Scarlet Robe Creations

In that time alone when my heart wishes for another voice, when I seek the desolate country-side, looking for my shepherd, will I be close,  or far. Sometimes I feel the touch, but I long for the embrace. Is it I who refuse to wrap my arms around my heart's deepest desire? In that time alone when my heart wishes to be carried, when I seek sand and find only stone, my struggling faith designing my house, to crumble. You are with me, rod and staff, even when I cling to the world. You are with me, leading to green pastures, when I have cast my soul upon the pavement. copyright 2023 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

There is a trail. It's leads me where I long to travel. Somewhere beyond today and into tomorrow. I've walked this same trail thousands of times. I have stepped over boulders and trunks of trees fallen. I have heard the song of a bird, familiar and yet strange. I have watched the flight of wings as the song took to the sky. I have found a rock along that trail, one where I can rest, one where I can think of the places I have been, one where I can consider the places I will go. copyright 2023 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

“Did you see that dude down the street, shouting about the end?” It was a question asked by one of my classmates as we met in front of the movie theater.   I had come from a different direction, so I hadn’t seen or heard. “Must think he’s a prophet or somethin’,” another in our group added. “Did you see him, Jacob?” A third in our group asked me directly. “I didn’t come from Main,” I answered. “Oh, then you missed it.   The guy’s a real loon.   He’s got a long beard and unruly hair,” the first speaker said.   His name was Nathan.   Much in life was a joke to Him. “And his clothing is like some sort of burlap sack,” one of the others said. Nathan would speak, and the others would chime in.   I usually remained silent, which wasn’t much of a virtue on my part.   Normally, I find, silence translates to agreement. “You think at least he’d be askin’ for money,” Nathan continued. “Makes the whole effort of standin’ out there in the sun, looki...

  Nicolas Poussin - Christ et la femme adultère I raise my fist into the air, grasping a chunk of stone tightly within my grip. Adulteress, this woman has been caught in the very act, with a man not her husband.   The teacher looks at her as she cowers helplessly at the wall. The law states that a woman such as this should be put to death. You do not place yourself above Moses.   He tells us that if we are without sin, we may cast a stone. I consider releasing the rock. I wave it above my head. My small sins do not compare to hers.   To my left a stone falls to the ground. Another of my companions gives up the trap. The teacher has called our bluff and one by one we leave to go about our piously sinful lives. copyright 2017 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author From the collection;  Pictures of the Messiah

The pavement glistens, from a torrent awaited. We run back into buildings that shelter and continue our day a little less dry. When it pours, do you consider the Arc, or is that just a fairy tale in your heart. It is easier to listen if we think the words are for children. We can even smile when a child asks where are the unicorns. Do you close your eyes, if someone says, "This is God's warning to the people of that day." If so, how will He warn us today, with a virus that causes leaders to panic, with dark skies and horrible storms, with wars which will have no victor. If so, how will He warn us today, with churches that pay homage to self and not others, denominations which support the rule of their laws and not His, leaders who say holiness is the work of evil and we should openly accept sin. It rains today, but He promised to never wipe us clean with torrents of water. This time He has wiped us clean with blood and still, we do not heed the warning. copyright 2023 - D...

Charles T, as everyone at the shelter called him, sat on the small patch of grass across the street from the First Congregational church.  Behind him loomed an attorney’s office, closed as it was on every Sunday.  From his pocket he removed a tiny book, a small green covered Gideons Bible containing the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs.  The handout had been given by a local church at a soup kitchen where he spent the previous Easter.   A bell in the church tower rang out, telling the world that prayer was to begin.   Ten o’clock, Charles T thumbed through his favored possession and stopped at John’s gospel, chapter 1, verse 35.   Inside the church the congregation would be singing.   He wondered which hymn they would start with this morning.   He thought it interesting how different denominations might sing the same songs with slightly different lyrics.   He hummed ‘Amazing Grace’ to himself, since it was his favorite.   “...

Inspired by Our Daily Bread Ministries 'Wounded in Worship' by Tim Gustafson Isn't this basically what He said? "It doesn't matter." He responds to the woman at the well, Who says, "You Jews say we should worship in Jerusalem. Yet my ancestors said we should worship on this mountain." Does it matter? Jesus opens that gate. His sheep follow And we praise Him wherever we stand. Pretty simple. Lord, remind me that You are not bound to a structure Or the rituals of Denomination. Lord, remind me that You love all, But not all will love You. Lord, remind me that Your Spirit envelops  Each mountain top  and every valley. copyright 2023 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

Come, there is a teacher you must hear. He is patient. He gathers his students in fields and speaks to them of profound truths. Come, those who gather a deep kinship. You may stumble with his teachings, but you need not fail. He offers endless chances for you to get it right. Come, He answers any questions you ask. He heals your doubt, and if you turn away because his truth is hard He will accept you when you return. Come, He offers you a place to rest. He brings nourishment, fish and bread, and if you are one who stands beside him in the end You may share his wine. Come, Many have. Many have sat where you consider sitting. Many have listen. Some have heard. Some have even called him by name. copyright 2023 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author

  Into the vineyard, the one who prunes, He who strips away every branch that bears no fruit.   Into the vineyard, He who breaks away the dead growth and diseased saplings who have severed themselves from the vine.   Into the vineyard, the one who takes notice of every fiber in every leaf. He who knows His crop, as no other.   Live then, within the vine. Seek your nourishment and remain in the one sitting with you, whose bread and wine are of the same vineyard. copyright 2023 - Donald P James Jr https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donald-P.-James-Jr./author From the Collection:  According to John

  The trail led less than a half mile from the road.   He crossed the gorge over the scenic bridge and followed the path on the far side until he reached Falls Pond.   He sat on the moss covered bench at the water’s edge and placed his backpack on the seat beside him. Abby loved this place. The solitude of a late spring morning surrounded him.   In the summer, vacationing families will claim the trails.   Children will run to the water’s edge, then quickly move on, bored with the reflections of mountains on the water’s surface. ‘You’re alone?” He heard her voice, though she was not present. “A veteran?” She asked.   A soul scarred by tours into hell. He unfastened the clasps on the front of his backpack and removed a wooden container.   He surveyed the trails to his left and right.   He did not want to be interrupted. He closed his eyes and held back a small tear.   She was wounded as he.   She had scarred her arms in the desir...