Kris Vallotton • June 26, 2020

Are Demons Working Against Your Personal Life?

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

Have you ever heard someone use the phrase "the light at the end of the tunnel" to describe their long-awaited time of hardship finally nearing its end? Many of us are looking for that light right now and can’t find it. From pandemics to protests, senseless murders to economic madness, the world is really struggling. I don’t only mean that people are stressed, I’m saying that people are experiencing physical and mental breakdowns . Unable to discern the presence of Jesus amid these trying times, many Believers fix their eyes on the perceived weapons that have been formed against them, and they see no solution in sight. Might I suggest to you that there is no light at the end of this proverbial tunnel that is our current circumstances? Why do I say that? Because the Light of the World—Jesus Christ is in the midst of this dismal darkness with us, and I propose that He’s guiding us out of these current doom and gloom days with personal and societal breakthroughs. In other words, Jesus is not waiting in the wings while we figure things out. No, in fact, He runs to problems as He holds the remedy we seek. Yet, the question remains, are you too focused on the hell around you to see heaven’s solution that is right in front of you?

SPIRITUAL INTELLIGENCE

If you've followed my ministry for very long, you know well that I often teach about the spiritual realm— a reality that people foolishly ignore. I'll add that the spirit realm affects everyone, whether it's acknowledged or not. Paul educates Believers in Ephesians 6:10-12 as to why it's important to be spiritually intelligent, see here: " Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. " Did you catch that? Paul's understanding of the spiritual realm was that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but of spiritual forces. What does this mean for you as a Believer today? The same thing it meant for the Believers in Paul's time— our struggle is spiritual, yet we were destined to win!

Many of you are in great distress right now, and I'm certain that you don't have to be! I say this with confidence because God’s goal for you is to embody the authority that Christ has given all Believers so that we would undermine and defeat the power of the enemy. He desires us to be spiritually intelligent and peace driven.

EYES TO SEE & EARS TO HEAR

One way God has empowered us to thrive in the presence of our spiritual enemies is through a specific spiritual gift that is available to every Believer should they ask for it. What I’m talking about is the gift of discernment of spirits, or as some translations say, the gift of distinguishing between spirits (1 Cor. 12:8-10).

First off, the Discernment of spirits is not ghost hunting or communicating with the dead, nor is it altogether creepy or even that mystical for that matter. In fact, in my opinion, this gift is one of the most undervalued yet beneficial gifts that serve the Body of Christ, and if applied correctly would eliminate a great deal of spiritual warfare. It's a supernatural gift that empowers one to discern between any and all spirits individually. When one functions in this gift healthily and as God purposed, Believers arise as the solution-driven peacemakers that they are, and begin the work of recovering, reconciling, and restoring those the enemy has attempted to kill, steal, and destroy.

Discerning of spirits gives us the ability to distinguish the unseen beings that we are in “cohabitation” with—a vital function in developing spiritual intelligence. Not only that, but it also empowers Believers to distinguish between what's real and what's false. To clarify, it’s not just merely discernment or wisdom for that matter, nor is it distinguishing only evil spirits. This gift is brilliant in that it exposes what influence and intentions the spirit realm is having, whether on a person, in the atmosphere, over a city, or in a nation. Maturely operating in this gift enables you to be keenly in tune and aware of the spiritual weapons formed against people, but it also gives you eyes to see the Light of Christ amid disorienting days of chaos. You understand what this means, don’t you? The gift of discernment of spirits not only gives us access behind enemy lines and exposes their plots and schemes but it also uncovers Holy Spirit solutions that disarm the devil and remedy today’s complex challenges. Think of this gift as a giant spotlight. It exposes everything unseen, adversaries and the emissaries that are sent to help us, and paired with the authority God’s given you, empowers God’s people to be incredibly in tune, intelligent, and influential.

4 WAYS TO DEVELOP DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITS

It’s paramount that Believers step into this gift right now. With everything going on in the world, in our nations, and even in our homes, we need to understand where our fight truly lies, and if you haven’t gathered by now, it’s not with one another. With that being said, I want to give you 4 ways that you can begin to develop the gift of discernment of spirits in your life right now:

1. Ask for it . A gift is just that— a gift. It’s available to every believer. As James said in the Bible, “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2-3). So simply ask. Understand that the Lord desires us to be spiritually intelligent . He wants us to steward the things that He gives us, so once you’ve asked for this gift or any spiritual gift for that matter—use it!

2. Start with yourself . Begin to discern the spirits influencing your thought life. For example, you could start with your attitude over something like finances. Notice what happens when you and your spouse begin to talk about money? Does it get heated fast or do you notice the conversation is solution-driven? Begin to discern the spirit behind what may be influencing YOUR emotions and thought life first. If you stick with it, you will begin to notice an incredible improvement in your overall sense of wellbeing as you’ll begin to also discern the spirit of peace that will be present.

3. Learn what the gift is and what it is not. I’d recommend surrounding yourself with Believers who are healthily functioning in this gift. This is a fail-safe way to learn what the gift is and what it isn’t. For instance, I talk about this in my book Spirit Wars , but suspicion is the wicked step-sister of discernment. Meaning, when fear hijacks discernment there’s not only a spirit behind every corner, but you’ll find you are highly suspicious of everyone’s motives. What I’m describing is not the gift of discernment of spirits. It is straight-up fear, and it’s not from God.

4. Read your Bible . The Bible is full of stories that may not directly point out the operation of discernment of spirits, but as you begin to notice it in your own life and mature in the gift, you will begin to see time and time again how the disciples naturally supernaturally flowed in this gift. You can read about one example found in Acts 16:15-18. Paul discerned a spirit of divination on a slave-girl. Go check out what happened!

Share in the comments what you learn this week as you develop your gift of discernment, begin to see Jesus in the midst of the storm, and regain the peace that’s been given to you!

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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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