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

For it is not with things of this world that come and go, leaving desire for the touch of such. It is neither with gold or silver, nor jewels of a pompous king. You have not been ransomed by the wealth of worldliness, but by the blood of He who bore your sins on the wooden beam. He who stood before Pilate, and withstood judgement. He who committed no wrong. He who is righteous. He who says, "I am." copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

We had scaled to the highest point.  An outcropping looked out over a valley below and a small village. "I have lived there most of my life," my friend said, pointing a crooked finger toward the small settlement.  He had at least three decades on me.  He never shared his actual age, but his gray hair, wrinkles and wisdom gave him away. "It is where many come to raise their children.  There is little to be concerned of down there." "That's why we moved here," I replied. He took a deep breath of the mountain air and stated, "It is, however, difficult to not become complacent." I wasn't sure what he meant by that, 'complacent'.  I didn't give a response, so he continued. "The good life.  The peaceful life," he said. "It causes us to think we are on the brink of paradise.  We are not.  We are farther than most.  We bear little weight.  The scaffold on your back is but a piece of kindling.  You barely feel its burden...

Father, forgive them, they know not what they do. Hammer, spikes, a tree lifted up, a helmet of thorns piercing His flesh. Gentiles given authority by their creator. Political pawns who may one day see what they have done. Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. A thief, one thrust upward, beside the son. A lost sheep, rescued from his wandering. A promise of eternal life, for asking. Woman behold your son.  Here is your mother. Compassion,  even in the hour. A trusted companion, a son of thunder. The one who leaned close, deeply troubled, and asked about betrayal. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Jesus quotes a psalm from of old. A song of prophecy a poem describing every wound He has chosen to bear. I thirst Mouth dried, tongue thick, He has eaten the dust of creation. Just one swallow of water, but sour wine is offered, to quench. It is finished. A ministry too short, the serpent strikes the heel. Death ends suffering for the afflicted, for the o...

The Calling of Saint Matthew - James Tissot I had returned from a laboring journey.  Activity in the small fishing village, I called home, was full of excitement.  I asked a neighbor about the manifestations during my absence.  He seemed surprised by my query. "Have you not heard?" He began. "A teacher has come among us.  No one is sure from where he came.  It is said that he performed a miracle, maybe more.  He was down by the shore the other day.  He spoke with Simon and Andrew, and the two sons of Zebedee.  Seems he seeks men who make their trade in the sea, but then, just this morning, he was talking to that vile tax collector." "Levi?" I asked, knowing my neighbor could mean no one else.  Then, I followed my first question with another, "And does that explain the zeal of the townsfolk?" "Levi is having a gathering tonight, at his house.  All are invited, but you know the pious will stay clear." "Perhaps not," I countered....

Your people will be my people, words of Ruth to Naomi, Moabite to a Jew, cursed to the chosen. Your God will be my God, a gentile speaks, accepting a new life, a new faith, and prophecies gain a voice. A curse against those who did not bring bread and water to the tribes when the desert was theirs to wander. Your God will be my God, one widow to another, God's plan manifested in a proclamation of faith. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Bread from the good things we've known that nobody tallies. Joe Wise - Here is My Life Gifts given with the dawn, a breath of a new day. Mercy to heal the scars of yesterday. To rise weary, or refreshed. To smell the aroma of coffee, or cradle a mug of hot tea between cold hands. To hear a child's footsteps while the morning is still young. To hear the tale of a dream you dreamt once. Bread offered, filling each meal, if only to satisfy the body's hunger. Words read, spoken by creator and given to all that we might know of an emotion called love. Love that moves beyond life. The all  encompassing embrace of those gifted to us. Those taken for granted when we give thanks. Those we have expected from life when we laid down plans. Those which we cherish because God has bestowed them upon us. Gifts given with the night, to kneel, or to sit, to clear thoughts of the day, thoughts of ourselves. To offer prayer, maybe wordless, and to listen to the wisdom of silence as He gently g...

All these evil things come from inside, and they defile a person. Mark 7:23 From inside, defiled. Not from that growing in the field, or roasted for the slaughter. From within, out of your heart, come thoughts, actions, and words that sully. From inside, immorality languishes. Out from the core of one's being come forth greed, lust, and any cause for pride. Take care then, to concern yourself less with what is placed  on the surface of your tongue and swallowed, then that which is expelled, as vomit, without kindness. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Jesus with the Children - Von Vogelstein Teach your children, teach your grandchildren, by example, and by your words, teach them what needs to be known. The way, the truth and the life, the lesson most needed in a world longing for its demise. Teach a friend, teach a stranger, share that they might know, the words spoken to your heart. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

No taste. Not even that of bitterness. Your salt is no better than dirt. You  have lost your flavor, lost the essence of your offering. No Light. Not even a dull glimmer. You have hidden away your light. You have placed it where it cannot be seen. Your food will remain unseasoned, your lampstand will remain empty, unless your light shines before others and gives glory to God. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed Him. Matthew 4:22 The stranger stood at the water's edge, having just called out over the sea to Simon and Andrew.  An offer for a life different, the brothers stopped casting their nets.  At Simon's order, they came to shore, as beckoned. James and John watched.  The sons of Zebedee were with their boat helping their father mend nets that had been torn.   "Who do you suppose that is?" James said to his younger brother. "I do not know," John replied. "Andrew has been talking about some preacher he met down by the river." "The Baptist?" James asked, having heard Andrew speak of the wild man by the Jordan, who ranted about repentance. "No," John responded. "Not him.  Andrew said their was another.  Maybe not a preacher, but a prophet." "Been a long time since the last one," Zebedee added, overhearing his sons discussion. "Ti...

