Scarlet Robe Creations

The Way to Emmaus - Robert Zond Has any god ever come down to walk beside you, in garments like your own, stepping on hard clay and rocks along the shore? Has any god ever embraced a child, touched a leper, and forgiven a sinner judged to be less by hypocrites? Has any god ever broken bread with friends and enemies, prayed with them and sung songs glorifying his father? Has any god allowed his flesh to be beaten, his side to be pierced, his arms to be stretch for you, the created? Has any god ever walked from a tomb, discarding his shroud of death and the darkness of a borrowed cave? Has any god ever loved you like our one true God? copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Do not despair, when the darkest void settles in. Do not hold tight to the shadows of doubt. You are beloved, regardless of any stain on your soul. His love purifies the darkness. The long night will end, for He is the flame on the wick. Do not despair, in the moment of mercy's outpouring. Do not cling to regret. Do not feel undeserving, no matter the worldly penance expected. One tear, one murmur of the lips, Is all it takes to say "Yes, Lord." I want to be with you. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Jesus Cleansing a Leper - Monreale Cathedral Mosaic The law says, they are unclean. The dreaded skin disease. If you touch them your purity is defiled. The untouchable call out, over the dried grass and hard clay. One hears. One who wants to lay a hand on theirs. The law says, the unclean blemish those without stain, but He who would touch turns the law upside down. He who is clean loves, even those who are shunned, those made wretched by the law. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Heaven and earth collide, one step upon the mountains, the other among the clouds. The kingdom has come. It dwells in your heart. It dwells with those who offer a home. Heaven and earth collide. A tree is adorned with sacrifice. Son of the most high, offered for iniquities of this day and the next. God's only son begotten. To save creation from itself. Heaven and earth collide. A tomb filled with glory. Those in fear find hope, an everlasting song of praise sung in the devastation, peace be with you, as Heaven and earth collide. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The poem below was inspired by this painting. May God bless you with His mercies and answer your prayers Young Woman Praying in Church - Jules Breton She prays, speaking words which come from her heart. Her words are simple. There is no elegance, just worship. She prays. Her words are a whisper. Her sonnet, sweet and without pride, heard only by He who bends His ear. She prays, and Jesus listens. Her words have a melody, sung by her soul, cherished by the Lord. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Your will, Lord. We pray the words, but do our hearts hear? Your will, Lord. The surrender of self in all humility. Your will, Lord. Belief without doubt, a childlike trust. Your will, Lord. Be it done as You desire. Mold me in the palm of Your hand. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Have mercy on the sinner, Lord. Embrace the broken soul with Your love. Have mercy on the multitude that cries out. I stand in their midst. Have mercy on the sinner, Lord. The lost sheep who wandered from Your gaze. Have mercy on the one who struggles to return. I am struggling with the briars. Have mercy on the sinner, Lord. The one who doesn't know You during the trial. Have mercy on the ones who deny daily. I walk the road of denial. Have mercy on the sinner, Lord. Even the one who betrays Your blood. Help us to see the depths of Your forgiveness. Even when we are wrought with guilt. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Lord, help me to see You with clarity. Help me to surrender my soul to Your potter's wheel and allow Your sacred hands to mold it to Your will. Lord, teach me to be humble, to leave the sin of my pride in the past. Help me to rely on Your graces and deeply know how much I need You. Lord, help me to be merciful. For how can You, in all Your goodness be merciful to me if I have no compassion for others. Lord, help me to be holy. Keep me focused on Your goodness. Keep me always aware of Your great love and seek not the world's glory. Lord, strengthen the flow of my love. Help me to see the stranger's worthiness, a soul created in Your image, a heart in need of love. Lord, help me to kneel before You. Give me ears to hear Your whispers. Give me the wisdom to understand, and the willingness to pick up my cross and follow. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The net was recently mended.  The work had been tiresome, but so was the effort put forth every night when they took the boats out onto the sea.  The net sunk beneath the surface.  The men hoped the night would be prosperous. Some prayed for God's hand in their endeavor. Some simply hoped. They gathered the prey without rupturing the fiber.  The thickly muscled arms of the men drew the net from the depths.  The catch was worthy of praise.  God had answered the prayers of those who had faith, and those who did not. "Separate what is no good, from that which will sell at market," one of the burly men shouted. And thus it was done, as the one had instructed. "This is how it will be," the teacher said. "In the days of the end.  The good will be placed to one side.  The evil to the other, and that which is of no value will be burnt in the fires." He studied them, those who gathered for stories, parables, told by one promised.  Those who listened w...

