Walking Close, Living Changed

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

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.

Episode 14: What Are You Missing, and How Bad Do You Want It?

In this episode of Walking Close, Living Changed, Brian Opbroek explores what it means to feel like something is missing in life and how to find it. Reflecting on the milestone of reaching episode 14, he shares that while people are called to be whole, many still experience areas that feel incomplete. Using the parable of the lost coin from Bible (Luke 15), Brian turns the story into a practical guide for personal growth. He emphasizes that the coin had great value, which is why the woman searched urgently—leading to a key question: what are you missing, and how badly do you want it? He breaks down her actions into simple steps: "lighting a lamp" represents gaining clarity and seeking truth, while "sweeping the house" symbolizes removing distractions that may be hiding what you're looking for. Brian also highlights the importance of persistence—pointing out that many people stop too soon, while real progress requires continuing until results show up. He closes by encouraging listeners to pursue what's missing with intention, discipline, and consistency, and to celebrate the wins when they come. Key Topics Discussed * Feeling whole while still sensing something is missing * The lost coin parable as a model for finding what's lost * The importance of wanting something enough to pursue it * Gaining clarity to see what needs to change * Removing distractions that hold you back * Staying persistent and not quitting too soon * Recognizing how close you may be to a breakthrough * Celebrating wins and progress along the way Relevant Scriptures * Luke 15:8–10 The foundation of the episode—illustrates the value of what is lost and the joy of finding it. * Matthew 7:7–8 Encourages persistence in seeking, emphasizing continuing "until" results come. * Psalm 119:105 Supports the idea of "lighting the lamp" through God's Word for clarity and direction. * Proverbs 4:25–27 Reinforces focus and removing distractions while pursuing what matters. * Hebrews 12:1 Highlights the importance of clearing out obstacles that hinder progress. * Galatians 6:9 Encourages perseverance, reminding that results come if we don't give up. * 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 Connects to the final step of celebrating and giving thanks after finding what was lost.

Episode 13: It's Okay to Be Calm

In this episode of Walking Close, Living Changed, Brian Opbroek explores a rarely discussed struggle: how to live in peace after the storm. Using the image of a sailor who can't relax after surviving rough seas, he explains how many people stay stuck in survival mode—expecting chaos even when life has calmed. While most teachings focus on trusting God during hardship, Brian shifts the focus to what comes after, reminding us it's okay to rest when the storm has passed. Drawing from real-life challenges and Acts 27–28, where Paul survives a storm and lands on Malta, Brian highlights a powerful lesson: peace is not laziness—it's restoration. Like Paul shaking off the snake, we're called to embrace calm without fear. He closes by emphasizing that peace is a gift from God—and learning to receive it is part of spiritual maturity. Key Topics Discussed * Hypervigilance and anticipatory anxiety after trauma * The difficulty of embracing peace after hardship * Trusting God not just during storms—but after them * The symbolism of Malta as a "sweet place" of restoration * Choosing calm even when it's challenged * Letting go of fear that the storm will return * Not allowing others' opinions to disrupt your peace * The difference between rest and laziness * Using seasons of calm for restoration and preparation * Becoming a source of healing and hope for others Relevant Scriptures * Acts 27–28 – Paul's storm, shipwreck, and restoration on Malta * Mark 4:35–41 – Jesus calming the storm * Hebrews 4 – Entering God's rest * Matthew 8:14–15 – Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law * Mark 16:18 – Protection from harm (referenced with the snake bite) * James 1:17 – Every good and perfect gift comes from God * 1 Kings 19 – Elijah's despair after victory * Book of Jonah – Struggling to accept God's mercy after obedience * Job (various passages) – Enduring others' opinions during suffering

Episode 12: A Giving Heart is a Gauge

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:38930692-01cd-40fd-87b1-2dcad1ac7e9c-28" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode, Brian wraps up his three-part series by focusing on giving—the third spiritual discipline from Matthew 6. After prayer and fasting, he explores how generosity is not just financial, but deeply spiritual. Brian explains that giving, like prayer and fasting, is meant to humble us and draw us closer to God—but it can easily become performative if done for recognition. Using Jesus' teaching, he reminds us that God values what's done in secret and that giving ultimately reveals the condition of our heart. This isn't about earning blessings or prosperity thinking. It's about alignment. True generosity shows up not just in money, but in how we give our time, energy, and attention to others. Through biblical examples and real-life moments, Brian makes one thing clear: God isn't after appearances—He's after your heart. Key Topics Discussed * The third spiritual discipline in Matthew 6: giving * How prayer, fasting, and giving all humble the believer * The difference between generosity and performative giving * Why giving should be done in secret * Giving as a gauge of the heart * "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" * The difference between blessing and generosity * Why wealth is not the true measure of spirituality * The widow's mite as a model of true giving * Abraham's life as an example of surrender and generosity * Modern-day examples of practical generosity * The warning of Ananias and Sapphira * Simon the sorcerer and the danger of transactional thinking * Giving yourself away as evidence of faith Relevant Scriptures * Matthew 6:1–4 "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them…" "When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets…" * Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." * Matthew 6:24 "You cannot serve both God and money." * Luke 21:1–4 The widow's offering / widow's mite * Genesis 12 Abraham leaves his homeland in faith * Genesis 13 Abraham gives Lot first choice of the land * Genesis 14 Abraham gives to Melchizedek * Genesis 22 Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac * Acts 4:32–37 Barnabas gives generously * Acts 5:1–11 Ananias and Sapphira * Acts 8:18–24 Simon the sorcerer tries to buy spiritual power * 2 Corinthians 9:7 "God loves a cheerful giver."