GIVE HIM THE GLORY

King Herod was very instrumental in the persecution of God's people. In Acts 12:1-4, we see some of the things that Herod had done and intended to do to the Christians of the time who went about praising and spreading the gospel. However, I do not intend to discuss Herod's place in persecuting the Christians. Rather, I want to point out the importance of giving God the glory and praise in whatever happens to us and whatever we do, because it is about time that we acknowledge that everything that has happened to us or is happening to us is as a result of God's purpose for our lives.

I find it very interesting the circumstances surrounding Herod's death. Perhaps, I would have linked his death to the fact that God was angry with Him for putting His people to death and persecuting them. But no! This is not the reason for Herod's immediate death. Instead of Him to give the glory to the One who had put him in the position to experience praise from his subjects, he rather took the praise for himself and sat gloating about his achievements. HIS ACHIEVEMENTS INDEED! (Acts 12:21-22). But you see, God Himself said that He is not going to let anyone take away His glory for himself; neither will He give His glory to gods or man (Isaiah 42:8). And my God who keeps to His Word and does not lie, made certain of it. Acts 12:23 says that "Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck Him down, and he was eaten by worms and died." This was Herod's death because he stole what was not his, and that was Jehovah's glory. What a way to die for someone who was considered a "god" by His people. *God probably made Him die in this way to prove a point: THERE'S ONLY ONE GOD.. Go Jesus.. Go Father... You rock!!!*

So my message for you today is simple and very straight-forward. Give God the praise and glory. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight (Psalm 3:5-6). He deserves more than we can ever give Him so give your best, and not the rest!!! Trust me, I find myself at fault when it comes to giving God all of myself. I am selfish and hard-hearted when it comes to the things of God. But another reason why I love my God so much is because He has provided us a way, an avenue for us to come to Him, despite our selfish, undeserving natures and ask for forgiveness. He gave us the path, which is Jesus Christ, so that we can make amends and be restored to Him. We are blessed oh! Too blessed for us to take that for granted and not acknowledge God. Please, remember that where you are now, no matter how much you may detest it or how much you may appreciate it, it is all God's doing. Therefore, remember to give Him the thanks and praise, not for everything but IN EVERYTHING (Kirk Franklin).

I don't want to end up like Herod, and I do not think you want to either. So please, whatever you do and say, please do it to the glory of God (Col 3:17) and please remember that even in our sin and unworthiness, He sent His Son to come and die for us and set us free. That is something we must be eternally grateful for. God will never concede HIS GLORY for anyone, so don't be that person who tries to deprive God of His glory, because you will DEFINITELY lose. Do what is right.

God bless you!! Live for Christ and give God the glory!!! :D