He gives good things to those who love Him. Good things, not riches and wealth, not fine garments and jewels, not prestige and the adoration of the world. Good things, such as peace when a storm rages, grace that governs the heart, mercy that forgives completely and grandchildren who hold hands along a trail. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Go!  I am sending you out like lambs among wolves Luke 10:3 Christ Sending Out the Seventy-Two, Two by Two - James Tissot Go out, divided in pairs, a staff,  sandals, and a single tunic. Go out to those who need to hear. Go out, two by two. Stay in a home welcoming you, shake the dust from your feet of those towns that offer no hospitality. Go out, to those who yearn for the promise to be fulfilled. Tell them what must be told. That God made flesh walks in their midst. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

"I am striving to see the world through a lens, unblemished by the world’s thumb print, or the haze of my prejudice." "What do you mean," David Powell asked his friend.  He and Cooper Downs were in their early twenties, a year out of college and teaching at the same middle school in town.  David taught Science, Cooper taught English. "Life is filtered by the causes of this world.  It makes an attempt to blind us to what follows.  These classrooms are an example.  Most young people are lost and not even seeking to be found." "Still not following you." David was accustomed to his friend’s rambling philosophical thoughts.  Cooper was the most introverted person he knew, although Cooper would not agree.  Cooper Downs claimed to be an extrovert of the spirit, whatever that meant. "So, today," Cooper responded, "if you pick up a newspaper, do not look beyond the top of the fold.  There is nothing in that print worth building your life up...

The Rich Young Man - Alexandre Bida Go on and say it. Why would you call him good? Perhaps he is as you say, a teacher filled with goodness. But he is much more. He is waiting for you to proclaim to the crowd that he is as you have stated good, and only God is good. Go on and say it. He does not need to make the proclamation, you do. The crowds need to hear this from your mouth. You need to witness for others, as well as yourself. You need to answer the question, who do they say that I am? Go on and do as he says. But instead, you lower your head in sadness. The fibers of the world and its riches have woven their way into the soul and embrace your heart. He looks upon you with love, even though you cannot love him more than your wealth. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

   The Exhortation to the Apostles - James Tissot He says, "Who am I?" And do we respond, "You are the one I betray, The one I deny. You are the one who watches my lust for the world, gently trying to turn me back. You are the one who speaks on ancient pages I refuse to read or so much as open the book to the first page. You are the one who listens as I say, 'Tomorrow I will follow, but today my time is filled'." You are the one who bore a whip and hundreds of stripes. You are the one who was crowned with a helmet of thorns. You are the one who fell beneath the weight of my sins and the transgressions of the world. You are the one who was nailed to a Roman cross and cried out a psalm, telling us one more time who you are. You are the one who was pierced and poued out mercy on the world. You are the one who rose from the tomb and offered us peace. He says, "Who am I?" You are my Lord and my God, the one who stretched out his arms for me. You are the...

A Soldier Pierces Christ’s Side - James Tissot Blood and water flowing from the river of the temple. Lambs of the slaughter. Passover calls to the children. Pray as they did once, when Egypt was their prison. Now, to pray in the temple of God. Blood and water flowing from the heart of the temple. Sacrifice of the one lamb. The offering from creator to created. They pray as they will, forever freed from the bonds of every sin forgiven. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

James Tissot - The Rich Young Man Went Away Sorrowful "The teacher's words about wealth are hard," one disciple said with a concerned expression on his face.  He and his friend, both students, watched a young man, head lowered, move away from the crowd. "He has much," the other responded, "It was easier for us.  You and I both had barely a place to rest our heads.  That young man has servants and inherited riches.  It is more difficult to give away a life of luxury." "What of Matthew?" the first asked. The other replied, "Sure, he was more comfortable than either of us.  But his spirit was troubled.  Collecting taxes from his brothers.  I don't think that ever sat right with him.  All he needed was to hear the voice of the master and he was eager to walk in his footsteps." “Perhaps the young man is pleased with his life as it is," the first disciple pondered. "But he did come with a question about eternal life... and h...

