• Untitled Document

  • iCrucified is...

    Untitled Document

    "I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me."

    (Gal. 2:20 CEV)

  • Pages

  • iCrucified Playlist

    visit my PANDORA profile [RSS]
    powered by PANDORA

  • Meta

    • Print This Post Print This Post January 5, 2009

    Book Review: For these Tough Times

    I received the book, For these Tough Times, by Max Lucado (published by Thomas Nelson) a few days before Christmas. While it is a small toughtimesbook, and easily read in a single sitting, I was a little busy over the holidays and unable to sit down with an amount of dedicated time. I finally had the opportunity to sit down with it over the course of a few mornings and now offer my thoughts and review of the book.

    If you are familiar at all with Christian literature, you will recognize the name of Max Lucado. I think he is probably among the most (if not the most) prolific writers of our day. I only make this point to say any critique or comment that I may have to offer isn’t going to be in the realm of technical ability or style; the gentleman obviously understands his craft. Sharing vocations with Lucado as a pastor, I was interested to hear what insight he has to offer those in need of answers during the tough times of life. I have been on the “hard side” of the table when difficult questions have been asked, I have entered into heart-wrenching sessions of grief counseling, and I have been speechless when a grieving parent and/or spouse is asking; “Why would God let this happen?” I am always in search of wisdom that may help me in bridging these moments with others, so it was with this interest that I approached For these Tough Times. Read the rest of this entry »

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: Books, Media, Shaping Me | No Comments »

    Print This Post Print This Post January 3, 2009

    Date Night…?

    “You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the LORD. Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death.  The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time.  It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.” Exodus 31:15-17  

    Sabbath….Shabbat…

    I have tried and tried to wrap my head and heart around what Sabbath means. I have read numerous devotional writings, books, studied spiritual disciplines and more…yet still feel as though I fall short in Sabbathunderstanding the intent and purpose of the Sabbath. I am sure I fail to understand the Sabbath as God had intended it. My history, experience, and family of origin have predisposed me to understanding the Sabbath as a ritual day; an act of religion and tradition that is often worshipped more than (and over) the Creator who sanctified the day and gave it to us in the first place. In my life, Sabbath was equal to the weekday, Sunday. In the strictest sense of the word, there was no greater significance placed on Sabbath except for the idea that it was a good day to go to church. There was no holy reverence for the day; there was no sacred anticipation of its arrival. Until recently (the past couple years), I had never set out to explore the truest understanding of Sabbath, and by this I mean what God has intended.

    Read the rest of this entry »

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: A Deeper Walk, Becoming the Word, Books, Shaping Me | No Comments »

    Print This Post Print This Post January 3, 2009

    A meditation on the Gospel of John (Pt.5)

    This continues a meditation on the Gospel of John; part five and the final installment of a multi-part series. If you’d like to catch the entire series, click here. A full manuscript in .pdf format will be available at the end of the meditation series.

    Part Five:

    The PRAYER of JESUS -John Chapter 17

    I think this chapter from John’s Gospel is one of the most captivating and incredible collections of Jesus’ words in all the gospels. His personal prayer for His followers, the promises of His life continued in the lives of His followers, and the promise of reconciliation and unity-”oneness” with the triune Godhead is mind-staggering. This prayer is it! The promise we live for and the hope we look forward to; this is the payoff of the Good News…it is The Gospel.

    “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, Father save me from this hour? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to Your Name.” Jesus -John 12:27-28

    “Father, glorify Your Son so He can give glory back to You…” Jesus -John 17:1

    Read the rest of this entry »

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: A Deeper Walk, Becoming the Word, Bible Journey-Reading, Bible Speak, Gospel of John, Shaping Me, Theologica | No Comments »

    Print This Post Print This Post January 2, 2009

    21 Years and a New Year!

    Bordens

    How bout a little Borden Family update? I mean…if you’re interested. What’s with the title of this blog post? Well, I’m glad you asked (even if you didn’t); it gives me a chance to brag up me and my precious wife’s 21st newsletteranniversary! Yep, 21 marvelous-wonderful years of wedded bliss…and I mean that! There is no sarcasm at all in my words; I am truly a blessed man in so many, many ways. So, anyway…with this being a New Year, my anniversary, and me not sending out any Christmas letter updates…I thought I’d share a newsletter with you. Click on the newsletter link at the right (or this .pdf link) and you can catch up with the Bordens!

    Happy New Year and May the Lord lead you in every step of your life.

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: Dailyness..., Family Stuff, Media, Scoop, Shaping Me | No Comments »

    Print This Post Print This Post January 2, 2009

    A meditation on the Gospel of John (Pt.4)

    This continues a meditation on the Gospel of John; part four of a multi-part series. If you’d like to catch the entire series, click here. A full manuscript in .pdf format will be available at the end of the meditation series.

