Scarlet Robe Creations

Landscape with Moses and the Burning Bush - Domenico Zampiere (1581 - 1641 ) Pray for those who spoke the name 'I Am' from captivity. Those who have suffered without a home. Those who have been enslaved by diverse cultures who sought to destroy their name. Pray for those who have heard the prophets and painted lamb's blood on their doorposts so the angel would pass. Pray for our brothers and sisters who lower their heads and speak to the one God. Open the hearts of their enemies, for no hatred is of God, only condemnation. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Isn't that the way it is with sheep. They know their shepherd. They will follow no other. Their shepherd's voice is a familiar song. He sings and they dance. The shepherd guides them to water and food. Starvation and thirst would be a reality if not for the shepherd. He leads them to safety, to shelter, where the wolf is frightened to go. Isn't that the way it is with sheep. The world sets its fangs on their flesh, and the weak are most oblivious to the dangers. Still, the shepherd protects. He lies prone in the doorway and gives his sheep peace. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

We wait for the Shepherd to return,                         The Good Shepherd. The man without investment, who is paid the task, flees from the flock when danger is sensed. He closes his door and stamps on the doctrine preached. We wait for the Shepherd to return,                     The Good Shepherd. The flock is scattered by the wolf. The world has come to the doorstep to devour the weak. The saviors of man are not of God, their hands do not bleed. We wait for the Shepherd to return,                     The Good Shepherd. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

The Calling of St Peter and St Andrew - Pietro da Cortona (1596-1669) We are like him, opinionated, hard working. The one who said, "Leave me... I am  a sinful man." We are like him, the one who pulls an empty net from the sea, until he follows the lead of one who should know nothing of fishing. We are like him, asked, "Who do you say I am?" First being praised for listening to the spirit and them stumbling with human emotions. We are like him. We promise to love, and we deny. We either flee when times are most difficult, or draw the sword in anger. We are like him, a man who can barely look into the tomb, a man who hasn't counted the days, a man who knows his own sinfulness, but doesn't understand forgiveness. "Do you love me, Simon, son of John?" copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Alexander Andreyevich Ivanov (1806-1858) - Christ's Appearance to Mary Magdalene After the Resurrection This is the third day. It has no end. The blood of Friday has passed. We live in a Sunday eternal. This is the third day. The stone has fallen away. The light has returned to the world. Darkness is submissive to Him. This is the third day. There is no need for tears. He has come to Mary. She has told His friends. This is the third day. A day of everlasting joy. The world will never mourn, for those who seek His truth. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

James Tissot -The Pilgrims of Emmaus on the Road -1886-1894 It's just a road, like any road, dirt, stone, dust. It leads us to a place. It could have been any place. We were two, unimportant, except for this one scene, this one moment.  There were other travelers. Most were burdened, as we. Most were shocked by the cruelty of man, upon man. Some had been hopeful. Some had doubts. He could have stepped up beside any others. His shawl keeping the dust from his eyes. A traveler like us, no different, except for what he lacked. How is it, you do not know. How is it you are unaware. It is as if the sun has set on us, and refused to rise. This one gave us hope. This one spoke of things differently than any of the others. How is it, you do not know. It's just a road, like any road, dirt, stone, dust. It leads us to a place. It could have been any place. We were two, unimportant, except for this one scene, this one moment. We are two, joined by one who didn't seem to know. copyrigh

Feast in the House of Simon the Pharisee by Rubens, c. 1618 Why am I asked the question.  A parable about debts.  Certainly, the man who owes a greater amount will be all that much more grateful to have a loan forgiven.  But the spectacle at the table, kneeling on the floor, crying, how does this relate to transactions of coin? You have judged correctly. Was this a test of some sort.  Do I need to be tested.  The woman, God knows what she is.  Is that the debt he refers to.  He is a prophet.  Does he not know that this is a woman who sells her flesh.  She defiles the temple of her body.  Yet he looks at her with deep compassion and looks at me like I am a student who requires to be taught a simple lesson. Simon, do you see this woman?  You have judged her to be unclean. You have walked on a separate side of the street, so that you would not pass her and fall unto the same judgement. Simon, when I came to your house my feet were dusty from my journey. You offered me no water to wash. Ye

Sing, when all others have gone silent. Sing, words of your persecution. Sing, syllables appealing not to man. Sing, when you are told to be silent. Sing, when the archer's arrow flies. Sing, when the temple is left in ruin. Sing, when praise is your last breath. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr.

