Kris Vallotton • October 4, 2018

7 Ways to Tell You Have a Renewed Mind

Have you ever texted someone, not heard back, and been offended by their lack of response?

This happened to me one time. I texted somebody important in my life and they didn’t respond. Within a couple of days, I began to build a case in my heart against them. I argued their side, and then I argued my side in my mind. I won every argument, and little by little I got more frustrated with them. Soon I was really spinning. I decided that they were very angry with me about things I never did wrong.

Just when I was ready to cut them out of my life, they texted me back. They let me know that they had been out of cell range for a few days and went on to tell me how much they love me and missed me.

I was shocked by how I reacted. It made me wonder how many other times I developed virtual evidence in my mind and became offended for no reason.

Wrestling with ghosts and made-up stories is exhausting and self-defeating. It demands all of our attention and terrorizes our imaginations.

Has something like this ever happened to you?

I’ve learned that sometimes my perceptions of things that happen in my life aren’t always reality. As we grow with God, we become transformed into His likeness. So could it be that the things that constantly trigger negative feelings in you are actually areas of growth for you to transform your mind?

What if the way you’re perceiving things in your life, whether it be relationships, your perceived success or even the way you perceive God, isn’t the full picture? Maybe there’s more to the story than what you’re interpreting it as. I know that sometimes it’s hard to know if you’re thinking clearly, so today I want to give you 7 ways to identify a transformed mind so that you can gauge just how real your reality actually is.

YOUR EXPERIENCE OF REALITY IS NOT ALWAYS TRUE

REALITY

We have to realize that sometimes our thoughts, or the way we interpret our experiences, are not always the truth. So sometimes what we feel is true is not actually true at all!

Here’s an example that helps explain this concept so well. I went to flight school when I was younger (but never completed it because I would vomit every time we went up. Yikes!) However, in ground school, they focused on something called spatial disorientation.

This is the feeling that pilots get that they are upside down and climbing when they are actually right side up. It happens when they lose sight of the horizon, like, for example, if they are in a storm. This causes pilots to crash because they turn the plane upside down.

Here is the kicker: every plane duplicates a few key instruments that indicate which way is the right way up. The reason is that when a pilot is experiencing spatial disorientation, they can look at their gauges and realize both gauges can’t be wrong. It’s when they choose to make a decision based on their feelings over trusting their gauges that they end up turning the plane upside down and crashing.

This example proves true in many of our lives. Often the way you feel, even if it’s upside down, is not what’s actually happening in your life.

TRUTH DISORIENTATION AMONGST CHRISTIANS

This phenomenon of disorientation is so prevalent even among believers. The Lord has given us His gauges (through the Word and Holy Spirit). He even provides people to help us recognize truth if we allow them to speak into our lives. And yet, we often believe our feelings or false realities instead of watching the gauges, and then we end up wrecked! Not because God didn’t tell us the truth, but because we didn’t believe Him.

John 8:31 says, “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’”

You can’t change your life, but if you change your mind and align it with the truth, God will change your life.

7 SIGNS OF A TRANSFORMED MIND

It’s easy to talk about having a transformed mind and much more challenging to know what life actually looks like once you’ve begun to think the way that God thinks about things. I love this quote from my dear friend, Bill Johnson: “I can’t afford to have thoughts in my head about me that God doesn’t have in His.”

So, if you’re just beginning your mind-transforming journey, then hold onto this list as hope for your future.

If you’ve been on this journey for a while, then take these as a litmus test to check in on yourself. I hope that it will bring clarity and helpful information for you to move forward with Holy Spirit. (I also want to mention that much of this I learned from Bill Johnson.)

Here are 7 signs of a transformed mind:

1. You live in hope. Any thought in your mind that doesn’t inspire hope is rooted in a lie. So, when something goes wrong a transformed mind thinks, “Oh, that’s going to work out!”

2. The impossible seems reasonable. When God says He’s going to do something that’s never happened before, you believe it will happen.

3. You live in peace and you don’t worry; your speculations are positive. 2 Corinthians 10: 5 says, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” Speculations are the negative “what ifs” in life. Someone with a transformed mind does not entertain negative speculations. What could that look like? If your wife comes home late from work, where does your mind go? If your mind is renewed, even your speculations are hopeful. So you’d think, “Maybe the boss kept her late to give her a promotion,” instead of, “maybe she was in a wreck.”

