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Thankful Heart Always Nurtures Kindly Souls, Giving Immanuel's Victorious Inspiration Now Graciously! (T.H.A.N.K.S.G.I.V.I.N.G)

Ramesh C. Reddy
Publisher

SCRIPTURE:
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his loving-kindness continues forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his loving-kindness continues forever. 

 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his loving-kindness continues forever. Praise him who alone does mighty miracles, for his loving-kindness continues forever. Praise him who made the heavens, for his loving-kindness continues forever. Praise him who planted the water within the earth,for his loving-kindness continues forever. Praise him who made the heavenly lights, for his loving-kindness continues forever: the sun to rule the day, for his loving-kindness continues forever; and the moon and stars at night, for his loving-kindness continues forever.....He remembered our utter weakness, for his loving-kindness continues forever. And saved us from our foes, for his loving-kindness continues forever!" (Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26, TLB)

 OBSERVATION:
I asked myself what are the reasons the Psalmist gives thanks to the Lord?
1. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.
2.
Give thanks to the Lord, His loving-kindness continues forever.
3.
Praise Him who alone does mighty miracles.
4.
Praise Him who made the heavens.
5.
Praise Him who planted the water within the earth.
6.
Praise Him who made the heavenly lights.
7.
Praise Him who made the sun to rule the day.
8.
Praise Him who made the moon and stars to rule the night.
9.
Praise Him who remembered our utter weakness.
10.
Praise Him who saved us from our foes.

INTERPRETATION:
I asked myself why does the Psalmist reflect on everything the Lord has done?
The Psalmist reflects on everything the Lord has done to give Him all the thanks and praise but more than that to remind himself that everything the Lord has done, it is because of His loving-kindness which continues forever! Praise the Lord! Thank you Jesus!

IMPLICATIONS:
I asked myself what are the implications for my own life here?
The implications for my own life is to reflect on everything the Lord Jesus has done in my life and pour out my thanksgiving and praise to the Lord for all He has done remembering He has done all this because of His loving-kindness which continues forever. Thank you so much Jesus.

So, I decided to reflect upon what happened this past year to give my thanksgiving and praise to the Lord using the alphabet as a tool!

December 2015:

A.      At Christmas, Evangeline was part of her first celebration about the true meaning of Christmas which is the birth of Jesus Christ who came into the world to save humanity marred in sin.

B.      Being able to spend Christmas with Ruth and Martin at our place with family that was present and having a Christmas themed dinner for Indian Game Night participants.

January 2016:

C.      Cause I got a merit raise at my job.

D.      Day of New Year to celebrate with my family focusing on God’s Word, the Bible.

February 2016:

E.       Excited to be celebrating my born-again birthday on Valentine’s Day when the Lord Jesus chose me to be His very own.

F.       For the surprise birthday party that Indian Game Night participants gave for my precious wife Chandraleela.

March 2016:

G.      Going to New York to get my Visa to India for another 10 years.

H.      Having Evangeline get her U.S Citizen Passport for first time.

April 2016:

I.         Involved with first Easter celebration for Evangeline.

J.        Jesus came back to life to save us 2000 years ago and lives forever more as Resurrection Sunday was remembered.

May 2016:

K.       Key software, I used to sort and organize family photos, etc when my wife gave me the present of Cyberlink Photo Director 7.

L.       Lord Jesus helped us celebrate Evangeline’s first Birthday with Oakland International Fellowship members and few Indian Game Night participants after a tumultuous birth for her, being in the NICU, Children’s Pediatric Unit, etc remembering the miracle Jesus did in Evangeline’s life.

June 2016:

M.    Marriage and Counseling seminary course I finished with an ‘A’ grade.

N.      Night or day for our precious Esther to be able to spend with Kevin, Viji and Bhoopati’s 1 ½  year old son and Beon, Divya’s five year old son while my precious Chandra had Indian families to hang out with.

July 2016:

O.      Our Lord Jesus helped my precious wife Chandraleela and myself to celebrate 6 years of marriage together.

P.       Praise the Lord for my wonderful Pastor Hugo who’s always been there for our family and the sacrifices he made to meet with me one-one and especially helping us with Indian Game Night for the students for the past 4 years.

