As we begin our week-long fast together let's start with one of God's greatest promises as our focus Scripture:  "¹¹For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  ¹²In those days when you pray, I will listen.  ¹³If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.  ¹⁴I will be found by you,” says the LORD." (Jeremiah 29:11-14a NLT) God spoke these words to the people of Israel during one of the darkest times in their history.  Their world was literally falling apart.  They were being killed or carried off to exile.  In the midst of that God said, "I have GOOD plans for you."  "I will give you a FUTURE and a HOPE." 

We're in what can only be considered good times here at New Life!  God has called us to share the new life of Jesus Christ with the world-one person at a time, and we are responding as a congregation in unprecedented ways.  Within the past month we have been part of planting four churches in Cuba!  In the past two Sundays more than thirty first-time guests have worshiped with us at New Life! Some of you have told me that you are growing in your walk with the Lord as never before and that is certainly true in my life.  We are experiencing God's good plans, and we can be certain that His future for us includes eternity with Him because of Jesus' work on the cross of Calvary 2,000 years ago.

So why fast?  When things are going well, why invest a week of our lives in a fast to call on God to do more?  Because, we want to be involved in action that focuses our hearts and lives on God, and we want to continue to call on Him to empower us by His Spirit to share the new life of Jesus near and far, and we want to see the lost come to Him in unprecedented numbers.  In short, we want to participate in God's GOOD plans for us, and for those who don't yet know that God has a good plan for them! 

As you start the fast, take some time in prayer to thank God for everything He is doing among us.  Thank Jesus for the greatest gift of all--the gift of eternal life, which He purchased for us on the cross.  Ask the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you, so you may be used by God to share His new life with those He brings across your path today, and each day this week.  Prepare to be part of God's plans, His GOOD plans to bring not only us, but those in our community, region, nation and world a future and a hope!