ABOVE ALL ELSE33

Study Notes

"Above All Else" means living by your values and letting those values guide your decisions.
When you're "Above All Else" you don't let distractions deter you from your goals.
You don't settle for less than what you are striving for.
When you are an "Above All Else" pastor you understand:
- You are all in when you make a commitment.
- Complacency leads to mediocrity.
- Things are never as good or as bad as they seem in the moment.
- Trials will pass.
"Above All Else" helps to keep you on track and protects you from choices that might lead to failure.
It's a way of life that helps you stay focused so you can be successful.
Apply It: What values guide your life and ministry?

In Ruth 1:16-17, Ruth decides to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi even though she has lost her husband and Naomi encourages her to return to her own people.
Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi was a selfless act of love and loyalty.
Ruth's decision required her to put her own desires aside and care for her mother-in-law.
This decision also required Ruth to leave behind her people and the way of life she was familiar with.
God rewards Ruth's faithfulness: "The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” (Ruth 2:12).

In Esther 4-5, Esther learns about a plan to kill all of the Jews in Persia and is urged by her cousin Mordecai to go before the king and plead for her people.
This decision is dangerous because going before the king without being summoned is punishable by death.
Esther shows bravery and faith in God by risking her life to save the Jewish people.
This was an act of selflessness. Esther understood the gravity of the situation and put her own safety at risk to help others
Esther demonstrates trust in God's providence and protection.
"Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). Mordecai tells Esther that her courage had a purpose and was a part of God's plan.

Faith: Both Ruth and Esther trusted in God's plan and guidance even though they both were facing a difficult and even dangerous situation.
Their faith led them to make wise choices which resulted in blessings from God. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is an essential part of our relationship with God.
Seeking Wisdom: Solomon's request for wisdom is an important example of how to make decisions. Solomon asked God for wisdom so that he could make sound judgments. "For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6) We should seek wisdom through prayer and the study of the Bible.