On Privilege

Privilege (possession of things unearned) must not lead to entitlement. Entitlement is terminal. It is malignant. Entitlement starts in the mind. It’s metastatic. The baleful idea - that privilege is warranted - invades the heart. There, entitlement chokes out grace, mercy and love.

Instead, privilege received - as the gift that it is - must be dispensed to those who do not share the same good fortune. Then good fortune will become transformative...it will transform into blessing for it will transform the lives of others. And, shared blessing also proliferates...bringing healing through grace, mercy and love.

You are not blessed for your pleasure! You are blessed to be a blessing!

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.”

- 1 John 3:16-20

Advent Album Announcement

Big week coming up...actually, the next few weeks are going to be a combination of crazy busy and super exciting!

Beginning today, rehearsals for my upcoming Advent album begin in earnest! You might say that this is the advent of my Advent album...heh.

I am looking forward to working with world-class musicians Ken Michell, Sahra Featherstone, Brandon Davis and David Morrison) in a gorgeous venue Knox Presbyterian Church) and the whole thing will be captured (light and sound) and produced by my son's Nicholas and Theo, of Current Sessions Productions.

To help get you into the Christmas "spirit" on August 1, here is video of my rendition of, "O Come O Come Emmanuel" that was shot on Dec. 13, 2013. This concert (a Benefit for the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan struck) was one of a series of fundraising events (Many Hands...One Voice) that I have organized and performed in over the past 7 years.

http://buff.ly/2aGjtna

Please pray for the team and I as we rehearse and make final preparations for this new project. It's a stretch for me but I am fully trusting that it will touch many lives and benefit many souls.

New Cover Video - "All the Diamonds"

 "All the Diamonds" is one my favorite songs...of all time. The funny thing is, I wasn't really a discovery. It was more like a commission. You see, I was approached by a friend to sing this song at the funeral of a man whom I had never met. Cockburn's, "All the Diamonds" was the deceased favorite song and it instantly became one of mine.

This great tune has been covered by folks that I love and respect. Artists like Steve Bell and Mike Janzen have recorded this beautiful song and I have had the privilege of performing it live with both of them. I can only pray that I get to play this song with Bruce Cockburn some day. Here's hoping, right?

Final thought. The lyrics of this song really reach into the depths of my soul. All too often I have placed my hope in what I thought were diamonds only to discover that they were mirages that were "conjured up by wind and sunlight." There is only one genuine "diamond" that I can truly place my faith and hope in. He alone gives me the "rock solid" footing that helps me to withstand the heat and pressure...and it seems that I too, am gradually transforming...becoming like Him...a diamond of matchless worth. One day.

"Two thousand years and half a world away

Dying trees still grow greener when you pray"

Happy Easter! Christ has risen indeed! 

New Cover Video - "Can't Find My Way Home"

“Can’t Find My Way Home” made an instant and indelible impact on me. This remarkable song, written by Steve Winwood was introduced to me by my friend, Clare. I loved the chord progressions, the melody and the soaring vocals of Mr. Winwood. More than that, I was instantly taken back to the story of, “The Prodigal.” Isn’t it funny how songs can do that?

This song has been covered by many great artists - Bonnie Raitt, Alison Krauss, Eric Clapton, Don Ross and the late, great Joe Cocker - to name a few.

Here is my take on the song. I hope that you enjoy this live, acoustic and raw version of this amazing tune!

 CAN'T FIND MY WAY HOME