Scarlet Robe Creations

Jesus Wept - James Tissot I had come to comfort the sisters.  Their brother had succumbed to a brief illness and they were very distraught.  I had not seen any of the siblings in a number of years.  We grew up together.  At one time, their brother, Lazarus, and I were good friends.  But growing up into adulthood put distance between us.  I must confess, I didn't make any effort to take the two day journey, from my home to theirs, while Lazarus was still alive.  In my guilt, I took care of pressing business and set off for Bethany after Lazarus had passed. I arrived on the morning of the fourth day and went directly to the tomb.  I was fairly certain both sisters had been there before my arrival, along with some other close family members and friends.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to face them just yet.  I knew most of those friends had probably paid a visit to Lazarus during his sickness.  I felt another wave of remorse for not having ...

Oh my people, I will open your graves Ezekiel 37:12 Restoration of a people trampled by the sword, a chosen nation, gathered by a covenant. I will bring you back for y ou are mine. Renewal of faith, bind your soul with your creator, and stand in his presence. I will  walk before you without fail. Resurrection of life, once dead bones, dried in the valley's heat, embraced by a promise. I will open your graves  and you will know me. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Mount Moriah, carrying wood and bindings, Isaac, the long awaited of Abraham, submissive to the Father, protected from the blade. Mount Moriah, Solomon picks the first stone, laid out as designed, a temple for sacrifice, the LORD's provision, a lamb without blemish. Mount Moriah, where Roman spikes impale flesh to a beam, the final lamb, the perfect son, brings the gentiles to God. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Healing the blind man - Carl Bloch There is work that must be done, now, while there is still light. Darkness will come soon. It will bear the might of an empire and wear the cloak of rejection, on those chosen to bring forth the light. He is the world's light. He will walk through the dark valley and rise on the third day. The serpent will strike His heel, His wrists, His side. But the Father's light is eternal. Rise up, those of you who shield yourselves from the gaze of hate. Salvation has come, a bright star on a hill. He calls out, forgiving sinners and promising eternity to those who simply ask. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

“Elder!” Three young men called out after dragging their small wooden craft onto the shore.  The old man, the one known to them only as elder, sat at the front of a cave.  He was feeding twigs to a small fire.  As the three men approached, he looked up and smiled. “We are friends of Lydia,” one of the three said. “She sends her greetings.” “Lydia, sweet Lydia,” the old man said with a sing-song rhythm. “She said you would give us audience.” The old man’s attention returned to the fire.  He laid a couple dried twigs over the glowing embers. “I had considered allowing the coals to cool.  But now I see that I have company.  Join me.  I have some bread.” The three men gathered around the meager smoldering pile of ash.  The elder presented a Barley loaf.  He tore chunks off it and handed a piece to each of his visitors. “We did not come to eat your food,” the man who spoke of Lydia said.  He wore a beard, and had a shawl pulle...

Hypocrites, standing in the presence of many. Praying among the crowds that they might be noticed and thought of, with esteem. Their reward is received, the envy of foolish men. Their pride blossoms. They are, as they wish, a pious example to the empty. You, who seek the new covenant, should close your door, and pray where you cannot be admired for your reverence before the Father. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

For the saying is true, 'One sows, another reaps John 4:37 Seeds planted in sporadic rows. Unevenly gathered along the soil. Does the planter whistle a tune as he throws seed into the air and prays for the harvest? Seedling to sprout, the gentle rains and the warm sun are the givers of nourishment. Life, as the creator bestows upon the earth and in the heavens, rising up in glory in answer to a psalm. Fruits of harvest, the reaper labors. He takes to the fields in the sun's warmth whistling a tune, not unlike the planter's song. An unspoken lyric giving glory to the giver of good things. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

James Tissot - He Sent Them Out Two by Two The fire crackles, a lyric of dry wood.  I pick up the fish, a remnant of the day's catch, while studying my calloused fingers.  Silas sits across from me.  His eyes reflect the flames against the dark sky.  Our acquaintanceship has been short, but we've been paired up.  One group of two, to be sent out. "Why do you think we were placed together?" I ask, licking a stray piece of white meat from my fingers. "Haven't thought about it," Silas replies. Tomorrow we will begin.  Tonight we eat.  Tomorrow we will take nothing.  We will travel hungry and thirsty.  We will eat only what is offered by those who are not wealthy.  We will lay hands on the sick, and speak to them about a kingdom that is to come, a kingdom we know little about. "We barely know each other," I decide to add. "You seek too many answers.  Why does there need to be any rhyme or reason to what the master says.  Think of w...

In the quiet, where the Lord whispers, where the words of prophets are made clear. In the quiet, when thoughts are pure when humility is encompassing, an embrace of peace. In the quiet, where we sit or kneel, where we focus on Him and forsake us. In the quiet, when the world leaves us and Jesus demands that every storm cease into silence. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com