Philippians 4:4-8, Passion Translation

     I love Brian Simmons' Passion Translation.  Are you familiar with it?  It helps me to see the scriptures in a different light.   I have linked the previous statements to websites which explain the goal of this translation.   If you are interested, you can download a free Lenten/Easter devotional on the second site to get a taste of the translation. Mr. Simmons expects to have the entire New Testament finished by 2017, and then will begin on the Old Testament.  In the meantime, he has released each book as a separate entity as soon as it is finished.  So far I have purchased Proverbs, Psalms, John and Letters From Heaven.  Each one has been helpful by shedding new light on passages I have read many times before.

Today this passage from the PT seemed especially clear and meaningful to me.

Phil. 4:4-8  "4 Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life.  Let joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One!  5 Let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near.

6 Don't be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing.  Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude.  Tell Him every detail of your life, 7 then God's wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.  8 So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind.  And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising Him always." 

I am adding the NIV version of Phil. 4:4-8 so you can easily compare the two.

"4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."