Scarlet Robe Creations

Enmity. Opposition and hostility. Inimicus, the serpent is her adversary. Thus is the divide between she and the snake, her offspring and his. Slither on your belly as He crushes your head, and takes from you your grasp on the soul. He steals from your sight the deceived, by the piercing of His heel. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

They long to come in from the darkness, those who knock on the door, those he does not know, those who were not prepared. They waited with those who kept their lamps lit, the ones who kept their hearts focused, the ones who warned them, the ones who were prepared. They were elsewhere in body and spirit when the father sent the son. They sought pleasure in the here and now, rather than in eternity. We long to come in from the darkness, now, before the time is late, now, before we have neglected the oil, now, before we are left knocking. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Spoken into being, the utterance of a word. Light becomes light, and darkness has no hold. Day and night, the first word. Separated, water from water, a dome, the sky. Pleased in the evening, the second word. Gathered waters, make place for rock and soil. A whispered breath bears fruit. The sower of creation, the third word. Then there were lights, greater and lesser, to light the day, mark seasons, days and years, the fourth word. Life filled the seas. Birds took to the sky. Every creature, large and small, filling creation with life, the fifth word. Every beast of the land, wild and domestic, to cover creation. Then the image of the creator, given breath, the sixth word. Universe created, a finished task, a time to set down tools, to focus on worship, and to rest, the seventh word. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Jerusalem - James Tissot How beautiful, the temple. Built to honor Yahweh, by a people, any people, all who would lower their heads in prayer one moment, and cheat their brother the next. How frightening, not a single stone laid to rest on another. Signs of destruction on every horizon. A people led off as slaves without a home, without a building of stone to offer homage. How beautiful, a faith needing no structure, a faith needing only a word, printed on the heart. How beautiful, a faith without boundaries, where the heathen are welcomed, and the pious are unmasked. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

  The Charge to Peter - James Tissot The rock. Jesus has built His church on the faith of one who will deny. The foundation is a fisherman, a man once ruled by the sea, a man of strength, a man of humility, a man who will sob when the rooster crows with the sunrise. A stronghold. A man whose words  are often rewarded and chastised. A man who will draw a sword to defend, and cower in an upper room. A man who will feed the sheep despite his humanness. A man who the Spirit will fill with conviction. A man who will be the reflection of the Lord's church. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

"Each morning, you are given a choice," the reverend says after moving to the side of the pulpit. He wears black slacks and a dark gray shirt.  His collar is open and his reading glasses rest on the bridge of his nose.  His brown hair has the tendency to always look uncombed, whether it be Sunday morning at the pulpit, or Friday night at the local high school's basketball game. Once he stood behind the ornate piece of wood as if it protected him from some worldly judgement.  In those days he wasn't as confident in his ability to pastor a flock.  Now he often seeks a position of deeper intimacy with those who step through the doors of their Father's Home. "Every morning," he continues. "You and I we have a choice.  Now you know I'm not talking about breakfast.  About whether to have coffee or tea, cereal or eggs.  That is a choice that nourishes your body.  I'm speaking about... you guessed it... your soul.  We have doctors out there to addre...

  Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send.' Isaiah 6:8 Hineni. Coming before, complete presence, spiritually and in body. Called to be as Samuel, to go to any ghetto, war torn society, a church, a commuter train, or a college campus? Hineni. An intimate response, whether sought in darkness of night, or light of day. A prophet, a martyr, responds, knowing he could become like Stephen. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Praise, when my head is lowered, a request in my heart, and an insistent plea on my lips. Praise, from the beginning, before the first syllable of the prayer is spoken. Praise, for what has been received, what will be received, and what will be retained for the Kingdom. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Twelve. Those who walked in sandals, tattered, over dust and stone. A betrayer among them. A denier as well. One would die by his own hand, spilling his ransom like blood. Another would weep when the rooster crowed, and a time of emptiness was ushered in. Ten who stood in a room, afraid of every shadow, yet to witness the failure of death to gain victory, unsure in their hearts what the women had seen. One, absent, whose doubt caused him to touch, to impale his fingers in the wounds, before embracing faith. Twelve. Those who had tossed nets where they were directed, into an empty sea. Those who collected twelve baskets of bread and fish, after five loaves and two fish had nourished the masses. Those who had seen the blind see, the lame walk, sores heal, a prostitute sob. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

For those who have read 'Afternoons With Mister D', the story below uses two of the characters introduced in the story. For those of you who have not, consider picking up a copy on Amazon. This novel is available in both print and kindle formats. Afternoons With Mister D Alice fixed herself a mug of coffee.  A quick glance at the kitchen clock told her it was a few minutes before six. "You're up early," she said, speaking to her niece. "For a Saturday." A slight shoulder shrug was followed by a mumbled response, "I couldn't sleep." Three and a half months had passed since Alexandra moved in.  The seventeen year old had transferred over to the local high school, but in the time since arriving at the bus station, she hadn't developed a single friendship.  Except perhaps, Mrs. Halworth the next door neighbor. It was a chilly December morning.  There'd been a hard frost the night before.  Alice could see its veil, in the early light, on...

