Wake Up, Look Up

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Zach explores a disturbing medical mystery to ask a deeper question: what does spiritual warfare look like today? While modern science explains much, it doesn’t explain everything. Scripture reminds us that not every struggle is purely physical—some battles are spiritual. The challenge is clear: don’t limit your perspective. Look to God for answers beyond what...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Zach explores a cultural conversation about coffee and individualism, and what it reveals about our hearts. While personal preferences aren’t the problem, a life centered entirely on ourselves is. Jesus calls his followers to something different: a life of self-denial and service. The challenge is simple: enjoy your preferences, but don’t let them define you. I...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Zach reflects on the growing trend of using AI to handle difficult conversations. While tools like ChatGPT can help us find the right words, he reminds us of a deeper truth: we are still responsible for every message we send. Jesus teaches that our words matter, and they reveal our hearts. The challenge is clear—don’t just generate and send. Slow down, reflect,...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Zach explores the shift in education from theory to practical life skills and what that reveals about discipleship. While many Christians equate growth with theological knowledge, Scripture points to something deeper: a life shaped by surrender to Jesus. The challenge is clear: don’t just know more about God, live in a way that reflects him in every area of you...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the fall of yet another cultural hero and wrestles with a deeper question: why do the people we admire so often let us down? As more hidden sins come to light, Scripture reminds us not to place our hope in flawed human leaders. The truth is sobering but freeing; there is only one true hero. The challenge is clear: don’t anchor your faith...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a public family conflict involving David and Victoria Beckham and their son, using it to highlight a growing reality–family estrangement is increasingly common. He explains that money, fame, or success can’t fix broken relationships because the real issue is often selfishness. Pointing to Philippians 2:3, Pastor Zach encourages listeners...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent political commentary and raises a deeper question: are we shaping our faith around our politics, or letting Jesus shape how we think about everything–including politics? He warns against syncretism, where Christians gradually align the gospel with the values of their surrounding culture or political party. Instead, he challenges...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on an incredible basketball performance by Bam Adebayo and the teammates who helped make it possible. While the achievement was remarkable, what stood out even more was the team’s willingness to support and celebrate someone else’s moment. Using Romans 12:10, Pastor Zach reminds listeners that the gospel frees us from needing the spotlight....

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach highlights the courage of Iran’s women’s national soccer team as they risk retaliation by standing against oppression. He reminds listeners that God’s heart is close to the brokenhearted and that Christians are called to care about injustice and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. He challenges believers to let that concern lead them...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent leadership scandal to highlight how easy it is to believe our private compromises will stay hidden. He reminds listeners that God sees every action and often brings hidden things into the light, not to shame us but to lead us toward repentance and restoration. The challenge is simple but urgent: don’t wait to be exposed–choose h...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the rise of artificial intelligence in journalism and asks how Christians can thoughtfully engage with technology in their work. He emphasizes that Christians should consider what must remain distinctly human, how to care for people displaced by AI, and how to bring a biblical worldview into these decisions. Pastor Zach encourages listeners...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the challenges Gen Z faces in developing real-world relational skills due to increased online learning and digital dependence. He emphasizes that being relational is part of what it means to be fully human, pointing to Genesis 2:18 and Adam’s need for companionship and support. Pastor Zach encourages both young people and the church to enga...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach discusses the growing cultural push to redefine family through polyamory and why these ideas are gaining traction in society. He explains the biblical vision of marriage as a God-designed covenant that brings stability, sanctification, and flourishing for individuals and communities. Pastor Zach encourages Christians not just to argue against cultur...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the booming longevity industry and the promise of living longer through supplements, cold plunges, and other fads. He explains why these trends can’t stop aging or deliver true life. Instead, Pastor Zach points to Jesus as the source of lasting renewal and eternal hope. Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@c...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the escalating conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, and asks how global chaos can test the strength of our faith. Looking at Jesus’ teaching about building on the rock in Matthew 7, he explains that real stability comes from hearing and obeying Christ, which develops a deeper trust in God over time. Pastor Zach encourages liste...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines the life and death of Ayatollah Khamenei, highlighting the evil and oppression he caused under the guise of being divinely appointed. He reminds listeners that hell exists as a place of God’s justice, where the wrongs done to victims are acknowledged and righted. Pastor Zach points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate answer for our own sin, off...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent controversy involving a public leader celebrating at a sporting event and asks an important question about leadership and optics. Exploring the biblical call to set an example both on and off the clock, he challenges leaders to consider how their personal choices communicate during moments of crisis. Pastor Zach reminds listener...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines whether the Bible supports breaking the law in the name of compassion, particularly in conversations around immigration. Responding to a recent opinion piece, he explores how Scripture holds both mercy and justice together–calling God’s people to care for the foreigner while also upholding the rule of law. Pastor Zach challenges listeners n...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the question of whether earning something through hard work shapes our character differently than relying on talent alone. Using the example of Olympic athletes and the discipline required to compete at the highest level, he highlights how grit, perseverance, and sacrifice cultivate gratitude and humility. Drawing from Proverbs, Pastor Zach...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach tackles the debate over whether government food assistance programs should restrict the purchase of junk food, exploring what true compassion and responsible provision really look like. Drawing on recent statistics and a biblical framework, he argues that helping people thrive means using wisdom–not enabling harmful choices that lead to long-term co...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach considers a viral matchmaking algorithm to explore what happens when technology begins to shape how we pursue romance. He contrasts convenience-driven, self-focused approaches to dating with a biblical picture of love rooted in covenant, sacrifice, and valuing another person. The episode challenges listeners to examine whether modern tools are helpi...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a public shift within the body-positivity movement to explore how easily identity can become tied to a single cause. He examines how online communities can harden into echo chambers that react harshly to dissent, contrasting that dynamic with a biblical vision of identity rooted in Christ. The episode invites listeners to evaluate what s...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores growing concerns about AI-driven job disruption and what that could mean for workers and families. He encourages listeners to hold together trust in God’s sovereignty with practical wisdom, urging thoughtful preparation rather than panic or denial. The episode frames technological change as an opportunity for Christians to respond with fait...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines migration trends out of high-tax states and uses them to reflect on deeper questions about government, responsibility, and worldview. He contrasts cultural expectations of what government should provide with a biblical framework that assigns different roles to institutions like family, church, and state. The conversation ultimately points l...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a young woman’s public account of medical transition and regret to challenge Christians to think carefully about truth, harm, and compassion in today’s cultural conversations. He urges believers to weigh difficult stories through a biblical lens, emphasizing both the seriousness of choices that shape a life and the responsibility to spea...