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Nehemiah 2:1-9—The young cupbearer went face-to-face with King Artaxerxes, the world’s most powerful man, to ask him to support his ministry project. Nehemiah carefully planned and prayed; and when the moment of truth came, he risked everything! He mustered the courage to make his request, —then “zip the lip”— and let the King answer.

Luke 8:1-3—The King of Kings and Lord of Lords came to earth and could have easily snapped His fingers to produce untold riches, but instead chose to depend totally on God and others to cover His personal and ministry expenses. The Son of God was not too proud to live on support. Why should we be?

Luke 10:1-8—After modeling to the disciples (in Luke 8) a life lived on support, Jesus then turned them loose to do the same. He sent them out in pairs to go door-to-door to people they did not know and ask for the room and board required to carry out their ministry in that city. Here Jesus reaffirms an Old Testament principle that God’s servants deserve to be fully supported: “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

1 Corinthians 9:14—“The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” Wow! I always thought full-time Christian workers being supported by others was just an option or suggestion. NO! The Lord COMMANDS believers to support His servants in ministry.

Taken from Steve Shadrach’s new book, ViewPoints: Fresh Perspectives on Personal Support Raising. Order at The BodyBuilders