From Thorns to Thrones: Crowned Through Endurance Main Scripture James 1:12 (ESV) “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life…” Bible Teaching & Lent Connection Your manuscript describes Jesus enduring the crown of thorns and mockery. The crown of thorns symbolizes suffering — but the crown of life symbolizes victory. Lent teaches us: Endurance precedes elevation. Thorns do not cancel destiny. They refine it. Short Story / Testimonial A young teacher stayed in an under-resourced school despite low pay and criticism. Years later, her former students returned as doctors, entrepreneurs, and leaders — all crediting her belief in them. Her endurance crowned generations. Black History Connection – Madam C.J. Walker Entrepreneur and philanthropist. Connection: After experiencing poverty and loss, she built a business empire that empowered thousands of Black women. Lesson: Endurance under hardship produces legacy. Closing Prayer Lord, strengthen me to endure trials with faith. Turn my thorns into testimony. Prepare me for the crown that follows faithfulness. Amen.

LENT DAY 1 – Ash Wednesday From Thorns to Thrones: Marked by Mercy Main Scripture Psalm 51:17 (ESV) “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Bible Teaching & Lent Connection Ash Wednesday invites us into repentance, not humiliation. Your manuscript emphasizes that ashes represent confession and appreciation for grace. God is not looking for perfection — He is looking for surrender.Lent begins with a heart posture, not a performance. Ashes say: - I acknowledge my need - I receive God’s mercy - I begin again Short Story / Testimonial A father and son had not spoken in years. Pride built walls neither would tear down. One day, the father mailed a simple note: “I’m sorry.” No excuses. No explanations. The son called that night. Healing began with humility. Black History Connection – Richard Allen Founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Connection:After facing racial discrimination in a Methodist congregation, Allen didn’t abandon faith — he built a church rooted in dignity and repentance before God. Lesson:Humility before God empowers dignity before people. Closing Prayer Lord, create in me a contrite heart.Mark me with mercy, not shame. As I begin Lent, I surrender fully to Your grace. Amen. BE FREE TODAY: COMMENT BELOW Today I will start Lent by fasting from _____________________. Share with us below what you will be fasting from if it's not too personal.

** Just a Reminder... we are celebrating our church Anniversary This Sunday, and would love to have you come and be a part of the celebration!!! PRE-LENT DAY 5 – Friday, Feb 13 Deepening Desire Scripture – Matthew 5:6 (ESV) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Word: Hunger Practical Teaching Physical hunger during Lent mirrors spiritual hunger. Jeremiah 33:3 Connection We call because we hunger for more than what we see. Black History Spotlight – Sister Thea Bowman Franciscan nun who brought African-American spiritual traditions into Catholic worship.Lesser-known fact: Even while battling cancer, she continued speaking about joy and faith. Connection: Spiritual hunger sustains joy even in suffering. Going Beyond Tip Ask God to increase your appetite for righteousness. Prayer Lord, create in me a holy hunger. Satisfy me with Your presence. Amen. COMMENT BELOW: WHAT GETS YOU EXCITED MOST ABOUT GOD?

COMMENT BELOW ... WHAT DOES MAKING SPACE FOR GOD MEAN TO YOU? Making Space Scripture – Psalm 46:10 (ESV) “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Word for the Day: Stillness Practical Teaching Before Lent begins, we must slow down. Lent is not something we rush into — it is something we enter. Stillness is the doorway to depth. If we never pause, we cannot hear. Jeremiah 33:3 Connection God promises to reveal “great and hidden things.” Hidden things require quiet spaces. Stillness prepares the ear for revelation. Going Beyond Tip Schedule 10 uninterrupted minutes today with no phone, no music — just silence before God. Black History Spotlight – Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays Who He Was:Dr. Benjamin E. Mays was a theologian, educator, and longtime president of Morehouse College. He mentored generations of leaders — including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lesser-Known Fact:Before becoming a prominent educator, Mays spent years in disciplined theological study and spiritual formation. He was known for beginning each school year with deep spiritual reflection and moral vision-setting, not hype. His leadership was rooted in contemplation before action. He once said: “Not failure, but low aim is sin.” Why He Fits Day 1 (Stillness):Mays believed clarity comes from reflection. He understood that leaders must think deeply before moving publicly. Stillness shaped his vision. Prayer Lord, quiet my heart. Teach me to be still before You. Prepare me for deeper places as Lent approaches. Amen.

So we just had powerful virtual worship… praise and worship via singing, invite to give financially in tithes and free will offering to support the vision and ministries of our church and had a bold message from the word by Bishop on going beyond limitations that push us to the margins and coming back in… The question for me is NOT what did I just experience, it’s WHAT WILL I DO WITH WHAT GOD just revealed to me? See, during services we don’t all see the same or feel the same or experience it the same because God reveals to us all differently in the same moment. I now ask you WHAT DID GOD REVEAL to you during that service and WHAT WILL YOU DO as a result of it? Let’s talk about it in the chat.