Dear Beachside Family and Friends,

During World War II, our nation faced determined and ruthless foes. Among these was the Empire of Japan, whose naval, air, and ground forces were efficient and focused killing machines. They subdued and enslaved millions, and on December 7, 1941, launched an attack without a declaration of war against our forces in Hawaii and elsewhere in the Pacific. These unprovoked attacks were successful, cost the lives of thousands of servicemen and civilians, and shocked our nation.

History records that the United States of America rose to the challenge and defeated not only Japan but the other axis powers as well. Our Armed Forces were highly trained and well-equipped to carry out their mission, but they faced determined enemies. Japanese soldiers, sailors, and airmen considered their emperor to be a God. Their obedience to and worship of him and his subordinates was absolute, leading them to willingly sacrifice their lives for the cause they believed in.

Although our nation suffered early defeat, it held an advantage over the Japanese that had nothing to do with force of arms. Our cryptographers had broken the Japanese naval code, and our leaders knew the enemy's moves before they were executed. The secrets of the Japanese war plans were exposed, and permitted our military commanders to act accordingly. This secret information was invaluable, and a major contributor to the defeat of the Empire of Japan.

As Christians, we also face a determined and ruthless enemy. His name is Satan, and he knows everything about human beings. His knowledge allows him to manipulate and exploit anyone who is not properly equipped with  a relationship with God. The Bible tells us in John 10:10 that he is the thief that comes to "steal, kill, and destroy." Since Adam and Eve surrendered to him in the garden, countless millions of people have experienced sickness, poverty, and death at his hand. Satan thrives on misery, bondage, and defeat. 

God's word tells us of weapons that are available to us all in order to disarm and walk in victory over our enemy. These weapons are available to all human beings, but cannot be accessed in the natural realm. The Bible says "The person without the Spirit doesn’t accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. These things are foolish to them. They can’t understand them. In fact, such things can’t be understood without the Spirit’s help."

(1 Corinthians 2:14) We need information from the Holy Spirit in order to experience victory over Satan's attacks and expose his future plans. It is necessary to access information that is hidden from the world, but available to us. Like our nation in World War II, hidden and secret weapons and information are at our disposal today. 1 Corinthians 2:10 tells us "But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets."

Since God knows everything, He is completely aware of what Satan is planning. If we are born again and choose to be guided by the Holy Spirit, He will reveal to us in advance the devices and wiles of the devil. Paul's relationship with the Spirit of God enabled him to be fully informed about the devil's purposes. He wrote "I did this so that Satan would not win anything from us, because we know very well what Satan’s plans are." (2 Corinthians 2:11) The great apostle was fully aware he needed secret, inside information about the devi'ls plans, and he knew where he could get it: from the Holy Spirit alone. 

The Japanese Empire was defeated by the use of secret, inside information. Like the codebreakers of World War II, knowledge is available to us that is unknown to the rest of the world. If we will spend time praying in the spirit and listen to what the Spirit of God says, we too will gain access to secret information about Satan's plans, plots, and purposes, Forearmed with this information, we know that "though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4) God empowers us to win, and imparts His supérnatural ability to us through the Holy Spirit. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;" (Acts 1:8) Secret information is only as far away as your next prayer connection with God. Use it for His Glory today!

Pastor Ramon