heritage Christian Counseling Ministries Tom Russell grew to know and love the Lord at an early age. In high school he began to date the young lady that he would eventually marry.

His early marriage consisted of both of him and his wife going to Ohio State University, but after an unsuccessful experience, he quit and worked to help his wife finish. After she graduated she encouraged him to try schooling one more time. All it took was her emphasizing to him that she believed in him, and he was back at school. He graduated after completing eleven straight quarters with a degree in elementary education. During his years as a teacher their three biological children were born, and they got full custody of their then, foster son. Throughout his teaching career he thoroughly enjoyed the teaching aspect and making a significant difference in young people's lives, but he always felt there was more that God had in store for him. It was also during this time that he had an incredible passion to help marriages. Because of that passion, he became involved in his church's marriage retreats. There were also times when he would be sitting at his desk after school grading papers and a fellow teacher would walk in and want to talk about their marriage. It was experiences like those that made him think that God had another plan for his life. Finally, after much prayer and wisdom from those he trusted most in life, he resigned from teaching and enrolled at Ashland Theological Seminary to pursue a degree in pastoral counseling. It was during this time that the Lord helped him start the origins of Heritage Christian Counseling Ministries. Tom would work at his job forty hours a week, attend seminary full-time, and still spend about ten hours a week building Heritage. After graduating from seminary in 1997, Heritage became a full time ministry. In 1998, Heritage became a Prepare/Enrich ministry and in 1999, it became a member of The American Association of Christian Counselors, and It has been on a steady growth pattern since.

02/13/2026

A Key Marriage Fundamental - Honoring (2/13/26)

Honoring is one of the most important things a couple can do in Christian marriage. Honoring is taking an interest in the things that your marriage partner likes and wants to do even though they may not be at the top of your list of things you would like to do. An example would be for the husband to take an interest in musicals if that’s something his wife is interested in. An example for the wife would be taking an interest in sports, if that’s something her husband is interested in.

Paul writes, in Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Paul’s words of wisdom here can be very helpful in motivating husbands to honor their wives.

To show even more importance for honoring, Paul talks about it in Colossians 3:18-19, “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.” One way of submitting for wives is the very act of honoring their husband's interests. It is made easier when husbands are not harsh with their wives.

When your marriage partner honors you it brings about a very special kind of love. You know that your marriage partner is honoring you and not participating in the activity or interest that you have because they like it. It is done because of their love for you.

Action Point
It is very important that you have a discussion about honoring with your spouse. Ask each other what ways you can show honor in your marriage.
(Tom Russell)

02/12/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

What is Kept in The Dark Will be Brought to The Light

There is often a lot of pain associated with everyday life. The old saying that states, “You are only as ill in life as the secrets you keep,” is very true

People project a persona that appears stressed and anxious. They generally appear tired and worn out. It is not uncommon to find out that they have a secret passcode on their phone so as to not allow even their spouse to find out what it is. It becomes obvious when they are always the first to get the mail, that something is wrong. These people are keeping something hidden in the dark where they are deceived into thinking it will be safe there.

In chapters 11 and 12 of II Samuel, King David, after committing adultery with Bathsheba, tried to cover up the sin by having her husband killed in battle. He kept this secret until the prophet Nathan confronted him.

Luke pens this passage that can be very helpful in Luke 8:17, "For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light".

Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 12:14, "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

I John 1:9 encourages us with, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Action Point
Have you confessed the sins you have kept in the dark?
(Tom Russell)

02/11/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

Absolute Truths

In this day and age when people think about right and wrong, scripture and God‘s word are seldom part of the discussion. How must God feel about that? His heart has to be grieved.

Psalm 111:4,7-8 says, "The Lord is gracious and compassionate. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness.“

Some would argue that the Bible and God’s word are no longer relevant. However, Matthew 24:35 sets the record straight, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." It is still the word of God. He continues to guide His people.