    “The world’s sin is that it refuse to believe in me” (Jesus) -John 16:9

    *Jesus intends that “believe” means to “believe with your whole heart.” Believe changes the mindset and behavior of the one who believes. It is not simply an act of verbal affirmation or acknowledgement…it is life-changing. This understanding is implied and understood from the Hebrew mindset and use of the word from the original language usage of “heart” (Lebab) in conjunction with believe (eg. Believe with your heart not just your head).

    Definitions of heart:

    Chapter 16

    Jesus shares with his disciples that he must “go away” to the One who sent him and promises the coming of the Holy Spirit. With this promise, he shares with them the specific work of the Holy Spirit in the world and in their lives.

    “He (The Holy Spirit) will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will bring me (Jesus) glory by telling you whatever He receives from me. The Spirit will tell you whatever He receives from me…” -John 16:13-15

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: A Deeper Walk, Becoming the Word, Bible Journey-Reading, Bible Speak, Gospel of John, Shaping Me, Theologica | No Comments »

    Print This Post Print This Post January 1, 2009

    A meditation on the Gospel of John (Pt.3)

    This continues a meditation on the Gospel of John; part three of a multi-part series. If you’d like to catch the entire series, click here. A full manuscript in .pdf format will be available at the end of the meditation series.

     

    This incredible revelation of Himself with the promise of His “indwelling person” to His disciples stands alone as utterly fantastic and almost incomprehensible in its ramifications and scope. But then, Jesus continues this thought with his teaching of one of the most vivid visual illustrations of “connectedness” in all the gospels. He equates himself with a vine as he points to a vineyard as an object lesson to his hearers. The metaphor of Jesus being “the vine” (John 15) is not only a great visual, but it serves as a “bolded underline” as Jesus reiterates his main points from the previous chapter repeatedly to emphasize the importance and urgency of his message. (I notice how many times Jesus repeats the importance of his main point in the verses that follow.)

    Jesus: The True Vine (3X)

    Jesus: You were created to bear and produce fruit for God (7X)

    Jesus: Talks about “love” (7X)

    “Unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many kernels-a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” -John 12:24-26

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: A Deeper Walk, Becoming the Word, Bible Journey-Reading, Bible Speak, Gospel of John, Shaping Me, Theologica | No Comments »

    Print This Post Print This Post January 1, 2009

    Conferences 2009

    I’m starting to plan…what conferences I’d like to attend for personal growth during 2009. I’ve found the most balanced grouping of conference sessions that I’ve ever been able to line-up before now. Here’s what I’ve found and what each conference theme is built around:

    Leadership: Catalyst West (April 22-24, 2009)

    Worship Arts: Christian Music Summit (May 15-16, 2009)

    Spiritual Formation: 2009 RENOVARÉ International Conference (June 21-24, 2009)

    So far, this looks like it is going to work out and I’m in process of nailing down the necessary dates and details to make them happen. I’d still like to organize some outreach or social exercise to complete this line-up. I’ve considered a few options, but have not settled on anything definate yet. What ideas or plans do you have?

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: Scoop, Shaping Me, iCrucified | No Comments »

    Print This Post Print This Post December 31, 2008

    Word Cloud from tags

    I’ve posted these before, but like to check it out from time to time. This tag or word cloud is created with the java applet on the website www.wordles.net. It’s pretty cool; it takes the words posted in your blog and creates a image from them. It gives an “artful” look at your content.

    icrucified tag cloud

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: Random Thoughts, Shaping Me | 1 Comment »

    Print This Post Print This Post December 31, 2008

    My 2008 Reading List

    I’m finally getting around to posting the list of books I’ve read during the past year (along with a few that are nearly completed but still in process…). It’s been a great year for reading for me and I had the wonderful privilege of getting hooked in to several publishing companies that allow me to review advance copies of new releases. This sort of “cut both ways” by pulling me off schedule from my personal reading list, but it introduced me to a number of authors and books I might not have read otherwise. I’m glad I was able to join the review teams for these publishers no matter the hiccup it throws into my personal schedule for reading.

    As I said, it was a great year for reading and it was really tough to narrow down the Five Most Influential Books for me in 2008. While some books in the collection for this year were awesome in themselves, I have to be honest in my assessment of what wielded the most influence in shaping my thinking and heart for the entire year. So, with that criteria in mind, here are the titles that continue to come up in my conversations, teaching, sermons, and works of faith. They are in no particular order:

    My complete list of books in pdf format are here.

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: A Deeper Walk, Books, Shaping Me | No Comments »

    Print This Post Print This Post December 31, 2008

    A meditation on the Gospel of John (Pt.2)

    This continues a meditation on the Gospel of John; part two of a multi-part series. If you’d like to catch the entire series, click here. A full manuscript in .pdf format will be available at the end of the meditation series.

     

    Part 2 of a Meditation in John:

    Jesus: “I AM” = I am GOD

    Chapter Eight of John’s Gospel begins Jesus making unequivocal claims of His Godhood.

