A Veterans Thanksgiving

Originally posted 11-20-07

I am sure that many of you would think it may be odd for me to bring this subject up as Veterans Day has passed, but I find it fitting that this holiday finds itself in the same month as Thanksgiving. Yes, there are a wide variety of benefits and blessings that we bring to remembrance during this time in November. I have just chosen this blog to focus on being thankful again for our service men and women. It is long so bear with me.

In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C., became the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans.

Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as “Armistice Day.”

Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was “the War to end all wars,” November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle.

On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought from overseas and interred in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from the Vietnam War was placed alongside the others. The remains from Vietnam were exhumed May 14, 1998, identified as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, and removed for burial. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.

A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.

Not to be confused with Memorial Day (which is set aside to honor all those who have died in the service of their country), Veterans Day is set aside to thank and honor all those who have served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime.

Now I must admit it is hard for me to speak about a day of such reverence without being a little political and even, perhaps, bias on the subject. The history of my family’s military service (of which I am not included), may bring some to believe it is a Buie or Davis thing. The fact is I am proud to have known that my grandfather stood in Tokyo Bay and watched across the water the signing of the instrument of surrender aboard the U.S.S Missouri, ending World War II. My father served the U.S. Army as a premier aviator, testing and developing some of the most sophisticated rotor aircraft that are in use today. And now, I can say I am proud of a brother who has dedicated himself to service in the U.S. Air Force, traveling the world as his commanders see fit, patrolling and protecting the interests and freedoms of this great land. So yeah, there is a little family history.

But what disturbs me the most, is that it seems that sometimes we, as a nation, lose sight of the commitment of military individuals. As we have entered most recent conflicts, many tend to politicize the act of military service; as if our bright, smart and intelligent young men and women have somehow been coerced into some conflict. We hear the beating drums of politicians (with many citizens wanting to crash the cymbals) crying foul that our government or its leaders are sending our youth to the grave. You can disagree politically with the decisions of our government, you can rant about your opinion whether a conflict is right or wrong (the very right you possess to do so has been bought by patriots that have fallen in much worse times than these), but you cannot say that our troops do not appreciate the position in which they are in. These men and women count it a privilege and an honor to be called the defenders of our nation. When these men and women chose to enter an academy or walked into a recruitment office, they took a solemn oath. They chose to apply a signature to a piece of paper; not an ordinary contract, but one that held their life in their nation’s hand and in the decisions of its Commander-In-Chief. Like it or not, it was not an act of coercion or act of deception. It was a decision, most times covered with prayer and the realization of utmost significance, that they willing committed themselves to the consecration of military life.

So, with all that being said, as I enter into this time of thanksgiving, I will be thankful that a day has been appointed in this country to do just that. Give thanks. The men and women, both past and present that have born the insignia of our military have given us this opportunity.

I thank you for your commitment. I thank you for your service. I thank you for your sacrifice.


Some historical references have been taken from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs website. www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

Able Men

Originally posted 10-29-07

I Chronicles 9:13

And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God.

The typical U.S. congregation consists of an adult crowd that’s 61% female, 39% male.
On any given Sunday there are 13 million more adult women than men in America’s Churches
Midweek activities often draw 70 to 80% female participants.


This gender gap is not just an American phenomenon; churches around the world are short on men. However, if you examine the world’s major religions, you will find that only Christianity has a consistent, nagging shortage of men. But look in the Bible and you’ll see that Jesus had no trouble captivating men. Fishermen dropped nets full of fish and left all to follow Him, but today’s church cannot convince men to commit to a few hours a week. But let me tell you that God is still looking for able men to serve him. God is still calling men to take a stand on the front lines. Who are those able men?

They are men of availability (Isaiah 6:8 ):

The greatest ability is availability. It doesn’t matter what abilities you possess if you’re not available to God. In scripture, God used ordinary men who made themselves available and He did amazing things through them. Men like Isaiah, Abraham, Moses, David and Paul all impacted thousands and perhaps millions because they answered, “Here am I, send me.”

They are men of dependability (1 Corinthians 4:2; Matt 25:21):

The parable of the talents, “…thou hast been faithful in over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of thy lord.” When God finds a dependable man, He gives that man great responsibilities. God chastises the unfaithful and blesses the faithful. And He does that in your life and mine as well.

They are men of mobility (Mark 16:1):

When God speaks do we move? Or is our favorite song I Shall Not Be Moved? God has called each and every one of us to a mission in His kingdom. But even simpler than that, when God speaks to us in service, on the street, at the job site, do we respond to Him? God is looking for mobile men, who move at the call to prayer, worship, witness and devotion.

They are men of stability (Galatians 5:1):

Many times we see our fellow brothers succumb to the very things that the Lord has delivered them out of when they were saved. It’s imperative that we remain stable in our walk with the Lord. Samson was in the wrong place when he lost his strength. David was in the wrong place when he lusted for Bathsheba. Peter was in the wrong place when he denied Jesus. You won’t be able to stand for the Lord if you are not in the right place in your walk with Him.

Ephesians 6:13 “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Let’s do our all to become able men.

Reality Check

Originally posted 9-11-07

So there we were, in the midst of a great service Sunday night. We were worshiping around the alter after the choir had sung. Then it happened. Pastor felt led to call all those of conquerors age to the front. That’s right, those 12-36. It didn't hit me immediately. It took several moments. Then the dark realization came over me. Then the hole was dug deeper and deeper as my friends passed me by, some shooing me to the side of the sanctuary, making it known that I needed to move back. The agony continued as my wife, her face beaming with the biggest grin I have ever known her to have, moving past me and into the group that was "more her age."