August 2016:

Q.     Quickly to be able to get back in the work mode after the Lord Jesus, blessed me with almost 4 months of vacation.

R.      Readily able to hire most of the student employees that I needed for our job.

September 2016:

S.       So thankful to Jesus for a wonderful team from Oakland International Fellowship to help out with Indian Game Night and Dinner especially for my loving wife and mommy who would make the home made Indian dinner and desserts for the students to eat after we had games, Bible games, Gospel message, etc.

T.       To be able to celebrate our precious Esther’s 4 year birthday.

October 2016:

U.      United so many Indian students came to celebrate our precious Esther’s 4 year surprise birthday party during Indian Game Night and dinner.

V.      Very hardworking students I have had the honor of hiring and working for me who have been awesome: Rajiv, Sonam, Sowmiyaa, Trupti, Sayali, Isha, Kinjal, Snehal, Shivika, Harpreet, Shreya, Sai, and Sishir.

November 2016:

W.    Wonderful brothers Ravi, Raj, Rohit who have always been there for Esther visiting her and making her so excited and my awesome in-laws Suneetha, Vidya, Elisha, Pravalikka, mother-in-law who have made Esther and me feel special and how excited Esther becomes when she she’s my sister-in-law Grace.

X.       Xcited that a Pro-Life candidate won the Presidency to protect the unborn and all the Diwali cultural shows I was attended with my precious wife.

Y.       Yearly light up Night this year spent with not only my wife, but daughters Esther & Evangeline, my mommy, and brother Ravi.

Z.       Zeal to be able to write a post-election article called ‘Almighty Allows Trump

These are only 26 mentioned but there are  multiple areas of my life that I am thankful and praise the Lord Jesus for. I am glad to have reflected on what the Lord Jesus has done in my life saving a foreigner like me and that His healing and blessings are not limited to a particular race or ethnicity but Jesus offers Himself to the world to all who would receive Him and come to Him. For He promises, "To all who received Him, He gave them right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent but from the will of God" (John 1:12)

It is in thanksgiving that we recognize that we are nothing on our own and all the things we are blessed with come from Jesus Christ, the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

When I give thanks, I am recognizing the One who gave Himself for me with His sacrificial death on the cross coming back to life on the third day to save. When I give thanks, I am figuratively throwing myself at the feet of Jesus to show that I am nothing without Him. He alone is the One who has cleansed me of all my sin and daily transforms my life by His grace. It is His blessings that reveal His unconditional grace. Having an attitude of thanksgiving takes the focus off me and puts the focus on the One who came to change my life around.

I ask you now dear friend, what are A - Z things you can give T.H.A.N.K.S.G.I.V.I.N.G to the Lord for from DEC 2015 - NOV 2016?
Dear friend, the place you give thanksgiving in your life will determine if it is a one day in November thing filled with feasts of food with family and friends or will it be a daily 365 day event filled with the Creator's presence in your life and all the blessings He has showered upon your life. Friend, there is excitement to celebrate thanksgiving with family and friends eating a feast but when we focus on the gift alone instead of the giver then we have missed the true meaning of thanksgiving.
So when we celebrate Thanksgiving with a feast let us be thankful for all that the Lord Jesus has done in our lives. I know it should not just be confined to the last Thursday of November but daily.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess 5:16-17, NIV)

Jesus wants us to always be thankful and that is His will. Yet, so many times we forget to give thanks and that makes Jesus sad. I don't want to make Jesus sad but remember all that Jesus does for me each day.

What has been awesome for me to do in the past was write down 5 things that I have been thankful for each day not duplicating any response during the week, otherwise it just becomes a routine and I would write the same things each day.

Before the Thanksgiving meal, take time to write 26 things you are thankful to the Lord for this past year using the alphabet A-Z as a guide. Your focus should be on the Lord Jesus for these 26 things. 

The place we give thanksgiving when that place involves the Lord Jesus Christ will make us well spiritually too as Jesus promised the Samaritan: Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

When we are thankful and grateful remembering what the Lord has done for us, it is also a reflection of our faith. There is a positive correlation between being thankful and our faith.  How appropriate is this passage on this day of Thanksgiving 2016 so we do not forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Thank you Jesus for all you have done in my life. I love you Lord Jesus.

