Wake Up, Look Up

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks whether joy might be the medicine we actually need, drawing from research that shows dancing dramatically reduces the risk of dementia and physical decline. He reflects on how joy is deeply wired into who we are, pointing back to God’s original design and how a broken world often steals that joy from us. The episode invites listeners to reclaim...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores whether justice in America has become influenced by political ideology and economic power rather than true fairness. Drawing from recent research and Scripture, he highlights how favoritism toward either the wealthy or the poor erodes justice and ultimately undermines society. The episode challenges Christians to care deeply about judicial...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines a recent court ruling about parental rights and raises concerns about schools withholding critical information from parents regarding their children. He argues that parents—not schools or the government—have God-given authority and responsibility over their children’s formation, care, and well-being. The episode urges parents to stay engage...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks what the church can learn from Starbucks as it radically reshapes its model in response to a changing world. He explores the difference between unchanging gospel truth and the freedom the church has to adapt how that truth is shared across cultures and generations. The episode challenges the church to rethink its methods—not its message—so it c...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores what country artist Jelly Roll’s story can teach us about redemption, forgiveness, and the possibility of real-life change. He connects Jelly Roll’s journey from incarceration to faith and advocacy with the biblical theme that who you were does not have to define who you become. The episode challenges Christians to be leaders in championing...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the danger of “toxic flattery” and why hearing the truth is essential for growth. Drawing from Proverbs 27:6, he reminds us that faithful friends sometimes give hard words that wound—but ultimately guide us toward flourishing. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to surround themselves with people who love them enough to speak truth, even when...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores whether ignoring certain things can actually be a holy habit. Inspired by the concept of “critical ignoring,” he shows how filtering out distractions—like unhelpful content or routines—aligns with biblical wisdom, referencing Psalm 101 where the psalmist commits to not setting worthless things before his eyes. Pastor Zach challenges listene...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks who we’re really trusting to guide our financial decisions and why that question matters more than we think. Using a relatable Wall Street Journal article and biblical wisdom from Proverbs, he challenges the idea that money advice is neutral and points listeners to God as the only advisor who truly leads to flourishing. Ultimately, the episode...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a tragic New Year’s Eve fire in Switzerland to ask a sobering question: are we living with the end in mind? Using Luke 17 and the examples of Noah and Lot, he reminds us that life is finite and celebrations are fleeting, urging listeners to consider whether their daily choices reflect God’s kingdom. Pastor Zach challenges us to take our...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the events in Venezuela to ask a sobering biblical question: does judgment come for everyone? Using Scripture and current events, he reminds us that while judgment may seem delayed, God sees all—and today is the day to seek repentance and mercy.  Have an article you’d like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com

Merry Christmas, WULU family! We’re taking a short two-week break to recharge, beginning Dec 22, but don’t worry…we’ll be back Jan 5 with all-new episodes designed to help you think about what’s happening in the world through a gospel perspective. Enjoy the holidays, and get ready to start 2026 thinking deeper!

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach examines the rise of abortions in the U.S. since the overturning of Roe v. Wade and highlights how telehealth is changing access to abortion. He challenges Christians to engage—through prayer, support, and action—in protecting life and supporting vulnerable mothers, reminding listeners that the fight for life is ongoing and personal. Have an article...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores a new poll showing declining interest in marriage among America’s youth and asks: are we failing the next generation? He dives into how young men and women are being shaped by culture, the media, and lack of guidance, and challenges the church to cast a compelling biblical vision for both young men and women to help lead families, communiti...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: are colleges done with brainwashing? He breaks down a new curriculum flowchart at Texas Tech University designed to keep classes focused on their subjects, not professors’ personal ideologies. Pastor Zach explores why colleges should teach students how to think—not what to think—and why parents, churches, and students all have a role in guidin...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: do we need government to raise our kids? Using Australia’s new law restricting social media for children under 16, he highlights the dangers of screens on kids’ mental health and development—and challenges parents to step up with intentional guidance and discipline. Ultimately, Pastor Zach reminds us that protecting the next generation starts...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach dives into the question: is your news a false prophet? Using the story of Dan Bongino as an example, he explores how media can spread lies to cater to what people want to hear, and how we must discern truth in a culture full of echo chambers. Ultimately, Pastor Zach reminds us that the standard for truth is found in God, not in the headlines. Have a...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on a recent Wall Street Journal article about elite colleges requiring students to engage with opposing viewpoints and challenges the church to do the same. He emphasizes Matthew 5:9, calling Christians to be peacemakers who prioritize understanding people over “winning” arguments. Pastor Zach encourages listeners to practice listening, val...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach reflects on the story of Ohio State coach Ryan Day and the power of second chances, urging listeners not to be quick to write people off. He connects this to James 1:19, emphasizing patience, listening, and the possibility of redemption, both in personal relationships and in culture. Pastor Zach challenges us to reconsider who we may have prematurel...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the hidden dangers of social media and how foreign actors and divisive content can manipulate and divide us. He reminds listeners, drawing on 1 Peter 5:8, that the true enemy is spiritual, and urges discernment, prayer, and reflection before engaging online. Pastor Zach encourages turning our focus toward God and restoration in our relation...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach explores the pressure of perfection in our culture and how it stifles growth, creativity, and personal progress. Drawing on Matthew 11:28, he reminds listeners that Jesus offers rest from cultural expectations and the need for validation, freeing us to embrace the messiness of life. Pastor Zach encourages us to lean into God’s voice, take risks, and...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach unpacks how our constant phone-checking is draining our focus and reshaping our brains in ways similar to addiction. He connects this cultural habit to the biblical practice of fasting, arguing that smartphones—not food—are the modern master we need to step away from. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to build a rhythm of “digital fasting” so we can...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: can we stop murder before it happens? Using Baltimore’s Safe Streets program as an example, he explores how “credible messengers” intervene in communities to prevent violence and break cycles of harm. Pastor Zach connects this to Jesus’ call for Christians to be salt and light, showing that through neighborly love and action, we can actively p...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks: did we discover a cure for loneliness? Drawing on a Stanford study, he explains that loneliness often stems from cynicism about others, not a lack of people, and that highlighting kindness and empathy can help people connect. Pastor Zach challenges listeners to speak well of others and share stories of goodness, showing how Christians can be r...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks the question: do we ever leave high school? Using the recent trend of cigarette smoking among Gen Z as a starting point, he explores how we’re all influenced by culture, celebrities, and social media, often in ways that are spiritually harmful. He encourages listeners to stop chasing “cool” and instead anchor their lives in Jesus Christ, the ul...

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach asks the question: who is forming our kids? He explores how our performance-obsessed culture–focused on grades, athletics, and achievement–is fueling anxiety, depression, and pressure among children, and he urges parents to instead ground their kids in God’s love and inherent value. When children know their worth comes from being made in God’s image...