Saturday, 4th January, 2025

Bible Reading: Isaiah 65:17, 43:19

Memory Verse: Then the LORD said to Samuel: “Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 1 Samuel 3:11 (NKJV)

Oreofe Williams, PhD wrote a piece titled IT IS SOMETIMES FRESH TO START AFRESH (a worthy lesson from a PhD program). He said: During my PhD program in Film Studies at Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, I encountered an unexpected challenge. After completing chapters 1 and 2, including a 125-page literature review, I realized my topic was flawed. I faced a tough decision: cancel the entire topic and start over.

Feeling confused, disturbed, and bitter, I sought guidance from Dr. Tosin Tume, a renowned intellect. Her hour-long advice illuminated my path. With encouragement from Professors Bakare Ojo-Rasaki and Laide Nasir, I chose a new topic and began anew.

Determined to succeed, I wrote a better thesis and became the first PhD graduate of the department, defending my work within the expected three-year timeframe (despite ASUU strikes and COVID-19 delays). My aggregate score was 71.67%, earning me a distinction. My plagiarism check was 3 percent. 

In hindsight, if I had continued with the initial topic, I would still be struggling. Instead, I proudly hold a PhD in Film Studies and Media Communications, and a popular media outlet recognized me as the only PhD holder in Film Studies to have founded a Film Village in Nigeria.

My lesson learned: it’s okay to admit mistakes and start anew. Don’t be afraid to sit, think, and begin afresh. 

Remember, it’s sometimes fresh to start afresh!

Brethren, if you are on the wrong path, speed is not an advantage. There are moments in life and destiny that you pursue a given course not minding the challenges or difficulties, and there are moments in life when you pull back to restrategise and chart a new path. May you discern correctly.

It is a New Year, receive all that is needed to have a new start, in Jesus name. A New Year does not automatically make all things new. A New Year starts the day you make Jesus, the Lord and saviour of your soul. Then His kingdom comes into your life. Are you born again?

Quote:  It’s sometimes fresh to start afresh!

Prophetic Decree: Let the anointing for a new start rest upon your head, in Jesus name.

Prayer Focus

1. Lord Jesus, I recognise I need a new start in this New Year. Today, I repent and accept you as my Lord and saviour. Wash me with your Blood, and establish me in You, in Jesus name. 

2. Today, I receive a new start in my career, in Jesus name. 

3. Today, I receive a new start in my home, in Jesus name  

4. Today, I receive a new start in my career and academics, in Jesus name. 

5. Every clog in the wheel of my progress, clear away by fire, in Jesus name. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Job 1-5