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.

DAY 5 – Seeking Direction Scripture: Ezra 8:21–23 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty. Word for the Day: Direction Biblical Background: Ezra proclaimed a fast to seek God’s protection and guidance for the journey ahead. Practical Meaning: Fasting sharpens our spiritual discernment and clarifies direction. Going Beyond Tip: Bring one major decision before God today and wait for His guidance. Daily Prayer: Lord, guide my steps and order my decisions. As I humble myself before You, show me the way I should go. Amen.

Scripture: Psalm 35:13 Word for the Day: Humility Biblical Background: David humbled himself through fasting and prayer during difficult seasons. Practical Meaning: Humility invites God’s intervention and grace. Going Beyond Tip: Lay aside pride and approach God honestly today. Daily Prayer: Father, I humble myself before You. Teach me to depend fully on Your strength. Shape my heart to reflect Your humility. Amen. ARE THERE AREAS OF LIFE THST YOU COULD BE MORE HIMBLE IN?

That was very nice. I really enjoyed it this morning. Thank you Pastor Riddick and Dr.S. Riddick for coming out and continuing to share the word with us this morning.

Since we do not have to engage in our dietary fasting on Sat & Sunday let’s be intentional about reaching someone else. Saturday Is for Outreach. At Better Life Academy, we don’t just gather, we grow. And growth requires intention. Today I want to challenge every member to virtually reach out to at least ONE person. A friend. A family member. A coworker. Someone who needs encouragement, structure, and spiritual growth. Let’s double our group size by Monday. Why? Because metrics matter. Not because we’re chasing numbers… But because every number represents a life. Every profile represents a person. Every new member represents potential transformation. Our goal goes beyond attendance … it’s life transformation. Better Life Academy is a safe place to grow. A place to ask questions. A place to strengthen your faith. A place where Sunday inspiration becomes Monday through Saturday application. Let’s build something that impacts eternity. If each of us reaches one, we multiply impact overnight. Below is a script for you to follow word for word or adjust as you text, email, call or talking to someone. Let’s go. Short Textable Script You Can Send: “Hey! I’m part of a faith-based growth community called Better Life Academy. It’s been helping me grow in scripture, leadership, and daily purpose. I thought of you because this space is all about real transformation, not just inspiration. I’d love for you to join us. Click the link below and jump into the conversation!” 👇🏽 [Insert Link Here] PS 👀💡—-> you have an individual link at the top right of this page under INVITE, use it to get credit for who you invite. That’s all. I’m posting some graphics of a how to, a graphic you download and send out and a before photo of how many people we have today so we can compare to Monday.