He has been left in the tomb. The Passover, His Passover, a lamb slaughtered, each doorpost etched with His blood. He was despised and rejected. His love, spat upon, by those who feared His truth. No political voice spoke in His favor. He was slain by the righteous. One from whom people hide their faces. Who can look at what they have done. He counts His bones and forgives. Those who know His love will find the wrappings where vacated flesh once laid. Doubt festers until a single question is asked, "Why do you shed tears?" They have taken the Lord's body. In the morning there is a dance of joy, delayed, until they understand, the blood and sweat on the linen and the words of an angel and the crucified Lord. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Between light and darkness. An overcast moment trapped between the sun going dark and the stone rolling away. Emptiness replaces fear. With the gray morning there comes reality, all have denied and have fled into the darkness. But yesterday, He was still with us, though painfully. His wounds were nightmarish streaks of blood. The prophet called them stripes. And then the world was dark, trembling. The earth knows of its creator. We speculate. So, in our doubt, we sit in shadowed rooms, afraid to light a candle, or stand by the window. Feeling to the core that He is not with us. Praying that the emptiness will pass and that the sun might rise again. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

The Last Supper (1325-1330) - Ugolino da Siena Dine with us. Celebrate the night when lamb's blood was wiped on the doorpost. You'll not share another like this. The physical law has become a spiritual grace. We come to the upper room where everything is prepared. Blood of one perfect lamb becomes the wine of another. A sacrifice bringing life to you. Hold the bread in your hands for one moment. It is the flesh that will nourish your spirit. A covenant offered. Come and sit. Dine with us. Embrace what you are freely given. The pain of days to come will blend into joy. Cries made to Heaven for what has been lost will become shouts of rejoicing eternal. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Je https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

"This spectacle disturbs me," Amos says.  He looks out over the crowd gathering at the gates to the great city. "They are simple minded," the elderly man beside him replies. "But I've heard things... about this one." "How often have they walked upon this soil.  How often have they told us to change our ways.  The people think a man like that can raise up an army and send the Romans from our city.  Is there a benefit to riots... or war." "I don't suppose so." "Amos, you are young.  You experience the world with a lack of wisdom.  Your life has a certain degree of comfort, as does mine.  Insurrection against the powers that leave us to live this life... would harm none but those who profess the faith.  The Romans would see us as one united group of rebels.  The nation would perish and the temple will be leveled." "And what about them?" "The simple minded gnats.  They excite themselves with tales of miracle

Christ Among the Parisees - Jacob Jordaens (1593 - 1678) Are they hypocrites, not belonging to the father, weeds, not wheat? Scholars seeking only to destroy the Word threatening their authority. The Word was not spoken of itself. He was made flesh by the one with whom the hypocrites claim intimacy. Hypocrites. Weeds in the field. White washed bones in a parched desert. Hypocrites criticizing the Word spoken, sinning against the Spirit. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Christ and The Pharisees -  Alexander Bida - 1874 The youth sits among the elders, quietly listening to the wisdom they share. They do not know Him. In twenty years some will. Some will listen to His words, they will see His works. Others will be deaf and blind. Does He interrupt them? For He has nothing to learn from them, and they have everything to learn from Him. But He listens. He knows these men with an intimacy we can never understand. Maybe a few of them will sit in judgement in twenty-one years. Maybe one will seek to wipe His brow. Soon the youth will no longer listen to men who wallow in their self-righteousness. He will confront their ideals out of love for the weak. But for now He listens knowing the Spirit of the Lord is upon Him. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

He was a burning and shining lamp and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light John 5:35 I tell you something greater. It is wise if you take heed. You are told this for your own good. You should still yourself and listen. There is much to accomplish. The ministry will be but a moment. The affect will be eternal. The joy will be everlasting. For a while you were content to simply listen to the baptizer. For a short time you sat on the shore, and you rejoiced in the burning light of his lamp. The preacher, who told you he could not fasten the sandals of He who was to follow, has pointed out the way to you. He has shown you something greater. He has shown you a brighter light. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

 Inspired by a lyric in a song by Joe Wise, 'Lord, Teach Us to Pray'. Separate. We stand divided, skin tones, creeds, right to life, the meaning of Communion. We have bowed down to the desire of the media, of politicians, religious authorities and the evil one. Were we ever one? Were we ever on the same shore? Maybe once we were more tolerant and the river between us wasn't as wide. Maybe once we had faith. Separate. We are tearing ourselves asunder, at what gain. If you listen can you still hear Him, or has His voice diminished among culture's raucous scream. Has His voice been filtered out by hate, and the lack of love. Lord, teach us to pray, while we still have time to kneel. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

