✍️ Agape Love Publishing – Author DevotionalMonday, August 17The Next Chapter Begins Today

The Next Chapter Begins Today

Scripture

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." — Philippians 3:13 (KJV)

Good Monday morning, authors!

There is something beautiful about a new week.

Mondays remind us that God is a God of fresh beginnings. The pages behind us have already been written, but the pages ahead are still waiting to be filled.

Perhaps last week brought unexpected challenges.

Maybe you didn't write as much as you had hoped.

Maybe life interrupted your plans.

Maybe discouragement found its way into your heart.

Or perhaps you accomplished more than you expected and are ready to continue the journey.

No matter where you find yourself today, remember this:

Your story is still unfolding.

The beautiful thing about writing is that every chapter offers another opportunity to move forward.

And the beautiful thing about God's grace is that He offers us the same opportunity every single day.

🌿 Leave Yesterday Behind

Many authors become trapped by what they didn't accomplish.

The unfinished manuscript.

The unwritten chapter.

The abandoned outline.

The unanswered email.

But dwelling on yesterday can keep us from embracing today's opportunities.

Paul reminded us to forget what is behind and reach forward.

That doesn't mean we ignore the lessons we've learned.

It means we refuse to let past disappointments prevent future progress.

💜 Write With Faith

You don't have to know how the entire story will unfold.

You simply need enough faith to write today's page.

One paragraph.

One chapter.

One prayer.

One act of obedience.

Small steps may not seem significant in the moment, but those faithful moments eventually become completed manuscripts.

✍️ Your Calling Still Matters

If God has called you to write, don't allow doubt to silence your voice.

Your testimony matters.

Your story matters.

Your message matters.

There is someone waiting for the encouragement only you can provide.

Don't underestimate the power of words surrendered to God.

🙏 Monday Author Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of a new week and a new beginning.

Help us release yesterday's disappointments and embrace the opportunities You have placed before us today.

Renew our creativity.

Strengthen our faith.

Guide our thoughts and our words.

Help us remain faithful to the calling You have placed upon our lives.

May every page we write bring hope, encouragement, and glory to Your name.

In Jesus' precious name,

Amen.

✍️ Today's Author Challenge

Choose one goal for this week.

• Write one chapter.

• Finish one devotional.

• Outline one new project.

• Edit five pages.

• Spend time praying over your manuscript.

Write your goal down and place it somewhere you'll see it every day this week.

💜 Monday Author Fellowship

Let's encourage one another!

What is one writing goal you hope to accomplish this week?

Share it in the comments, and let's pray for one another as we begin another week together.

🌸 Today's Encouragement

"A new week is more than another seven days. It's another opportunity to trust God, pick up the pen, and continue the story He placed in your heart."

Keep writing.

Keep believing.

Keep trusting.

The next chapter begins today.

Happy Monday & Happy Writing! 💜📖✍️

— Sarah M. SkaggsMinister • Author • Grief Counselor • Public SpeakerFounder, Agape Love Publishing & Ministry