Let us remember what the Pilgrims did when they came on the Mayflower as their hearts were filled with gratitude and thanks for how the Almighty Savior rescued them and brought them through the harsh times in a new land. Thank you Jesus. This is the origins of Thanksgiving.

I also believe our health and joyfulness in life is tied to thanksgiving! No wonder Jesus says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess 5:16-17, NIV)

What is giving of thanksgiving anyway than praying continually to the One who is the Giver of all things daily in our lives. Praise the Lord! Thank you Jesus.

May you remember this day that Thanksgiving is more than just turkey, stuffing, parades, and football but the essence of Thanksgiving is JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

The purpose of today's devotional is to understand the importance of being thankful for the things the Lord Jesus has done in our lives instead of taking things for granted knowing there is a positive correlation between being thankful and our faith.

"Thankful Heart Always Nurtures Kindly Souls, Giving Immanuel's Victorious Inspiration Now Graciously!" (T.H.A.N.K.S.G.I.V.I.N.G)/"What are A - Z things you can give T.H.A.N.K.S.G.I.V.I.N.G to the Lord for from DEC 2015 - NOV 2016?"

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for everything that you have blessed our life with. Help me to be specific each day Oh Lord to thank you and count my blessings in this life you have given me. Thank you so much Jesus. Thank you for all that you have done for our families. I love you Lord and need you. Thanks Lord as we celebrate Thanksgiving, it does not have to be a one day event but a daily event for you are the Giver of all Gifts and the Source of life for us. Thank you so much Jesus for this time and being our Lord and Savior to all who turn their lives to thee because you have given an invitation at the cross of Calvary. Thank you for that invitation which is a free gift of your grace. Thank you that you want us to be thankful in all circumstances so please help us Lord. I love you Jesus and need you. Take me as I am and use me for your honor and glory. Help me live for you Jesus. Thanks so much Jesus for dying for my sin to cover me in your precious blood and coming back to life to save me. In Your Name I Pray Jesus!

Lord Jesus, You are my all in all. You are my Prince of Peace, Rock, Savior, and Friend. You are my Holy Father guiding me through to live a life of righteousness, holy righteousness. Oh God, I need you more than ever. I need to feel your hands around me holding me tight. I need your love to surround me so that you can glow in my life. Help me please Jesus. I desire in your presence. Thank you for guiding me to live a life of righteousness. Oh God you love me more than ever. You hear my voice when I cry out to you. When I seek your face, you fill me up. You are my all in all. Thank you Jesus so much for your help no matter what I face, your grace is available and you take my case. Thank you for hearing us and answering us. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! AMEN! (Most of the prayer is from a vineyard song called “All in All”)

Pray the prayer below or use your own words to invite Jesus Christ into your life and have a personal relationship with Him. Now is the time of Salvation. Don't wait. 

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I believe that Father God sent you to earth for us, to die for our sin on a rugged cross where your blood was shed to save us! Then you came back to life and now sit at the right hand of the Father.  

Thank you when I was sick with soul sickness, you purchased me by your blood which alone can cleanse me of all my sin and make me your child that I can belong to. It is my sin that separated me from God and you became the bridge for me to cross over to God because of what you did on the cross for me. Thank you so much Jesus. Even when my sin made me so dirty on the inside and attacks of Satan have wounded me, you did not abandon me but came for me. I am never out of your love and never out of your reach. Thank you so much Jesus.

I do believe Father God for all that Jesus did for me. Jesus, I know  you care for me and laid down your life for me on the cross to give me new life as you shed your blood for me to wash away all my sins. Your Blood became the transfusion for those of us wounded by Satan. I accept the transfusion! Your blood heals all the wounded areas to give us a new life cleansing us of our sin. Thank you so much Jesus.

