Heritage Christian Counseling Ministries

02/27/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

We are Connected to the Vine (Insights from the “Battlefield of the
Mind”)

It is very important that we realize that our inheritance, blessing and fulfillment, come because we are connected to the vine. Jesus had this to say in John chapter 15:1-6, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

John 15:5-6 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

It is important to focus on Jesus saying, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” The enemy is very frightened by that and will attempt to deceive us in our efforts to stay connected. His goal would be to cut us off from the vine, and it is up to us to stay close to Jesus and be aware of the enemy’s attack.

Action Point
If we remain in him we will be aware of the enemy’s ploys to distract us. We have the victory that overcame sin and death available to us. When Jesus rose again he gave us that victory.
(Tom Russell)

02/26/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

The Impact of Worry

In America today, there are more than 150 million people who struggle with worry. Worry can cause more than 20 different physical reactions and conditions that have an incredible impact on your life and health.

According to prevention.com, worry can cause increased heart rate, high blood pressure, rapid breathing, sweating, muscle tension, and digestive issues to name a few.

It can also impact your daily life by interfering with your appetite, lifestyle, habits, relationships, sleep, and job performance.

Luke 12:22-24 teaches this about worry, “Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!’”

Peter encourages us in 1 Peter 5:6-7, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God... casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

As we cast our worries on Him, we develop a deeper trust in Jesus. We trust Him to help us with those things that we worry about. Humbling ourselves becomes a discipline. To humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God means to trust in the Lord's power, recognizing that our strength comes from Him and not ourselves

Action Point
What keeps you from taking your worry before the Lord?
(Tom Russell)

Prevention is a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

02/25/2026

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)

02/24/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

Worship, A Sign Of The Heart

Worship is an offering that we as the body of Christ or believers bring to the altar and offer before Jesus as an act showing our love for Him. When we are singing in church, we are making an offering of worship to our God. Our worship should not only include our minds and our hearts but our attitude and all that we have.

Paul encouraged the Corinthians to worship and include an offering in their worship in II Corinthians 8:1-12, "And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.

“They exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

“I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

“And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.

“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”

Action Point
Take time to reflect in your heart. What is the attitude you have about worship and giving? Are you truly expressing your love for Jesus in all areas of your life?
(Tom Russell) ca

02/23/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

When Jesus Is Lord Of Your Life

There is a distinct difference between making Jesus the Lord of your life and a basic acknowledgment that Jesus existed. There are many people who would say that Jesus is Lord but they don’t walk in relationship with Him. They acknowledge Him but that is all. To these people the belief in Jesus is more like believing there is oxygen in the air.
In James 2:19 James sets them straight. He writes, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that — and shudder.”

What is meant by making Jesus the Lord of your life? It means to increase your knowledge of Christ and become more consistent in your love for Him and your obedience to Him. It also includes a growing desire to praise Him and worship Him.

Paul writes about an important part of making Jesus Lord of our lives in II Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Paul shares in Philippians 4:6-7 what it is like when Jesus is Lord of your life, “Do not being anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Action Point
Do you find yourself invested in prayer and petition being thankful as you present your requests to God? Do you feel the peace of God in your life? If not, make Him Lord of your life by surrendering to Him.
(Tom Russell)

02/22/2026

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. An 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)

02/21/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

Proverbs Encourages us to Guard our Hearts

At the very center of our hearts are the things we feel, think, believe, value and do. When they are based in Christ the natural outcome is to grow closer to Him.

Our hearts are impacted by the battlefield of the mind. What we think, feel, believe, and what we do. The deception from the enemy can impact all of them. His subtle lies create a defiled heart with our God.

Matthew 15:18-19 says, “But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” Some examples from verse 19 include; evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander and more.

Solomon’s encouragement is valid and very important. He writes in Proverbs 4:23,
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Author Steve Johnson writes, “Biblically the heart is the control centre of our motives, desires, affections, will, and intellect. Everything—what we see, hear, think, and do—flows from our heart.” One very important part of motives, desires, affections, will, and intellect is being aware of them and how you feel about them. As we are aware of them it will help us stay safe as we call upon the power of the Risen Savior to help defend ourselves against attacks in those areas.

Action Point
What do you find when you look at your motives, desires, affections, will, and intellect.
(Tom Russell)

02/20/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

Unconditional Acceptance

One reason we prioritize one relationship over another is how accepted we feel. We tend to gravitate toward relationships where we feel accepted. Paul writes in Romans 15:7, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

Research would support that there are also health benefits from being accepted in relationships. They include a longer life, better health and more emotional support.
It is very important that we extend unconditional acceptance to others. Paul teaches us to accept one another as Christ has accepted us. He has become our example.

It has been written that the most basic need a soul has is to be unconditionally loved and accepted. “Unconditional acceptance is the key to happy relationships.”- Brian Tracy.

Action Point
It is important to ask Jesus to help you extend unconditional acceptance to others.
(Tom Russell)

02/19/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

What’s In Your Cup?

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to find fault with other people? Social media makes it quite simple to criticize what other people think and do, because you can hide behind a screen. Unfortunately, many things we criticize about others, we are guilty of ourselves.

In Luke 11:39-42 Jesus has a lot to say concerning the Pharisaical approach of criticizing others without looking on the inside at themselves, “When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal.
Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.
Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.”

The Pharisaical approach was an effort to build themselves up by putting others down. As Jesus said, they neglect justice and the love of God.

Action Point
What does the inside of your cup look like? Is it as clean as the outside?
(Tom Russell)

02/18/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

Abandonment

Abandonment can be very serious for those who have experienced it. It cuts to the very core of our being. It causes us to retreat from people and experiences that could possibly create more abandonment.

The writer of Hebrews wrote in Hebrews 13:5b. . .”I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” This is an important promise from Jesus.

Even so, there is still pain involved. Psalm 34:17-18 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

When a person who is fearful of abandonment is able to embrace Romans 8:38-39 healing begins, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Action Point
Healing begins when we embrace that God will never leave us nor forsake us.
(Tom Russell)

02/17/2026

Devotionals for Daily Living

Sanctification

Sanctification is the action or process of being freed from our sin or purified. To the believer, it is a life long process of growing closer to Jesus and becoming more like Him.

The sanctification process is often times interrupted by enemy attacks. One way he attacks is with sin. We can enhance our sanctification process by confessing our sin. 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.”

On a regular basis we can become more sanctified in our relationship with Jesus. Paul elaborates on this in Colossians 3:1 which says, “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

Another part of our sanctification process that is so important is that we thank and praise our God. Paul teaches in II Thessalonians 2:13, “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.”

Action Point
The sanctification process becomes easier when we set our minds on things above and ground our hearts as well.
(Tom Russell)