Wisdom for the Wilderness

Kick off 2026 with Pastors Zack and Josh on Wisdom for the Wilderness as they reflect on standout episodes from 2025 (and a couple from 2024) and share six essential pieces of wisdom to equip you for the year ahead.In this special year-end review, they revisit critical topics every Christian family needs:

• Protecting kids from the dangers of smartphones and social media: https://youtu.be/rOtYwAbCIms?si=DM_PILg3dD2LdaOx
• Mastering theological triage to navigate doctrine with humility and unity: https://youtu.be/HaVTO9ubO1Q?si=PWnx79ZcR1VLoh9g
• Why Christians should steer clear of gambling and sports betting: https://youtu.be/Cl3h82t5vKk?si=2WCTXDouX2gm5sqV
• Thinking biblically about immigration, borders, and loving our neighbors: https://youtu.be/3SgvjqT3ups?si=Y9PBLk9zd7MNVnMB
• The value and purpose of short-term missions (with exciting updates on 2026 trips!): https://youtu.be/stYUu54MykE?si=GoNI1JUW20C6XDXS
• Cultivating a lifestyle of thankfulness that leads to true joy in Christ: https://youtu.be/gDVm6tWg5qE?si=hVYDshLZHtDG2VUe

Each topic includes practical insights, research-backed warnings, and gospel-centered encouragement—perfect reminders as you step into the new year. Links to the full original episodes are in the show notes.Whether you're a parent, a discerning believer, or just seeking godly wisdom for daily life, this episode will help you look back to move forward with clarity and conviction.

Join us for more wisdom in Season 2—subscribe and tune in next week!

Kick off 2026 with Pastors Zack and Josh on Wisdom for the Wilderness as they tackle a timely question: Is ambition a good thing for Christians?

In this New Year's episode, the pastors explore the dangers of worldly ambition—rooted in pride, vanity, fame, or materialism—while making a strong case that the opposite extreme (laziness or aimlessness) is not the biblical answer. Instead, they call listeners to pursue holy ambition: ambitious goals, hard work, and excellence in every area of life (business, fitness, education, creativity, or even the humblest job), all directed toward the glory of God, the advance of His kingdom, and the good of others.

Drawing from verses like 1 Corinthians 10:31 (“do all to the glory of God”), Ecclesiastes' call to work with all your might, and Ephesians 2:10's reminder that we were created for good works prepared in advance, Zack and Josh encourage believers to filter their resolutions and dreams through a “holiness lens.” They discuss real-life examples—from gym motivations to business growth to viral comedians—and remind us to start with prayer for God's glory and kingdom, stay hungry and humble, and measure success by faithfulness rather than worldly metrics.

Perfect for anyone setting goals for the new year: Don't settle for vain resolutions or timid living—go do great things for the glory of God!

As 2025 wraps up and 2026 approaches, Pastors Zack and Josh encourage listeners to evaluate and renew their commitment to Bible reading in this final episode of the year. They discuss the value of New Year's resolutions for spiritual habits, the dangers of neglecting God's Word (drawing from Nehemiah's "bring back the book"), and why spending time in Scripture is the most profitable use of your time.

The pastors share practical strategies: the importance of a intentional Bible reading plan with a well-balanced diet (Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs); tips for building the "reading muscle" in a distracted world; grace for when you fall behind; and recommendations like using study Bibles, audio versions, different translations, journaling, or chronological plans.

They highlight "pillar books" to know deeply (Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Gospels, Romans, etc.), offer advice for funks or busy seasons, and warn against waiting for crisis to drive you to the Word. Plus, encouragement to pair reading with prayer and step up to Scripture memorization.

Perfect for anyone planning a fresh start in the Word—links to recommended reading plans and resources in the show notes.

Happy New Year from Wisdom for the Wilderness!

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Resources

The Bible Guidebook Reading Plan: https://bit.ly/4q5PZRX

The Bible Guidebook: https://a.co/d/bq87CLO

NIV Timeline Bible: https://a.co/d/6jH7sRv

ESV Study Bible: https://a.co/d/efC5rur

The King in His Beauty: https://a.co/d/3S5NYP4

God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment: https://a.co/d/6lpcvcn

List of Reading Plans: https://www.ligonier.org/posts/bible-reading-plans

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle a listener question that many Christian parents wrestle with: How should we think about letting our kids play video games?

Drawing from Scripture and personal experience, they explore a biblical framework for discipleship in a digital age—examining issues like stewardship of time, the shaping of affections and imagination, dopamine hits, online dangers, violent content, and the risk of idolatry. With charity and nuance, they discuss why video games aren’t neutral, how they differ from past generations’ gaming, and practical ways to guide children (from delaying access and avoiding online multiplayer to prioritizing Bible reading and real-world activities).

