Light of the Valleys

After his baptism, the Holy Spirit led Jesus to be tempted by the devil in the wilderness. We will learn about the strategies of the devil by examining his three temptations, and also be comforted by the fact that Jesus is the Champion who has already defeated Satan for his people.

Today we follow three of Jesus' disciples to the top of a mountain to see the Savior's glory. We'll learn that we don't need to fear God's power because we have been redeemed. We'll also learn that we can follow Jesus through all of life's challenges because he is always with us, no matter how difficult our paths may be.

What does it mean to be "blessed"? Blessedness doesn't come from shiny cars or luxurious homes. Today, Jesus invites us to slow down and take in his promises, realizing just how blessed we are through his Word. Message by Pastor Joel Heckendorf is based on Psalm 1:1--2.

Why are you a Christian? In many ways, it sounds like an intimidating question. But as we study the Apostle Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, we are reminded that we are Christians because of the undeserved love God had for us even before we were born, and the love that he shows to us every day of our lives.

What makes a person a follower of Jesus? Today we learn that it's not the things that they do or something they earn. It's the Word of God that changes hearts so people follow the Savior. We're reminded of the gospel's power in Matthew 4:12-23.

Is Jesus too small in your eyes? Today's message based on Isaiah 49:1-6 comforts us as we celebrate just what it took for God to send his Son to rescue us.

Today we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord. By taking a look at the account of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River, we will be able to see clearly his identity as our Savior. And we'll be able to see our own identity too. Today's message based on Matthew 3:13-18.

Have you ever walked right past something important without even noticing it? God used a star to welcome the wise men from far away, making it clear that Jesus is the Savior for all people. And he's still doing that today. As you listen, consider how God has welcomed you and how this Savior isn't just for the world—but for you personally. Message based on Matthew 2:1-12.

On Christmas Eve, our worship focused on one word: Peace. But in Matthew 2, we hear an account that shows that at least outwardly, the world right after the birth of Jesus wasn't very peaceful. There was still pain, sin, and horrific loss. As we study this challenging section of Scripture, we will find comfort in the fact that we have a Savior who was willing to come into a world as broken as this, a Savior who understands our pain, and who keeps his promises even when it seems impossible. Today's message based on Matthew 2:13-23.

Joseph never speaks a recorded word in Scripture, yet his life speaks volumes. Light of the Valleys in Reno invites you to listen in to see how our heavenly Father used this father-figure as a blessing in our Savior's life.

Our family trees sometimes look more like stumps, than trees. Jesus also had his fair share of "stumps" in his lineage. And yet, he was the "shoot" that came out of that stump to bring peace. By God's grace, you, too, have been grafted into his royal family. Light of the Valleys Lutheran Church of Reno invites you to tune in for this message based on Isaiah 11:1-10 & Matthew 1:6-11.

The first person listed on Jesus' family tree is a man named Abraham. Today, we look at an incredible account from Abraham's life in Genesis 15, where he comes to a greater understanding of God's unfailing love.

Join us at Light of the Valleys in Reno as we explore one powerful question Jesus still asks today: ‘What do you want?' In this sermon, we follow the disciple Andrew's journey from curiosity to faith and discover Christ's invitation to ‘Come and see.' Message based on John 1:39-45.

How long will we have to watch and wait for Jesus to return? We do not know. Jesus said he would return soon. However, the definition of "soon" for the One who has no beginning and end will naturally differ from ours. Whenever Jesus returns, it will take us by surprise. So, how do believers avoid growing lethargic? How do we remain ready and watchful for Christ's return? Our Savior points us to the Bible -- the place where he gives us all the readiness we need!

The world around us is filled with chaos and injustice. It can make Christians wonder, "Is God really in control?" In our readings today we are reminded that God is ruling our world, and that he will bring about justice in his time and in his way. We are also encouraged as we hear that the Lord will keep all of his promises -- most of all his promises to spread the gospel, and bring his people home!

"The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost." Those words of Jesus explain his entire mission on earth. Today, we study the story of Zacchaeus, a man who truly was lost in sin. We will hear how this man was found by Jesus, and examine the depths of God's undeserved love to all people -- including us!

