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.

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.

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4 Word for the Day: Burden Biblical Background: Nehemiah fasted when he learned of Jerusalem’s broken condition, allowing the burden to shape his calling. Practical Meaning: God often uses burdens to birth assignments. Going Beyond Tip: Ask God what burden He is awakening in your heart and why. Daily Prayer: God, align my heart with what burdens You. Give me compassion and clarity about what You are calling me to address. Amen.

While growing and going, we are taking a stand against the enemy or even encroaching into his territory. I'd forgotten about counter-attacks. A recent nasty one reminded me Satan is not going to let us invade his territory unopposed. BUT GOD has given us all we need in order to be victorious whenever those attacks come! 🔥 HALLELUJAH!!! 🙌🏽🔥

Scripture: Esther 4:15–16 Word for the Day: Courage Biblical Background: Esther fasted before stepping into her God-ordained assignment, risking her life for deliverance. Practical Meaning: Fasting strengthens courage to obey God despite fear. Going Beyond Tip: Ask God for courage to obey Him where fear has delayed action. Daily Prayer: God, give me courage to obey You boldly. Strengthen my faith as I step into Your purpose. I trust You are with me. Amen. WHAT DOES GOD NEED YOU TO BE COURAGEOUS ABOUT?