"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 ..read more

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 ..read more

"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 ..read more

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 ..read more

*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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 the truth of his Word to the world ..read more