Today, we hear words of encouragement for the saints. In the book of Revelation, we will see some pictures of our heavenly home, where God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Today's message based on Revelation 21:1-6.

How does the Lord deal with his people during times of distress? How does he give believers victory? A man named Jacob asked similar questions thousands of years ago -- and got some surprising answers. Today we study Genesis 32, where we see the surprising grace and faithfulness the Lord shows his people.

We can always go to the Savior for the problems we experience in our lives. But through faith, we recognize that we need Christ's presence not just in times of outward need, but at every moment of our lives. Thankfully, Jesus is always with us with his loving presence, providing the forgiveness and salvation we so desperately need. Today's message is based on Luke 17:11-19.

Money seems helpful, but it fails in death. Thankfully, Jesus invites us to see the world as he sees it. He shows us that his Word is infinitely more valuable than the things of this world, and that his forgiving love is for poor, lowly sinners like you and me.

Grace. Have we sung "Amazing Grace" so often in our life that it is no longer "amazing"? There is a danger to only hear what God's Word says about the hot topics of the day that he message of his grace becomes cliche. As we take a closer look at Ephesians 2:8 today, may the Lord raise our appreciation for his grace.

We live in a world of broken relationships. There often seem be arguments and strife wherever we look. Even worse, the Bible tells us that all people have been unfaithful to the Lord, and broken their relationship with him. But in the book of Hosea, we see God's shocking response to our sinful unfaithfulness: forgiveness and love.

Jesus asks us to pick up our cross and follow him." That can be a confusing thing. What does that mean or what does that look like? Join us as we take a look the small book of Philemon to help us answer that question.

What kind of people do you invite to a dinner party? Maybe it's friends and family members. Maybe it's coworders, or people from an organization you're a part of. In today's gospel lesson, we learn the kind of people that God invites to a dinner party. He invites the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind. He invites sinners. And that means God invites you!

In today's sermon, we receive a tour of two mountains. First, we go to Mt. Sinai where we learn that human beings have no way of saving themselves from God's wrath and punishment. Then, we go to Mt. Zion, where we see that God has already given us the salvation we need through his Son, Jesus. Today's message is based on Hebrews 12:18-24.

The power of God's Word can be intimidating, as it can be divisive. And yet, it is the necessary tool that God gives to break down our hearts and build a relationship with him. Light of the Valleys Lutheran Church of Reno invites you to listen to the message, "You Have a Hammer," based on Jeremiah 23:23-29.

Today, Jesus guides our hearts to seek heavenly treasure. He warns that when we are constantly worried about earthly things, it means that our focus and attention is not on God, but on something of this world. However, Jesus also encourages us by saying he has already given the Kingdom of God through faith, and that he is seeking our hearts with everything he does. Today's message comes from Luke 12:22-34.

"Meaningless, meaningless, utterly meaningless." Does life ever feel that way? People live, work, work, seek enjoyment, and die. If that's all there is, "meaningless" is a fair description. But that's not all there is. God has put you in his story. He's given you a life that's meaningful.

"Lord, teach us how to pray." That's the request that Jesus' disciples asked him two thousand years ago. Their teacher responded with words we still use today -- the Lord's Prayer. Today we find comfort in the Lord's Prayer as it reminds us of the relationship we have with God, and of his gracious will for our lives.

What is a difficult situation you are facing in life? While we outwardly confess our faith in God, if we're honest, at times our hearts doubt his promises. Today, Light of the Valleys Lutheran Church of Reno, NV invites you to listen to this sermon to be assured there is nothing too hard for the LORD. Sermon based on Genesis 18:1-15.

How does God interact with the world? Often, it's through Christians. But how well do Christians represent God? Often, not well. Today we'll see that it's not about the Christians who represent God; it's about the God they represent. Based on 2 Corinthians 4:7-15

Foolishness is generally not desirable. Except when it's GOd's foolishness. God is so great that even his foolishness shames human wisdom. Today we'll see God being foolish to the max! But we'll also see the full extent of his love. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

There were technical difficulties with today's live stream. The message for today's sermon, The Masks of God - Nature", is based on Psalm 19.

