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Vol.: 2, Issue: 2, April-June 2013
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Chordiels Fest 2013
Honors 2013 – profiles
Why? Why? Why?
The Free Room
Give Thanks
From the Harvest Field
Only ONE Job
Music, magazines and Books from Chordiels Music available online at
www.chordiels.com
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Editors
Dr. S. JUSTUS Prof. V. IMMANUEL Head Publishing
Shri. L. CHARLES SELVARAJ
Article Contributors
Shri. JUSTIN A.RAJ Dr. J. NANCY SAMSON Shri. N. JOTHIPANDIAN Dr. S. JUSTUS Our Sincere Thanks To
The RECIPIENTS of Chordiels Honors 2013 CHORDIELS MAGAZINE Published as e-Magazine in www.chordiels.com and www.issuu.com Published by: Chordiels Music | Handel Music Series Sembakkam, Chennai 600073, TN, India All Rights Reserved. Copyright © June 2013
Chordiels Magazine
Vol. 2, Issue 2,
April– June 2013
If you’d like to contribute your articles, photos, art work, stories, testimonies in the
Chordiels Magazine, do write to us at [email protected]
MAGAZINE ARCHIVES
www.chordiels.com/magazine.php
Welcome Dear Friends,
Greetings in His precious Name.
This is the time of the year to give Thanks to the Lord for all the goodness He
has shown on us at Chordiels Music, as we celebrate the fifth anniversary of
Chordiels Music. This past 23rd June 2013, we organized Chordiels Fest 2013 at
Palayamkottai that hosted a musical concert and Chordiels Honors 2013. We
learnt that the grace of God is sufficient for all of us.
Wonderful songs, happy reminiscence of yester years with the senior musicians
and the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Church made the event so
memorable. In this issue we have tried to give you a glimpse of some of the
moments of the Fest by photos and stories. Sure you will enjoy.
Also get to know the recipients of the Honors 2013, read the articles from our
dear friends, Chordiels Diary of events and many more. It is always joy to thank
the Lord through our music and songs for the blessings including everyone in
our lives, who have helped us to what we are today.
Remembering the paths we’ve travelled, storing the yields from the fields, and
continuing to make music, is all we love to do, year after year.
Read the magazine, and share with your friends too.
May God bless you all.
Chordielly in Christ,
Back Volumes of Chordiels
Magazine can be read or
downloaded from
www.issuu.com/chordiels
Celebrating FIVE years of Singing in harmony
Bringing together the Music & the Message, simple yet powerful.
Producing, Performing, Promoting and Publishing FOUR-part harmony Music.
Our mouths
were filled with
and
Our tongues with
www.chordiels.com
Performs and promotes the art form of
4-part harmony singing, along with the
message of love, happiness, hope and
prosperity through music and songs
Produces and publishes to promote Gospel & harmony
music in forms of CDs, DVDs, Books and Magazines. The
record label has published 8 audio albums, 1 DVD, 1
music book, 1 spiritual book and several issues of
magazine.
Senior musicians in the fields of
Church & Gospel music are
remembered and honored for their
commitment and sincerity in serving
the Lord, and keeping live the spirit of
church music and harmony singing.
4 musicians in Madurai, and 7
musicians in Tuticorin & Trinelveli
were honored.
When the music has prepared the
heart to receive, the Word is sown in
it and is nurtured by the Spirit of God.
The Message is proclaimed to all
levels of people with scholastic and
apologetic approach.
Daily promise and monthly message
are part of the Chordiels website
It is with love and affection the
children at orphanage homes are
taken care of, to give them hope,
happiness and prosperity with
financial aid.
Missionaries are sponsored to work
in the fields and help them build the
Kingdom of God.
Making music to the
Maker of all musics
Harmonization
Simplified
Give Hope, Happiness,
Prosperity and Peace
From the
Harvest Field
Started to learn music in 1990
joined St. Peter’s Church choir as violinist in 1992
organist at St. Paul’s Church, Millerpuram in 1994
began to compose music and write songs since 1997
joined the American College Choir in 1998
became choir Director at St. Peter’s Church Madurai in 1999
founded Chordiels Music in 2008
Still dreams and dares to do what is right in His sight…
Justus reminiscing how he got it all started.
Twenty years of hard work, making many dreams come true and today singing with
Chordiels Music
A Journey just began. An intentional journey that was
planned, prepared over the years, and started just five years
ago, on 22nd June 2008. Of all the music that I was hearing,
singing and performing, I was hooked by the Gospel Music,
particularly Gospel harmony music.
The seed to form a group of my own was sown in 1993 when
I first heard the YMCA male voices singing “Just a little talk
with Jesus” in a concert in Tuticorin. Then later in 1998, I
heard an astounding harmony from a group of young guys
(later teamed as “Noel Opus”, Madurai) at the American
College Chapel, Madurai. I was just a spectator to male voice
harmony, though I was much into composing, directing and
producing music for Choirs and groups in Tuticorin and
Madurai.
