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Talents and Gifts

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He opened his eyes, although he wasn't certain they were ever really closed.  He sat in a chair, neither comfortable nor uncomfortable.  An open field surrounded him.  Green grass and wild flowers of yellows and purples stretched to the horizon.  The only interruption, a blemish, on the idyllic scene was another man in a chair facing his. The other man seemed out of focus.  His features were unclear.  The first man, the one who had just opened his eyes, tried to identify the man who was little more than a blemish against the meadow. "Who are you?" He asked, not expecting an answer, as the idea that he was in a dream brought on by... that was it... the accident.  He'd been driving too fast.  He lost control of his Ferrari. 'That was a fantastic car,' he mused, forgetting about the man, without discernable features, sitting across from him. "What have you done with that which I have given you?" The out of focus man finally spoke. The Ferrari, yes, t...

Psalm 37 (Inspiration)

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Be patient when you witness the world's glorification of evil. Do not be concerned. Do not envy their place, nor their prideful dance. They are grass. They are weeds. Soon they will wither and be cut down for the furnace. Take refuge in the Lord. Prosper in the ways of His words. That which celebrates wickedness will see its day as nothing more than dust. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Atonement

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He is the atonement for our iniquities. He is the one who spoke not in His own defense. With Him, jubilee is embraced. We shall sing and dance for this promise has been fulfilled. We are washed. We are white as snow. But for no reason, other than His cross, and His blood. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Lifted Up (Numbers 21:1-9)

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Illustration from a Bible Card - Published by Providence Lithograph Company Lifted up, like a a bronze serpent on a pole. A symbol of healing, a stain being removed. Lifted up, before those who grumble, a symbol of Eden's punishment and God's mercy. Lifted up, arms spread wide on wooden beams. He who has come to heal. He who washes you in His blood. He who is punished by men. He who is your savior. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Those Who Hate Him

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15th century depiction of Jesus crucified between the two thieves Scatter your enemies, gathered before you. They have risen up against you, lashed out against your chosen ones. May you exhale upon them, blow them like dust into the abyss. Form the wicked as wax in a burning flame that they might perish before you. At this judgement may the righteous stand joyfully. Their God has done a great thing for them. But what is this we hear? A voice will speak out from garments of humility. A new covenant with creation. He will not be a soldier, nor a king we recognize. He will speak of love, even for those who hate him. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Deep Calls Out to Deep (Psalm 42:7)

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A yearning, in the depths of the created. Calling out into the vastness, one soul, seeking one God. In the psalm it might be a deer, seeking a stream with clear water. It might be a soul, seeking a union meant to purify. A longing, a cry for intimacy. A lyric sung by a voice from the deepness of one realm to another. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Psalm 98

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Sing a song, which speaks to the Lord of His wonderous deeds. He has gained victory by His right hand and His holy arm. Sing a song, which speaks of salvation, bringing His word to the nations, telling of His love and His faithfulness. Sing a song, which can be heard from above. A song bringing forth joy. For each day He is worthy of your praise, and mine. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

The Branch of Salvation

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Who has believed our message?  And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? Isaiah 53:1 Bernardino Luini - Crucifixion His holy arm, stretched out in the sight of all people. None will not know. They will look upon Him. Some will look away. The disfiguring sight hard to bear. They chose not to be drawn into His presence. See not His nakedness. See not the stripes on His flesh. He is salvation. But not all will witness what has been revealed. His holy arm stretched out on the limb of a tree. The branch of salvation. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Sonnet of Love

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Singing a song making sense only to the singer. Words sung in intimacy between the soul and its keeper.   My song has few notes. The chords are chaotic. The measure changes with each whim, but the Lord understands each nuance of the melody.   Singing a song in a language foreign to other ears. Words meant as prayer, as conversation and as a sonnet of love. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author  

The Artist

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I Have always stood in awe at the creations of our loving God.   Despite all that I have never been for Him, He has been everything for me.   When I am discouraged I can turn to the east and watch the sunrise.   When I am lost I can face the western sky and watch the day come to rest.   When my soul is grounded and I am unable to look at His face, He lays out beautiful patterns of flowers at my feet.   He paints this world with every color imaginable and we have barely begun to see its beauty. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author