Wake Up, Look Up

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the temptation to blame one person or group—like Trump or the government—for the stagnant global economy. Drawing from both a New York Times article and Scripture, he challenges listeners to move beyond blame-shifting and instead take personal responsibility, reminding us that real change starts with individual transformation under the lead...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the recent death of Pope Francis, discussing his complex and sometimes contradictory leadership of the Catholic Church. From an evangelical perspective, Pastor Zach emphasizes that while human leaders may falter or divide, the true and only head of the church is Jesus Christ, who leads through the Holy Spirit and Scripture—not through an...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the question, “Are my kids’ apps safe?” in light of a tragic story involving TikTok and concerns about misleading app ratings. He challenges parents to take personal responsibility in vetting the content their children consume, emphasizing that parenting can’t be outsourced and must be rooted in biblical principles and intentional involveme...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach tackles a surprisingly relatable question: “Is it really about the dishes?” Inspired by a humorous Atlantic article, he dives into how dishwasher disagreements often reveal deeper emotional and relational issues. With wisdom from Scripture, Pastor Zach encourages us to pursue grace, communication, and love in our everyday frustrations—reminding us t...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks, “Should we care if colleges die?” in response to growing public distrust and financial instability in higher education. Pastor Zach critiques modern universities as ideological incubators disconnected from civic and moral responsibility, while challenging Christians to reconsider whether college is essential—or even beneficial—for their famili...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the question, “Can cheating be just?” in response to a gambling syndicate legally outsmarting the Texas lottery system. He argues that while the state cries foul, it has long profited from exploiting the poor through a system rigged against them—making this so-called “cheating” a form of justice. Pastor Zach calls on the church to take a st...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach unpacks a bold question posed in a New York Times op-ed: Was Jesus a political rebel? While some argue Palm Sunday was a protest and Jesus a revolutionary, Pastor Zach redirects our focus to the gospel truth—Jesus didn’t come to overturn governments; He came to save sinners. His kingdom is not of this world, but of eternal significance. This episode...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines the fallout from ESPN personality Pat McAfee referencing a false and damaging internet rumor about a college student, which led to severe online harassment and the disruption of her life. Pastor Zach argues that this situation highlights our culture's appetite for gossip and the destructive power of words, reminding listeners of biblical te...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the difficulty some people experience when confronted with the extraordinary success of others, using the example of Johnny Kim, a highly accomplished Asian American man. Pastor Zach suggests that this discomfort often stems from comparison and insecurity, and he emphasizes the biblical perspective that individual worth is rooted in bein...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores parenting principles highlighted in an article about Quaker practices, such as emphasizing questions over commands, fostering autonomy, recognizing strengths, and modeling behavior. Pastor Zach suggests that these seemingly progressive Quaker approaches actually align with core biblical teachings about raising children as image bearers of G...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach uses the Netflix show "Temptation Island" as a springboard to discuss the spiritual implications of our entertainment choices. Pastor Zach argues that shows focusing on others' failures and temptations appeal to our pride and allow us to vicariously engage with sin, ultimately desensitizing us and negatively impacting our own spiritual lives. Have a...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the anxiety many feel amid a turbulent stock market and economic uncertainty—especially in light of recent tariff policies. He challenges listeners to examine where their true security lies, reminding us that while markets rise and fall, God’s kingdom remains unshakable. When our finances feel unstable, it’s a chance to shift our confide...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the concept of the "learning pit," a theory that suggests children learn best through struggle and challenge. He connects this idea to biblical teachings, highlighting how God uses struggle and discipline to refine and shape us, just like a good parent allows their children to wrestle with difficulties to foster growth. Pastor Zach encourag...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach discusses a story about a group of people who lived undetected in a shopping mall for seven years as an experiment, showcasing their creativity but ultimately wasting their potential. He connects this to a biblical reflection on how God created us to build, create, and use our talents for meaningful purposes, rather than engaging in pointless pursui...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach discusses how creating dedicated spaces in the home, like game rooms, can help families reconnect and reduce screen time. He connects this idea to biblical principles of rest and relational connection, emphasizing how such spaces foster meaningful conversations and strengthen family bonds. Pastor Zach encourages listeners to intentionally design the...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach discusses how comedians, known for their long-lasting marriages, use humor and deep curiosity to foster intimacy and understanding in their relationships. He connects these observations to biblical principles of marriage, highlighting the importance of being fully known and loved, humility, and cultivating a deeper connection beyond surface-level at...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach discusses an article about the Tesla Cybertruck, which explores how it becomes a divisive symbol of political and cultural polarization. He connects this experience to a broader message about division within society and the church, urging listeners to reflect on how their attitudes toward others, especially those they disagree with, can reflect a la...

In this episode, Pastor Zach explores how the rise of pornography and shifting cultural attitudes are leading to increased singleness among men and women, ultimately harming society. He argues that stepping outside of God's design for relationships leads to isolation and decay, much like Adam and Eve experienced after leaving Eden. His call to action encourages people to reject transactional views...

In this episode, Pastor Zach discusses how Disney's Snow White remake has become a political controversy, overshadowing its artistic value and contributing to its projected financial failure. He argues that the deeper issue is spiritual—modern culture seeks identity and validation through politics rather than through God, leading to insecurity and fear of criticism. True creativity, he contends, f...

In this episode, Pastor Zach uncovers the massive, organized world of online scams, particularly in Cambodia, where criminals exploit loneliness to steal billions. He warns that scammers prey on isolated individuals, using sophisticated deception to lure victims into fake relationships. Pastor Zach urges listeners to combat this by fostering real-life connections, emphasizing that true community a...

In this episode, Pastor Zach discusses the challenges and criticisms of DEI programs, using Morgan Stanley as a case study. While DEI initiatives aim for fairness, they often create unintended divisions and fail to change hearts, leading to dissatisfaction from both supporters and opponents. Pastor Zach argues that true justice and unity cannot be achieved through corporate policies but through th...

In this episode, Pastor Zach examines the misleading narratives around deportation, revealing that the Trump administration is not deporting illegal immigrants at record rates—contrary to media hype. Citing an article from The New York Times , he explains that deportation numbers have remained consistent with the Biden administration, with some of Biden’s highest months exceeding Trump’s. Pastor Z...

In this episode, Pastor Zach explores the illusion of control over social media content, questioning whether we truly curate our online experience. Pastor Zach discusses how disturbing content is increasingly slipping through social media’s filters, influencing users—especially young people—in harmful ways. Drawing from Biblical wisdom, he emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts and minds...

In this episode, Pastor Zach examines Walmart’s partnership with Klarna, a "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) lender, and the moral concerns surrounding predatory lending. Pastor Zach argues that BNPL schemes exploit the poor by making unaffordable purchases seem manageable while trapping consumers in long-term debt. Citing Biblical wisdom on financial responsibility, he urges Christians to practice cont...

In this episode, Pastor Zach explores whether confidence is overrated in leadership, inspired by a Wall Street Journal article suggesting that ambivalence can lead to better decision-making. While confidence and decisiveness are often praised, he argues that true leadership stems from humility—being willing to listen, seek counsel, and consider different perspectives. Ultimately, Christian leaders...