People seem to think that if they are good enough they will make it to Heaven. James 2:10-12 says, "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, 'Do not commit adultery,' also said, 'Do not murder.' Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty."

Scripture states in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” It is impossible to be good enough. This is another lie from the enemy. That is why we must accept that Christ died for our sins and believe in His redemptive power and grace.

Action Point
What will you do about your sin? Do you believe in the absolute truth of God’s word?
(Tom Russell)

02/10/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

The Power of Truth

Truth is a powerful ingredient that is at the core of life and relationships. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:15, “Speaking the truth in love we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ."

Truth is facilitated by love and a pure heart. Paul writes in I Timothy 1:5, “The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."

Jesus said that the way to the Father was based in truth. John 14:6 records His words, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

The epistle of John ties truth together with love. I John 3:18 teaches, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

Truth is very important in the development of relationships. In his book “Us”, Dan Tocchini observes that our promises bind us to the future. “When we follow through on doing what we say we will do, we create the expectation that we can be trusted – and trust is essential for strengthening commitment.”

Timothy Keller, in his book, “The Meaning of Marriage”, ties truth and love together. “Love without truth is sentimentality; it supports and affirms us but keeps us in denial about our flaws. Truth without love is harshness; it gives us information but in such a way that we cannot really hear it.”

It is interesting to hear that trusting people may increase life expectancy. A research project by Lund University and Stockholm University shows it may prolong your life.

Action Point
Would other people say that you are trustworthy? If not, it is an important topic to pray about.
(Tom Russell)

02/09/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

Important Findings Concerning Anxiety

According to the Meridian Statistical Group more than 180,000 people will die from stress related illnesses per year in the UK. A major contributor to that statistic is anxiety. Anxiety is a condition where your body is in a state of tension where your thoughts can race to a potential crisis state without significant stimuli to create it.

Important scripture can help us in the battle against anxiety. Proverbs 12:25 tells us, “Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” This is an example of the wisdom of Solomon. He brings out the correlation between what we think and what we feel. The more we focus on anxiety producing thoughts, the more we can feel anxiety. The opposite is true also. The more we focus on God’s word, the lower the feelings of anxiety.

The book of I Peter 5:7 is another great example. It tells us to, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” It doesn’t mean we won’t have anxiety anymore but rather we will have recourse to manage it when it does occur.

Paul brings great teaching in Philippines 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Paul’s encouragement is more about relying on prayer, supplication and thanksgiving as you let your request be known to God. It is all too easy to bypass prayer or supplication when the storms of life hit. When we suddenly realize we have been facing the storm without calling on Him, we should do so. It will greatly help reduce the anxiety and tension.

Action Point
Anxiety is part of life, however it is important to remember to call upon our God so that we are not alone to cope with it.
(Tom Russell)

02/07/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

Productive Relationship Fundamentals

Research has looked at what makes a person happy. Surprisingly, it is not success, good looks, or an over abundance of enviable assets. What makes people happy is close relationships.
Certainly a close relationship with Jesus will help equip us to not only have relationship with Him, but with others as well.

One important relationship skill is being a good listener. In James 1:19 we read this, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” If we do practice these good listening skills, we begin to develop an inviting potential for relationships.

Proverbs17:27 teaches this about listening, “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”

Good relationship skills include being a “safe” person for people to open up to. Proverbs 19:14 states, “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

Proverbs 12:18 says, “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”

Good relationship skills also include offering a helping hand. The writer of Hebrews 13:6 teaches this important point, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Action Point
Regular time spent with Jesus will help empower us to be good relationship material.
(Tom Russell)

02/06/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

Renewing your Mind

There are times in the Christian life when we are malnourished. Often times we are not aware of it. Life can happen and get so busy that we suddenly realize we’ve not taken the time to care for ourselves or to feed ourselves spiritually. It is during times like this where the enemy attempts to take advantage of us. He slowly tries to deceive us and begin to lead us in ways that can begin to cause us to drift away from our relationship with Jesus.