They are not yours. Do not think such. They are entrusted. They are brought to you,      so you might nurture. Do no harm. Leave your pride bound up. They are your focus. It is like this with all gifts. When I bring another into your life,     a child,          a spouse, give your all,     or you will have nothing. They will always be mine,     just as you are mine. They will return to me     unblemished... if you simply love. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

With one heart we offer You our bread and our wine. We seek to dine at Your table with those who have sought and found.   We are the sheep who have wandered in darkness. We have glimpsed the light and decided to walk into its radiance.   With one heart we take what You offer, knowing we can never return the gift. We have found that pearl, that one pearl of great value, and have sold all our possession to hold it in our hands.  copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr

He desired to answer the call.   The young man came to sit with one who would guide.   The place of meeting was simple.  The older man sat in a straight backed wooden chair, in a room barren of any other furniture, besides the occupied chair and the bench where the young man sat.  The elder had a white beard and deep brown eyes, which led the younger man to believe that the hair on his face and head had once been a shade as dark as his eyes. "And you believe you have heard a voice," the older man said. "It has called you to be here.  Know that the journey you chose will not be easy.  You will be judged by both your words and your actions." The younger man nodded.  The message, or calling, hadn't come in the form of a voice.  The Lord hadn't come to him, like He had with Samuel.  The dreams and thoughts leading him here were difficult to explain.  He shifted on his seat.  The old man took notice.  The bench beneath him was wooden and hard.  He offered up his

Even now, with all our turning away, with our denials and betrayals. Even now, with the hatred we immerse ourselves in, with the scars we inflict on each other. Even now, with wars fought and villages plundered, with children murdered and our streets flowing with blood. Even now, He looks down upon the chaos of our lives and says, "Return to me". Fast, weep and mourn, tear your garments if you need a sign to show repentance, but know that you can return, even now. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr

And this became a sin; the people came to worship the one at Bethel and went as far as Dan to worship the other. 1 Kings 12:30 Andrea di Lione ( 1610–1685) -  Adoration of the Golden Calf Calves of gold, and sin takes reign. Who are we to decide that enough time of sacrifice has passed. One placed here, one placed there. Golden statues are blasphemed as gods without any degree of holiness. Images to celebrate, an icon to adore. A life of immorality becomes acceptable because a thing deemed perfect, by the deities of the world, has said so. Calves of Gold, Jerobaum's evil. An empty king, an empty palace. A sacrifice made by false priest to a malleable piece of metal. A house of such sin, one here and one there, will be cast out in its pride. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr

And when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Mark 1:37 Everyone was looking for You. There is so much to do. Three years that will change the world more than any before, or any that will come. They will become addicted to Your presence, often without hearing a single word. Everyone was looking for You. The words of life eternal come from Your mouth. Those who do not listen, still see the miracles. So You go off in the early morning to pray, to ponder the ministry You've chosen. Everyone was looking for You. The mother of Simon's wife was healed, right before their eyes. You took from her a cross she did not know she was carrying. But others await. You cannot be possessed in earthly terms. There is much to do before You are betrayed. Everyone was looking for You, but only a few have come to search. Only a few have come to walk by Your side. One who will betray. One who will deny. One who will doubt. All who will question. copyright 2024 - Donald P Jame

James Tissot -  Jesus Speaks Near the Treasury Therefore He told you. It was in His instructions. Do not focus on tomorrow's trouble, today is what matters. But we are human and therefore prone to thoughts of tomorrow, and therefore immune to the verse. Consider, He says, and selects a raven in overhead flight. They do not harvest nor store food. They are fed, just as the flowers are clothed with more radiant beauty than King Solomon had ever worn. Therefore He tells you. Do not fret over what you cannot change. Tomorrow will come in its own time and God will stand beside you. copyright 2024 - Donald P James Jr

Radio Host:         “So today on our morning show, we have the great pleasure of speaking with Connor Hope, head football coach of the Saint Michael’s Spartans.   I am especially honored since I played middle linebacker and special teams on the 2005 state championship squad. “Welcome coach, I’ve really been looking forward to having this sit down.   This sort of marks your fifth annual visit to the station to share your thoughts of the previous season.”   Coach Hope:       “Always glad to sit down with you Jon and discuss insights about the past season and those in the future.”   Radio Host:        “So first off, disappointed with the season’s final outcome?”   Coach Hope:      “We won eight games, schedule was tough, had a few key injuries.   This was a fabulous team.   Five or six of the seniors will be playing division two or three ball in college.   I’m proud of the effort made in every game, regardless of the final outcome.”   Radio Host:        “If I’m correct in my history co