Robert Payton Reid - Jesus Teaches His Disciples Up the mountain, separate from the crowd. The children had been gathering, to see, touch, and hear, but the chosen twelve needed instruction. Blessed are they... A new set of commandments, meant for the heart. They will see the kingdom, be comforted, inherit the land, and be shown mercy. In the distance the crowds still gather. Drawn by miracles, and rumors of such. But He was here for these words, the words of his Father. Words shared by He who spoke them into creation. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

A veil of purification, covering the scars of a suicidal world. "White as snow," Isaiah's voice, speaking amongst the gathering clouds. A veil of purification if you are in its path. Leaving a moment of purity in its wake, a morning without blemish. A veil of purification, covering our nature. In the instant we are called back, embraced, only to clear away a covenant and reveal the stains beneath. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

"Gramps, do you know where in the Bible it talks about putting on the armor of God?" I was fixing a cup of coffee when the question was asked.  My nine year old grandson had hung up his bookbag, left papers for his mom on the counter, and jumped right into the issue of the moment. "I think it's in Ephesians, chapter ten,” he continues. “I looked and I couldn't find it.  I Looked in Thessalonians, both of them.  Neither of them have ten chapters." I pulled out my phone.  The instant encyclopedia that fits neatly in our pockets.  To be honest, I was thinking Timothy, but my mind had jumped to fighting the good fight, not the armor. "We talked about it in CCD," he adds. "I was thinking I might be able to write a poem." "Ephesians, chapter six, verses ten to eighteen," I say, looking at my phone and knowing I'm not as wise as he thinks. He runs into the dining room.  That's his way, always moving quickly, sometimes with reck...

Turn from the darkness, the shadows of sin, the void that leaves you empty. Turn from sightless wandering, from deserts of iniquity, from barren wastelands. Turn to the dawn, the morning wakes, and the night is defeated. Turn toward a day, new, where light is victorious, and love is realized. Awake the dawn with the prayer of a new day. Awake the dawn with the hope of salvation. Awake the dawn seeking He whose tomb is empty. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The Pharisees and the Saduccees Come to Tempt Jesus - James Tissot He has not come to call the righteous. He has come for sinners, the lost sheep. The righteous are proud, absorbed in their pious traditions. They place weight, they would never bear, on the backs of the weak. He has not come to call the pompous. He has come for the humble, those who are poor in spirit. The pompous celebrate their own glory. They seek the idolization of men. They are external, and internally void. They demand unblemished sacrifice, but offer no mercy. They seek cleanliness of body, but not soul. They seek gods of gold and silver, not the one who says, "I am." copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The Word, which spoke into the darkness of the void, and over the water. The life, inspiring authors, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Paul, to put to papyrus, what the true author has spoken. The Word, stretched out on a wooden beam, asking forgiveness for those who drove the nails. The life, of one who walked on water, fed five thousand, and asked his children to surrender their beings to the words He spoke. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Excruciating, crux of salvation, the scourging, the rough hewn beam, each fall to the hard clay, the struggle to inhale, the death of our sin. Roman torture, long and agonizing, metal balls tearing away flesh, down to the bone, thirst, and sacred blood on the wood. Excruciating, four spikes and the head of a spear. God became man and knew, every stripe, every soul, saved from damnation. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Christ and the Woman from Canaan - Pieter Lastman The master had shared some harsh words with a group of Pharisees.  His words centered around the essence of ancient teachings, those which had been handed down by our ancestors.  We stood by, watched, listened.  The Pharisees were belligerent.  Jesus tired of their hypocrisy.  He told the crowds that nothing that went into a man's mouth could make him unclean, rather, what comes out, the vile, the disgusting, the impious.  He called out to the few leaders who lingered behind.  He labeled them as he saw them, blind guides who did nothing but lead their followers into the pit. Then Peter asked him to explain. The master seemed to be amazed at our lack of understanding, so he laid out his teaching in great detail, before leaving that place with an air of frustration.  We mumbled amongst ourselves about the old laws, and whether Jesus' teachings abolished them. Matthew seemed to have understood the tea...

Miracle of the Loaves - James Tissot They are hungry. They have come out from the villages, seeking to hear news of goodness. It is getting late now, still they gather, wanting more. They are hungry. The day has been long. They've listened to words, from a teacher, a prophet, from He who is the Word. They are hungry. They need so much more than bread. Feed them, as you have been fed. You think only of nourishment as loaves and fish, and forsake that which is eternal. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness a light will shine Isaiah 9:2 Zebulun and Naphtali, a great light, the brightness of new morning, will shine on you who have lived in darkness. The sea of Galilee, a land plagued by death will witness of glory of repentance. He comes to you as you walk in shadows. Zebulun and Naphtali, here He will slumber, here He will seek, here men will cast their nets and be filled. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

La Jerusalem celeste - 14th century tapestry City of splendor, the kingdom of the LORD's promise, rising up, out of the thick fog, to cast a light on the nations covered in darkness. City of splendor, nations will be drawn to your brilliance. The gathering throng, coming home from afar, to your beacon of faith. LORD, every nation on earth will seek you. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com