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.

10/29/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Encouraging Words From Proverbs

It can give us a real sense of relief and encouragement when we read words of wisdom from Proverbs. Proverbs 2: 6 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” It is so vitally important that we not only fear the Lord but respect Him and His word when things are challenging and fearful in our lives.

Proverbs 3:13 has more encouragement, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” It is our understanding of God‘s will and love for us that will help us with our understanding and peace of mind.

In the middle of these challenging times Proverbs 8:11 continues to speak of the value of wisdom, “For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”

Closely related to wisdom is truth. Truth becomes so valuable and important as these challenging times are upon us. There is definitely encouragement in Proverbs chapter 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Action Point
It should be very refreshing and comforting to respect and embrace the wisdom from the book of Proverbs.
(Tom Russell)

10/28/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Living in Victory and Freedom

We have the opportunity to live in the victory and power that comes from the cross. It is such a blessing and is so securing to realize that because we have received Jesus, our sins are removed as far as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12 reports, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” We can rest assured that we will never be held accountable for those forgiven sins. They will never come back to haunt us.

If our sins are forgiven and removed as far as the east is from the west, what stops us from living in freedom from the bo***ge that we would experience without the forgiveness of our sins?
Paul puts it into perspective in Romans 6:17-18, “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”

Paul continues to teach about freedom in Galatians 5:13-14, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Action Point
The victory of the cross through Jesus our Lord, provided us with freedom. Are you living in that victory?
(Tom Russell)

10/27/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Who Can Cast the First Stone?

It is so easy in life to have our focus on other people and what they are doing. We are quick to point out that what they are doing is wrong. Have you ever been in a restaurant and noticed a person had food on their face and you think they should take care of it, and then you suddenly realize you have food on your face also? This is a very simplified example, but it shows how easy it is to assess our own spirituality by thinking that what we are doing is better than what another person is doing, when we might actually be doing the same thing.

John 8:6b-7 illustrates with this message, “But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, ‘He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.’”

Matthew 7:3-5 teaches a very similar message, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

What causes a person to focus on the other person and their sin instead of their own? Although there are other reasons, pride is certainly a major one.

Paul brings this answer in II Corinthians 10:12, “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.”

Action Point
Where is your focus? Are you focused on the speck in someone else’s eye or the log in your own?
(Tom Russell)

10/26/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Complacency

The dictionary definition of complacency is: a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.

Francis Chan writes this concerning complacency, “The world needs Christians who don’t tolerate the complacency of their own lives,” and A. W. Tozer states, “Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth.”

Complacency can be a very useful weapon of the enemy in the life of Christians. We tend to level off in the growth of our Christian lives. We tend to lose our first love. The book of Revelation 2:2-3 tells us more, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” However, their work is fueled by a lesser love than they once had. Verse 4 goes on to say, “I know your works, but you have abandoned the love you had at first.”

Sometimes we can be so driven to do what’s right that we forget the compassion which originally compelled us to do it. God wants us to keep our love for Him and others at the forefront of our minds when we pursue righteousness.

God is not impressed by how much we can do. He’d rather we do a few things in abundant love than do many things that, while great, do not reflect His love.

Action Point
In what areas of your life is it important for you to focus on not being complacent?
(Tom Russell)

10/25/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Loneliness

In May 2024, a survey found that 21% of adults in America felt lonely. Research data also suggests that underneath loneliness may be a troubling brew of feelings, including anxiety, depression and a lack of meaning and purpose.

When Americans were surveyed and asked what contributes to loneliness 73% reported technology. Technology makes sense because it facilitates loneliness with computer games and activities that are done alone.

The most powerful help for loneliness is found in reaching out to God. The Psalmist said it well in Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Isaiah 41:10 is an important message to the lonely. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

When in pain, it is important to invite God in by talking to Him and asking for continual peace, contentment, and joy.
James 4:8 explains it this way, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

It seems that our closest, most intimate times with the Lord often occur when we're at our lowest. God never withholds his comfort, mercy, love, and strength during any season of life. He extravagantly pours out His love when his children need it most. It's just his nature. Psalm 34:18 tells us, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Action Point
It is vitally important for your health to remember the promise in James 4:8. If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us!
(Tom Russell)

10/24/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Proverbs - Wisdom About Fools

Things that are being said in today’s society appear to be very uncomfortable, foolish and misleading for a large number of people.

Proverbs 26:4-9 teaches, “There is no good way to answer fools when they say something stupid. If you answer them, then you, too, will look like a fool. If you don’t answer them, they will think they are smart. Never let a fool carry your message. If you do, it will be like cutting off your own feet. You are only asking for trouble.A fool trying to say something wise is like a crippled person trying to walk. Showing honor to a fool is as bad as tying a rock in a sling. A fool trying to say something wise is like a drunk trying to pick a thorn out of his hand.”

Proverbs18:2-3 has this to say about fools, “Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.”

For those who embrace wisdom there is hope. Proverbs 21:2-3 teaches, “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

With the serious amount of strife that is present today, Proverbs 13:10 teaches,“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”

Action Point
How would we feel if we embraced wisdom rather than the opinions of fools?
Ask the Lord for wisdom.
(Tom Russell)

10/23/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Forgiving Others

Forgiveness is fundamental to the Christian life. We are so thankful we have been forgiven, yet extending forgiveness to others at times can be very difficult.

The Scriptures are very clear about this. According to Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Forgiveness then appears to be a very important priority to
God.

Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” This is another example of trusting God for help. This is exactly what we need to be able to forgive others.

This is another way that we become more Christlike. Most Christians want to become more Christlike yet when faced with having to forgive the unforgivable it becomes very difficult.

