Scarlet Robe Creations

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 molded, 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

How often do we praise Him for the rain? As a farmer, perhaps, we would have a deep understanding of soil and seeds. How often do we praise Him for gray skies? A day of solemn thought, reflection, intimate prayers and a deeper focus on God. How often do we praise Him for puddles? A small child would, dancing in rubber boots while singing a favorite song. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

I see the dawn, sunrise approaching. Radiant tones shift overhead, colors of day from the beginning. I see clouds, bringing changes of warmth and cooling. Storms ride by their sails, submissive to a single voice. I see the smiling countenance of the designer of all. A voice that spoke into the void and made the garden of life. I witness the sun slip over the trees. A new day is fulfilled. My soul sings a psalm as the heavens declare the glory of God. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

It is torn now, from top to bottom. Once woven of blue, purple and scarlet. The veil that separated, divided, barred  God's immediate presence from those who offered sacrifice. The fabric that recounts Eden, Adam, Eve, and choices made, reminding man of his sin. It is torn now, from top to bottom. They have led the lamb, thorns and stripes, to slaughter. He has forgiven those who struck Him, embraced His piercings. His blood has cleansed those who stand outside the veil, God's presence  has walked among His people. He is no longer to be separated, divided, barred, because He has come to you as a man, He has come to you in love, and He bore your sin. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Is love like the seal set against your heart, the glory of the morning and the peacefulness of night? Is love like the sweetest fruit, one not forbidden if the Lord does bless each breath of desire? Is love like an embrace of adoration, two hearts cherishing comfort beneath the gaze of their creator? Is love like the clay in the palm of His hand, molded in the image of one who loves? copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com

Does this grief, you wonder, this deep gut wrenching grief, serve as a penance for your iniquities?  Does that word ‘Iniquities’ even come close to describing the vile act you have performed?  Innocence, you have given innocent blood to the brood of thirsty vipers. You are a puppet with broken strings.   Dangling without a marionette to control your movements.   You have done the bidding of those who never saw you as anything more than a fool. You lean back against a half dead tree and look out over the field.   Your hands are clasped together as if in prayer, but who would listen to any plea of yours, even if you asked for mercy, after what you’ve done.   You tip your head back and look up at that one solid branch, a single limb extending from the trunk.   You brought the rope.   It’s lying on the dead grass beside you. What have you done! He called you out, before you had made your move.   Told you to do what you must.   How co...

Woe Unto You - James Tissot Tell us plainly if you are who you say. We grow tired of parables, stories you manipulate the morals to. If you are, then let us know. Perhaps in hearing that you truly are, we might come to believe. A few miracles and talk of a kingdom, we just want to hear if you are who the crowd proclaims. Tell us plainly, we need simply a 'yes' or a 'no'. The paupers, harlots,  and those who faked their diseases, they seem to think you are something more than a vagabond drifter with soothing words. Tell us plainly that we might find a reason to accuse you of being who they desperately need. copyright 2026 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author https://www.goodreads.com