09-12-2025 PART 1: Dancing on Streets of Gold

Section 1 In a tender, Spirit-led reflection, Dr. Dave shares that his brother Billy passed away this morning—and, in God’s surprising grace, his heart is presently steady even while he expects deeper waves of grief later. He recounts how the Lord “prepared” him minutes beforehand, the perfectly timed visit they shared, and the way fears and doubts were answered by truth during three precious days together. A late-night text from Billy’s best friend, Bruce, was followed by a quiet whisper in prayer—“the bird is now silent”—and then the confirming call. Billy’s 67 years (with nearly 47 as a believer) weren’t “perfect,” but they were effective for God’s kingdom, and that is cause for rejoicing: to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. The image that lingers with love and humor: the non-exerciser now “dancing on streets of gold.”

Section 2 This moment presses the core question of faith: do we truly believe we live forever in Christ? The speaker recalls praying over their father years ago and affirms that Christian hope reaches beyond what we see—“walk by faith, not by sight”—despite those who dismiss it as “pie in the sky” or a mere crutch. He honors Billy not as a flawless man but as a faithful “Andrew,” the brother who just wouldn’t take “no” and led him to Jesus through persistent love. Billy’s spiritual life, his devotion to the Lord amid imperfections, and especially his music, touched “thousands and thousands,” rippling through radio audiences and lives changed. Whatever good the speaker has done traces back, in part, to Billy’s witness—a legacy measured not by polish but by kingdom impact.

Section 3 Looking ahead with hope, he anticipates seeing Billy again—renewed, radiant, and clear—and even imagines an early heavenly “concert with King David.” He notes the providential alignment of today’s pre-planned teaching segment and then redirects the church family’s love toward those who will need it most now: Laura, Bruce, Sarah, Allison, and the whole extended circle. He invites united prayer for their comfort and strength, thankful for his own family’s care and his wife’s steady support, while testifying that prayer truly makes a difference. He closes in gratitude and faith: Billy finished his race, the Lord is faithful, and the reunion to come will be “far better” than anything we have known here.