So, now I have experienced it. The humiliation, the despair of knowing that Pentecostal youth has passed me by. I can no longer say I am part of the “youth group.” Am I no longer a young married? Oh the confusion of it all. Will the schedule for the senior church activities start arriving at my home, or even worse, in my mailbox at church? Oh dear, I hear Taps playing already. What am I to do? Is being called “more than a conqueror” really supposed to uplift me?

Well, I suppose it is the cross that I must bear now; the burden that God has placed on me. Somehow, with His grace and mercy, I shall continue to march forward, yearning for brush harbors, penny marches and an old-fashioned rendition of “I’ll Live On.” Yes, through eternity, I’ll live on.

Pray for me,

Elder Buie

Coals & Embers

Originally posted 9-10-07

Ember - a small live piece or coal, wood, etc., as in a dying fire (American Heritage Dictionary).

I opened the service tonight with an analogy in regards to what’s left after a fire. Just coming back from MO Men's conference, the men in attendance are sure to be "on fire!" Since the first night on Thursday, God kept putting this vision before me of what’s left afterwards. When we come home from such events as men's or ladies' conferences, youth congresses, general conferences, or even a good Sunday night service, we are most definitely pumped up in our spirits. But in most cases, when we get back, we want to bask in what we experienced and not carry forward what has been raised with in us. We start to enjoy hovering around the coals and embers. We might even say, "That sure was a great conference, I can't wait till next year" or "What a great service, next week could be even greater." Coals and embers are just evidence of where the fire has been. I want to make sure the fire burns continuously.

We can honor the past experiences with gratitude and thanksgiving, but let's not forget to rake the coals, stoke the embers and put another log on it. Let’s start with a spark of praise in every service. Let’s spark our dedication to our family's worship and devotion. Let lead our youth into a roaring blaze of honoring the name of Jesus. Let’s turn our Wed. night services into a communion with God and His Word. Let’s not sit back and warm our hands when God wants to heat our entire church body in our services each and every time the doors are open. Just as the coals and embers are destined to die out eventually, if we just sit back and admire the glow, so shall the light of our experiences in Christ die out if we do not continue to put more fuel to the spiritual fire

Generation to Generation - The Last Does Not Succeed Without the First

Nearly 100 years ago, my great-great grandfather, Joseph Morgan and his wife Mary attended a tent revival and were exposed to the Apostolic message. A former infantry soldier and veteran of the Spanish-American War, Joe left his successful businesses to his son Arthur and began to pursue the ministry, spreading the Gospel through Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. In Louisiana, another couple, Edgar and Agnes Davis were attending a small work in the town of Winnsboro. In 1927, Edgar hauled wood using a wagon and mule team from the lumber yard to the site of their new church. During the building process, they opened up their home where they held services on their front porch. How tragic it would be if this is where the story ended.

Because of these two first generations on both sides of my family, there has been a legacy left that leads from them to me. You see, Joe Morgan’s son, Arthur, to whom he left the family businesses to go and preach, eventually answered the call to the ministry as well. He became the Texas District Superintendent, and in 1951 became the General Superintendent of the UPCI until his death in 1967 at General Conference. A.T. Morgan, counseled his future son-in-law, A.W. Buie away from a medical apprenticeship, to pursue the ministry. He married his pastor’s daughter, Gloria and they had 3 sons. One of those boys was Buddy Buie, my father.

On the other side, my mother’s parents, Joel and Gloria Davis still attend the same church that Joel’s father, Edgar helped built. They had 3 daughters, my mother June, Brenda and Jackie. Mom never knew her grandfather, Edgar Davis, for while she was being born in one hospital room, he passed away in the next. But the wheels of influence had already been set in place. Joel went on to help build 3 churches, became the section youth leader and my grandparents house quickly became the house were the youth group gathered. They provided a wholesome and spiritual entertainment for entire youth groups during the teenage years of their daughters. And when I needed encouragement in the darkest times of my life, Joel and Gloria Davis were who I ran to. I could count on them to counsel me and give the comfort and peace that I so desperately needed.

Now as it would turn out, A.W. Buie became the pastor of the local church that Joel Davis and his family attended. And that is where Dad met Mom. After evangelizing while juggling the aspects of a military career, they went on to pastor two churches and still found the time to raise two sons, myself and Jay.

So, now it is up to me. I have to continue to give as so many generations have done before me. Where would I be if it hadn’t been for the first generation? Where would I be today had someone not preached to Joseph Morgan so many years ago? Where would I be if Edgar Davis hadn’t said, “Come over to our house. We can have service there while we are building.”? The heritage that I have to look back on today is not because of some common trait in our family. It is not some gene that has been passed from one man to his great-great grandson. It is because someone shared this Pentecostal experience some 100 years ago. The heritage doesn’t save me, God saves me. I am just extremely fortunate to have had several generations of men and women who let this Apostolic way be the guiding influence in their lives.

You might say, Chris, I don’t have that heritage or history. And I would say neither did Joe Morgan or Edgar Davis. I would say how much more important is it that our first generations, in a time when all aspects of godliness is being attacked, when the definitions of families are being obscured, how important it is that our first generations of Pentecostals anchor themselves to this truth? You have the ability to change the course of your family’s spiritual history.

And it may be other families that you influence as well. Sunday school teachers, which one of your students may be a future youth pastor? Could that packet that we hang on someone’s door bring in the next choir director? Which one of your non-church friends could be the next Frank Loar, Bob Hohlman, or Mark Kopecky? (All first generation ministers who's names would be recognizable to my local assembly)

I would challenge you today that while it is important that we continue to give from one generation to another, how much more important is it that we bring in more first generations. For without first generations, we have no heritage.