ha... the bible say i came to give you life and life abundantly... also bible say if you are in me and i am in you, ask and it shall be given to you..

therefore with proper mindset and steps, definitely i can expect GOD to give what i want, or else where is the abundance of being Christ followers ?

John 10:10: (New American Standard Bible )
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

John 15:7 (GOD'S WORD® Translation)
If you live in me and what I say lives in you, then ask for anything you want, and it will be yours.

I think for man, we shouldn't expect much. because sometimes the more we expect, the more disappointment at the end.

But for God, we can expect but like what u said, not our "wants" . But this kind of expect is more on having faith in God that he *can* make it happen.
Psalms 5: 3 (NIV) - In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

True but however someone does not understand that

Strategic Steps 2014

de,

No wonder you are a bizarre individual.

You got confused by Joel Osteen.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pastor-rick-..._b_3790384.html

yeah... whatever...

Random question being thrown here, but it's to satisfy a curiosity of mine. Is traditional Chinese medicine compatible with Christianity? In a sense, is it possible to go seek treatment without anything against the conscience?

If makan herbs is fine. (and purely herbs) As long no chanting or talismans it's okay.

Be aware of the sources too. If they do any kind of jampi like the Wiccans, then it's not good. But if it's prescribed just like a standard doctor that's fine.

I will say that the effects of rituals and "magic" are nothing more than the the effects of placebo and nocebo, where things happen to people simply because they believe in it. Just like how ineffective medicine can contribute to placebo cures, other ineffective, negative sources can contribute to nocebo symptoms/ailments as well.

Perhaps when this verse was uttered, it was so true that we didn't even realize that is already happening to us today, thinking that doctors have cured us, but in fact it was us who simply have faith in our own recoveries (with the opposite, nocebo, being exceptionally real as well):

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you."

Sources of my thoughts:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placebo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nocebo
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/psychogenic

This post has been edited by Deadlocks: Dec 20 2014, 06:40 AM

1 Corinthians 10:23
New International Version
"I have the right to do anything," you say--but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"--but not everything is constructive.

But many christian overcomplicate things.

Tina , i will comment about your post, after that really... it's up to you.

Look at the conclusion part:
1. He still in the seminary
2. He wrote: I wanted relief and I wanted more. But I knew that it wasn't true
3. He wrote I think I understand it. I think I have a relatively significant level of discernment.

My comment:
let's start with no 3.
The writer should aware that Jesus cannot do miracles in nazareth, because nazarene labels him carpenter son. the keyword is nazareth, the town. The bible is Matthew 13:54 - 58

this link to comment no 1: seminary.
In the seminary, the whole seminary population is against joel osteen, therefore the miracle didn't happen. As simple as that. seminary = nazareth for him.

that's why the writer struggle in point no 2:.
I wanted relief, and i wanted more, but.... it wasn't true.
The problem is the writer didn't aware that his surrounding decrease his faith at the end no miracle at all.

----
my comment
----

Jesus leave nazareth.

if you want to follow joel osteen teaching, go to church that has mindset like joel osteen, so your faith and church faith can bring miracles. I am an overcomer and champion... , that's because i leave my nazareth, and sacrifice my frenship with old church fren... i lost fren, but i got miracle / faith and more experience with Christ by joining other church

Identify your nazareth, and dump it

Yes, I am taking traditional chinese medicine (TCM) herbs.

Need to difference between TCM vs Toasim though.

From what I gather, the herbal and physical components of traditional Chinese medicine should cause no concern. Although I do know some TCM doctors incorporate some form of Buddhist thought or Taoist thought into their treatments. I approach those with a grain of salt though.

Yes, I think one core principle TCM uses is 'balance' which is related to Taoism Yin Yang. But indeed our body has to be in 'balance' mode to be health. Just focus on medical side and remind ourselves not to get carried away of our faith. But good concern.

Thanks for your time.

Any advice on newcomer to church? Should I just attend a Sunday celebration, just walk in?

Newcomers are most welcome but don't be brainwashed. Observe and listen with an open and neutral mind. Dont pay too much. They are already rich.

Why is Chinese medicine brought in ? I don't see any link or purpose.