Zack and Josh emphasize that parenting isn’t about rules alone but about relationship, heart-level formation, and preparing kids to love the Lord above all else. They close with encouragement to connect relationally with your children—even if it means getting soundly beaten in a round of Madden.

A timely, balanced conversation for any parent seeking wisdom in raising disciples amid screens and controllers. (Part 2 on adults and video games coming soon!)

In this heartfelt episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle the often-thorny reality of spending holidays with extended family. Drawing from personal stories—like Thanksgiving mishaps, in-law dynamics, and encounters with "that" opinionated relative—they explore why many family conflicts stem from our own expectations and fragility rather than outright toxicity.

With humor and biblical insight, they offer practical advice: adjust your expectations for real (dysfunctional) families, choose battles wisely, avoid unnecessary debates on politics or hot-button issues, protect your spouse and kids, and focus on loving others unconditionally—even when you disagree. They emphasize treasuring fleeting moments with loved ones, being a faithful witness for Christ without forcing confrontations, and finding common ground over games, food, and celebration.

Perfect for college students heading home, newlyweds navigating in-laws, or anyone dreading (or looking forward to) family gatherings this Christmas season. A timely reminder to speak truth in love, let some things go, and celebrate the birth of Jesus amid the chaos.

In this timely episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Zack and Josh tackle the explosive rise of artificial intelligence from a distinctly Christian perspective. They celebrate the real ways AI is already helping ministry (faster Bible translation, podcast editing, live sermon translation, and more), while sounding the alarm on its deepest dangers: intellectual laziness, plagiarism, the erosion of deep thinking, the spread of fake information, and the soulless imitation of human creativity and prayer.

With humor, pastoral care, and biblical conviction, they urge believers to use AI as a tool, never a replacement for Holy Spirit-led thinking, character formation, and soul-deep discipleship. They close with practical wisdom on how to stay sharp, honest, and human in an increasingly artificial world and remind us that, in the end, we need less screen and more Scripture, less algorithm and more face-to-face fellowship.

A must-listen for every Christian navigating the AI age without losing their mind or their soul.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, the hosts discuss the intriguing topic of angels and demons, particularly in the context of the Advent season. They explore the nature of angels, their roles as messengers, and the reality of spiritual warfare involving demons. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the spiritual realm, the authority of believers, and practical ways to engage in spiritual warfare through prayer and scripture. The hosts encourage listeners to live boldly in their faith, recognizing the victory of Christ over spiritual adversaries.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, Pastors Josh and [Co-host Name, if known] tackle the crucial question of how to discern modern Christian trends—from new theological movements to popular personalities—to determine if they are truly led by the Holy Spirit or merely products of culture and novelty.

They discuss the essential role of the Bible as the sole and final authority for truth and practice, while acknowledging the challenge of differing interpretations. The conversation covers:

• The Speed of Trends: How social media and content saturation accelerate the spread of new movements.

• The Danger of Tear-Down Ministries: A warning against overly critical "discernment bloggers" and the importance of being "builders" while still evaluating.

• Case Studies in Drift: A look back at the Emergent Church (Mark Driscoll, Rob Bell) and more recent figures (John Mark Comer, Steven Furtick) to illustrate how early compromise on hermeneutics and core doctrine can lead to heresy and deconstruction.

• Evaluating "Gig Eva": Addressing the rise of influential figures with huge online platforms but little organizational accountability.

• The Crucial Role of Proximity: The need to evaluate a leader's fruit (behavior, humility, orthodoxy) and the danger of replacing your local pastor with a distant, digital influence.

• Practical Questions for Discernment: Offering clear steps to test any movement by asking: Does it glorify God or man? What fruit does it produce? Does it stand the test of time?

Tune in to learn how to be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11)—receiving the word with eagerness but examining the Scriptures daily to remain steadfast in the truth.

In this episode of Wisdom for the Wilderness, the hosts celebrate one year of the podcast while discussing the importance of multiplication in the church. They emphasize the need for church planting, particularly in North Fort Collins, and explore the biblical basis for multiplication through the Great Commission. The conversation highlights the significance of discipleship as a lifestyle, the necessity of multiplying leaders, and the sacrifices required for kingdom growth. Ultimately, they reflect on the worth of Jesus and the joy that comes from participating in His mission.

In this episode, Pastors Zack and Josh introduce special guest Mitch Chase, and delve into the importance of biblical theology. They reflect on their childhood experiences with the Old Testament, emphasizing the need to understand the Bible as a unified story centered on Christ. The conversation highlights the discipline of reading the Bible, the significance of wisdom throughout scripture, and practical advice for applying biblical principles in everyday life. The episode concludes with personal nuggets of wisdom, encouraging listeners to embrace correction and choose their companions wisely.

Conference sessions coming soon to the Overland Church YouTube Channel. Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@overlandchurchfoco