Well, this is a difficult section, and quite unnatural for me to write about. How God has changed my life and transformed me as an individual, that kind of testimony comes easy, but talking about myself outside of that context, not so much.
My history is full of tragedy and tragic decisions with the expected corresponding consequences, the details of which, without God’s gracious salvation, would simply remain a cautionary tale. However, thanks be to God for He is “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion— and He relents from sending disaster!” Because He is who He is, my life is forever changed and on an entirely different trajectory. I have struggled nearly my whole life to die to myself, desperately clinging to the ruins of a desolate life. In recent years, finally, I have begun to live life for His glory.
Because of this, I know what it is like to really struggle with faith, letting go and trusting God, and facing the storms of life with this mindset. I know what it’s like waiver in faith and yet grow in the Lord while filtering through all the nonsense and lies, distraction tactics, and contrary passions of the flesh. Sadly, many folks drown, their faith suffocated or diverted to useless idolatries. So, if I can, I want to be a help to any who are navigating through these murky waters that threaten to swamp their boat of faith. I’m not perfect by any means, and I don’t have all the answers. I wasn’t even trained in seminary, but I may have been through some things that you’re going through. I may already know some things that you’re still learning. I might even have some words of encouragement you were meant to hear.
Suffice it to say, I’m not a bible scholar. I’m simply passionate about sharing any lessons or wisdoms learned and any advantages gained from my very rugged walk with God. The Father has gifted me with some talents, such as intelligence, a gift for languages, a knack for technology, spiritual wisdom and exhortation, as well as a very empathetic and tender heart. Because He has entrusted me with this gifts, I intend steward them well, for His name’s sake. On this site, I offer them to you, if they might be of an benefit to you and your relationship with the Father.
I’m simply a brother in the Lord, hoping to serve you with all that is within my power, as Paul says in Romans 15, “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just [attend to our own wellbeing]. Each of us is to [attend to the wellbeing of] his neighbor for his good, to his edification… that through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.“
Hopefully, this little bit about me will give you some insight into the man I am, the author of this humble page. May God, the Author of life, grant me the wisdom and ability through His Spirit, and the life of His Son, to impart some revelation and strength from the marvelousness of who He is to you while you’re here. Thank you, for letting me share a bit of myself and a lot of my God, my precious Father, with you.
James “Santiago” Kelly
FORGED 