4. You like yourself and rejoice in your weakness, knowing that when and where you are weak He is strong. I don’t have a perfect life but I actually like who God made me. My personhood is not just my strengths, but it is also my weaknesses. I have things I’m not good at that are a part of who I am. When I’m weak, and where I’m weak, God is strong. In other words, my personhood is more affected by where I’m weak because that’s where I tend to lean on God more to help make me strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). So what I want you to know is that it’s okay to like you!

5. You are quick to forgive and freely give others grace and mercy. In other words, you don’t hold offenses and know how to confront in love.

6. You are confident and thankful. Thankfulness shows that you realize you got something you didn’t deserve. So, the difference between arrogance and confidence is gratitude.

7. You believe in others and give them the benefit of the doubt. You don’t know other people’s motives. Half the time you don’t even know your own motives!

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION IS NOT TRANSFORMATION

So, what does that all mean for you? Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Much of what is being taught in culture today is behavior modification and not actual transformation. You can try to manage the symptom of your behavior for only so long, but getting to the root of the problem is what actually brings change. Your thoughts are the roots of your behavior patterns. So if you want to transform your life, then a good place to start is in your mind.

Here’s one step you can take today towards transformation: review the above list and pick one that you would like to work on with Holy Spirit (this is probably the one that convicted you the most when you read it). Ask God to reveal His truth about that behavior, and one thing you can do to renew your mind in that area. Is it replacing hopeless thoughts with hope? Is it practicing gratitude in areas where you may struggle with arrogance? Is it accepting your weaknesses as a beautiful part of the way you can lean on God in trust and intimacy? If you feel comfortable I’d love to hear what He highlights to you and how you’ll be actively renewing your mind in the coming week! Tell me your thoughts in the comments below!

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Kathy's Mother's Day Message

By Kathy Vallotton • May 10, 2025

As Mother’s Day approached, I knew there was no one better to speak into the heart of motherhood than my wife, Kathy. Her life has been a living picture of grace, sacrifice, and Spirit-led strength. I believe her words will bless you the way her life has blessed me. Kris - Today, I want to honor the incredible women who wear the title of “Mother” with grace, strength, and unwavering love. A mother is a guiding light. She illuminates our paths with wisdom and warmth. She is the gentle hand that nurtures us in our earliest days, the fierce protector who stands by us through life’s storms, and the unwavering supporter of our dreams. Many times, Mom, our sacrifices go unnoticed. We juggle countless responsibilities, often putting our own needs aside to ensure the happiness and well-being of our family. That’s just what Moms do! My joy has always come from serving others. What some people call exhausting, I call invigorating! Even when my kids were young, I can't tell you how many sleepless nights I've had, comforting one of my babies because, ‘only Mommy will do.’ Love wins every time! But love has stolen my heart over and over again. In the good times and in the bad, Jesus has always been by my side, my solid rock and my firm foundation. He has been there beside you too! That big “S” that you wear on your chest didn't happen by accident. The bible says that He will never leave me or forsake me. During all of my laughter and through my many tears, He has always guided me in every situation. So when you feel weak, remember He is right by your side. When you don't think that you can move another muscle, He is your biggest cheerleader. When you get into a spot where life feels like more than you can handle, take a look at what the Lord says about you! You are Tenacious. Your perseverance is remarkable. As a Mom, you consistently push through obstacles with unwavering commitment to your goals. You are Courageous. Mom’s often take bold steps, stand up to what they think is just, even when faced with opposition or adversity. You can do this! You are Radiant. The love of Jesus shines brightly to all those who you come in contact with, inspiring positivity and hope. You are Unstoppable. Mom, once you set your sights on a goal, you exhibit an unwavering drive to help your children pursue their dreams and desires. You are Fierce. With a spirit that is unyielding, as a Mom, you will protect your family at all costs. You are Inspiring. Moms believe in their kids. We believe that all things are possible with God and encourage our families to go where no child has ever gone before! Mom, you are the architects of our character, teaching us values of kindness, empathy, and resilience. With every hug, every word of encouragement, you instill in us the confidence to pursue our passions and overcome obstacles. Your laughter brings joy to our lives, while your tears remind us of the depth of your love. As a mom myself, I celebrate not just the role you play but the remarkable individuals you are. You are the heart of the family, the keeper of traditions, and the source of unconditional love. Each moment shared, each lesson taught, and every story told weaves an unbreakable bond that shapes who we are. To all mothers, whether near or far, biological or chosen, your impact is profound and everlasting. Today, we celebrate you, not just for the love you give, but for the incredible people you are. Happy Mother’s Day! Kathy Vallotton

