Walking Close, Living Changed

Brian Opbroek

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. Jul 7

    Episode 23: Jairus' Walk from Faith to Fulfillment

    In Episode 23 of Walking Close, Living Changed, Brian begins a new series exploring great faith moments in the New Testament. Using the story of Jairus from Mark 5, he examines the journey between believing God for a miracle and actually seeing that miracle fulfilled. Rather than focusing only on the miracle itself, Brian identifies five distinct stages Jairus experienced—from making the first move toward Jesus, through delay and disappointment, to ultimately witnessing God's power. The episode encourages listeners to recognize that while every faith journey is unique, God often uses seasons of waiting, worsening circumstances, and surrender to prepare us for His perfect work.   Key Topics Discussed Jairus' walk from faith to fulfillment Faith that takes the first step The five stages between faith and miracle Waiting while others receive their miracle Delays are not denial Circumstances getting worse before breakthrough Trusting God during interruptions Allowing God to sort relationships and circumstances God's purpose after the miracle Faith demonstrated through action Jesus raising Jairus' daughter God's unique patterns of answering prayer Relationship over miracles Trusting God's timing   Relevant Scriptures Mark 5:22–43 — Jairus asks Jesus to heal his daughter, and Jesus raises her from the dead. James 4:8 — "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." Hebrews 11 — The faith of those who trusted God throughout history. Acts 14 — Paul recognizes the lame man's faith to be healed. Romans 12:15 — "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." James 5 — The perseverance and faith of Job. Matthew 13:24–30 — The parable of the wheat and the tares.

    Episode 23: Jairus' Walk from Faith to Fulfillment
  2. Jun 23

    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.

    Episode 21: Daily Bread
  3. 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.

    Episode 20: Want to be Great? Stop Being So Grown Up!
  4. 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.

    Episode 19: Cries That Get Your Father's Attention
  5. 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

    Episode 18: God Can Say The Craziest Things
  6. 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

    Episode 17: Divine Interruptions

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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