Scarlet Robe Creations

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...

What do you seek? Some seek to be recognized. Some seek to find their own way through the wilderness. Others seek to forego that first step into the valley. Some seek wealth. Some seek political power. Others seek to raise weapons in protest. What do you seek? Some seek to have their image on video. Some seek to destroy the boundaries of morality. Others seek to stand on stage and bow to applause. Some seek to know lust and fornication. Some seek to be not what they are. Others seek to deny their role in creation. What do you seek? Some seek to put things of earth on pedestals. Some worship that which is temporary. Others give demons the status of God. But in the end, when you stand in the light. How will you answer the question. "What did you seek?" copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

The Tower of Babel - Pieter Bruegel the Elder Let us build. Let us plot. Let us make a name for ourselves. Let us be filled with pride. Let us take brick and stone. Let us pile one on top of the other. Let us forge a union which will never fail. Let us be filled with pride. Let us wave a flag. Let us celebrate what we are. Let us forget about He who saves. Let us be filled with pride. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Empty. Void of a promise. A covenant refused, by the created, the offspring of Eden. Darkness. A world never embracing the light, absent of Isaiah's voice. Multitudes who worship stars and beasts. Never knowing the Word. Sometimes, we are a people like that. We are tongues that know not prayer. We are foreheads that know not blessing. We are souls that know not grace, and hearts that know not their Lord. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Ishmael - Watercolor by James Tissot Consider the moment, Isaac playing with Hagar's son. Ishmael, the father of a great people, and Isaac the chosen of God. What if, perhaps, they could have been left to play  as children, without interference and manipulation. What if they could have been brothers, without learning to hate. copyright 2025 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

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, ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  

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