Paul encourages us in Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Paul encourages us to not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The renewed mind is one that has called upon the power of the Holy Spirit to be afresh and anew in their life through prayer.

Action Point
It is important that we renew our minds in Christ. Take time to pray about that today.
(Tom Russell)

02/05/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

Caring

Caring for people is a very important part of life. Historically it was believed that the receiver of care was the primary person that benefited. More current research shows that the person caring for others can benefit, also.

Helping others isn’t just a commendable thing to do, it may also extend your life, according to new research. A recent study published in The Journal of Evolution and Human Behavior found that people who occasionally cared for others lived longer than people who didn’t.

Often times our God uses his people to bring the comfort that comes from Him to others. Isaiah 41:13 speaks to how our God cares for us, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’”
When we listen to God’s calling in our lives, He can use us to help others. We can be “Jesus” to others.

It is very well said that our God cares for us in Psalm 23:1-3, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

What a blessing that our God wants us to rest. How refreshing it is to think that He leads us beside still waters along the right path. We can help provide opportunities for others to receive the same peace and rest that God wants us to have.

Action Point
It is important that we take to heart that blessing others also becomes a blessing to us. Even though that’s important it’s also being obedient to what our God has called us to.
(Tom Russell)

02/04/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

Eyes to See

One of the dangers of this world is to be blinded by man’s own ideas and that which is politically correct in our society. It is as if this is what leads a person in their decision-making. The world is more about what is politically correct, rather than what Scripture says and having a relationship with Jesus.
People may, on the surface, appear to have some kind of spiritual or religious values, but that is very different than a relationship with Jesus.

In Ephesians 1:18-20, Paul seeks the Lord this way, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.”

It is so important that Paul prayed for the eyes of their hearts to be enlightened so that they would know the hope to which Jesus called them.

Matthew 13:16 encourages us with this, “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.” When our eyes and ears see and hear it opens us up to a relationship with Jesus. We are then open to growing based on what we hear and see in our relationship with Jesus.

Action Point
Are your eyes and ears open to what Jesus has to say to you? It is very important because it leads to relationship with Him.
(Tom Russell)

02/03/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

We are to Keep Short Accounts of Anger

Anger appears to be one of the most destructive weapons the enemy uses to devastate relationships and keep us from an intimate relationship with Jesus.

Paul writes in Ephesians 4:26-31, “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”

One outcome of harboring anger is it can give the enemy a foothold in your life. Once a foothold is established the potential for lies and deceit grows rapidly. This can impact a person’s heart and cause what comes out of their mouth to be unwholesome talk.

Action Point
It’s important that you take time to pray about your anger tolerance level. It’s important to ask Jesus to help you so you do not sin in your anger.
(Tom Russell)

02/02/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

Christian Principles to Help Relationships - Forgiveness

Healthy, functional and connected relationships exhibit a high degree of forgiveness. Paul writes in Colossians 3:13, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Forgiving becomes easier when we seek help from on High. Jesus will help us if we ask.

Research shows that if you choose not to forgive your health is at risk. Researcher and writer, Dr. Everett Worthington, has this to say about forgiveness, “There may be very good reasons to make the effort to forgive. Research has shown that forgiveness is linked to mental health outcomes such as reduced anxiety, depression and major psychiatric disorders, as well as with fewer physical health symptoms and lower mortality rates.”

He goes on to say, “One common but mistaken belief is that forgiveness means letting the person who hurt you off the hook. Yet forgiveness is not the same as justice, nor does it require reconciliation.”Worthington explains, “A former victim of abuse shouldn't reconcile with an abuser who remains potentially dangerous.”

In Romans 12:2 Paul writes about a great help to the person who is suffering with unforgiveness, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” If we “renew our minds” in Christ, then we can look to him for help in the forgiveness process.

Action Point
Are you bearing with each other and forgiving one another? If not, Jesus can help you.
(Tom Russell)

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1066 Lexington Avenue
Mansfield, OH
44907

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Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm

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+14195265523

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