Luke 6:37 puts it this way, “Instead of judging others, forgive them.” A lot of Christians would say, “That’s easier said than done.” What makes that so true? Left to our own strength it is extremely difficult.

Paul wrote 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.”

When forgiveness continues to be problematic it is likely because the individual has not yet healed. It may be helpful to write Jesus a letter about the hurt. Writing it out often times helps get the emotions out and a person will feel better and be able to forgive.

Action Point
It is important to pray about forgiveness. It’s also important to ask Jesus to empower you through his Holy Spirit to be able to forgive.
(Tom Russell)

10/22/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Our Present Day Struggles

It is sometimes hard to understand why tragic and difficult things happen to us in life. We are capable of saying, “If God is such a loving God, why did He allow this horrible thing to happen?” The enemy tries to deceive us into believing lies, like God doesn’t exist, or God must not love me.

In II Corinthians 4:8-10 Paul addresses our current and temporary circumstances, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” Paul is referring to how we proclaim Christ in our weakness and suffering to show His power in and through us. Paul encourages us to stand strong and not quit because even after we die, we know we will be resurrected, as Christ was. We will spend eternity with Him in a glory that will far outweigh and outlast the comparatively lightweight and temporary suffering of this life.

Later in II Corinthians 4:17-18 Paul refers again to our present troubles, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Action Point
It is important to remember that our current afflictions are temporary and we can focus on an eternal presence with Jesus.
(Tom Russell)

10/20/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Secrets

It has been said that you are only as ill as the secrets you keep. Paul Tournier says this about secrets, “Nothing makes us so lonely as our secrets.”

Andre Malraux speaks of this insight about secrets, “Man is not what he thinks he is, he is what he hides."

Edgar Watson Howe writes in his Country Town Sayings, “The man who can keep a secret may be wise, but he is not half as wise as the man with no secrets to keep."

Christians are not to think of secret sins as somehow less serious and more respectable than the sins everyone sees. According to the ministry, Grace to You, there are three reasons why secret sin is especially abhorrent:

1. Because God sees the heart. I Samuel 16:7 says, "God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

I Corinthians 4:5 tells us no secret will remain secret, “So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.”

2. Because sin in the mind is a fruit of the same moral defect that produces deeds of sin. John 19:11 reports, “Jesus answered him, ‘You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.’” What a powerful reminder that those secrets kept on the inside, lead to sinful behavior and attitudes.

3. Because hidden sin involves the compounding sin of hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is a sign of a sin that is kept inside. It also shows the illness of a person. It comes across as a stronger focus on other people and their sin and diverts attention away from one’s self. The sad part of this sin is that, since it is on the inside it is left in the dark where the enemy can turn footholds into strongholds.

Action Point
If your secrets are keeping you ill and lonely, Jesus is here to hear them and forgive you.
(Tom Russell)

10/19/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

The Conscious Mind

Consciousness is the state or quality of awareness, or of being aware of an external object or something within oneself. It’s the conscious mind that helps us be aware of our relationship with Christ. It also is where we are aware of turning from Christ.

The writer of Hebrews 6:4-6 tells us, “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.”

The conscious mind is also where we would be aware of the conviction of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We would be aware of the uncomfortableness or encouragement we feel from the Holy Spirit.

It is our conscious mind where we decide to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is our conscious mind that grows relationship with Him. The book of Proverbs 28:14 tells us, “Blessed are those who have a tender conscious, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.”

The condition of our hearts is found in the conscious mind. Whether our hearts are tender toward the Lord and exhibiting the Fruit of the Spirit, or as the book of Matthew talks about, having a “hardened heart”, it is experienced in the conscious mind.

Action Point
Where are your conscious mind and heart today? Are you loving and serving Jesus? Make the decision today if you are not serving Him, to do so.
(Tom Russell)

10/18/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle

We often hear people who are in trouble or facing a storm in life say that God promises not to give us more than we can handle.
They are referring to what Paul wrote in I Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure.” The enemy can use this verse to deceive us into thinking God didn’t come through for us. He obviously doesn’t care or doesn’t love us or He would have helped us through the storm in our life.

God didn’t promise that we would never have storms in life. John 16:33 states, “In the world there will be tribulation (or problems). But be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.”

The truth remains, however, He wants to help us in our temptation. James 1:13-16 tells us, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.”

Action Point
It should be encouraging to know that we have a recourse concerning temptation. We can call upon the power of Jesus to defeat the deception and the temptation, and to help us through the storms of life.
(Tom Russell)

10/17/2025

Spiritual Warfare and Doubt

The Christian psychological definition of spiritual warfare is, “Every moment in time is claimed by God and counter claimed by the enemy on the battlefield of the mind.” That means that we can have a very close time in the Lord and immediately the enemy attacks it.

There are times, for example, when we are believing in faith that God will provide, and immediately the enemy plants seeds of doubt. His lies are aimed at creating doubt that counters the potential victory in the Lord.

In James 4:7 we read, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

In Ephesians 6:12 Paul teaches about spiritual warfare, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” It is the spiritual forces that create doubt.

In I Peter 5:8 Peter warns us, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Peter’s warning for us to be watchful is important because it empowers us to call on the Holy Spirit in us to defeat the doubt.

Action Point
Resisting the enemy can be a moment to moment, hour to hour battle on any given day. It is important then, that we be prepared and watchful for his attacks.
(Tom Russell)

Address

1066 Lexington Avenue
Mansfield, OH
44907

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+14195265523

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Heritage Christian Counseling Ministries posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Heritage Christian Counseling Ministries:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category