I want that new life that you offer so I turn to you now as a sheep that has gone astray and ask for your forgiveness of all my sins! Wash me in your precious cleansing blood. Thank you for washing me in your Blood. Please come dwell in my heart and save me Jesus. Deliver me Oh Good Shepherd! Thank you for your free gift of grace! I know you can save me when I turn to you and ask you to be my Lord and Personal Savior.  I want you to stay with me Jesus in my heart and make my heart your home so I can always have you as my Lord and Personal Savior who will guide my path.  Please fill me with the Holy Spirit and lead me in the right paths when I go the wrong way so I can be led to green pastures. I love you Jesus! Thank you for making my heart your home, for living in me Jesus and I will live for you and serve you the rest of the days of my life. I acknowledge you Jesus as my Lord and Personal Savior believing in my heart that God raised you from the dead. Thank you for coming back to life to save me. Thank you for being the Lamb of God. Thank you for being my Lord and Personal Savior and changing me. Thank you for filling me with the Holy Spirit and I believe you who began a good work in me will finish it to completion. I give myself to you, all that I am and ask you to make something of my life. Thank you Jesus so much. Thank you have heard my prayer and answered me. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

You may have felt something, you may have not, but the important thing to know is that Jesus Christ is in your life! Don't just go by feelings.

If you have prayed this prayer and meant it genuinely in your heart, you made one of the most important decisions in your life. Please let me know as I would like to send you a free booklet or give it to you in person, to help you in your daily walk with the Lord. I have read this booklet more than 20 times.

Feel free to email me at reddy4hisglory2004@yahoo.com if you want to meet to study the Bible, pray with, talk about Spiritual issues or whatever is on your mind! My number is 412-641-9426

"This is my work and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me." (Colossians 1:29, TLB)

Express Your View

 

 

 

A-Z things being thankful to the Lord Jesus for in Nov 2014 - Nov 2015 By Ramesh C. Reddy (Nov 26, 2015)

A-Z things being thankful to the Lord Jesus for in Nov 2013 - Nov 2014 By Ramesh C. Reddy (Nov 27, 2014)

A-Z things being thankful to the Lord Jesus for in Nov 2012 - Nov 2013 By Ramesh C. Reddy (Nov 28, 2013)

A-Z things being thankful to the Lord Jesus for in Nov 2011 - Nov 2012 By Ramesh C. Reddy(Nov 22, 2012)

1 Peter 5:8-9:  "Will you be in for a T.R.I.C.K or T.R.E.A.T?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Oct 31, 15, 12:30 p.m)

2014 DEVOTIONALS:

Psalm 56:3-4: "Who do you put your confidence in whenever you are A.F.R.A.I.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Nov 26, 14, 07:57 a.m.)

Mark 1:14-15: "What is your view of T.I.M.I.N.G in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Nov 03, 14, 08:06 a.m.) 

John 8:12: "How can the L.I.G.H.T impact your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Oct 25, 14, 11:06 a.m.)

Mark 1:4-8: "Who do you P.O.I.N.T to in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Oct 12, 14, 09:52 a.m.)

Mark 1:1-4: "How seriously do you T.E.S.T.I.F.Y about prophecy?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Oct 11, 14, 07:27 a.m.)

Mark 1:1: "Why bother yourself with the G.O.S.P.E.L when you see yourself as a good person anyway?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Oct 04, 14, 09:34 a.m.)

"How do you remain P.U.R.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 08, 14, 06:45 a.m.)

Proverbs 18:14: "Where are you C.R.U.S.H.E.D in?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 07, 14, 07:36 a.m.)

Psalm 102:25-27: "What is your perception about G.O.D?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Aug 06, 14, 01:19 a.m.)

Proverbs 6:21-23: "What comes to mind when you see P.A.R.E.N.T?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 15, 14, 01:44 a.m.)

Psalm 91:4: "What do you do with the W.O.R.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 10, 14, 10:40 a.m.)

Psalm 90:12: "What happened to your D.A.Y.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 08, 14, 04:47 a.m.)

Proverbs 28:13: ”How have you handled your V.I.R.U.S in life?” By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 07, 14, 12:04 p.m.)

Psalm 84:12: "Where is your T.R.U.S.T in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 03, 14, 09:55 a.m.)

Matthew 22:36-40: "How are the dimensions of L.O.V.E in your life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (July 27, 12, 09:13 a.m.)

Proverbs 20:24: "What About Your S.T.E.P.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, June 27, 14, 10:14 a.m. (IST))

Psalm 79:8-9: "Where Do You Need Mercy?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, June 24, 14, 10:57 a.m. (IST))

Matthew 18:12-14: "What Is Making You Feel Lost?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, June 23, 14, 12:13 p.m. (IST)

John 13:34-35: "Love Others Very Enthusiastically!" (L.O.V.E) By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, June 04, 14, 07:05 a.m.)

