Light of the Valleys

Christ goes with us into 2025! With Jesus at our side, we recognize that our hope is not in the things of this world that change and decay, but in Christ's forgiveness, and the joys of heaven that await us once Jesus returns again. What greater comfort could we have as Christians!

"And he will be our peace." The busy-ness of this season highlights the fact that we can never find peace in this world, no matter how hard we look for it. But Jesus gives us eternal peace which the world cannot give: peace between us and God. Today, we'll see how God's gift of eternal peace is ours today and every day.

Why are we able to rejoice in Christ? That's the question the prophet Zephaniah answered for God's people thousands of years ago. In Zephaniah's time, Judah had plenty of enemies on the outside, and plenty of spiritual dangers on the inside as well. But despite all the things that were going wrong, the Lord promised to send a Savior who would deal with their sin, and give joy to his people forever...

It's that time of year... gifts to buy, parties to plan, etc. You may be overwhelmed. Are you prepared? What about a bigger question: instead of wondering if you are prepared to celebrate Jesus' first coming, are you prepared for his second? Today, Pastor Joel Heckendorf of Light of the Valleys Lutheran in Reno guides us through a message from Malachi 3, assuring us how we are prepared.

At this time of year, we look back to how God sent his Son into the world at Christmas. But we also look forward to when God's Son will come back a second time and take all believers to be with him in heaven. Join us in worship as we look to God's mountain-top promises to which we can look forward.

"Who's in control?" So often, we look to other people, products, or policies to help us navigate through life. Today's message assures us that Jesus is King. As he sits on his heavenly throne, we can be certain that Jesus is in control. Message based on Daniel 7:13-14, by Pastor Joel Heckendorf of Light of the Valleys Lutheran Church in Reno, NV.

How are we able to stand in the presence of God? Is it because of anything we do? Is it because of the choices that we make? In our Scripture lessons today, we will see that as sinners, there is no way we could stand before the Almighty on our own -- and we don't need to. Jesus is the sacrifice for our sins that we need, and he covers us with his grace every single day. We can stand in God's prese...

We know God is present in our lives, but why do we need to be reminded of that? In the midst of challenges, find comfort that the Lord Almighty is with us and that he is our fortress. Sermon based on Psalm 46.

God's people have needed to stand up for the truth many times throughout history. In our service, we will see that the Lord stands with his people and gives them all the strength that they need whenever they need to defend the gospel. Sermon on Daniel 3.

"Be strong." This is God's command so that we're ready for spiritual battle. But he doesn't just say, "Be strong." He himself strengthens us with his mighty power and gives us armor to protect us. Today's message is based on Ephesians 6:10-17.

"What must I do to be saved?" That's the question a rich young man asks Jesus in Mark 10:17-27. Tragically, the man wasn't really looking for a Savior -- he thought his works made him right with God. In today's service, we will see the power of God's Word to cut through our own human ideas of how to enter heaven, so that we rely on Jesus, who has already done everything for us.

Are you tired? What burdens are you carrying? What has you worn down? Today, Jesus invites, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Light of the Valleys prays you enjoy the rest that only Jesus can give as Pastor Heckendorf shares a message based on Matthew 11:28-30.

Chariots and Horsemen of fire! Elisha's servant couldn't see them; do you? Join us today as we open our eyes and give thanks to God for the mighty angels he uses to guard to keep us.

"I don't know how to... I don't want to... I don't know if I can." When it comes to living our life of faith, all three of those phrases may apply. Today, Light of the Valleys Lutheran Church in Reno invites you to see God's answer for all those things as we take a closer at Psalm 27:1. #livebrightly

You can't accomplish much with your eyes closed. That's why, in Ephesians 5, Paul tells us that the gospel has opened our eyes so we see what is truly going on. We face spiritual dangers as the devil constantly throws temptations our way. But more importantly, we clearly see the Savior, and all the opportunities we have to serve him every single day.

"Don't wait 'til tomorrow to do what can be done today." Today, Jesus invites us to put that proverb into practice as he reminds us to "Work while it is day." May the words of Jesus is John 9:1-6 give each of us a sense of urgency as we serve the Lord.

Today, Light of the Valleys invites you to ask yourself: "Am I a hypocrite?" It's easy for us to go through the motions of worshiping God and living an outwardly good life, but where are our hearts? We'll see how unclean our hearts are and, more importantly, hear how they've been made clean for good. Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23.

What are the bare necessities of life? We usually list things like food, water, and shelter. But Jesus tells us there is something we need more than anything else, something we could not possibly live without -- saving faith. Pastor Dan Waterstradt leads us through Jesus' challenging and comforting words in a sermon on John 6:51-69, "Offensive Gospel".

Saved! It's one of the most comforting words ever. Today, Light of the Valleys Lutheran Church in Reno, NV invites you to listen in to see how being saved is God's greatest gift to us. Today's message is by Josiah Loersch, our pastoral intern. Message is based on Ephesians 2:1-10.

What are you looking at? That's a question that gets asked whenever we come into contact with someone or something new or different. Today, Light of the Valleys invites you to review a lesson given by the apostle Paul to the Corinthian congregation, teaching them to keep their eyes open and focused on God when faced with the temptations of this world. Message based on 1 Corinthians 10:1-5; 11-...

What are you afraid of? When kids turn into adults, they still have fears, but instead of a monster underneath the bed, they can be very real problems. "What if I can't make that payment this month? What if I will be alone forever?" Today, Light of the Valleys invites you to see Jesus' great power over wind, wave, and the laws of physics, and why all of these show us that we have...

Today, Light of the Valleys invites you to marvel at the miracle of Jesus feeding 5000 people, a reminder that he still provides for us today. Message based on Mark 6:35-44.

It's a rich word... compassion. When you're punched in the gut over the trying times of another person that you have no option but to act on their behalf, that is what we call compassion. Today, we see our Savior have compassion on us -- as he not only sees our needs, he meets our needs. Join us today, as Pastor Joel Heckendorf delivers a message about Jesus' compassion, based on Mark...

Last week we considered how serving the Lord is not always easy. And yet, we can move forward in ministry in our personal ministries, trusting that the Lord will provide. Join us this week as we take a closer look at Mark 6:7-13, as we consider two ways that Jesus provides.

"Live your faith." Easier said than done. When we talking our personal ministry to others, it's not always easy. When the message we try to share is met with rejection, it becomes even more difficult. And yet, today we see how the good news of Jesus motivates us to carry our meaningful ministry, even when it's not easy. Message based on Mark 6:1-6.