Joel Heckendorf

Light of the Valleys

Religion EN ↓ 269 episodes

Weekly messages from Light of the Valleys Lutheran Church in Reno, Nevada.

Author

Joel Heckendorf

Category

Religion

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Identity Revealed 13.01.2026

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.

Welcome! 06.01.2026

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.

Peace? 06.01.2026

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...

Thank God for Joseph 22.12.2025

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.

Find Peace in your Royal Family Tree 16.12.2025

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 & Ma...

How Can I Know? 09.12.2025

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.

What Do You Want? 02.12.2025

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.

Are Your Bags Packed? 25.11.2025

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 p...

Perfect Justice 18.11.2025

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...

A Grace Story 11.11.2025

"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!

Pictures From Home 28.10.2025

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.

God ______ His People 21.10.2025

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.

Mercy at Jesus' Feet 14.10.2025

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.

Life As Jesus Sees It 30.09.2025

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 23.09.2025

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.

Unrelenting Love 16.09.2025

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.

Carry Your Cross 09.09.2025

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.

How Does God Exalt People? 02.09.2025

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!

A Tour of Two Mountains 26.08.2025

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.

You Have A Hammer 19.08.2025

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.

What Are You Seeking? 12.08.2025

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 L...

Remember Your Story 04.08.2025

"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.

Lessons From a Prayer 29.07.2025

"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.

There is Nothing Too Hard for the Lord 22.07.2025

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.

Masks of God - The Christian 15.07.2025

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

Listen to the Light of the Valleys podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.