Proverbs 3:4: “What Do You Bind Around Your Neck?” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, May 27, 14, 07:34 a.m.)

Psalm 92:5: "What Does Your Work Show About Your Thoughts?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, May 23, 14, 09:12 a.m.)

Psalm 91:1-2: "Have You Ever Been Defended?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, May 22, 14, 09:41 a.m.)

Acts 1:1-2, Luke 1:1-4 : "Why Know Your History!" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, May 20, 14, 12:45 p.m.)

John 4:6b-10: "What Jesus Did Regarding SEXISM & RACISM!" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, May 17, 14, 08:34 a.m.)

John 3:14-19a: "Bronze Serpent And The Cross: Is There A Connection?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, May 16, 14, 08:09 a.m.)

John 1:1-5, 9-14: "Why We All Cannot Be Children Of God?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, May 15, 14, 06:39 a.m.)

Psalm 51: "Why You Suffer For My Sin And Not Just Me?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, May 12, 14, 08:47 a.m.)

John 10:11: "Why Do You Allow The Wolf To Pounce On You?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, May 10, 14, 08:18 a.m.)

Psalm 46:1: "What Has Your Search Brought You?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, May 08, 14, 08:50 a.m.)

Psalm 34:4: "Why Do You Team Up With Fear?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, May 06, 14, 08:53 a.m.)

Psalm 33:4, 1 Corinthians 6:13,18-20: "Who Says God Is Not For SEX?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, May 05, 14, 11:52 a.m.)

Luke 6:27: "Do You Really Love Or You Think You Love?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, May 03, 14, 09:18 a.m.)

Psalm 3:1-3: "Why Your Foes Will Take A Fall?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, April 29, 14, 12:17 p.m.)

Proverbs 10:12: “Why Love Brings You And Your Family Up?”  By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, April 28, 14, 04:28 a.m.)

Proverbs 3:5-6: "What's With Not Trusting Yourself?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, April 26, 14, 08:10 a.m.)

Colossians 1:13-14,18: ”What can the B.L.O.O.D of Christ shed on the cross of Calvary do for you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, April 19, 14, 11:38 a.m.)

Psalm 147:3-5: "Who Cares For Your Brokenness?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, April 05, 2014, 9:51 a.m.)

Psalm 138:3,8: “Why Even Bother Praying?” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 29, 14, 06:35 a.m.)

Proverbs 15:4: “What's Up With Your Tongue?” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, March 20, 14, 09:29 a.m.)

Psalm 119:132-133: “Breathe In Bible, Live Eternally! (B.I.B.L.E)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, March 19, 14, 11:38 a.m.)

Proverbs 17:9: “Faithfully Acknowledge Messiah's Infinite Love Yourself! (F.A.M.I.L.Y)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, March 17, 14, 12:01 p.m.)

John 15:4-5: "Valiantly Immanuel Nurtures Enthusiastically!" (V.I.N.E) By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 15, 14, 10:40 a.m.)

Proverbs 15:4: “Everyday Now Christ Often Uplifts, Reaching All Generations Everywhere Mightily, Encouraging Nurturing Truth. (E.N.C.O.U.R.A.G.E.M.E.N.T)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 08, 14, 07:38 a.m.)

John 10:14-16: "Who will you make your S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 01, 14, 12:21 p.m.)

“Please Rest On Messiah's Infinite, Saving, Eternal Scriptures. (P.R.O.M.I.S.E.S)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Feb 26, 14, 08:36 a.m.)

Psalm 86:4: "When do you place a C.A.L.L to the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Feb 24, 14, 10:32 a.m.)

Psalm 50:14-15: "When do you T.R.U.S.T in the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Feb 18, 14, 11:34 a.m.)

1 Corinthians 13:4-8: "How will you be someone's Valentine using 16?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 14, 14, 9:24 a.m.)

"How can F.O.O.T.B.A.L.L be used to explain God's Word working in different hearts? By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 01, 2014, 9:44 a.m.)

Audio: "What will your P.R.E.S.E.N.T look like in 2014?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 04, 14, 9:33 a.m.)

"What will your P.R.E.S.E.N.T look like in 2014?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 02, 14, 6:26 a.m.)

 
   
 

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