Wake Up, Look Up

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 reflects on the biblical call to live in freedom from anything that seeks to control or dominate our lives.

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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 from Deuteronomy 6, he emphasizes the responsibility of parents and communities to shape children around the truth that every person is made in the image of God and deserves dignity. He challenges listeners to have intentional conversations at home about bullying, compassion, and how to follow Jesus in everyday interactions.

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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 facts for ideological purposes. Drawing from Deuteronomy 16:19, he emphasizes God’s call to uphold justice without partiality and warns against using public platforms for shock value or political gain at the expense of truth and integrity.

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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 others. Drawing from Scripture, he points to God’s design for community and the call for believers to live in relationship as part of the people of God.

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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 in the biblical vision from Joel about the next generation seeing visions and speaking with purpose, he challenges listeners to resist the instinct to overlook younger people and instead learn from what God may be doing through them.

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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. Rooted in Scripture, he points to the gospel’s call toward confession, repentance, and the hope of genuine redemption and change.

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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, and give their kids the opportunity to truly live.

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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 listeners to consider whether today’s decisions are building the kind of childhood, family, and values they truly want for the future.

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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 death. Pastor Zach also discusses the importance of honesty and communication when generosity comes with expectations or “strings attached.”

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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 their understanding of justice and truth.

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