A city of Babylon, destroyed. Vines grow over the leveled walls of its temples. She tried to embrace all while forsaking the one she once adored. A city of Babylon, foundations of what was. She turned to the sinful gods of pride and shunned her face from the one she promised to praise. A city of Babylon, she who slaughters her children, she who values knowledge above faith, and proclaims a false goodness. A city of Babylon, her creed of many ways, many truths, and many lives, has brought darkness to her skies. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

One path, a single path, the way, the truth, the life as one. This single path leads to the shepherd. The one who seeks the lost and offers grace.  He is the one who spoke of this path, this door, this narrow gate. Each parable, from His lips, to guide the seeker keeping the believer on the right path, the one to eternal life. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The innocents, the unborn, those taken to God's embrace too soon. The ones who are precious to the heart of holiness. Those who have never been held with breath filling their lungs. Those who never cried. The innocents, some anticipated, some a burden forgotten. The ones who never knew of green fields and picking apples from trees. They are the ones who come to Him in paradise and know He is love. The innocents, the unborn, those taken to God's embrace too soon. The ones longed for in a world needing their joy. Those who were wanted by arms wishing to cherish with kisses, sweet. Those who never laughed. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Is it that we all have a story to tell, a story of grace, a story of mercy, a story of redemption? Is it that we have all been raised to victory from foe, from darkness, from sin? Is it that we have reason to praise the goodness, the love of our God? Is it that some who have been brought from death fail to see, fail to believe, the story they should be telling? copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Morning awakens, blessed are those who sing praise, sonnets heard by God. Morning awakens, sparrow joins in pure homage, love of He who is. Morning awakens, silent prayer of one created, image of divine. Morning awakens, rising on a world gone blind, miracles unseen. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Duccio - Descent to Hell Often we near the pit without being aware. The world takes hold of our attitude, and we stumble. Often we turn away from who we need most. The sound of His voice fades and prayer is empty. Often we taste the longing, being without. We hope in the world to direct us to His doorstep when society blasphemes. Often we should kneel and humble our souls. We should seek His truth and not social grace. We should stand back from the pit and cast off its temptation. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

  The road the trail came out to, looked to be unmaintained.   Sun baked weeds reached up through the cracked pavement, where they wilted, tasting the fate of their endeavor.   The surface of the lane was crumbling, and crawling vines stretched out from the shoulders, hoping to reach the other side before being died by the sun.   To the right the ribbon of blacktop went downhill toward a landscape occupied by other travelers.   To the left the road inclined.   There were houses along the climb, old and decayed, begging for new life, and a large grove of trees near the crest of the ascent. “Come with us.” There were three others, two men and a woman.   Lucas was the one who spoke.   It would be him that would utter the invitation.   The others didn’t seem to have permission to speak.   I had met the three of them along the trail.   Lucas couldn’t say enough about the things he owned, the places he’d been, and the things he’d acco...

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.   Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 Tomorrow, a verse with its own melody. One lingering thought, concern of any hardship, accomplishing nothing. Tomorrow, it will come when ready, bringing plight of its own, despite the worry of yesterday and the evening before. Tomorrow, will have its own needs. The new day will offer enough of its own trouble, in its own time. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

It's at hand, Daniel's prophecy, the tiny stone fashioned, not by the touch of man. Not any man, not a king, not a priest, a rock that breaks the feet of an empire, crumbles it to dust and leaves a mountain  in its place. It's at hand, a kingdom of holiness, sovereignties and dominions cannot withstand its truth, knowing what is to come when the harvest is ready. But still it comes, a kingdom endless, the kingdom of the mustard seed, the kingdom of those who sow and those who reap the Good News. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

