Giving God The Glory

       I recently read 2 Chronicles 32:24-25, which reads, "In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the Lord: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign.  But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem."  The reason that God was angry with Hezekiah was that Hezekiah's "heart was lifted up."  God had healed him, but he didn't give God the glory!  How foolish and prideful we humans are sometimes; we ask God for help, but when He helps us, we take all the credit for ourselves!

       Another story that goes along with the theme of giving God the glory is found in Acts 12:20-23.  This story tells of a time when King Herod gave a speech to the people of Tyre and Sidon.  The people responded by shouting, "It is the voice of a god, and not of a man." (v. 22)  Verse 23 goes on to say, "And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost."  Herod died because he didn't give God the glory!  Apparently, God wants to get all the glory!  As Psalm 107:8 says, "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"