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.

11/27/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Thanksgiving Day Gift

On Thanksgiving Day what is important to us? Is it the turkey and stuffing? How about the mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie? Maybe it’s the parades, football and seeing family.

One important part of Thanksgiving is embracing and acknowledging what we are thankful for. Since it is so easy to take for granted so much of life, it may take effort, but it is worth thinking about what we are thankful for.

Paul lists three very important things Christians should be doing of which “giving thanks” in all things is one of them. He writes in I Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Paul includes giving thanks with “Rejoice always” and “Pray continually.” This clearly shows its importance. Giving thanks, rejoicing always and praying continually are great practices that will help take us into God‘s presence.

Also, giving thanks can be a “Thanksgiving Day Gift” to yourself. It is the gift that keeps on giving because it improves mental, emotional and physical stress.

Action Point
It is important that we change our thinking about giving thanks in all things. If we do we will feel better and closer in our relationship with God.
(Tom Russell)

11/26/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

False Gods

Writer, Justin Buzzard, defines a false god as “an idol or anything more important to you than God”. Therefore, you can turn even very good things into idols. You can turn a good thing like family, success, acceptance, money, your plans, etc. into a god thing - into something you can worship and place at the center of your life.”

Psalm 115 teaches this about false gods, “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth. Why should the Gentiles say, ‘So where is their God?’ But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.”

Man seeks things that bring more pleasure, acceptance or approval from other people rather than from God. In our society today, these are things like money, work, s*x, drugs and alcohol, working on things that rob us of our time with God and take a higher importance.

The book of Exodus 20:3-4 also teaches us about false gods, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.”

Psalm 40:4 teaches us an important lesson about false gods. “Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who makes the Lord his refuge and trust, and turns not to the proud or to followers of false gods.”

Action Point
It is important to take time to look at your own life and ask the Lord to help you be aware of any false gods. It is important that you pray against them and ask for the Lord’s help.
(Tom Russell)

11/25/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

The Wisdom of the World

It is not unusual for people to question what the leaders of our country are thinking or doing, regardless of who is in power. We often wonder what their vision is and if it matches what our founding fathers had in mind when they started this great country. As Christians, we sometimes feel like we are losing our religious freedom and our freedom of speech; however, there is hope.

Paul writes in I Corinthians 1:18-19, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.’”

Paul goes on to say in verses 20-23, “Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.”

In Romans 1:16-18 Paul shares a very comforting message for those who believe, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”

Action Point
It is important that we believe the truth for it is a matter of our salvation. Eternal life awaits those who believe.
(Tom Russell)

11/24/2025

Devotionals For Daily Living

Becoming More Christlike - Dying To Self

Becoming more Christlike is not something that you necessarily hear much about in our society, but it is highly important as we grow close to Jesus. It is oftentimes a battle concerning who is Lord of our life. Do we follow our own agenda or do we call upon Jesus in our daily walk?

Luke 9:23 teaches us about denying ourselves, “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’” Luke makes it clear that it is important to put Jesus first in our daily lives and decision-making.

Paul shares about becoming more Christlike in his own life in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Paul writes about no longer being enslaved to sin in Romans 6:2, “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”

John 12:24–25 presents an amazing word picture that helps us see how dying to self is productive in being close to Jesus, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.“ This shows how we are used if we die to self.

Action Point
Have you died to self and allowed Jesus full access to your life? If not, what is stopping you?
(Tom Russell)

11/23/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Becoming More Christlike

It has been said in life that what we give energy to grows. If we focus on a hobby, we might get better at it. If we focus on becoming a better employee we might get a promotion.

We also tend to prioritize our spending with what’s important to us. If we audit our checkbook ledger, there might be evidence that proves that.

In Colossians 3:2 (ESV) Paul encourages us in this very important way, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. This has an incredible impact then on what we focus on and what we prioritize in life.

If we prayed and asked Jesus to help us set our mind on things that are above, how would life be different for us? Paul gives this example in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Paul goes on to encourage us to renew our minds and not be conformed to this world. This is important because the world will distract us from growing close to Jesus. He writes in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Action Point
It is important that we take stock of what is really important in our lives. Becoming more Christlike should be the top priority.
(Tom Russell)

11/22/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

The Parable of the Evil Farmers

The parable of the evil farmers has a very important message for us. Mark recorded Jesus words in Mark 12:1-11, “Jesus then began to speak to them in parables: ‘A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed.

“He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’

“But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.

“What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture:

‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.’”

It would appear in so many ways that our society has rejected the cornerstone. When you think about the social ills of America today, it becomes obvious. It doesn’t take long when one considers our society’s views on marriage, abortion, violence and what we allow young impressionable eyes to see through various forms of media.

This social issue primarily happened because we have rejected the cornerstone. It has left our country spinning out of control.

