The Sharing Economy
But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! ~ 1 Chronicles 29:14 (NLT)
Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. ~ 2 Corinthians 8:14 (NLT)
Lord,
THANKS: I'm grateful for all that you have given to me.
REGRETS: I get stingy with money and possessions. Once things come under my control I am hesitant to give them up to others who are in need. Maybe it's because I'm afraid that you won't continue to take care of me or maybe it's that I enjoy having so much under my control. I'm not sure what motivates me. But I know that I need to change.
INTERCESSION: Change my heart so that I am more aware of your daily bread and are less attached to stuff. If necessary, make the needs in others that you would have me address glaringly obviously.
PURPOSE: I want to share as you share.
Amen.
TRANSLATIONS
ABP = Authorized Boydston Paraphrase — my own freestyle biblical adaptation — somewhere between paraphrase, commentary, and sermon
CEB = Common English Bible (©2011, the Common English Bible)
CEV = Contemporary English Version (©1995, American Bible Society)
MSG = The Message (©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson)
NIRV = New International Reader's Version (©1996, 1998, Biblica)
NIV = New International Version (©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011, Biblica)
NLT = New Living Translation (©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, Tyndale House Foundation)
