Walking Close, Living Changed

Brian Opbroek
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Religion
  • Updated Weekly

Real-life transformation begins with God's presence. This podcast invites you to walk closely with God and be changed from the inside out.

  1. Episode 22: Don't Worry About What You Don't Have

    2h ago

    Episode 22: Don't Worry About What You Don't Have

    In this episode of Walking Close, Living Changed, Brian continues building on last week's message about trusting God for our daily bread by exploring why we spend so much time worrying about what we don't have. Through the story of Peter and John healing the lame man at the temple gate, Brian encourages listeners to stop focusing on what is missing and instead trust that God knows what they truly need. He explains that our greatest limitations often become the very places where God performs His greatest miracles. Key Topics Discussed Worrying about what we don't have Trusting God's daily provision Contentment and gratitude Imposter syndrome Focusing on God-given strengths Peter and John healing the lame man Acts 3 and the Beautiful Gate God's provision beyond our requests Miracles through seasons of lack The purpose of unanswered prayers The story of the Prodigal Son God's timing and His greater plan Faith over fear Trusting God's wisdom   Relevant Scriptures Matthew 6:11 — "Give us this day our daily bread." Acts 3:1–10 — Peter and John heal the lame beggar at the Beautiful Gate. Luke 15:11–32 — The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Matthew 6:25–34 — Do not worry about tomorrow. Romans 8:28 — God works all things together for good. Philippians 4:19 — God supplies every need according to His riches. 2 Corinthians 12:9 — God's strength is made perfect in weakness.

    29 min
  2. Episode 21: Daily Bread

    6d ago

    Episode 21: Daily Bread

    In this episode of Walking Close, Living Changed, Brian explores one of the simplest yet most powerful phrases in the Lord's Prayer: "Give us this day our daily bread." He explains how Jesus emphasized daily dependence on God, daily trust, and daily provision. Drawing from the teachings of Jesus, the story of manna in the wilderness, Daniel's daily devotion, and Hebrews 4, Brian encourages listeners to stop carrying yesterday's regrets and tomorrow's worries and instead learn to trust God one day at a time. Key Topics Discussed The Lord's Prayer and daily bread Daily dependence on God Matthew 6 and overcoming worry Living one day at a time Day-tight compartments The story of manna in the wilderness God's provision and trust Nighttime anxiety and surrender Daniel's daily prayer life Daily devotion and spiritual health Hebrews 4 and the importance of "today" Trusting God for present needs God's faithfulness in daily living   Relevant Scriptures Matthew 6:11 — "Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:33 — Seek first God's kingdom and righteousness. Matthew 6:34 — Do not worry about tomorrow. Exodus 16 — God provides manna for Israel in the wilderness. Genesis 1 — Evening and morning establish the pattern of a day. Daniel 6 — Daniel continues praying despite opposition. Daniel 11–12 — Reference to the removal of daily sacrifices. Hebrews 4:7 — "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." Luke 22:39–46 — Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.

    25 min
  3. Episode 20: Want to be Great? Stop Being So Grown Up!

    Jun 16

    Episode 20: Want to be Great? Stop Being So Grown Up!

    In this episode of Walking Close, Living Changed, Brian explores Jesus' teaching that true greatness in God's kingdom comes through becoming like little children. Using Matthew 18, he explains that adults often lose qualities that children naturally possess: wonder, humility, and openness to growth. Brian identifies three common obstacles that prevent believers from experiencing the fullness of God's kingdom mindset and offers three simple prayers that can help restore childlike faith and dependence on God.   Key Topics Discussed Matthew 18 and becoming like little children The true meaning of greatness in God's kingdom Childlike faith versus childish behavior Wonder and awe as foundations for spiritual growth Humility and teachability The dangers of pride and self-sufficiency Spiritual transformation and new identity Growth versus becoming stuck in old patterns The kingdom of heaven as a present reality Creativity, curiosity, and childlike thinking God's desire to continually shape His people   Relevant Scriptures Matthew 18:1–5 — Jesus teaches that unless we change and become like little children, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Acts 2:43 — A deep sense of awe came over all the believers as they witnessed God at work among them. 2 Chronicles 16:9 — God searches the earth for hearts that are fully devoted to Him so He can strengthen and support them. 1 Samuel 15:17 — Saul was chosen when he was humble in his own eyes, but later lost that humility. 2 Corinthians 5:17 — Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come.

