Sometimes a simple gift can create great impact.  Such was the case when I opened the elegantly wrapped gift given to each lady at our first Women of Freedom retreat.  Inside was a book titled, “The Psalms: Poetry on Fire.”  It was an illustrated journaling edition of The Passion Translation of Psalms.  I’d heard of this translation but was not overly familiar with it.

During our devotional time, as I began to read through one of my favorite Psalms, I was captivated by how this translation portrayed the heart of love the Father has for us!  Not only is the text rich, but the footnotes added so much to my understanding of the text!

Adding creativity to your soaking time enriches it more than you might think!  I appreciate the simplicity of the artwork and how it draws out Daddy’s Passion for us!  My pouch of colored pencils & pens is put to good use!

Brian Simmons, the primary translator of tPt says this on his website: “The Passion Translation‘s philosophy is that the meaning of God’s original message to the world has priority over its exact form, which is why our goal is to communicate the meaning of Scripture as clearly and naturally as possible in modern English. Brian and other reviewers have sought to remain faithful to the original biblical languages by preserving their literal meaning, yet flexible enough to convey God’s original message in a way modern English speakers can understand. It is a balanced translation that tries to hold both the Word’s literal meaning and original message in proper tension, resulting in an entirely new, fresh, fiery translation of God’s Word.”1

As I study the Word of God, I have a few preferred versions.  The Passion Translation was quickly added into the mix.  When I want to really soak or embrace the heart of my Dad on something, The Passion Translation is my go to!

My husband blessed me with the newly released New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs for Christmas.  The pages are thinner than the journaling one, but I’m still glad to have a hard copy in my hands!

Here’s a quick comparison of Ephesians 2:10 in two versions (both favorites, by the way!):

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” NIV

“We have become his poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it!” tPt

The biblical books that have been translated to date are available on biblegateway.com as well.  Take a look!  You’ll be blessed too!

Live Loved,

1https://www.thepassiontranslation.com/faqs/