A seed fell to the ground on September tenth. It fell on fertile soil, good soil, abundant with faith. Some seeds will fall, as our Lord said, along the path, to nourish the birds of the air, or among the briars, and the voices of sin. Some seed will fall where the soil is rich, ripe for planting. Where the words of truth are spoken without fear. The seed fallen to the ground on September tenth will caress the hearts, never touched, with the blood of a martyr. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure...  think about such things. Philippians 4:8 In a time when words are twisted by the demons of hatred, and the emissaries of pride, come to the Word forever true. In a time when the ache in your soul, longs for a day, before, come to the Word and the voice of purity. In a time when you wonder about days, seeking the comfort of love undeserved, come to the Word, and the embrace of peace. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

The Exhortation to the Apostles - James Tissot Power came forth and healed them all. They'd gathered on a stretch of level ground. Disciples, and the sick in their midst. He had much to say, a teacher, a prophet, or perhaps something more. It is possible, he might be written about, in the psalms and the prophets. Might he be the one who crushes the serpent's head beneath his foot. For now they will listen. Some will be healed of their afflictions. Others will question miracles and consider his bearing. For now he is but a man of words, tomorrow he will become a threat. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

He tells us not to concern ourselves with evil. For they will wither like thirsty grass, wilt, like tender shoots. They are the seeds without root, tossed where the soil is dry, empty, faithless. Trust in the Lord for everything. Commit your life to Him. Be still and wait with patience, for the wicked ideals of men will soon turn to dust copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Lord, my heart aches, for children who are wounded and taken from this life while praying in a church, by the sickness of this day. Lord, I want to shed a tear, every time I see the young woman stabbed by a man of demons, witnessed by those who turned their backs while she died. Lord, I feel anger at at an assassination of one who loved you, who believed in your design for life, and was willing to listen to the youth who need you so badly. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Jesus Appears to His Disciples - William Hole She touched the hem of his garment. He believed his daughter would be cured. - She knew the master gave table scraps to the dogs. He wanted to see. - She entered a gathering without belonging, to cry on his feet. He returned in thanksgiving, one of ten, healed of his soars. - She wiped his face. He helped with a beam of wood. - She stood beside the grieving mother. He took Mary into his home. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Have you not read... Often I have pondered these words according to Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, quotes offered to those who seek, red letters, spoken from the mouth of the teacher. Ask if you will, but understand, you cannot deceive the author of faith. Have you not read... Whether the challenge in your heart is focused on marriage, greed, pride, the healing a blind man, or rubbing wheat between the palms your hands  on the sabbath. The one to whom you've directed your query, wrote the verses. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

My child, perform your tasks with humility, then you will be loved by those whom God accepts. The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord. Sirach 3:17-18 "Greatness," the teacher said. "There is much responsibility that comes from obtaining favor with men.  You are an example to others... especially to those who seek and know God.  Don't use what you have gained to preach the morality of the world.  The morality of these rocks, and this dirt mean nothing.  Use any fame you acquire, to speak of God's work in your life." "This is a hard teaching," the student replied, hands deep in his pockets as he walked beside the older man. "And when teachings become difficult, some leave.  They move on, looking for preachers who will speak the words they want to hear, not those of truth.  Disciples of ancient times, much like the believers of today, come and go.  Perhaps they are seeds that landed ...

In the pride of his face, the wicked does not seek him, all his thoughts are, there is no God. Psalm 10:4 How can one seek if self is the focus? How can one even acknowledge a creator when one denies any existence of one greater than one's self? Why would one seek, when one's worship is of one's own face? Why would one so much as stand before the cross of one's salvation if one believes not in one's sin? Sin, you have laid claim to the children, who pride themselves on embracing you, and shunning love. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Introspective. A shore avoided by those fearing the waves. Fishermen with nets cast out in the morning light. Introspective. Sitting at table with those who's folly is righteousness. A sinner cries, wiping His feet with her raven colored hair. Introspective. A tomb where a friend had been laid. Skeptics abound waiting to ridicule through tears a miracle comes forth. Introspective. Two beams fastened, forming an instrument of shame. A cross, the Father's way to love and shepherd His people. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

"Hold up!"  She ran, keeping her red baseball cap with the Angel's logo in place with one hand, while giving a semi-wave with the other. He slowed, turning back slightly, as she caught up to him, a little out of breath. "I haven't seen anyone... on this trail... all morning... until you." She spoke around deep intakes of air." "This is, as a poet once wrote some time ago, 'a road less travelled'.  A way to travel.  Yes.  But this road is a trail.  Dirt and stone.  Leaves that have decayed.  No pavement or concrete." "Where does it go to?" She asked, as he took up strides again, moderating his long steps to meet hers. "The trail begins," he replied, "back from where we have come.  It journeys on for a while, and then, it does come to an end. "Is it a loop trail... or one of those that my father called a lollypop trail?" He seemed to ponder her question for a moment. "A lollypop trail." He smi...