Action Point
Have you rejected the cornerstone? Does the cornerstone anchor the foundation of your family? The future of our country depends on it.
(Tom Russell)

11/21/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Be Still

I’m sure we can all remember times when we have tried very hard to accomplish something, but with very little results. In these times of frustration we can find encouragement, vision and hope if we realize that we have not prayed or sought help from our God.

Psalm 46:10 states, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.”

It is very interesting to look at what is meant by, “Be still and know that I am God.” Gill’s commentary has this to say. “Psalm 46:10 is an ‘exhortation to them to cease from their evil works, and know that the Lord is God, and has power to raise up and to make low.’” God also wants to help with the fear.

We can also count on the enemy trying to attack and deceive us into thinking that we can do things on our own. Psalm 28:7 offers this encouragement, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”

Psalm 62:8 also encourages trust with, “Trust in him at all times, oh people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us." When things are going well trusting God is easy. When things are not going well, we still have to believe and trust in Him, because He is there for us through all of it.

I John 5:14 facilities hope and confidence if we are seeking Him in accordance with His will. “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us."

Action Point
Who’s strength are you relying on? It may be important to “be still” and
put your trust in the Lord.
(Tom Russell)

11/20/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Personalizing the Psalms When You’re Depressed

There are times when we feel depressed and lacking in hope. At times like this we need to hear what Jesus had to say in Matthew 11:28–29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

One way to come to Jesus is by personalizing the Psalms. One example is found in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” To personalize this Psalm you could say: “The Lord is close to me when my heart is broken and my spirit is crushed.”

Another great example is found in Psalm 42:5, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” To personalize this you might say: “You help me when my soul is downcast. You help me when I feel so disturbed. You bring hope to me and I will praise you my Savior and my God.”

Psalm 9:9-10 can be a great comfort when we personalize it. It reads, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” To personalize it, we would say: “You are my refuge when I feel oppressed. You are my stronghold in times of trouble. I know your name and I trust you because you have never forsaken me.”

Action Point
It is important if you are feeling down to try personalizing the Psalms.
(Tom Russell)

11/19/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

The Speck and the Plank

Some people try to build up their own Christian life by showing how much better they are than other Christians. They do this by focusing on the speck in other people‘s eyes.
Matthew 7:2-5 states, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 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.”

One encouraging thought about focusing on the plank in our own eye is that we will likely be more successful if we do. When we focus there, it is more powerful because we are actually working on what we believe God is saying to us.

Paul writes an encouraging message to us in Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Think about how different your life would be if your focus was on that which was true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. It would certainly help you grow closer to God.

In James 4:8 James encourages us with, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded people.”

Action Point
It is important to focus on the plank in your own eye rather than the spec in someone else’s. Ask God to help you with this.
(Tom Russell)

11/18/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Repentance

Repentance is a critical and vital part of the Christian walk. It should be a regular part of every day life. One might ask, “What does true repentance look like?”

Psalm 51:17a states, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart.”

Acts 3:19 shares, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

In II Corinthians 7:9 Paul teaches, “Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.”

One important message from Paul is about what repentance is not. He writes in Romans 6:1-2, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”

To the young Christian it is very important that your roots in Christ grow deep. Matthew 13:20-21 says, “As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.” If your roots go deep, then repentance will be much easier.

Action Point
I John 1:8-9 can be very helpful in the repentance process, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Have you done this?
(Tom Russell)

11/17/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Living by the Spirit’s Power

The enemy is so good at deceiving people that it puts us very much on guard. One thing we can count on is that he will not tell us the whole story. He deceives our thinking about believing that we have a loving and forgiving God. He dangles that truth out there and then lies with comments like, “So God won’t mind if you have an affair, choose an alternative lifestyle or turn to drugs.”

In Ephesians 5:15-20 Paul teaches, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

It is important that we take seriously Peters words in I Peter 5:7, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Action Point
Are you aware of how important it is to not let the enemy deceive you? Remember what Peter said, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
(Tom Russell)

11/16/2025

Devotionals for Daily Living

Temptation

Jesus warns us with some harsh words about temptation in Mark 9:42-48, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell.”

Jesus uses strong examples to help us understand that even if it were very difficult to do, like giving up a job, relationship or habit, it would still be very important if it kept us from temptation.

Research by the University of Kentucky shows that temptation has a physical impact as well. An elevated heart rate and adrenaline rush makes it very difficult to stop and resist temptation. This is true because temptation turns out to be a sinful answer to the uncomfortableness of the elevated heart rate and over abundance of adrenaline. However, I John 4:4 reminds us that “…..greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.”

Paul encourages us in
II Corinthians 10:5 to “take captive our thoughts so that we can have victory when the enemy attacks us.”

Action Point
Are you being victorious in the battle against temptation? This is a very important prayer concern.
(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

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