Heritage Christian Counseling Ministries

12/30/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Restoration

It is so encouraging and hopeful to know that there is grace and love for those who believe in the restoring power of Jesus.
Scottish Baptist and evangelist, Oswald Chambers states, “Jesus Christ became Incarnate for one purpose, to make a way back to God that man might stand before Him as He was created to do, the friend and lover of God Himself.”

We feel restored when we feel healed or like we’ve been returned to a previous state. Psalm 51:12 says, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." It is so securing to think that if we have slipped, His steadfast love is still there.

Restoration with our Lord becomes a way to have intimacy with Him. His benefits are so redeeming and lead us to deeper love and compassion. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 103:1-5, “Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

For the person who is hurting and in need of restoration, Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Action Point
Restoration is available to us because of the redeeming love of Jesus. If you are in need of it, do as Jesus said and come to Him.
(Tom Russell)

12/29/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

We Have All Fallen Short

We have all, at times, felt like we weren’t good enough. It appears as though others are so much better than we are. There are better Christians, better spouses and better parents than us.

This is another way that the enemy attacks us, through deception. He tries to lie to us and tell us that we really are not good people. He tries hard to deceive us and keeps reminding us of the
memories of the sins we have committed in an incredible attempt to try and prove it.

Paul says these words of encouragement in Romans 3:23-26, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” What an incredible price Jesus paid when He shed his own blood for us.

Action Point
It is important to stand against, and be aware of, the lies that the enemy tries to tell us. It is also important to embrace that we all have fallen short of the glory of God.
(Tom Russell)

12/28/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

His Eagle’s Wings

We are well aware of how life can be draining and stressful. It would seem as though we can simply run out of gas. We can feel drained physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Isaiah 40:31 is a great help, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” It is important to realize that if we wait on the Lord He will renew our strength. If we wait upon the Lord - ask His help in any situation, we will renew our strength. If we wait on Him we will run and not be weary.

The Hebrew meaning of the words “wait on the Lord” is to bind together, potentially twisting together like a three fold cord that appears to be one cord which others would call a rope.
When we are binding together with God through the Holy Spirit we experience the evidence of His Spirit in us.

Paul writes in Romans 8:10, “But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is life because of righteousness.” We have a future and a hope because of His righteousness in us.

Paul continues that teaching in Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.”

Action Point
Are we relying on His Eagles wings as He dwells in us?
(Tom Russell)

12/27/2025

Here is a great message from Rick Warren!

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

12/27/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Joseph and the Law

Throughout Scripture the law is very present. The law is there to show us what is right. However, at times there is a higher law. A great example is the Good Samaritan. He knew that Samaritans and Jews despised each other, but he chose a higher law which was to help a person in need.

Joseph also could have upheld the law, but through an angel, saw the higher law. Joseph was a very respected member of his community. He was very aware of the law that he could have Mary put to death for becoming pregnant outside of their relationship. The law at the time would have supported it, but he did not do that.

Matthew 1:18-25 has this to say about the birth, “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about. His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’”

There is the law and then there is the higher law. It is very possible that taking care of the needy, the sick and those who are in trouble requires the higher law, like Joseph followed when he protected Mary.

Action Point
It is important that we pay attention to the higher law. After all, like Joseph, the Lord calls us to it at times.
(Tom Russell)

12/26/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

The Importance of Jesus Birth

When one thinks about how sin was forgiven by God in the Old Testament, it becomes such a blessing to know that God sent us His son, Jesus. What a sacrificial act of love! Where the Old Testament forgiveness of sin was about animal sacrifices and the shedding of blood, we are blessed in the New Testament with relationship with Jesus and accepting what He did for us on the cross.

However, the Barna Research Team reports that nearly half of all Americans believe that Jesus did live, but that He sinned like the rest of us.
We can be so thankful that the reason the Son of God appeared was fulfilled. I John 3:8 teaches, “The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

In John 4:25-26, John speaks of how the Messiah is coming and is here, “The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.’ Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one speaking to you —-I am he.’”

In John 1:15-16 John announces that the one who is coming has surpassed him, “John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, ‘This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.” What an incredible gift of grace that Jesus gave to us.

Action Point
What does Jesus’ birth mean to you? Is He just another philosopher, or is He the Son of God? Are you celebrating His birth?
(Tom Russell)

12/25/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

What Is Important at Christmas

There are many things that are important at Christmas. Here are a few that we should focus on:

Because Cesar wanted to have a census taken Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem. In Luke 2:4-7 we read, "So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

It is encouraging that according to a recent George Barna survey, more than nine out of ten Americans believe that Jesus was actually born and is not just a fictional character. However, what can be concerning is that only 87% of millennials believe that Jesus was born. The very important implications of this is that the belief that Jesus was a real person is decreasing.