"This is where I will build it," the tall, slender man said to the seller of the parcel. "Twenty five acres of God's beautiful creation.  It's breathtaking.  Don't you think?" "A chapel," the seller replied. "You said something about a chapel." "A barn, a stable, a place where Jesus will feel welcome." "Like a church?" "Not at all.  The building I will construct on this land will be nothing like a church.  It will not be labeled by denomination.  It will be labeled by faith.  That faith will be this, that you believe that he came as a child.  He fulfilled ancient scripture.  He walked among the people.  He taught them about His father.  He was nailed to a crude cross, because His father willed it.  He was laid in a tomb with a boulder rolled in front of the entrance, and He rose on the third day.  There will be no room for egos in this church.  No dark corners where piousness can thrive." "But don...

Fear not, little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom Luke 12:32 Shepherd with a Flock of Sheep - Charles Jacque Little flock, sheep that cling to the shepherd's shadow, guided to fresh springs and grassy meadows, the ears that hear His voice. Little flock, the meek and the poor in spirit, those who think they are less than their value to God, less than their value to the son. Little flock, children who would climb on their savior's lap, give their trust to He, whose bearded cheek  rubs against theirs, copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Meribah, where the chosen children showed displeasure. Voices calling out to the one whose staff they have followed. Ungrateful, as we all tend to be. Meribah, a place where sanctity is beheld. The holiness of the one, who parted the waters, who plagued Egypt, who caused rivers to flow blood. The holiness of one who promises, despite our complaints. Meribah, the waters where we quarrel. Given what sacrifices have dared to ask, still drawn by bread, water and golden calves. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Take care to guard against all greed,  for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions. Luke 12:15 Be rich in soul. Be rich in all that matters to the one who painted His name upon the seas and in the heavens. The wealth of holiness, a possession, which can never be taken, from one who is sealed by grace. These riches, like manna, are never to be hoarded, even though wealth such as this has little value to the world. Do not gather, Do not set out tomorrow's bread when today has much to give. Do not place in a barn that which you will never need, only to watch it perish in the flames. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Myth of Narcissus - John William Waterhouse 1903 Are you vain? Do you celebrate the sin that lies in your heart, the toil for one's gain without thought of other, love, for one's own profit, without considering God's word? Vanity defies all wisdom. Vanity keeps the Lord's voice unheard. Vanity places ones focus on self. Vanity tolerates pride and leads the soul to sorrow. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

"For the sake of the ten, I will not destroy it." Genesis 18:32 Sodom and Gomorrah - John Martin -1852 Patience, once more, a query spoken without end, seemingly. Condemnation for the evil ones, but what of the innocent, what will become of them when there are fewer than ten? Patience. The ground has been held in check, by the hand of creation. The earth trembles, awaiting the moment. Those who do not tolerate, or celebrate sin, are few. Patience. Pride in the abominations, staining the Word with slander. Destruction seems inevitable as iniquity is embraced as  holiness. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Deeper, where the fish are abundant. He tells you to row out with faith and not any doubt. Deeper, to where the fluid runs dark, and the sun fails to pierce the darkness. Deeper, where faith is most challenged, in depths seen as vile by those staking claim to the light. Deeper, where your faith will flourish, with every net thrown out over the sea. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

God appears to Moses in the Burning Bush  If they ask what is His name, this God who created the soil and plants, the sky, and the water. If they ask what is He like, this God who seeks our worship and obedience, offers to free us from slavery. If they ask have you seen Him, will a burning bush and a voice that says "I Am" be sufficient. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

In the novel 'Afternoons With Mister D', a story is told in the chapter titled 'Cross-Country'. The words below seek to illustrate the memory shared by Mister D, with his friend Charlee Parker. Enjoy! They were the two best.  As opposing coaches described, they could run like the breath of a cyclone.  Jimmy Klein was in his first year of high school.  His closest rival was in his second.  They were both lean and quick.  Speed and endurance were the only ways to compete in their chosen sport. The trail for today’s meet had a rugged feel from the start.   The bus ride had been long and rough to the northeast corner of the state.   Traffic on the highway had caused the visiting team to be tardy, adding to the freshman’s anxiety.   There’d been some rain the night before.   The wooded portion of the course might still be wet in spots. These things have a way of totaling up. “Be aware of roots,” Coach Preston had said, when they first arrive...