Character and Gifting: Favor with God and Favor with Man

By Kris Vallotton • March 5, 2025

Have you ever felt called to a spiritual role but struggled to find your place in it? Perhaps you've experienced a divine moment where God revealed a prophetic gift in your life, yet you found yourself wondering why others don't seem to recognize or acknowledge it. This tension between divine calling and human recognition can be one of the most challenging aspects of walking in prophetic ministry. I've spoken with countless individuals who believe God has called them to be prophets, yet they feel frustrated when church leadership doesn't immediately recognize their office. They often share powerful testimonies of divine encounters or prophetic words that confirmed their calling. But here's the beautiful truth I've discovered: authentic spiritual authority requires both divine appointment and human recognition. Scripture shows us that even Jesus "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (Luke 2:52). This powerful verse reveals an important principle – spiritual authority flourishes at the intersection of Heaven's approval and earthly recognition. The Bible offers us profound wisdom about this journey of walking out our prophetic calling. Let's explore three essential principles that can help you navigate this path with grace and wisdom. 1. Understand the Process Between Anointing and Appointment King David's story provides one of the most powerful examples of the gap between divine calling and public recognition. When Samuel anointed David as king, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him powerfully – yet David didn't actually become king for fourteen years! During that time, he served faithfully, developed his character, and waited for God's timing. The journey between your prophetic calling and your public commissioning is not an accident – it's divine design. This season of preparation builds the character, wisdom, and spiritual maturity needed to carry the weight of prophetic authority. Just as David was anointed three times – once by God through Samuel and twice by the people – your prophetic gift may require multiple confirmations. Remember that if you have favor with God but not yet with leadership, pushing for recognition prematurely can lead to painful experiences. As Proverbs 18:16 reminds us, " A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. " Allow your gift to create the space for your ministry rather than trying to force open doors that aren't ready to receive you. 2. Avoid Self-Promotion and Political Maneuvering It’s important to realize that even though your gift is what gets you into the room, your character is the thing that keeps you there. There's a stark warning in Scripture about gaining influence through manipulation rather than divine timing. Absalom, David's son, shows us the danger of winning people's hearts through flattery, false promises, and undermining leadership. He created a following by positioning himself as more accessible and understanding than the established authority. In today's social media age, the temptation toward self-promotion has never been stronger. We can easily build platforms that elevate our image above our character. But true prophetic authority doesn't come through marketing yourself as an expert – it comes through humble service, consistent character, and divine timing. James 4:6 reminds us that " God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. " When we push for recognition prematurely or through manipulation, we may gain a position but miss the protection that comes with proper promotion. Like Joseph, who shared his prophetic dreams prematurely with his brothers, our lack of wisdom can create a much more difficult path to our destiny than God intended. 3. Embrace the Preparation Process The weight of the prophetic office is both invisible and substantial. I've witnessed many genuinely called individuals crumble under the pressure of premature promotion. The apostle Paul wisely instructed that leaders " should first be tested and then let them serve " (1 Timothy 3:10), and warned against laying hands on anyone hastily (1 Timothy 5:22). True preparation for prophetic ministry involves more than just having accurate prophetic words. It requires developing spiritual maturity, biblical understanding, relational wisdom, and emotional health. If you sense a prophetic calling on your life, embrace the preparation process with patience and humility. Serve faithfully where you are. Allow trusted leaders to speak into your life and development. Study the Scriptures diligently. And remember that the process between the promise and the palace is not just necessary – it's a gift that prepares you to succeed when your time comes. My prayer for you is that you would find peace in God's timing for your prophetic journey. May you grow in both favor with God and with people, allowing the Lord to develop in you the character needed to carry His voice with integrity. Let me be clear- the path to your prophetic purpose isn't just about reaching a destination – it's about becoming the person who can faithfully steward the authority that comes with it.

