I’ve always been a fan of “momentum”. Well, not scientifically of course because I hate physics, but practically speaking. What I mean is I have always been fascinated about finding ways to give minimal effort but get maximum return. Yeah, okay… I’m lazy. Are you happy now? I am a push the rock downhill kind of person, if you know what I mean. So I wanted to find out if there was any truth to the saying, “If you meet God in the morning, He’ll be with you throughout the day,” which is an old song my grandmother used to sing. Is it possible to impact your whole day by paying close attention to your attitude and actions the first hour or so after you wake? It was worth finding out… Momentum…
First, I went to science (didn’t I say I hated science?). Researchers at the University of Nottingham and the National Institute of Education discovered that “willpower” like any other muscle gets fatigued after a period of exertion. That’s why they suggest that you and I try to make all-important decisions about the whole day early in the morning. Write them down and share them publicly. By doing so, you can set in motion the agenda for your day when you are most alert. Decisions like, “I’m going to eat right the whole day” or “I’m not going to engage in any morally questionable behavior today”. When you map out your day early, it has a way of helping you stay focused even when you are mentally fatigued … Momentum …
Next, I researched what successful people do with their mornings. I started with Steve Jobs, of course, since Apple is, in my opinion, the greatest company on earth. Jobs once shared that:
“For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today? And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”
Benjamin Franklin, who was one of this country’s founding fathers, would ask himself this question every morning:
“What good shall I do today?”
Zig Zilar, a great motivational speaker said,
“What you do during the first hour of every day impacts the next three days of your life.” Wow.
Finally, I went to the most successful person I know. Yep, you guessed it, Jesus. Mark 1:35 (NAS): “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.” In fact, almost all of the greats in scripture (Joshua, Isaiah, Samuel, Moses, Abraham, David, Paul) seem to have a morning routine that propelled their days to greatness.
So whether you are a morning person like me, or a night owl, you have to start your day at some time and I suggest that you start it with a bang. Invite God into your day early with prayer and devotions. Eat a good breakfast, and get that body engaged as soon as possible. Perhaps you will discover like I have that mornings are not only wonderful but a profitable kick-start to the rest of your day.
Determined to remain relevant and real at all costs, while seeking sound Biblical solutions to the problems that attach themselves to GOD’s people, is what describes the ministry and heart of Pastor George W. Hawkins, Jr.
Pastor Hawkins was born on September 10, 1964, to the late Bishop George and First Lady Gertrude Hawkins, Sr. He was raised and served on several ministries at the Church of God in Lothian under the pastorate of his maternal grandfather Elder Raymond C. Wills. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion from Liberty University. He also is a graduate of Scarsdale Biblical Seminary with a Masters in Biblical Studies.
Pastor George is an example of the next-generation leader. As Senior Pastor of High Calling Ministries (HCM) in Fort Washington, Maryland, he has developed an atmosphere that goes beyond “church as usual”. Pastor Hawkins brings a refreshing blend of practicality and passion to ministry that is truly inspiring.
Dynamic in delivery, electric in illustration and awesome in application, Pastor Hawkins is compelled and commissioned by GOD to present the message of hope with clarity, power, truth and authority. This ministry gift puts before you a Gospel that lives with you, enabling you to better understand GOD’s plan and desire for your life.
Pastor Hawkins resides in Fort Washington, MD. He is married to the lovely First Lady Elder Sharlene Hawkins and has one child, George III. Together, they are committed to serving the Body of Christ as they go to the Next Level in Him!
