Taking Every Though Captive

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

How do we become obedient to Christ? One way is to respond is to take every thought captive. Surround your thoughts and evaluate if they are appropriate or not. Are they helping you to be obedient to Christ? If not…rethink your thoughts and actions until they are in line with God’s intentions for your life—to live according to His Commandments. Is there anything that cannot be applied to His Commandments? I think not. As Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), to think an action is to do it. Thinking or saying something that is against someone’s character is the same as murder. Keep a close guard on your tongue—as well as your thoughts.  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you today to take your thoughts captive and be obedient to Him. How will you respond to Him? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, help me to “take every thought captive” because I want to live to please You—to be obedient to You as You were to Your Father.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

During the Christmas season my paternal grandmother always made and served Pfeffernusse Cookies. It was a treat that she started making right after Thanksgiving and we had to wait a couple of weeks while they “aged” before she served them. The cookie jar was always full—and it was a special treat to go to Grandma and Grandad’s house during Christmas just for those cookies.

Pfeffernusse Cookies – German Pepper Cookies for Christmas

1 cup molasses

1 cup honey

1½ cup white sugar

1 cup strong black coffee (room temperature)

3 eggs

3 teaspoons baking soda

9 cups flour

1 teaspoon allspice

2 teaspoons anise extract

1 teaspoons ground cardamom

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting  

Stir together the molasses, honey, coffee and sugar. Stir in the eggs. Combine the flour, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, anise, cinnamon, baking soda, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Add the molasses mixture and stir until thoroughly combined. Add additional flour if necessary for the dough to be stiff. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Butter your hands and roll the dough into acorn-sized balls. Arrange on baking sheets, spacing at least 1 inch apart. Bake 10 to 15 minutes. Move to a rack to cool. Dust cooled cookies with confectioners' sugar. Store in a covered container for at least a couple of weeks—to age them—before eating. This will make about 15 dozen cookies.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.