    32 min
  4. Episode 19: Cries That Get Your Father's Attention

    Jun 9

    Episode 19: Cries That Get Your Father's Attention

    In this episode of Walking Close, Living Changed, Brian talks about the kinds of cries that get God's attention as a loving Father. Using the picture of a parent recognizing the different cries of a child, Brian explains that God knows the difference between casual complaints, spiritual hunger, repentance, and deep compassion for others. Through scriptures from Psalms, Matthew, Peter, Job, and the words of Jesus on the cross, Brian shows that God hears His children and responds to cries that come from hunger for Him, a heart ready to change, and compassion for broken people. This episode encourages listeners to cry out to God honestly, trust His Father's heart, and allow Him to respond with nourishment, correction, and transformation.   Key Topics Discussed God as a loving Father who hears His children The difference between casual cries and desperate cries Why God responds to brokenhearted prayers The cry of spiritual hunger Hungering and thirsting for righteousness Losing and recovering spiritual appetite The cry of repentance Repentance as a desire to be changed by God The power of a one-degree shift The cry of compassion for others   Relevant Scriptures Psalm 34:17–19 — God hears the cries of the righteous, stays close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 18:6 — David cries out to the Lord in distress, and God hears his voice. 1 Peter 3:12 — The Lord watches over the righteous and keeps His ears open to their prayers. Matthew 5:6 — Jesus promises that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. 1 Peter 2:2–3 — Believers are called to crave pure spiritual nourishment like newborn babies. Psalm 42:1–2 — The psalmist describes a deep thirst and longing for the living God. Matthew 7:9–11 — Jesus teaches that the heavenly Father gives good gifts to those who ask Him. Psalm 51:17 — God does not reject a broken spirit and a contrite heart. Job 42:10 — God restores Job after he prays for his friends. Matthew 9:36–38 — Jesus is moved with compassion for the crowds and tells His disciples to pray for workers in the harvest. Luke 23:34 — Jesus prays for forgiveness for the people crucifying Him.

    29 min
  5. Episode 18: God Can Say The Craziest Things

    Jun 2

    Episode 18: God Can Say The Craziest Things

    In this episode of Walking Close, Living Changed, Brian explores the story of Peter's vision in Acts 10 and how God used it to completely reshape Peter's understanding of salvation. Peter initially believed God's message was about food and religious law, but eventually realized God was revealing that the Gospel was meant for all people, not just the Jews. Brian uses this story to teach listeners that God may say unexpected things, challenge long-held beliefs, interrupt traditions, and speak in ways we do not immediately understand. The episode encourages believers to stay spiritually hungry, quiet, open, and willing to listen when God speaks.    Key Topics Discussed Acts 10 and Peter's rooftop vision Cornelius and the inclusion of the Gentiles God challenging religious tradition and assumptions Learning to obey God before fully understanding Spiritual humility and correction God speaking through visions, dreams, Scripture, and life experiences The importance of spiritual hunger and quietness God's desire for friendship and relationship with people Pondering God's direction instead of reacting too quickly God working through seasons and generational shifts The Gospel being for all people, not just one group Spiritual discernment and openness to growth   Relevant Scriptures Acts 10 — Peter's vision and Cornelius' salvation Acts 10:9–16 — Peter's rooftop vision of clean and unclean animals Acts 10:28 — "God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean." Acts 10:34–35 — God showing no favoritism among nations Matthew 5:6 — "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" John 10:27 — "My sheep hear my voice" Daniel 12 — Daniel receiving visions he did not fully understand Luke 2:19 — Mary pondering things in her heart Romans — Paul revealing New Covenant truths through Old Testament Scripture Proverbs 6:6 — "Go to the ant" and learning from creation Joel 2:28 / Acts 2:17 — Dreams, visions, and the outpouring of the Spirit

