Scarlet Robe Creations

One is planted to glorify creation. There is a tree in its center, full of life. From the dust comes man, and beside him a mate. But serpents speak here, and some fruit tastes of evil. Another is planted to glorify defeat. There is a tomb in it's center, empty for now. From the rough hewn cross of Roman death comes the crushing heel, and the fruit of salvation. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

A lighthearted piece for a Mid-November day She opened her door to him.  The minister from her church.  She showed him a seat, and beckoned her sister's help in preparing something for lunch. She laid out meats and cheese, crackers and fruit.  The rolls were fresh, but as she set them on the table, she took note that her sister, the younger of the two, had wandered into the other room, to sit and listen to the reverend. There was work to be done.  She sliced the rolls in half, cut cubes of cheese and laid them out on the plate, just so.  She huffed a few times, hoping the exasperated sound would seep into the other room and remind her sister of her responsibility. Their mother had always said, "A host must serve.  Every guest must be served." She looked at the food she was preparing, by herself.  While her sister sat and listened to the minister, rather than do the task assigned. She stepped through the doorway dividing the kitchen from the living room...

It's a long journey, setting out for the purpose of being counted. Brought together by an angel, emissary of 'I Am', and the donkey is gentle. How many miles on tired legs? The woman bears new life, kicking in her womb. The man takes on the responsibly, of teaching God about Himself. They know little of the days ahead, call it trust, call it faith. Frustration will tighten its grip when the inns are full and labor pains strike. But the journey is long. Perhaps songs are sung among a caravan. Excitement might be added to each step, by a song of Exodus. Centuries beyond Moses, travelers no longer in chains, Bethlehem looms, not Babylon, and the song speaks not of a desert, but of salvation. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

The altar on a barren hill, a sacrifice, one seen as the world's victory, one brought forth by man's own sin. The altar among the sinners, gazed upon by the curious and afraid. Some have run to shelter after denial takes root. An altar of purification, crossed beams of rough hewn wood. The serpent is crushed by an act of love. The altar on a barren hill, the arms of the lamb spread wide. "Come to me," He says, "and I will give you peace." copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

And he dreamed that there was a ladder set upon the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. Genesis 28:12 Jacob's Ladder - Wencesles Hollar From heaven to earth, ascending and descending, angels. some coming to the soil of this world, others returning. A place of holiness, where the LORD has stood and promised offspring, as the dust. From heaven to earth, a dream, unquestioned upon rising. The stone beneath his head is of a sacred place, a piece of ground blessed by the LORD. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Only He could have saved us, no one else. To think otherwise is folly, a foolish endeavor. We are not strong enough. We are weak, as He made Himself weak. We are in need, as He has come in fulfillment. The world says, "Be filled with the strength of self, be an individual who needs not a single prayer. Be free of all chains." Choose instead to bind yourself with chains of faith. Choose instead to lean on the beam of rough wood. Choose instead to be saved by He who already has. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, "Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you." He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'Behold..." Luke 13:31-32 Christ with the Pharisees - Ernst Zimmerman Go to the fox, the king who is false, and say, "He has chased out demons, sent them to the swine, and caused them to fall into the sea. He has healed the sores of those you would not lay a hand for blessing on. He has placed His finger on the ear of he who was deaf, and rubbed mud and spit on the eyes of the blind." How can one doubt who has heard these things. Has he not looked into the eyes of those who speak, telling of good things that have been done, good things by He who was promised, good things by He whose heel will be wounded. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Do you see, a cloud rising, warning of a storm? Do you feel the wind, it's warm southerly air, touching your scalp, telling you that the temperature of the coming day will be warm? How is it that you know these things, but cannot grasp what is to come? How is it that you do not understand the signs of the times, the signs of war, signs of hunger, signs of disease? How is it, you can learn so much about this world around you, and still know so little? copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

A marriage. A man takes the hand of his wife. Male and female. He said this, when they were too busy with their own questions. Why do we sully a gift? Why do we offer vows unholy, and define a covenant, between a woman and a man, by the world's twisted pride. A marriage. A beautiful bond for life. A foundation built on rock. As we have heard, a man and a woman, and the approval of the Lord. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author