The End of Summer Pit Stop: We need pit stops often to recalibrate.

• This summer, we have sought to walk through the book of Mark and to focus on Jesus.
• We have answered the questions, “Who Is Jesus? What does it mean to be His disciple?” and looked at Jesus’ mission, the cross, Jesus’ commands, and what it means to be and make disciples.
• We’re heading into the school year, and it’s a new season as summer’s over.
• Pit Stop is about taking a look at how you are doing. God put celebrations and seasons in place to cause us to remember and recalibrate. We each have a dominate leg, and if we don’t keep a compass, we will walk in a circle.

1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Hebrews 12:1–3 (NIV) 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Question: Where are you in relation to the race as God defines it?

Notice: A race marked out for us.

• Remember we were saved for a purpose. (Ephesians 2:10)
• How is your walk with God within the church, within your families, and within your work space?

Notice: The entanglements to finishing.

• Sin
• Distractions
• Being out of shape (A long, hard race leads to the potential for giving up.)

Notice: If you’ve been thrown off course, a correction is necessary. Focus on the finish line.

• So here is what I am asking you to do:

1. Stand at the crossroads, stop, and consider your ways.

Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV) 16This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

2. Look for the ancient way—God’s original design.

3. Walk in obedience to God. Surrender to Him.

Psalm 119:58–61 (NIV) 58I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. 59I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. 60I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. 61Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.

• Is there something competing with your allegiance and commitment to the King? Ask yourself and/or trusted people in your life: what controls your time, money, and thoughts?
• Course correct. Put it down on paper. Share it with accountability partners.

Revelation 2:4–5 (NIV) 4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Questions to process and discuss:

1. What is your takeaway from the sermon? What are you processing or planning?

2. What did you learn about yourself this summer? What did you learn about your family?

3. How did you see God at work personally or as a family? What about in your friends, neighbors, or co-workers?

4. What will it take to align your life to what you see God doing?

5. What course corrections do you need to make (slight or big)?