    35 min
  6. Episode 17: Divine Interruptions

    May 26

    Episode 17: Divine Interruptions

    In this episode of Walking Close, Living Changed, Brian explores the idea of "divine interruptions" and how God can redirect, delay, or interrupt even the paths He originally called us to walk. Using stories from Exodus and Acts 16, Brian explains that interruptions are not always obstacles. Sometimes they are God's protection, preparation, or redirection. Other times they come through the needs of people around us or even spiritual opposition. The episode encourages listeners to trust God's bigger picture, remain sensitive to His direction, and believe that no interruption can stop God from completing His purpose in their lives.   Key Topics Discussed Divine interruptions and trusting God's redirection God's "macro view" versus humanity's limited understanding The Israelites turning back at the Red Sea Obedience that may look confusing to others Acts 16 as "the chapter of interruptions" The Holy Spirit redirecting Paul and Silas Lydia's conversion and interruptions through people's needs The feeding of the five thousand and frustrated disciples Spiritual discernment and recognizing demonic opposition God redeeming time and fulfilling His promises despite interruptions Learning to trust God even when plans change unexpectedly   Relevant Scriptures Exodus 13–14 — God leading Israel and telling them to turn back Acts 16 — Paul and Silas experiencing multiple interruptions Acts 16:6–10 — The Macedonian vision Acts 16:13–15 — Lydia's conversion Acts 16:16–40 — The slave girl, imprisonment, and jailer's salvation Mark 6:30–52 — Feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on water Romans 8:28 — God working all things together for good Philippians 1:6 — God finishing the work He started Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trusting God's direction Isaiah 55:8–9 — God's higher thoughts and ways Psalm 37:23 — The steps of the righteous being ordered by God

    37 min
  7. Episode 16: Don't Be Mean To Your Donkey

    May 19

    Episode 16: Don't Be Mean To Your Donkey

    In this episode of Walking Close, Living Changed, Brian explores the story of Balaam and the talking donkey from Numbers 22 to teach a powerful lesson about interruptions, frustration, and spiritual awareness. He explains that the "donkeys" in our lives—unexpected problems, delays, people, or setbacks—may not actually be obstacles, but warnings, lessons, or even protection from something worse. The episode encourages listeners to stop reacting in anger to interruptions and instead ask what God may be trying to reveal through them.   Key Topics Discussed The story of Balaam and the talking donkey Interruptions as spiritual lessons or warnings How frustration can reveal heart issues like anger and pride Why "the donkey" may not actually be the problem Recognizing red flags and unusual disruptions in life Learning to pause and evaluate setbacks instead of reacting emotionally Paul's "thorn in the flesh" and the purpose of hardship How God may use interruptions to protect or redirect us The idea that some interruptions may become our "saving grace"   Relevant Scriptures Numbers 22:21–33 — Balaam and the talking donkey 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 — Paul's thorn in the flesh and God's grace in weakness Romans 8:28 — God works all things together for good Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trusting God's direction instead of our own understanding James 1:2–4 — Trials producing perseverance and maturity Psalm 119:71 — Learning through affliction and hardship Isaiah 55:8–9 — God's ways being higher than our ways Hebrews 12:11 — Discipline producing righteousness and peace Acts 9:1–6 — Paul's interruption on the road to Damascus Psalm 32:8 — God guiding and instructing us in the way we should go

    36 min
  8. Episode 15: Joy—Take It However It Comes

    May 12

    Episode 15: Joy—Take It However It Comes

    In this episode of Walking Close, Living Changed, Brian Opbroek shares a powerful perspective: joy isn't just something God gives directly—it's something He delivers through everyday life. Titled "Joy—Take It However It Comes," Brian explains how joy shows up through relationships, accomplishments, simple moments, and even trials. Instead of waiting for joy to appear, he challenges listeners to recognize it in the places God is already providing it. He also addresses a common barrier—our tendency to resist joy through overthinking, guilt, or mindset. The truth is, joy is available—but we have to choose to receive it. Brian closes by reminding listeners that joy is more than a feeling—it's a pathway to experiencing God more fully in every part of life.   Key Topics Discussed Understanding "the joy of the Lord" in a practical way Joy as something received, not forced God's "supply chain" for delivering joy Finding joy in relationships and connection Celebrating accomplishments without guilt Enjoying everyday blessings as gifts from God Joy in the middle of trials and challenges The danger of resisting joy   Relevant Scriptures Nehemiah 8:10 The foundation of the episode—reminds us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Philippians 1:3–4 Highlights how joy is often found through relationships and connection with others. 3 John 1:4 Shows the joy that comes from seeing others grow and walk in truth. Ecclesiastes 3:13 Reinforces that joy in our work and accomplishments is a gift from God. 1 Timothy 6:17 Reminds us that God provides everyday things for our enjoyment. Luke 6:22–23 Encourages finding joy even in persecution and difficult seasons. James 1:2 Calls us to consider it joy when facing trials, knowing growth comes through them.

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

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Real-life transformation begins with God's presence. This podcast invites you to walk closely with God and be changed from the inside out.

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