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.

Hi Better Life Academy Disciples 👋🏾, so let me make a confession. While I’ve been blessed to author about 7 books now and thru my publishing company (www.finalsteppublisher.com) I’ve published 100s of books for others …there have been a few manuscripts I’ve written that I just never completed. One of those is this Lent Season Devotional named “From Thorns to Throne”, that I started back in 2018. But I’ve decided to finish it this year and connect a video masterclass to it. I’m going to use this as a guide for this years morning devos during lent. While in my prayer time, God gave me a vision (Habakkuk says to WRITE THE VISION AND MAKE IT PLAIN) of a huge book signing and authors highlight event hosted at our church. However, it wasn’t just me it was authors from everywhere and I saw many of you standing behind tables with books, sitting and signing them with huge smiles on your face! So I must ask… DO YOU WANT TO AUTHOR A BOOK? Would you like to engage in a 40 DAY BOOK WRITING CHALLENGE during lent, where I give you prompts each day for you to write and by day 20 we are done writing, and the last 20 days we send it to a publisher and by Resurrection Sunday you’d have a finished book? 🎉🎊🫣🙌🏾 Here’s how it could work: ——————————————- My gift to you for JOINING OUR BETTER LIFE ACADEMY FIRST would be… Every day I will post here in Skool, the lent devo and something to do towards writing your book. 1) I will help you AUTHOR your OWN BOOK, your own topic and your own audience and your own thoughts. 2) I will help you CO-AUTHOR a GROUP BOOK. Known as an anthology, we would decide on a topic and many of us would submit a part of the book, either a devotional, a chapter, your testimony, etc. Then each person would get a copy of the book as a co-author. 3) I will help you DO BOTH, Author your own and Co-Author with us as a group. Choose which of the 3 options works best for you. Of course pray about this and then comment below and let me know your interest. No pressure at all.

PRE-LENT DAY 6 –Strength for the Journey Scripture – Isaiah 30:15 (ESV) “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” Word: Strength Practical Teaching Pre-Lent builds endurance for the wilderness season. Jeremiah 33:3 Connection Trusting God strengthens the one who calls on Him. Black History Spotlight – Matthew Henson Arctic explorer who accompanied Robert Peary to the North Pole. Lesser-known fact: Henson was likely the first person to actually reach the geographic North Pole, though recognition came decades later. Connection: Quiet strength often goes unnoticed — but it endures. Going Beyond Tip Strengthen your spirit with rest before you sacrifice. Prayer Lord, renew my strength in quiet trust. Prepare me for the journey ahead. Amen. MAKE A PLAY: what gives you the most strength in God?

** 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.