Light of the Valleys

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-...

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 Hecke...

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.

God's Word clearly teaches that only those who believe in Jesus will go to heaven. How do people hear about Jesus in the first place? It's obvious: through someone telling them! But God doesn't only use pastors to spread the good news: he uses you, too.

Who are you? Different contexts might yield different answers to that question, but your identity shapes your life. When you forget who you are, look to baptism. Through baptism, God made you his child. No matter the context, that's your identity: a child of God.

What happens when your expectations aren't met? Not all of our dreams come true. But that doesn't mean that's a bad thing. Rather, as we take a closer look at Ephesians 3, we cherish that the Lord does more than we can ever ask or imagine.

Popularity does not define success in the Kingdom of God. Old Testament prophets like Jeremiah were deeply unpopular because of the message the proclaimed. The Apostle Paul and his friend Timothy went through many hardships on account of the gospel. But no matter what response we get from the world around us, we can trust that God will still change hearts and be with his people as they proclaim th...

Earthly adoption is special. More special, though, is the God adopted us! He rescued us from the slavery of sin and made us part of his family. As our Father, he blesses us now and makes us heirs of future blessings.