This image declared the devil is dangerously aggressive. He is also known as the prince (or ruler) of demons (Matthew 9:34; 12:24). He rules the kingdom of darkness just as Jesus Christ rules the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13; Ephesians 6:12). When a person places himself or herself in Christ and makes the resurrected Jesus his or her Lord, that person removes himself or herself from the devil's rule.

He despises that! The devil hates God! The devil hates Jesus Christ! God through Jesus' resurrection destroyed the devil's controlling power (Hebrews 2:14,15). The devil has only one means of hurting God and Jesus Christ. He cannot hurt them, but he can hurt those who belong to God. The man or woman who chooses to leave the devil's rule and places himself or herself under God's rule infuriates the devil. The decision to become a Christian or to recommit oneself as a Christian stirs the devil's anger. His anger springs from his hatred. Enraged, he strikes back in every available way.

February 6 Ada Roose was baptized into Christ. This lady in her mid-80s came to the church building on her own initiative. Ada is Enid Means' sister. Long ago she learned the meaning and significance of baptism. She came on an unusual evening. We were worshipping in the Family Life Center. She waited patiently until she met someone and explained why she came. With gentle assistance she made it up the stairs to the baptistry to enter Christ's death and become a part of his resurrection.

Sunday morning Travis McDonald asked for our prayers. He wants to increase his godly influence in his new home. Naomi Greene recommitted herself to God's rule and the Christian life. David Gates brought his weariness, looking for help and strength in his decision to redirect his life.

The devil was infuriated! The angels in heaven rejoiced! The infuriated prince of darkness is acting as the roaring lion. He will exploit every weakness and utilize every opportunity to oppose and hurt us in every way that he can.

In his hatred of God, he opposes us. The staff shares a common conviction. When the devil is extremely active, God's work through us is hurting his kingdom. He creates problems for us when we hurt his purposes. God through us is hurting his purposes!

Commit and remember. Commit: help each other. The devil needs no help to cause problems. Remember: greater is Christ in us than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).