After 20 long years, since hearing the YMCA male voices, a
male Vocal Quartet had its inception during 2008, and it was
named Chordiels Quartet. Inspired by the powerful
rendition of Male Vocal harmony by the Gaither Vocal band
and Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, I thought, “Wow, I
can do this… Yes…” With Vijay, Jeyakumar, and Prasanna, I
experimented whatever I learnt over the years. It is the
Chordiels who first introduced harmony singing with music
tracks accompaniment, first to record a full-fledged male
voice Tamil album in harmony in South TN, first group to
host a website of their own, first group to be featured in the
HINDU etc. These ‘firsts’ were new to Groups and Choirs in
and around Madurai, and so people welcomed our every
initiative. All the way, we started harvesting hearts for the
King’s barn, realizing our workmanship in His field.
The Quartet graduated to a Music group, which was fully
into performing, promoting, and publishing Gospel music in
four-part harmony. The singing Chordiels were everywhere
actively participating in various events, and missed not an
opportunity to sing. Amidst struggles, financial droppings,
day-job, family commitments, this group of ‘four’ journeyed
for three years together.
Due to official offerings, Chordiels Music was moved to
Chennai. With reformation in the lineup of Chordiels
Quartet, and with new faces, Chordiels took some time to
catch up with the Chennai audience. This year my wife
shared with me a burden to take care of the little forsaken
kids, and the missionaries who are working in the Lord’s
field, and thus was born Chordiels Care. With wings wide
open I loved to welcome people to join me in CM.
Two of my best friends, Charles and Vijay Bhaskar joined
the Chordiels family and are working on the business and
strategies parts of Chordiels Music Group.
From a small town to a Metropolitan, the Music is still
simple, yet powerful, sharing the same old sweet message
“God loves you too” that will always give new hope to the
listeners of Chordiels Music.
All the way through, I do believe in the song,
“Little is much when God is in it! Labor not for wealth or fame. There's a crown and you can win it, If you go in Jesus' Name”
It is the grace of God that has saved a few sinners to sing
for His Glory, and add a little harvest into His Barn, now
and for more years to come.
Music Publications
Forever for You…….. ( 2012)
Lesaana Kaariyam…….. ( 2011)
Cute Christmas…….. (2010)
Come to the Garden……. (2010)
Amaithy………………… (2009)
Yesuvin Paathathil……. (2008)
Inception of Chordiels Quartet – Vijay, Jeyakumar,
Prasanna and Justus, at St. Peter’s Church,
Thirupalai, Madurai, 8:30am. The Quartet performed
six songs in their first program, and the program went
well, with applause and encouragement from the
Church congregation. Bernard was the sound man for
this inception program. The journey began.
The official website of Chordiels was hosted. It was
www.thechordiels.com. It contained few messages,
photos, and concert schedules of the group. The first
of its kind for a Gospel Male vocal group in South TN,
the website was welcomed by many friends and
indeed it made a visibility to the group even across
cities in Tamilnadu.
Chordiels Quartet released their first Audio CD titled
“Yesuvin Paathathil” (At the feet of Jesus). They
recorded in Justus place in a small home-portable
studio set-up. To begin with the CD was just OK, for a
new group to make itself known in the Christian
Gospel music field. Then on their recording endeavor
grew with enthusiasm.
Chordiels was featured in THE HINDU, a national daily
newspaper, in the Saturday Metroplus. Chordiels
Quartet was called by Mr. Saravanan of THE HINDU, a
national daily newspaper, for an interview. The ‘four’
gathered in Justus place, and they had a good time
speaking their heart out to the public.
The second CD titled “Amaithy” (Peace) was released
in St. Peter’s Church, Tanjore. It was a compilation of
good-old tamil convention songs in harmony.
Chordiels Quartet sang 5 songs and the rest 5 were
solo by Justus. The CD was sold out on its first day
itself.
Chordiels Fest – First year Anniversary of singing in
harmony by Chordiels Quartet was celebrated at
Noyes School grounds, Madurai. The first of its
concert in harmony in South TN. People gathered,
and appreciated the efforts taken, and enjoyed the
evening as the Four raised their voices in
Thanksgiving.
The Third CD titled “Cute Christmas” was released in
All Saints Church, Madurai. Favorite Christmas songs
in Tamil and English set to the harmony of Chordiels
style was a grand welcome. The home studio was
named “Handel Studios”, where they recorded this
album.
Chordiels Music was born, with a wider vision to take
the Gospel to the learned and to the unlearned,
extend our helping hands to the poor who needs
hope, joy and good life. Some more friends joined
Chordiels Music in making these missions.
Publishing, promoting and performing harmony music
was the objective of Chordiels Music.
Chordiels Fest – second year anniversary was
celebrated at the Quiet Corner Chapel of Keswick
Public School Madurai. Church Choirs, groups,
quintets, quartets and trios all gathered at the Chapel
and raised their voices in harmony to the Maker of all
Music, the One who is worth the Praise.
