Vision Forward with Stephen Schlabach

In today’s Vision Forward podcast, Stephen Schlabach delves into God’s unconditional love and its powerful description of who we are. He encourages us not to let anyone or anything alter this divine perspective. Just as we carefully read a product description before a purchase, we should embrace the detailed truths found in Scripture. As 1 John 3:1 states, “See how great a love the Father has best...

In today’s Vision Forward podcast, Stephen Schlabach explores the power of living in the moment. He emphasizes that being fully present allows us to appreciate the beauty and blessings that surround us. By focusing on “right now,” we can find peace and joy in our current experiences. Stephen highlights Hebrews 11, reminding us that “Now faith” encourages us to live fully in the present. Tune in to...

In today’s Vision Forward podcast, Stephen Schlabach addresses the profound question of our significance and purpose. He reminds us that our worth comes from how God describes us. A.W. Tozer said, “The most important thing about you is what comes to mind when you think of God.” By contemplating God’s greatness, we can truly appreciate our value. Psalm 8:5 states that we are made a little lower tha...

In today’s Vision Forward podcast, Stephen Schlabach discusses our inherent design for blessing. He explains that blessings—encompassing divine favors, gifts, and approval—are not something foreign or out of reach but are integral to our existence. According to Genesis 1:28, we were created to be fruitful, multiply, and have dominion, underscoring that blessing is part of our divine design. Stephe...

In today’s Vision Forward podcast, Stephen Schlabach explores the power of accomplishment and its impact on our lives. He encourages you to create a to-do list for the day, including even the simplest tasks, and check them off as you complete them. Stephen explains that the act of marking tasks as done can have a profoundly positive effect on your overall well-being, helping to overcome procrastin...

In today’s Vision Forward podcast, Stephen Schlabach delves into the connection between our thoughts and actions. He emphasizes that our actions will reflect the level of our consistent thinking. Referencing Joshua 1:8, Stephen outlines a powerful formula for prosperity and success: by meditating on and speaking God's Word, our thoughts align with His teachings, which in turn shapes our actions an...

In today’s Vision Forward podcast, Stephen Schlabach delves into the concept of habits as the "invisible architecture" of our daily lives. He explains that habits—whether it’s enjoying a morning coffee, maintaining a bedtime routine, or brushing your teeth—shape the structure of our days and ultimately our well-being. By focusing on our daily routines, we can harness the power of habits to positiv...

In today’s Vision Forward podcast, Stephen Schlabach explores the transformative power of adopting an inside-out perspective on life. He emphasizes that rather than seeking fulfillment externally, we should recognize ourselves as vessels overflowing with joy and equipped for every good work. Drawing from biblical insights, Stephen highlights that our true strength and effectiveness come from ackno...

In today’s Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach introduces the concept of "standing at the end"—envisioning your desired outcome and planning backward to determine the necessary steps. This approach, known as backward planning, helps clarify your vision and set effective goals. By imagining the end result, whether it's a life milestone or a daily goal, you gain valuable insights into the actions need...

In today’s Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach highlights the power of being a cheerleader in helping others reach their potential. Unlike shaming, which undermines confidence, verbal encouragement directly boosts performance and self-esteem. Drawing an analogy from sports, cheerleaders support their team regardless of the score, focusing on potential even in tough times. Hebrews 10:24 reminds us to...

In today’s Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach emphasizes the importance of making personal growth a priority. He underscores that growth is individual and requires consistent action, whether it’s spiritual, emotional, mental, or physical. Drawing from Philippians 3:14, Stephen encourages us to press toward our goals and strive for fulfillment beyond mere survival. Embrace the journey of growth to e...

In today’s Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach challenges the notion of "I'll believe it when I see it," proposing instead, "I'll see it when I believe it." This radical shift aligns with Jesus' teaching in Mark 11:24, where He emphasizes that believing we have received what we pray for can make it ours. Stephen encourages us to adopt this mindset, suggesting that our belief has the power to shape o...

