Kris Vallotton • April 3, 2020

Do You Know the Tactic Jesus Used When He Faced Spiritual Warfare?

A TOUR THROUGH HELL

Do you feel like you’re walking through the valley of the shadow of death? It can feel excruciatingly lonely and utterly terrifying. I know that venomous valley well. It’s where I experienced panic attacks that turned into endless, tormenting nightmares, and demons physically terrorizing me. I often wondered if I would permanently lose my mind. Let me be clear: I understand that many people do not believe in spirits, spiritual warfare, or even demons and angels, but if you are reading this blog and have had or are having these experiences, take heart because there is hope to be had...keep reading!

The truth is that the spiritual realm is real!, Angels and demons are very active on the earth whether we see them or not. Contrary to what you might be experiencing now, not all spiritual realities are negative. In fact, there are more angels for us than there are demons against us. However, I’ve learned that navigating our way out of what can feel like a deep dark spiritual valley is a key part of developing our spiritual authority. In fact, as a Believer, you are currently spiritually equipped to walk your way out of it! Unfortunately for me, back then I made the mistake of camping out in the valley of the shadow of death for three years. Believe me when I say it wasn’t because I wanted to, nor do I believe any of you experiencing this living hell want to stay captive either. My problem was that I had been educated right out of my solution, and was imprisoned by bad doctrine! I’ll explain what I mean.

WHO’S YOUR ENEMY?

I had been taught and believed that Christians could be mentally ill but not demonized. Meaning, a Believer might have chemical deficiencies or imbalances and may experience symptoms of mental illness, but because they are a child of God, demons had no authority to oppress or terrorize them; I was taught that the only people who were demonized were unbelievers. In other words, if you were experiencing what may be described as demonic activity, you were either a Believer with a mental illness and it wasn’t demonically related or you were not truly a Believer and were demonized. Sound familiar? This faulty teaching had me questioning my sanity and set me up to war against my flesh instead of the spirits that would ambush and attack me every day.

It’s so important that we understand we are not warring against our old man (the flesh), rather we are battling with principalities. Ephesians 6:10-12 emphatically says “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? Your true enemy is spiritual forces of wickedness!

My so-called tour through hell immediately ended when the Holy Spirit revealed to me that I wasn’t insane at all, rather I had been listening to a spirit of insanity that projected its own maddening thoughts on to me. The defective doctrine that Christians couldn’t be demonized was dismantled in mere moments when I learned that evil spirits will talk to us by giving us their thoughts . To be clear, thoughts originating from a demon are similar to a demon manifesting physically in front of you. Both are manifestations of evil, and its intention through the confusion and chaos is to kill your faith in God the Father, steal your spirit-filled destiny, and destroy your original design in Christ. But there’s something demons know that maybe you do not know — They know and see that you are marked by the glory of God. They know that you have power over them. These disempowered bullies are simply banking on you not knowing that. Maybe now it makes sense why the majority of spiritual warfare happens in the mind? They attack your knowledge of God and the knowledge of your identity as a child of God!

Through perverted ploys and subtle schemes, these evil spirits plant thoughts that are compelling. In other words, through thoughts that are not your own, demons frame a narrative about you that reflects their own image. In an attempt to mar the image of God that you bear, they position thoughts in such a way that it feels like your thoughts, even though it’s completely opposite of your history or your nature. Any sort of agreement with these invading thoughts can destroy your confidence and spiral you down into depression , anxiety, isolation, and self-hatred. You must know that this is a manifestation of evil. You are not who they say you are! You are not broken! You will have breakthrough. This will end. And Jesus MAKES ALL THINGS NEW (Rev. 21:5)!

THE KEY TO VICTORY

When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, Matthew 4 says Jesus prepared for warfare by fasting, but did you notice Jesus’ battle tactics against Satan? Let’s take a look:

The first test (Matthew 4:3): “Since you are God’s Son, speak the word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread."
Jesus’ response (vs. 4): “Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: ‘It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.’”

Though He is physically depleted and weary, Jesus’ tactic is to remember God’s promise to Him and declare out loud that His “yes” to the will of the Father will not be swayed by the physical reality he is experiencing.
The second test (vs 5-6): “The Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said, ‘Since you are God’s Son, jump.’” The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: “He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone.”
Jesus’ response (vs. 7): Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: “Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.”

Make no mistake, Jesus is not arguing with Satan; His tactic is to stay rested in His identity and the reality that Satan is not His equal. In fact, He reminds Satan of that.
For the third test (vs. 8-9): “The Devil took him to the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth’s kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, “They’re yours—lock, stock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they’re yours.”
Jesus’ Response (vs. 10): Jesus’ refusal was curt: “Beat it, Satan!” He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.”

Jesus throws the final blow with a tactical rebuke and reminder that only God is the victor as He is in full agreement with God’s will. With authority, Jesus silenced Satan!

Demonstrated by Jesus in the wilderness, if I had to give you one key to win in warfare it would be to REMEMBER! You might ask why is remembering the key to victory? Because just as we saw with Jesus, Satan’s go-to weapon is to cause us to question not only who we are to God but who God is to you — your Father, who gave you His likeness (Gen. 1:26-27), His mind (1 Cor. 2:16), and His Spirit (2 Cor. 5:5). Though it may feel crazy in the valley, God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Just as Jesus rebuked Satan by holding on to His power and His peace during physical, emotional, and spiritual testing, you have been empowered by the living God to victoriously walk through the valley. Remember, if it’s not good, it’s not the end! Don’t retreat and don’t give up. You were made for victory!

I am praying today that you would have peace in this season, that God would protect you through the night and that His voice would be the loudest one over you. I pray that irrational thoughts would be dissolved in Jesus’ name and that the Holy Spirit would make clear the illusion and lie of the enemy. I pray that angels would surround you and that the right people would come around you in this season.

To help you fight the unseen battle and win, I want to give you a FREE digital copy of my book Spirit Wars. And, I want to invite you to participate in a FREE 4-week video devotional teaching that I just launched this week. You can find the devotional videos on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube . You can also sign up here to receive them right in your inbox.

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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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