    *Jesus uses the “I AM” the divine name of GOD that was given to Moses on Mount Sinai. There is no mistaking that his usage of this name was an absolute and direct claim to himself as the One and only GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Read the rest of this entry »

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: A Deeper Walk, Becoming the Word, Bible Journey-Reading, Bible Speak, Gospel of John, Shaping Me, Theologica | No Comments »

    Print This Post Print This Post December 30, 2008

    A meditation on the Gospel of John (Pt.1)

    I mentioned that in my last post, Sermon: Every Knee Shall Bow, that I had been really getting stoked by God’s Spirit as I was searching, studying, and meditating on the Gospel of John and Paul’s letter to the Romans. I shared a couple weeks ago the thoughts that had come from Romans about how we are to “believe with our hearts” and what that really means as intended by Paul (you can read it here in case you missed it). Over the next few days I will post my thoughts from my meditations in John’s Gospel. When the last post has been uploaded, I will provide a .pdf file of the entire manuscript. I hope you will be as blessed by these thoughts as I am. And now, part one…

    A prayer, prior to a meditation from the John’s Gospel…

    “Lord God, Jesus, help us…help me to grow in faith and truly believe You, and likewise, live according to that belief by bearing eternal fruit for You and Your Kingdom. Amen. (jeff borden)

    Begin John’s Gospel:

    “They are reborn-not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or birth, but a birth that comes from God.” (John 1:13)

    “The unique One, who is Himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.” (John 1:18)

    Jesus on being “Born Again”…

    Jesus repeats this imperative three times in the span of a single conversation (speaking to Nicodemus). Stylistically, when something is repeated in this manner, its importance is paramount. See the verses that follow:

    “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” -John 3:3

    “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit” -John 3:5

    “You* must be born again.” -John 3:7

    *The Greek word for “you” is plural. Read the rest of this entry »

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: A Deeper Walk, Becoming the Word, Bible Journey-Reading, Bible Speak, Gospel of John, Shaping Me, Theologica | No Comments »

    Print This Post Print This Post December 28, 2008

    Sermon: “Every Knee Shall Bow”

    WholeHeartI shared the final installment of our Bethlehem Bound Series today. My text was from Matthew 2:1-2. God has been stoking and stirring the fires of my heart in recent days with meditations from Romans and the Gospel of John. My take on this chapter of the Nativity Story was a little different than what might ordinarily be taught, but I feel it is what the Spirit was teaching me, so…

    As is usually the case, my direction and delivery of this teaching was slightly different in each of the services, so I have included both recorderd services (from the 8:30 and 11:00 gatherings) as well as my sermon manuscript.

    Sermon Manuscript: Every Knee Shall Bow

    Every Knee Shall Bow 08:30

    Every Knee Shall Bow 11:00

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: Becoming the Word, Bible Speak, Media, Meditations, Preaching | 1 Comment »

    Print This Post Print This Post December 22, 2008

    Baby got book!

    Oh man…this is too much and hilariously well done. I found it while looking at 10-top ten lists on Todd Rhodes’ Monday Morning Insite page. HT Todd!

     

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: Funny Stuff, Media | No Comments »

    Print This Post Print This Post December 20, 2008

    Take a chance, win a book…

    …or books!

    Anyone that knows me knows I love me some books. I love reading and learning, so it is with much delight that by sharing this information with you in a blog post I get to enter a contest and possibly win some. Of course, this means you can also enter and my chances are lessened, but hey…I’m cool with that!

    Anyway, this gracious offer comes by way of Trevin Wax, blogger author of Kingdom People blog, and all the information you need can be found there. Trevin also shares a little more insight concerning his favorite books from 2008. Hmmm, maybe I’ll share my favorites too in a later post…it’s still 2008 and not too late for that.

    If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

    Peace, Grace, and Living His Kingdom...
    jeff

    Topics: Books, Media | 1 Comment »

    Print This Post Print This Post December 20, 2008

    Link Love

    Found a lot of cool stuff around the webworld and blogosphere in recent days and thought I’d share some of it with you. Let’s start with church marketing guru Richard Reising who makes an excellent point about helping to bridge “outsiders” to be “insiders” with his continuing Starbucks analogy.

    Brian McLaren furnishes a passel of interesting links from one of his “blog round-ups” here.

    There is an intriguing analysis from Ed Stetzer on the latest data from the Barna group looking at behavior and experience during the Christmas season. He furnishes us with a few more links to look at as well.

    I’ll be teaching an adult Christian ed. class this winter on “how to read the Bible,” so I am continually on the lookout for interesting topics and material to help me with my endeavors. Michael Spencer aka internetmonk.com gives props to some books and thinking that might help me out. I thought some of you might like his information as well.

    I would have missed this one if it weren’t for Scot McKnight’s head’s up post (his weekly meanderings). Scot shares an insightful and thought-provoking article from Tim Keller on the gospel message. If you’re looking for something to kick-start your morning or your thinking, this is it.

    Tim Stevens (executive pastor at Granger Church) was one of the speakers at the recent Sticks Conference I attended (and blogged about here). He offers up some thoughts on denominational association and influence on his blog that I