In today’s Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach encourages us to express our appreciation to others rather than keeping it unspoken. Verbalizing gratitude not only acknowledges the importance of those around us but also inspires and uplifts them. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 1:2, which emphasizes giving thanks and mentioning others in our prayers, we are reminded to let our gratefulness spill out and...

Good morning! Stephen Schlabach here with today’s Vision Forward. Today’s message is about keeping your gaze on the horizon to avoid feeling stuck in mundane tasks. In the midst of a long to-do list, it’s easy to lose sight of our larger vision or "North Star" that guides us. Just like in riding a horse or in sports, directing your focus toward a goal helps you move toward it more effectively. Pro...

Good morning! Stephen Schlabach here with today’s Vision Forward. Today’s focus is on increasing everyone you encounter—bringing more joy, peace, vision, and more to those around you. The principle is simple: when we give to others, we often receive even more in return. Rather than concentrating on what we get, let’s shift our attention to what we can offer others, as even a simple encouraging con...

In today’s Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach reminds us of a profound truth: God loves us deeply and delights in us, far beyond mere tolerance. He’s not just managing our flaws but has addressed any separation through Jesus. With this foundation of unconditional love, we can live fearlessly. Stephen encourages us to fully embrace and believe in God’s love, which dwells in us and transforms how we...

In today’s Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach delves into the concept of motivation, the driving force behind our actions. He explains that motivation can be both extrinsic, coming from external sources, and intrinsic, originating from within. Key components of motivation include activation, persistence, and intensity. Stephen emphasizes that true motivation involves loving God and your neighbor fu...

In this episode of Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach explores the transformative joy of giving. He highlights how selflessness and generosity, whether through encouragement, emotional support, or financial aid, enrich our souls and bring a bountiful return, much like a seed yields a harvest. Stephen emphasizes that our gifts come back to us multiplied, encouraging us to give with open hearts. Tune...

In today’s Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach reflects on the incredible truth that God desires to communicate with us. His voice brings security, love, and hope to those who listen. Stephen emphasizes that God’s unconditional love removes any fear in approaching Him, encouraging us to bring our requests boldly. He cites Jeremiah 33:3, where God invites us to call on Him and promises to reveal extr...

In today’s Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach redefines motivation, suggesting it’s not just about excitement or good feelings but about the strength and courage to do what’s right. He argues that true motivation is rooted in vision and purpose, rather than fleeting emotions. Stephen shows that great achievements come from steadfast motivation to fulfill our purpose and align with our faith. Embrac...

In today’s Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach explores the concept of "Selective Remembering"—the practice of focusing on beneficial memories that foster love and encouragement. He contrasts this with our tendency to dwell on past events, urging us to choose what we remember intentionally. Stephen highlights how God chooses to forget our sins, using this as a model for our own selective remembering...

In today’s Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach focuses on the concept of wholeness, contrasting it with brokenness. He highlights 3 John 2, which prays for a balance of physical health and spiritual strength. Stephen encourages us to view wholeness as attainable and to engage in the healing resources available to us. Let God's grace guide you toward complete well-being and inspire you to move forwar...

In today’s Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach explores the concept of principles and their guiding role in our lives. He encourages us to reflect on what drives our actions—whether it's fear-based caution or faith-based growth. Stephen contrasts the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" with the "law of sin and death," urging us to consider how our guiding principles influence our lives. Embr...

In this final episode of our series on the fruit of the Spirit, Stephen Schlabach focuses on self-control, as highlighted in Galatians 5:22-23. He explains that self-control is a divine gift that empowers us to take responsibility for our lives. This quality allows us to manage our thoughts, actions, attitudes, and reactions, ensuring we remain directed and purposeful. Stephen encourages listeners...

In this episode of Vision Forward, Stephen Schlabach reflects on the quality of gentleness, a vital part of the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. He highlights that these qualities emerge from the deepest part of our being, allowing us to rise above fleeting emotions and shallow reactions. Gentleness, rooted in humility and meekness, shapes how we interact with others. Stephen emphas...