  James Tissot - Jesus in Near the Afflicted He wraps His arms around those without, the sick, the impoverished, the empty. He comes in our loneliness, when sadness conquers and leaves tears on each page of life. He comes to the afflicted, homeless and barren. He comes to those who can't rise on their way to the pool of cleansing. He mixes His saliva with mud, and the blind see, the deaf hear. He comes when the night is darkest, when the edge is closest, when the world spews hatred and we are judged guilty by those who breed nothing but their own deviance.  copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

The Lord looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God. Psalm 14:2 When you look down what do You see? Do You see tribes, nations, divided by their arrogance? Do You see arrows followed by tanks, declaring war on the weak, the impoverished, the holy? When You look down what do You see? Do You see mockery, from churches, from those claiming You as theirs? Do You see a celebration of sin, a dance of the deviant, those opposed to truth, sent to deceive? When You look down what do You see? Do You see the iniquities of all, the immorality, replacing Your gaze with perversion? Do You see the idolatry of this world's comfort at the cost of eternity, and Your love? copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Girl in a field - Knaus Ludwig Was I a child once who saw you with more clarity, trusting, knowing what I know now? Was I a child once who knew you in the prayers of my heart, kneeling, speaking to my good shepherd? Was I a child once who saw miracles in daily life, knowing, experiencing your guiding hand? Was I a child once who saw the world with an innocence, fearless, protected by your response to my prayer copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Call me no longer Naomi, call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt bitterly with me. Ruth 1:20 James Tissot - Ruth Gleaning I am made bitter by the curse of the Almighty. I was full when I left, but now, He has lead me back, empty. No longer to be called Naomi. The Lord has dealt harshly, to open my eyes, to see what is left beside me. But for this moment I see nothing more than the bottom of this pit. I am made bitter by the hands of the Almighty. He has taken all that has filled my cup, but this daughter-in-law who sees with clarity says, "Where you go, so will I." copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

El Greco - Pentecost Tongues of flame, the Spirit, promised, chases away the darkness of fear. The advocate has made strong, those who were weakened by the loss of hope. Tongues of flame, the apostles, the believers, have spoken praises foreign. Those who speak the name have the gift to lay hands on the lame. Tongues of flame, upon a world of doubt, a world without faith. Spirit descend now to the brows of those who seek, those who need the flame. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

It's way overdue, a letter from Paul, to us. What would he say, words we might ignore, phrases we might twist to show pride for our sins? Would he say we have little faith, little knowledge of salvation? Would he say that everyday we crucify our Lord over and over, with our words, our thoughts and our actions? Would he say that despite all our religion we know not the Christ? Or would he write that at the narrow gate stand few who truly desire to enter. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

He had a coffee in front of him.  He took a sip.  Cream no sugar.  The waitress smiled.  She knew his preference like a well-read book. "I saw you at church, again, last Sunday," he said, before adding, "And I'll have the usual." "Instead of three eggs over easy, I could have the cook make you a western with the leftover meatloaf.  It's only a buck more, and I know you like the meatloaf." "Sounds good" he replied. "With home fries and a couple biscuits." She gave him a broad smile before turning toward the kitchen and calling the order in to the rounded bald guy at the grill.  Sizzling bacon and the aroma of coffee filled the senses.  The bacon was for a customer back in one of the booths, to accompany a trio of fried eggs. The waitress turned back with a fresh pot of coffee and topped off his mug. "Does four weeks in a row make me some sort of a holy roller?" she asked. "You could have come and sat with me.  You ...

Forty-three years, so much has changed. Yet all that is important stays the same. There are promises and tears, children, and a generation to follow. There are times to ponder from where we have come and moments to consider what lies ahead. Forty-three years, a grain of sand on a beach. We have walked hand-in-hand, heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul in the gaze of the one who brought us here. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.

Be it now a time that you turn. Another day, another hour, be it not one wasted. Be it now that you take what is offered, a sliver of wood, a single thorn, mercy for your failures. Be it now, before the gates are closed. He calls you and me by name, come now while there is time. opyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com