Because Jesus was born we have a way to eternal life. In John 14:6 we read, “Jesus said. ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” There is hope in Him.

Action Point
Do you celebrate the birth of Jesus? Do you recognize it as the way to heaven? What is happening in your family to prepare for eternal life? Will you celebrate Jesus birthday and His coming to earth today? The eternal future of your family is at stake.
(Tom Russell)

12/24/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Aloneness

One of the more famous Christmas movies is about the Grinch who stole Christmas. The movie portrays how much the Grinch hated Christmas, but in reality it turns out that he didn’t hate Christmas, he hated being alone.

The Grinch isn’t alone in this feeling. Cigna researchers surveyed more than twenty thousand people and found:

* Nearly half of Americans report sometimes or always feeling alone (46 percent) or left out (47 percent).

* One in four Americans (27 percent) rarely or never feel as though there are people who really understand them.

* Two in five Americans sometimes or always feel that their relationships are not meaningful and that they are isolated from others (43 percent).

* One in five people report they rarely or never feel close to people (20 percent) or feel like there are people they can talk to (18 percent).

Loneliness is an ever growing concern in America, largely due to the culture we have developed. It is a culture that has discarded the church and consequently people distance themselves from close fellowship with God and His people.

Paul has the answer and shared it with the churches at Colossi in Colossians 3:1-4, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

Psalm 139:7-10 echoes similar sentiments, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence. If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.”

Action Point
Our God promises to never leave us or forsake us. Paul encourages us to set our minds on things above. The Psalms tell us there is no place we can go to be away from His presence. Remember these things whenever you feel lonely.
(Tom Russell)

12/23/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Jesus, Our Redeemer

One important part of the Christmas season is gift giving. However, we have received the greatest gift of all. It is very important for our eternal future to receive the gift. It is definitely God’s desire that we receive the gift.

Paul writes in Ephesians 1:7, ”God is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of His Son, and our sins are forgiven.”

Paul further writes in Colossians 1:14, “God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven our sins.

So during this Christmas season let’s rejoice that the Redeemer has given us life. He sacrificed and shared His own blood to redeem us and give us eternal life! We should rejoice in Him!

Action Point
Have you accepted the Great Redeemer in your life?
(Tom Russell)

12/22/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living 12/22/25

Martha

Martha was very much a hard-working individual, so much so that she wanted others, like Mary, to help her and be more concerned about getting things done.

Jesus was concerned about what drove Martha‘s desire to work so hard. He talked to her about those things that she worried about. Worry seemed to be a very big part of Martha‘s life.

Like Martha, we tend to worry also; however, this can be very problematic. Luke 12:19-31 has this to say, “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”

Proverbs 12:25 teaches us about anxiety, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” We should have positive thoughts about life and trust in Jesus with our anxiety.

1 Peter 5:7 has a great answer for dealing with anxiety, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Action Point
Make a worry list. Write down anything you worry about and bring that list to Jesus in prayer. Give it to Him and see how you feel.
(Tom Russell)

12/21/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Thankfulness

Being thankful can be very good for us. It can also help describe who we are as a person. For example, thankful people are more positive and generally happier.

I Chronicles 16:34 encourages us and associates thankfulness with love, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Paul considers thankfulness an important part of prayer. He taught the church at Colosse in Colossians 4:2, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

As the peace of Christ rules our hearts, thankfulness is a real part of it. Paul also reminds us that when thankfulness is waning it may well be that the peace of Christ is not ruling in our hearts. He writes in Colossians 3:15, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

Thankfulness also enriches relationships. People see the heart that is impacted by thankfulness and are drawn to it. Paul shares with the church at Corinth in I Corinthians 1:4, “I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus."

Paul teaches in II Corinthians 9:11, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

When we perceive life through a thankful filter that helps us be more positive, it also shows in our attitudes. Paul encourages Timothy with this powerful message in I Timothy 4:4-5, “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer."

Harvard Medical School reports that psychology research shows how thankfulness is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. It helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

Action Point
Thankfulness is an important witness of the presence of Jesus in our lives. How thankful are you on a daily basis?
(Tom Russell)

12/20/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Four Things To Count On From God
(Excerpts from Dr. Wardle)

In today’s day and age when things seem to be so tumultuous there are four truths we can count on.

First, we are children of God. “How great is the love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (I John 3:1)

Second, Jesus laid His life down for us. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.” (I John 3:16)

Third, God loved us enough to send His Son to be an atoning sacrifice for our sins. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (I John 4:10)

Fourth, if we live in God’s love then we will be in God and God in us. “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.” (I John 4:16-17)

Action Point
God is Love and if we abide in His love we abide in Him. Are you abiding in His love?
(Tom Russell)