Kris Vallotton • August 23, 2023

Two Keys for Learning How to Think Like God

TO THINK LIKE GOD

Do you know what it means to think like God, to have the mind of Christ? I’m sure many of you can answer that question with sound biblical theology. Still, that’s my concern— that Believers spout on about profound truth but they never actually experience it! Their theology ends where it began — with “the right answer.” I don’t think I need to point out to you that faith is not a summation of noble ideas, rather, in the Kingdom of God, faith is more of a verb than it is a noun; it’s “Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven!” My point is, if the Church truly knows what it means to think like God, then why aren’t Believers leading in every realm of society as God’s solutionaries? Why are injustices like sex trafficking, abortion, racism, and prejudice, to name a few, still happening on our watch? Where are the innovators and the idea makers, the risk-takers, and the ground-breakers?

TRANSCENDENT THINKING

My journey into the mind of Christ began many years ago, when Bill Johnson, who was the pastor of our small rural church at the time, began teaching the congregation about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I’ve shared this story several times, and I’ll share it with you now because this is one moment when a whole new dynamic opened up in my life and my theology became a reality.
Back in those days, I owned a n automotive repair shop and one of our largest fleet customers was a timber company that had purchased over twenty brand-new computer-controlled Chevy trucks. Let me remind you these were the days before automotive technology was standard in the production of vehicles. Back then auto mechanics meant repairing engines and replacing parts, not fixing computers. On top of that, there was very little information out there about the technology in these trucks. There was no Google in those days. Long story short, one of these brand-new trucks rolled into the shop one afternoon on the back of a tow truck. It was followed by a phone call from the manager of the timber company telling me there were 10 more dead trucks just like that one, and I needed to “figure it out!” I spent days working on that truck and couldn’t get it started. I called the dealership and they walked me through numerous tests over the phone and faxed me the wiring diagram, but still, nothing worked.
Finally, Sunday came around. At church, Bill had been teaching the congregation about words of knowledge. For those who need a refresh: a word of knowledge is specific information we get from the Holy Spirit about a person, place, or thing that is currently true, but that we could not have known, had the Lord not revealed it to us, and that’s when a thought hit me that changed everything I knew about God up until that point. I wondered if the Holy Spirit might know as much about trucks as He knew about people!
The next day, after the shop closed and everyone had gone home for the night, I started praying for God’s help. As I prayed, in my mind’s eye, I envisioned myself laying hands on the truck in the same way that I did with people. Feeling uncomfortable but knowing no one was going to see me, I acted on the vision and put my hands on the fender of the truck. Asking for God’s help, a picture emerged in my imagination of a broken wire under the right front fender well. Then I heard a Voice in my mind say, There is a wire broken on a diode under the right front fender. Now, I know this thought was not mine for two reasons: first, I had torn the wiring apart in this truck and never came across a diode. Second, I didn’t even know this truck had a diode; there was no indication of one on the truck’s wiring diagram. I immediately start peeling back the undercoating and lo and behold there it was, the broken diode. I soldered it back on and the rest is His-story...the truck started right up.

I WAS MADE FOR THIS

Since that day, I have solved numerous difficult situations with information the Holy Spirit provided. The truck and the diode experience opened the door to a whole new dynamic in my life and I began to grow progressively in my connection to the Holy Spirit’s transcendent thinking, but there are two things that I learned from that experience that I want to share with you that will teach you how to think like God:

Spiritual gifts give us access to the mind of Christ. Gifts of the Spirit are not trophies or awards that are earned by our merit but are God-given to those who desire them. Spiritual gifts disciple us with the mind of Christ and bring us into spiritual maturity. Jesus put it this way, “If I don’t do the works of the Father, don’t believe Me!” (John 10:37) As a child of God, there is an expectation that we would accomplish the impossible because the God of the impossible abides within us.
Spiritual gifts need a job. When I assigned the gift of the word of knowledge to the job of uncovering the solution I needed for the truck, I gained access to the mind of God and what was once undiscoverable and unseen was now exposed by the light of God’s wisdom. It was right then that I began to understand what Bill Johnson meant when he said, “ There’s no such thing as a secular job as soon as you receive Jesus because everything you do from that day on is sacred.” When we assign spiritual gifts to a job, regardless of where we work or what realm of society we’ve been given influence over, ministry happens! In other words, when an auto mechanic becomes spiritually in tune and intelligent, they now are in the work of ministry!

So tell me, what’s your story? What complex problem, whether it be in your life, family, or the world, do you need a supernatural solution for? Think about this: lying dormant in many Believers is a single thought that originated in God’s mind. Do you know what this thought is that I’m speaking of? It starts as a whisper and becomes a declaration that shouts: “I was made for this!” That’s right; in your heart burns the notion that you will not be conquered because you are an overcomer! If you take hold of the thought that you were made to conquer anything that stands in your way, you’ll begin to harness the power that overcomes crises, transforms lives, and radically shifts culture. How do I know this? Because you were born to be God’s solutionary! You were made for this!

TWO-DAY PROPHETIC THINK TANK

Maybe you have felt a similar stirring or unsettled questioning that there must be untapped solutions to the societal issues that we face. Have you ever laid awake at night trying to sort out a problem at hand whether at work, in your family, or school system?

I’d propose the tension and unsatisfied constitution is not because you are ignorant to the fact that life is filled with challenges, but rather it’s the confrontation of the tension of the limitless nature of your spirit man with earthly limitations. It is the internal knowing that you were made to think like God.

The challenge is that often Believers settle for living in tension and never push past the limits of impossibility to bring Heaven’s solutions to Earth. This is why my team at the Spiritual Intelligence Institute is hosting a FREE 2-Day Virtual Prophetic Think Tank, August 30-31. You can register here .

What Does the Two-Day Prophetic Think Tank Include?

Foundational Teaching that will expand your capacity for spiritual intelligence, equip you to discover the divine brilliance inside of you, and transformative tools that will develop you in the art of thinking like God.
Interactive Think Tank facilitated by SQ Institute Instructors and experienced with other spiritual pioneers that will facilitate a time to receive from God and the opportunity to submit a question to be answered during the Think Tank.

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Kathy's Mothers 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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