Wake Up, Look Up

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores how reading fiction and engaging with stories can increase empathy and help us better understand the experiences and perspectives of others. He connects the decline of reading with our growing reliance on short-form content, challenging listeners to slow down, embrace nuance, and make space for stories that help us see the humanity in other...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines the spread of conspiracy theories and how they can shape our understanding of reality, relationships, and institutions. He explores why disproven claims often receive far less attention than the theories themselves and challenges listeners to slow down, examine the facts, and remain willing to admit when they are wrong. Drawing from Proverb...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores what human passion and purpose might look like in an increasingly AI-driven workplace. He considers how genuine enthusiasm, curiosity, and a desire to serve others are uniquely human qualities that technology may struggle to replicate, challenging listeners to think beyond simply working for a paycheck. Drawing from 1 Peter, Pastor Zach enc...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the growing tendency for teenagers to self-diagnose mental and emotional struggles and the challenge this creates for parents. He encourages parents to look beyond the labels their children use and instead take time to listen, ask questions, and draw out what is really happening in their hearts and minds. Drawing from Proverbs 25, Pastor Za...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines the growing use of license plate cameras and the questions they raise about privacy, accountability, and the misuse of power. He challenges listeners to look beyond the actions of those in positions of authority and consider how they use the influence and power they have in their own lives. Through the example of Jesus, who used his power t...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores our desire for a hero and the competing stories that promise to lead us toward freedom and human flourishing. He contrasts cultural narratives represented by figures like Odysseus and Barbie with the gospel, which points us to Jesus as the one true hero who brings freedom and flourishing to all people. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to co...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores how AI could impact the development of the next generation of workers and leaders. He considers what happens when entry-level opportunities disappear and connects that concern to the church’s responsibility to intentionally disciple and equip those who will lead in the future. Through 2 Timothy 2, we’re reminded that investing in the next g...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach uses the Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson as a starting point to explore what happens when relationships break down and we focus on everyone else's responsibility instead of our own. He explains how our tendency toward self-deception can cause us to fixate on someone else's "slice of the pie" while ignoring our own, and why Jesus calls us to deal...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the tension between justice, safety, freedom, and privacy through the growing use of license plate readers and surveillance technology. He considers how difficult it is for us to balance competing values and points to Psalm 98:9 as a reminder that God alone can bring perfect justice with perfect equity. Ultimately, our inability to solve ev...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores three habits that mental performance coaches recommend for better focus and productivity: getting quiet, planning and reflecting daily, and thinking small and specific. He connects these practices to the biblical discipline of spending intentional time with God, reflecting on our lives, and pursuing faithful obedience. Through Joshua 1:8, w...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores what the popularity of Hallmark movies reveals about our culture’s longing for faithful love, commitment, and simplicity in relationships. He connects that desire to the biblical picture of steadfast, covenantal love found in Scripture, particularly in Song of Solomon. Ultimately, our deepest longing for love isn’t fulfilled by a spouse or...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines the growing trend of colleges reducing academic pressure in an effort to address student stress and anxiety. He explores the biblical value of discipline and adversity, pointing to Hebrews 12:11 as a reminder that difficult experiences can shape us for long-term growth. The conversation challenges parents and the church to consider how we c...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines the controversy surrounding the WNBA and the broader cultural conversation surrounding identity and sports. He argues that what may appear to be a political debate is ultimately a spiritual issue, pointing to Romans 1 and humanity’s tendency to reject God’s authority. The conversation challenges listeners to look beyond the headlines and co...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the importance of taking personal responsibility for our spiritual growth instead of placing the blame on others. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4, he reminds us that lasting change begins when we honestly acknowledge the areas God has entrusted to us. Rather than focusing on what others should do differently, we're called to pursue growth by takin...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on recent accusations involving artificial intelligence and challenges listeners to think carefully before assigning motives or making serious accusations. He reminds us that while injustice and discrimination are real, truth and integrity require us to avoid false claims that can undermine genuine cases. As followers of Jesus, we're called...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the growing epidemic of loneliness and the simple ways Christians can make a lasting difference. Reflecting on the biblical call to practice hospitality, he encourages listeners to look for opportunities to invite others into meaningful community. Sometimes the most powerful act of love is simply making room for one more person at the table...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines how artificial intelligence is making it easier to blur the lines of honesty and why integrity matters more than ever. Using a story about Caltech's fraud detection team, he challenges believers to pursue truth even when no one else is watching. He encourages parents and families to intentionally teach the next generation that our integrity...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach responds to a study linking screen time with family income and challenges the idea that better parenting is reserved for those with greater resources. He argues that while parenting is demanding, the deeper issue is our willingness to rely on technology instead of embracing the hard work of raising children. He encourages parents to faithfully inves...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the growing role of artificial intelligence and challenges listeners to consider what should never be outsourced to technology. Drawing from Genesis, he reminds us that people are uniquely created in the image of God and that relationships, community, and meaningful conversations are essential to how we were designed to live. Rather than...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach addresses the growing shortage of youth sports officials and the behavior that is driving many of them away. Looking at the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, he challenges Christians to model love, patience, kindness, and self-control both on and off the field. Discover how honoring others, even in competitive environments, can be a powerful witne...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on our deep desire to be part of something bigger than ourselves and why we often chase meaning in temporary pursuits. Looking to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:33, he explains that true purpose is found in seeking God's kingdom above all else. Discover how living for Christ's eternal mission satisfies the longing we were created to have. Hav...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the growing trend of using data to make dating decisions and why neither our hearts nor our own understanding can ultimately guide us well. Looking to Proverbs 3:5, he reminds us that true wisdom begins with trusting the Lord rather than ourselves. Discover how God's design for relationships offers a better foundation for both becoming and...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines our tendency to delight in the failures of others and what that reveals about our own hearts. Looking at Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, he explains why comparing ourselves to others can never make us right with God. Instead, we're invited to lay down our pride, confess our own sin, and receive the mercy and forgivenes...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores why lasting change begins with personal humility rather than blaming others. Drawing from Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7, he challenges us to examine our own hearts before pointing out the faults of those around us. True transformation starts when we acknowledge our need for Christ and allow him to lead our lives. Have an article you’d like P...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the difference between the image we present to the world and the condition of our hearts before God. Using a recent news story as a starting point, he reminds us that God sees both our public lives and our private thoughts. As followers of Jesus, we're called to pursue integrity, confession, and a life that honors Christ whether anyone i...