Wake Up, Look Up

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach responds to recent news surrounding the criminal defense of Luigi Mangione and the way his actions were once publicly framed by some as heroic. He reflects on the confusion that comes when violence is excused or celebrated and points to Jesus’ teaching that a person is known by their fruit. Through that lens, he challenges listeners to reject false...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the growing debate over standardized testing and what it reveals about our culture's relationship with accountability. Drawing from Proverbs and everyday examples, he argues that evaluation and discipline are not obstacles to growth but essential tools for reaching our potential. He also challenges listeners to embrace accountability in thei...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent New York Times opinion piece exploring how increased access and lower prices for alcohol and drugs have coincided with rising addiction and overdose rates in America. He engages the argument that government intervention through higher taxes and restrictions could reduce substance abuse, while questioning whether external pressure...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the growing popularity of the "trad wife" movement and the cultural pressures many women feel around work, motherhood, and family life. He discusses what Scripture does–and does not–say about stay-at-home moms, emphasizing the freedom Christians have to make wise, intentional choices based on God's calling rather than social media trends. He...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the real cost of standing up for what is right in a world where speaking out can carry serious personal consequences. He considers the tension faced by athletes under pressure and connects it to the story of Esther, who risked everything for the sake of her people. Through that lens, he points to the example of Jesus and challenges us to...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores what science says about dad jokes and why they may play a bigger role in family life than we realize. He reflects on Proverbs 17:22 and the power fathers have to bring joy, encouragement, and healing through their words. As we celebrate Father's Day, this conversation offers both appreciation for dads and a challenge to use their influence...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the growing challenges facing American families, including rising costs, parental stress, and the pressures of raising children in today's culture. Reflecting on the role of both government and the church, he argues that Christians are uniquely called to come alongside parents with practical support, encouragement, and care. He also challeng...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent international conflict and the lessons it offers about anger, disagreement, and the consequences of escalating disputes. Drawing from Proverbs, he explores why pursuing understanding and dialogue often leads to better outcomes than rushing into conflict. This episode challenges listeners to consider how they handle tension in th...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the leadership principles behind a championship-winning team and why character, perseverance, and humility matter just as much as talent. Looking to Scripture, he explores how God often chooses and uses people the world might overlook. Whether you're a leader, teammate, parent, or someone who feels underestimated, this episode offers enc...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach examines a recent college football controversy involving sports gambling, athlete eligibility, and the growing influence of money in the game. Using the story as a starting point, he explores how the pursuit of wealth can distort our judgment and lead us to compromise our values. He also reflects on the biblical warning that money makes a poor king a...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach discusses the growing use of kratom, a substance often marketed as a wellness or performance aid despite serious health risks and its potential for addiction. Using the tragic story of former basketball player Brandon Clarke as a starting point, he explores why this issue deserves more attention from churches, parents, and ministry leaders. He also r...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent Wall Street Journal article about the rise of “lunch shaming,” where students use cell phones to record and mock peers in school cafeterias. He unpacks the growing impact of this behavior on kids’ mental health, identity, and sense of belonging, noting how quickly everyday moments are turned into public ridicule online. Drawing f...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent New York Times article highlighting a controversial political moment in Minnesota where a convicted former police officer was honored with a moment of silence. He uses the story to explore how public actions like this can reveal deeper issues of justice, political signaling, and a growing willingness to ignore or distort clear fa...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent Atlantic article about the rise of “solitude influencers” and a cultural shift toward celebrating isolation as a preferred lifestyle. He explores why this trend resonates with people who feel overwhelmed or hurt by relationships, while also noting the irony that even online isolation still depends on connection and attention from...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent CNN Business article highlighting how young filmmakers from Gen Z are reshaping Hollywood through viral success, creative storytelling, and massive financial impact. He draws attention to the way industries are increasingly recognizing the value of younger voices who bring fresh perspective, energy, and cultural insight. Rooted i...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent cultural controversy involving a political candidate and a long-held offensive tattoo, using it as a lens to explore honesty, accountability, and the difficulty of owning our past. He challenges the tendency in society to avoid full responsibility in favor of self-protection, especially when reputation and ambition are at stake....

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach explores why so many kids today are growing up anxious, fragile, and afraid to take risks. Drawing from James 1 and Matthew 6, he challenges overprotective parenting and argues that adversity, freedom, and real-world experiences are essential for shaping resilient children. Pastor Zach encourages parents to trust God more deeply, loosen their grip, a...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach discusses the growing commercialization of youth sports and asks what happens when money and status begin to shape childhood. Reflecting on 1 Timothy 6 and the importance of community, he challenges parents to think carefully about the long-term impact of chasing scholarships, elite teams, and achievement at all costs. Pastor Zach encourages listener...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the growing trend of parents and grandparents helping their children buy homes and asks what the Bible says about generational wealth and generosity. Looking at Proverbs 13:22, he explains why leaving an inheritance can be a reflection of wisdom and stewardship, while also encouraging families to practice generosity now instead of only after...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach explores how America’s growing political tribalism is beginning to impact even the jury room and the pursuit of justice. Looking at the Book of Judges and Proverbs 3, he explains why a society without a shared standard of truth quickly descends into chaos. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to reject self-defined morality and instead allow God to shape...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach discusses a controversial proposal that could financially compensate people prosecuted for politically motivated crimes, including some connected to January 6. He explores what happens when justice becomes partisan and why Scripture warns against a society that fails to properly deal with wrongdoing. Through Ecclesiastes 8:11, Pastor Zach challenges...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Zach uses the Miami Marlins’ unconventional approach to baseball as a powerful reminder that real growth often requires change, risk, and the willingness to look different. Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com !

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the growing ethical challenges surrounding artificial intelligence after a controversial story involving AI-generated fake quotes in a published book. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, this conversation asks an important question: Does technology simply make it easier to compromise our integrity? Have an article you’d like Pa...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Zach Weihrauch explores the growing conversation around “college coddling,” intellectual resilience, and why discomfort is often necessary for real growth. From university culture to our personal faith journeys, this episode challenges us to stop choosing comfort over transformation. Through Romans 5 and James 1, we’re reminded that trials, challenges, and even...

In this episode of Wake Up Look Up, Pastor Zach examines a controversial New York City decision involving protest buffer zones around schools and places of worship. As debates over free speech, safety, and self-expression continue to grow, this conversation asks a deeper question: What happens when personal expression becomes more important than loving our neighbor? Have an article you’d like Past...