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: Matthew 6:16–18 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Word for the Day: Purity Biblical Background: Jesus taught that fasting should be done privately, with pure motives, not for public recognition. Practical Meaning: God honors sincerity over visibility. Fasting refines our motives and devotion. Going Beyond Tip: Fast quietly today, focusing more on God’s presence than public acknowledgment. Daily Prayer: Father, purify my heart and motives as I fast. Teach me to seek Your approval alone. Let my devotion be sincere and pleasing to You. Amen.

It is so great to have you here in your GBC BETTER LIFE ACADEMY!!! You will find courses, conversation, challenges, prizes, and most of spiritual growth in all areas of your life. In order to make the most of your time here, I'd ask that you do a few things: 1) INTRODUCE YOURSELF in the comments so we know who you are What's your favorite book, scripture, or person of the bible? What's your favorite travel destination? 2) COMMENT on someone else's comment or post. Earn points by having your post and comments "liked" and by "liking and commenting" on others. Prizes will come. 3) VISIT THE MENU bar and be sure to click on classroom and calendar to stay up-to-date with new online courses, virtual live classes, and onsite sessions. 4) PARTICIPATE often. Make visiting this page a daily stop to get morning motivation, better life spiritual tips, and stay in conversation with highly motivated believers. Your network is your networth, and community matters. 5) CONSIDER UPGRADING to the next level of growth. Our leadership prep courses begin at the premium level, and then the Kingdom Business building courses are available at the VIP level. Each level will supply plenty of courses for you to grow from, just don't decide to stay stuck at standard if you know you are being called to more. I can't wait to hear your testimonies about our time here in the Better Life Academy. - Dwight Shawrod Riddick, II In the Poll, please let us know what you'd like to have courses on the most:

DAY 3 – Staying the Course Scripture: Daniel 10:2–3 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks. Word for the Day: Persistence Biblical Background: Daniel fasted for understanding, even when answers were delayed. His persistence preceded revelation. Practical Meaning: Delay does not mean denial. Persistence in fasting positions us to hear from God clearly. Going Beyond Tip: Resist discouragement today and commit to pressing forward with expectation. Daily Prayer: God, strengthen me to persist even when answers seem delayed. Help me remain faithful and focused as I seek You. I trust You are working. Amen. Drop in the COMMENT: WHAT HELPS YOU STAY CONSISTENT? encourage us by sharing your tips.

Day 2 – Joel 2:12–13 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord,“return to me with all your heart,with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;and rend your hearts and not your garments.”Return to the Lord your God,for he is gracious and merciful,slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;and he relents over disaster. Word for the Day: Return Biblical Background: Joel called the people to return to God with sincere hearts, not outward performance. God desired repentance rooted in relationship. Practical Meaning: Fasting re-centers our hearts on God. It’s an invitation to come back to Him fully, not partially. Going Beyond Tip: Examine what has distracted your devotion and intentionally turn your heart fully back to God today. Daily Prayer:Lord, I return my heart fully to You. Remove distractions and restore my passion for You. Draw me closer as I seek You during this fast. Amen. COMMENT BELOW: What was your biggest takeaway from today?