Wake Up, Look Up

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...

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...