4 Lessons After 50 Years of Marriage

By Kris Vallotton • February 12, 2025

Kathy and I are celebrating our 50th anniversary this year, and we’ve been together for 54. We’ve experienced highs and lows together and built a life I never imagined possible! Over the past 50+ years, we’ve learned a few things that I want to share with you to help your marriage thrive! Know when to sacrifice pleasure for the pursuit of joy. Kathy and I have learned when to sacrifice pleasure for the pursuit of joy; this is the discipline of laying down your life for another. A practical example of this is when people find out we have horses. They say, “Oh wow, Kris, you have horses!” My response to them goes something like this, “No, I don’t have horses. Kathy has horses. I only pay for the horses.” Their next question for me usually is, “Don’t you like horses?” To which I respond, “No, I don’t like horses, but I like Kathy.” You see, I get a lot of joy out of doing what Kathy wants to do. I am willing to sacrifice my own pleasure to pursue what develops joy in our marriage. It’s not one-sided, Kathy does the same for me. 2. Forgiveness restores the standard. If you’ve been in a relationship for any length of time, then you know the honeymoon phase doesn't last forever. The person that you love and cherish at the deepest level is the same person that will stretch, challenge, and offend you. I learned this lesson years ago when my kids were teenagers. I became angry with Kathy in front of them and treated her disrespectfully. An hour later, I apologized, and she forgave me. Colossians 3:13 tells us that “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive". The truth is, forgiveness restores the standard of holiness in us and through us. 3. It’s not bad if your spouse thinks differently than you. Men and women think differently, and this is metaphorically demonstrated in the way they were created. Please understand what I am trying to communicate here. I am not at all trying to dishonor either gender. I know that women and men are equally intelligent. When Kathy and I got married, I didn’t understand marriage or women at all. I was so ignorant that it wasn’t even funny. I just had no value for Kathy’s opinion, while we were making decisions, when she refused to produce the facts for her conclusions. She often prefaced her statements with phrases like, “I feel like...,” “It troubles me that...,” “I don’t feel good about that...,” and so on. But what I learned over time, as many of my great decisions began to turn into mistakes, was that her “It feels like” or “This troubles me” were often a lot more accurate than the so-called facts! As the years have rolled on, I have learned to invite the rest of me, and my other half, my wife, into all of my decisions. And she has learned the same thing. We were made to be together. We are one flesh, a mystery that continues to unfold with time. 4. Vision gives pain a purpose. It is my conviction that we are living in a generation perishing for lack of vision. This is evident in many different areas of life, but I also see it in marriages. Having a vision for your marriage will help you persevere through the harder seasons that you’ll face together. Many years ago I had a vision where I was standing next to this elderly gentleman and could see him perfectly, but the man could not see me. The older man was surrounded by children and grandchildren telling stories about the family's history, lineage, and favor with God. In the vision he said, “And all of this began with your great-great-grandmother and great-great-grandfather.” I looked up and above the mantle of the fireplace and there was a huge portrait of Kathy and me! The Lord spoke to me and said: “You are no longer to live for a ministry—you are to live to leave a legacy! Your children’s children’s children are depending on you leaving them a world in revival. From this day forward, you will live for a generation that you will never see. You are to have a one-hundred-year vision so that you can build from the future.” This vision of our future helped us in developing a strategy to apprehend God’s goals for our lives, and it was the fuel that kept us going in the harder seasons. Consequently, from that day on, we began to build from the future, as the Lord had said. Let me be clear: you don't have to have a literal vision like I did, but you should have a vision and a direction for the future! Your marriage isn’t just about you, it’s about the generations that will follow. The truth is, the way you love, lead, and fight for your marriage today is building a legacy for your children and their children. So take time with your spouse, dream with God, and dream with each other. Get a vision for your family’s future! The breakthrough you experience now will impact the generations to come.

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