Dear brethren,
My name is Cody Ripley, I am 20 years old, and saved by the grace of God.
I was 10 when I met a man named Ben Anglea (pronounced angel ironically), and was invited to Sunday school at an independent Baptiast church. I was filled with a desire to learn the Bible, and Bro. Ben decided he wanted to pay for me to go to Windsor Hills Baptist Schools. I attended WHBS from grades 5-8. I learned a lot about how I should live, however at this time I started to struggle spiritually. I got expelled from WHBS, for striking the principal, because he was condemning my family. I then switched churches, and continued my attendance until I was 16, however it was only for self-righteousness, and I did not grow spiritually. I continued through high school, and met a teacher who showed special interest in me. This teacher is likely the only reason I made the good decisions I made through high school, and I continued to graduate rank 4 of 360.
Instead of going to college, I decided to join the Navy. I began my career as an interior communications specialist, and kept a motivation for success. I married my high school sweetheart, who at the time did not believe in Christ. I was a valued member of my team, on board the USS George HW Bush, however I still was lacking the Holy Spirit. Finally one day, I believe God decided to turn off the blessings, and teach me a lesson. I got so far lost in sin, I started drinking, which led to more sin, and a decline in my marital relationship. I would go out to sea, come home, and drink alcohol. This pattern lasted 6 months, until it inevitably led to me getting booted from the military.
When I got booted from the military, I was lost - with no idea why. I kept thinking why did this happen to me? I kept thinking how did I let everything I worked for get destroyed? Then something happened. My wife, out of the blue, came to me with a Bible. She told me a friend of hers has been trying to get her to come to church, and she finally went. This is the first time I saw happiness in my wife's eyes since I got assigned to that ship. Almost instantly, upon seeing my wife's face, and the Bible in her hand, I recognized that joy. I became speechless, and instantly wept and prayed for God's forgiveness. This was December of 2013.
My wife and I decided not to go to church, and started having a Bible study every morning and night, and prayed together before bed every night. We have missed a few sessions, however we have done our best to continue this effort.
In conclusion, I can see clearly how God has worked in my life. Even though I did not serve him, he blessed me, by introducing good people into my life. Now that I have been living each day with his Word in my mind, and Christ in my heart, I have happiness and joy in my life. Moreover, when I make a mistake, I see that the punishment is no longer easy, and I am reminded to live like a Christian. Christ has saved me!
Now, I am a life support system technician, my family does not go without, and I have been receiving many opportunities that others do not. I thank the Lord for all he has done for me, and for delivering me from the wicked sin that I lived by.
I have joined this forum, after months of reading it, to further my understanding of the Word. Thank you for the opportunity!
My name is Cody Ripley, I am 20 years old, and saved by the grace of God.
I was 10 when I met a man named Ben Anglea (pronounced angel ironically), and was invited to Sunday school at an independent Baptiast church. I was filled with a desire to learn the Bible, and Bro. Ben decided he wanted to pay for me to go to Windsor Hills Baptist Schools. I attended WHBS from grades 5-8. I learned a lot about how I should live, however at this time I started to struggle spiritually. I got expelled from WHBS, for striking the principal, because he was condemning my family. I then switched churches, and continued my attendance until I was 16, however it was only for self-righteousness, and I did not grow spiritually. I continued through high school, and met a teacher who showed special interest in me. This teacher is likely the only reason I made the good decisions I made through high school, and I continued to graduate rank 4 of 360.
Instead of going to college, I decided to join the Navy. I began my career as an interior communications specialist, and kept a motivation for success. I married my high school sweetheart, who at the time did not believe in Christ. I was a valued member of my team, on board the USS George HW Bush, however I still was lacking the Holy Spirit. Finally one day, I believe God decided to turn off the blessings, and teach me a lesson. I got so far lost in sin, I started drinking, which led to more sin, and a decline in my marital relationship. I would go out to sea, come home, and drink alcohol. This pattern lasted 6 months, until it inevitably led to me getting booted from the military.
When I got booted from the military, I was lost - with no idea why. I kept thinking why did this happen to me? I kept thinking how did I let everything I worked for get destroyed? Then something happened. My wife, out of the blue, came to me with a Bible. She told me a friend of hers has been trying to get her to come to church, and she finally went. This is the first time I saw happiness in my wife's eyes since I got assigned to that ship. Almost instantly, upon seeing my wife's face, and the Bible in her hand, I recognized that joy. I became speechless, and instantly wept and prayed for God's forgiveness. This was December of 2013.
My wife and I decided not to go to church, and started having a Bible study every morning and night, and prayed together before bed every night. We have missed a few sessions, however we have done our best to continue this effort.
In conclusion, I can see clearly how God has worked in my life. Even though I did not serve him, he blessed me, by introducing good people into my life. Now that I have been living each day with his Word in my mind, and Christ in my heart, I have happiness and joy in my life. Moreover, when I make a mistake, I see that the punishment is no longer easy, and I am reminded to live like a Christian. Christ has saved me!
Now, I am a life support system technician, my family does not go without, and I have been receiving many opportunities that others do not. I thank the Lord for all he has done for me, and for delivering me from the wicked sin that I lived by.
I have joined this forum, after months of reading it, to further my understanding of the Word. Thank you for the opportunity!
