Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Amy Oxenrider: ONE MIND

Altar Call at the First Baptist Church, Hammond

Technology is often a blessing or curse. When it’s working correctly, everything is great. However, when it’s not working as we expect, we often become extremely frustrated.

Computers and smartphone allow us to communicate in multiple ways. For instance, some prefer Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Used for business, pleasure, or leisure, these apps have definitely made their mark on society.

One that is becoming more popular each day is Snapchat. I have to admit, I love playing with the filters. Yes, this 42 year old woman enjoys laughing at herself. But one thing I have learned, these apps and devices can be used to help as much as harm. One must be very careful and use wisdom, especially when children are involved.

Picture by JEFF WILHeLM

Thank goodness God provides what we need, even the things we never thing about, such as wisdom. Utilizing the potential of a technological device to spread joy or happiness is something I have learned can be rewarding.

I am part of a group created on Snapchat for my coworkers. We have used this app for fun, to spread needed information, as well as requesting prayer.

One day we received a notification that we had a message on Snapchat. It was a coworker that was asking all of us to stop for a brief moment and pray for her mother. Apparently, there was an unexpected illness that struck and things were not looking good for my friend’s mother.

When Nancy, my coworker, asked us to stop and pray, she did not say I need all of my Baptist sisters and brothers to pray. She simply said I need my brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for my mother.

The affiliation of our church membership meant absolutely nothing.

The connection to our Heavenly Father meant absolutely everything.

1 Corinthians 1:10 states the following: “I appeal to you brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

This scripture teaches us that denominations do not mean anything to Christ. Are they wrong? No. We all choose to worship differently. Our worship and praise should come from our heart, and our actions should be directed by the Holy Spirit, not church guidelines.

Amy Oxenrider

When Nancy reached out to her sisters for prayer, she had Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, and Catholics praying to the same God for her mother’s healing. We were in one mind and one accord. We knew there is one name above all others, the name of Jesus.

When we as the body of Christ come together as one church, one people, and one mind, we can accomplish more than we can imagine for the Kingdom of God.

Much Love,
Amy D. Oxenrider

Amy Duncan Oxenrider, the daughter of Grant and Shelia Duncan, is married to Jason Oxenrider and they have three sons, Brady, Weston, and Rylan.  Amy works as a psychometrist for the Mississippi Department of Education. She also writes for Pure Gospel Magazine and is now a member of SGNScoops.  A former member of the Riders, Amy continues to minister through singing and speaking engagements.  She is excited to see what her future holds and longs to uplift the name of Jesus Christ wherever the doors may open.  

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Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2019