Today, we see Jesus meet people that appear to be beyond saving. There's a man possessed by thousands of demons. There's a crowd of people that wants nothing to do with him. However, Jesus shows incredible mercy and love to all of the sinners he meets, love that changes lives and eternities. We will hear the full story of the Savior's love in Luke 8:26-39.

The Trinity is a teaching of Scripture that is impossible for human beings to totally understand. God reveals himself as three separate persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - yet is still just one God. Today, we hear how this truth is an incredible comfort for Christians as we realize that all three persons of that Trinity are constantly caring for us. Today's message is based on Romans 5:1-5.

Forty days after Easter, Jesus ascended into heaven having completed his work on earth. But that doesn't mean he has stopped working. As he sits at the right hand of God, may we continue to keep our head up and see him ruling all things for our benefit. Message based on Revelation 19:11-16.

Whether they last hours or years, we all experience dark times in our lives. But our savior Jesus--the Lamb of God--knows our struggles. To brighten our lives now, he reveals to us a dazzling vision of the glorious light we will experience with him in heaven.

Jesus highlighted the importance of love in the life of a Christian when he said: "A new command I give you: Love one another." What does it mean to love others the way that Jesus loved them? Find out the answer in a message on 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

On this Mother's Day weekend, we thank God for the care we receive from our mothers. But even more so, we praise and thank God for the limitless care from Jesus, our Good Shepherd who feeds, protects and comforts us. Message based on Revelation 7:16-17

A man named Saul thought that Jesus was a religious rebel who deserved his death, but Saul's life changed when he saw that Jesus really did rise from the dead. Today we see how our lives, too, have been eternally changed by our resurrected Lord.

Hear how the reality of the resurrection changes everything! The Easter message comes from Luke 24:1-12.

There are many things in this world that try to mute the praise we have for Jesus. And yet, by God's grace, Jesus is still praised as King and Savior. LIght of the Valleys Lutheran Church in Reno invites you to listen to this message by Pastor Joel Heckendorf that leads to still sing praises today. Message based on Luke 19:39-40.

In today's service, we see how God takes people whose lives have been trashed by sin and turns them into his priceless treasure. Sermon based on Luke 20:9-19.

The word prodigal means "recklessly extravagant". In today's worship, we meditate on a parable of Jesus from Luke 15 that displays the infinite depth of our Father's reckless love.

It's easy to be overwhelmed by the challenges and hardships we face in our lives. In the Bible, people like Moses actually felt the same way. But God is always faithful to his people. He keeps his promises, and loves them forever. Today's message is based on Exodus 3:1-15.

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going." We see that attitude on display in our lesson today as Jesus doesn't shy away from difficult things. Rather, he is determined to do whatever it takes to accomplish his goal. And his goal, is to gather each and everyone of us under his care. Light of the Valleys Lutheran Church invites you to listen to this message by Pastor Joel Heckendorf. Message is based on Luke 13:31-35.

On the First Sunday in Lent, we hear how Christ fights against temptation for his people, and wins every time. A message on Luke 4:1-13.

"How could you do such a thing?" Ever have that said to you. Ever think that about something you regret doing. The season of Lent leads us to contemplate the seriousness of our sin. But even more so, it leads us to consider what Jesus has done for us so that we know, "The Lord has taken away our sin." Message based on 2 Samuel 12:1-13.

What makes a person blessed? Most people would probably list things like good health, financial stability, or a fulfilling career. But when Jesus preaches to his followers, he explains that true blessings come to us in a way that is completely different -- and totally unexpected. Today's mediation is based on Luke 6:17-26.

*Due to technical difficulties, the sermon was re-recorded after the service.*"That's Enough!" Sometimes we say those words as a complaint or out of desperation. Today, we are reminded that we are recipients of God's grace and "that is enough." His grace is sufficient for any challenge we're going through. Message based on 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10.

Nobody likes being rejected. Rejection can hurt, especially when it's from those close to you. When it comes to proclaiming the good news about Jesus, there will be rejection. Not everyone will listen, even those close to you. But God is greater than human rejection. Rejection is not proof of failure.