Hello everyone, I paused for a week or so to organize the classroom but haven’t forgotten you… So I hope you’ve been writing and planning your book. I’m back posting now and the classroom will be ready for you to start growing by Monday. Today I ask this question for your commenting… WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK OF THE BIBLE AND WHY?

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:

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.