Wake Up, Look Up

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a New York Times article exploring how students are turning to AI to process emotions and form pseudo-relationships. He warns that emotional “offloading” to machines is distancing young people from real intimacy and increasing anxiety, while robbing parents of opportunities to truly know their children’s hearts. Drawing from Jesus’ words...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach challenges listeners to rethink the role politics plays in their lives, arguing that it should never become an all-consuming identity. Drawing from a Wall Street Journal op-ed and Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 13, he emphasizes that being “right” means nothing if it comes at the expense of love. The episode calls Christians to hold political conv...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach uses an unexpected environmental issue—the billions of golf balls lost each year—to challenge the modern assumption that something is only wrong if its harm is immediately visible. Drawing on Proverbs 14, he argues that human perspective is limited, while God alone sees the long-term and generational consequences of our actions. The episode invites...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach invites families to reconsider the spiritual value of slowing down together in an overstimulated, screen-saturated world. Prompted by a Wall Street Journal article and grounded in Jesus’ invitation to rest in Mark 6, he argues that reclaiming simple rhythms—like family movie night—can restore attention, connection, and meaningful conversation. The e...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach challenges the way we evaluate political leaders by shifting the focus from image, charisma, and media presence to character, track record, and faithfulness. Drawing from current events and Jesus’ teaching in Luke 16, he argues that leadership credibility is revealed in how someone handles what they’ve already been entrusted with. The episode calls...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach responds to a Wall Street Journal article on how AI is reshaping the workplace and forcing employees to justify their value. He argues that while lazy, disengaged workers may be replaceable, humans who show up with purpose, creativity, and excellence never are. Drawing from Scripture, Pastor Zach challenges Christians to reject coasting and instead...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on new research showing that childhood trauma doesn’t have to define a person’s future. He connects the HOPE framework—supportive relationships, safe environments, emotional growth, and belonging—to the very things God has designed the local church to provide. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to see church not just as something they attend...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach addresses a recent viral moment and examines it through the lens of Scripture, accountability, and the imago Dei. He challenges listeners to think carefully about how words and images can demean others, reminding us that followers of Jesus are responsible not only for what they say, but also for what they share or defend. The episode calls Christian...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach responds to a Wall Street Journal opinion piece on the sexualization of women in pop music and the messages young girls are absorbing from today’s biggest stars. Speaking as a pastor and a father, he challenges parents—especially fathers—to actively shape how their daughters understand beauty, value, and identity. Drawing from Scripture, Pastor Zach...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on cultural outrage sparked by a Wall Street Journal article about the Grammy Awards and the selective political statements made by celebrities. He explains why caring deeply about some issues without addressing every global injustice isn’t hypocrisy, but an honest expression of human limitation under God’s sovereignty. Grounded in Scriptur...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the challenge of finding purpose and significance after retirement. He discusses how work often provides meaning and belonging, and how the local church can help retirees continue to bear fruit and stay “fresh and green.” Pastor Zach encourages listeners to engage, serve, and invest in others, showing that life after work can still be full...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the pressures moms face to “have it all” and always look perfect. He shares how Jesus offers freedom from performance-driven worth and reminds moms that their true value is found in God, not in appearance or achievement. Pastor Zach also encourages families to create homes where love and affirmation are constant, regardless of accomplishmen...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on how ideological bubbles and intellectual pride can quietly stunt both personal and spiritual growth. Drawing from cultural commentary and Scripture, he explores why the willingness to ask “what if I’m wrong?” is essential not just for learning, but for following Jesus. This episode challenges listeners to rediscover humility as the pathw...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines the growing trend of retailers banning unaccompanied teenagers and what it reveals about society. He explores the heart of fatherhood, responsibility, and how meaningful relationships between parents and children can shape young lives. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to think beyond quick fixes and consider the deeper role of guidance, pre...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the way we respond to tragedy in a culture that often filters every story through politics. He explores what it means to grieve genuinely, mourn deeply, and let our hearts be broken by the loss of life. Along the way, he challenges listeners to pause, reflect, and seek transformation in how we engage with the world and each other. Have a...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach responds to a CNN article on how social media is shaping teenage boys, he unpacks how algorithms are discipling young men with distorted ideas about masculinity—leading to insecurity, loneliness, and confusion. The solution isn’t just less screen time, but more intentional presence. Boys need older men who will show up, spend time, and speak truth i...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach draws from a Wall Street Journal article on nonconformists, he explores how the people who change the world are often the ones willing to think and live differently. Scripture echoes that call—Romans 12 reminds us not to conform, but to be transformed. Following Jesus will sometimes feel uncomfortable or “weird,” but that contrast is often how God b...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach challenges the idea that today’s affordability struggles are entirely new and shifts the focus to biblical wisdom around money. Drawing from Proverbs, Pastor Zach contrasts our culture of instant gratification with Scripture’s call to patience, diligence, and wise stewardship—reminding us that even in difficult economic times, God offers a better wa...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores questions about the role of the church. This is in response to a Wall Street Journal article on the decline of America’s shared monoculture. As pop culture fragments and loneliness rises, Pastor Zach points to the local church as a countercultural answer: a community built not on common preferences, but on a shared faith in Jesus Christ. Dr...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach responds to a recent incident where protesters disrupted a church service. He examines the difference between legitimate protest and harassment, arguing that worship gatherings are sacred spaces that should not be disrupted under the banner of activism. Through a biblical lens, Pastor Zach challenges listeners to consider how truth, reverence, and f...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores our cultural addiction to cynicism and the ways social media distorts reality. Using the example of Vivek Ramaswamy quitting social media to focus on real-world engagement, he highlights how constant online negativity can warp our perspective and fuel anxiety. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to step back from the online noise, focus on act...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores whether God calls us to uphold standards, using Mississippi’s dramatic turnaround in education as an example. He highlights how raising expectations and holding people accountable—rooted in the belief that they are capable—leads to real growth and success. Pastor Zach encourages listeners to recognize that being made in God’s image means we...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines government accountability and efficiency, asking why we can’t fire the federal government like a business. He explores the balance between necessary reductions and the need for faithful stewardship of public trust, drawing connections to biblical principles of responsibility. Pastor Zach encourages listeners to think critically about leader...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines whether we can really trust the content filling our social media feeds. He exposes how many so-called “independent” influencers are actually being paid to push specific agendas, often without disclosure. The episode challenges listeners to practice discernment—and, if needed, step back from the noise—to protect their faith, relationships, a...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores why dating feels so broken and why clarity and intention matter more than ever. Drawing from recent research and biblical wisdom, he explains how dating with a clear goal—especially with marriage in mind—leads to greater fulfillment, peace, and healthier relationships. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to let Scripture guide their approach t...