The gathering of various choirs and groups celebrated
this Christmas Carols at the Noyes School Chapel. It
was an informal gathering of friends and relatives in
the Chapel, singing their favorite Carols and listening
to the groups and choirs singing in harmony.
Again, Chordiels was featured in the Cover Story of
the HINDU Metroplus. This time the team was bigger,
and the vision and missions were bigger. Each
member opened up to speak what was done, and
what are yet to be done by Chordiels Music. “Long
way to go” was the realization by the group and by the
people.
Chordiels Fest – Third year Anniversary at Noyes
School ground, Madurai. Chordiels Honors were given
to four senior musicians in Madurai. Fourth CD
“Lesaana Kaariyam” was released. A music book “Let
us sing in Harmony” was also released. The Chief
Guest was Mrs. Helen Satya and Mrs. Betty Prince,
Chennai.
Chordiels Music moved to Chennai. A new official
website www.chordiels.com was launched. Vijay,
Jeyakumar and Prasanna, remained in Madurai
singing, while Justus with new friends in Chennai
announced the new line-up of Chordiels – Reuben,
Manley, Lovelyn and Justus.
Chordiels Fest – fourth year Anniversary was
celebrated at St. Mark’s Church, Selaiyur Chennai.
The new Chordiels recorded a new Audio album titled
“Forever for You” and was released during the Fest.
The new group brought an excellent harmony
presentation, the congregation was inspired and
happy.
Chordiels Care – a new wing of Chordiels Music was
announced. The Care is focused on adopting an
children’s home in Tambaram. It is focused to help
these kids in all infra and school materials, and
sponsor missionaries. With the best of our efforts,
Care will meet the needy and give them hope and
happiness.
Chordiels Fest – Fifth year Anniversary was
celebrated at Christ Church, Military line,
Palayamkottai. Chordiels Honors 2013 were given
away to Seven senior musicians in Tuticorin and
Palayamkottai.
eached Palayamkottai – the Gospel Music City of Tamilnadu -
early in the morning on 23rd June 2013, the Sunday.
After a short rest, we hurried to sing for the youth of the St. John’s
Cathedral, Nazareth, a 45km drive from Palay. Chordiels Quartet
sang a few songs, and entertained the kids and the youth with
games that focused on the morals of Christian living. Prof. V.
Immanuel shared the Lord’s Word with the youth, confining them
to lead a sinless life for Christ. The Church’s Parish Priest, Rev.
Manickam, and the Pastorate Secretary, Mr. Eliaser, gave us gifts
of love for our participation in the youth meeting.
Later, we had a good lunch with our dear Annan Mr. Stephen
Thiagarajan, at Hotel Vaira Maalihai, Palay. Twas lots of love and
fun shared across the table, with a heavy lunch.
Then we came to the venue, Christ Church, military lines, Palay
where our Fest is hosted. Chordiels did a little warm up, and
sound check with the audio system. Then we hurried to our rooms
at Laura Paradise Inn to get ready for the evening show. In the
mean time, our guest for the evening, Pearl City Male Voices
(PCMV), arrived at the venue and were getting ready with the final
sound check.
At 5:45pm Chordiels entered the Church and greeted in person
the members of PCMV, and other guests all who had arrived to the
Fest. With some final touches to the stage and agenda, we were
ready to show up for singing. Rev. Gibson Johndas gave the
opening prayer, led the congregation to sing the hymn “Praise my
soul”, and handed over the stage to Chordiels and PCMV.
Chordiels opened the show with an A Cappella, “Aandava
Prasannamaahi”. Each parts added in well and presented a
prayerful rendition of the hymn and set the ambience for the Fest.
Chordiels sang some of their familiar numbers and made the
congregation in rhythm to their tunes. Justus then presented a
tribute to the YMCA male voices and PCMV, and drove the
Chordiels in singing the classic A cappella “Just a little talk with
Jesus”. The audiences were overjoyed to hear the song build the
harmony, energy of the voices and the ending with a big impact,
hitting the high ‘A’.
The PCMV came on to sing the melodic version of the medley
“Come Oh Jesus/Abba Father”. What a harmony, the seventeen
voices brought with a soulful and smooth rendition. “The Gift of
Song” is another familiar tune with a compelling arrangement of the
male voices along with a made-simple rhythm. The PCMV style is
unique in its way, as trained and directed by Shri. Victor
Thangadurai.
Chordiels presented two regular numbers “Reason Enough”, “Irul
Soolntha Lohathil” in their harmonic progressions. Then came the
most awaited “You are my all in all” with an introduction of a
classic guitar playing Canon in D. The meaning, the message and
the music should have moved the hearts of the listeners as
Chordiels soulfully sang it. The theme song “En Aathumavey” was
an A Cappella in ‘G’.
PCMV sang the famous “Nobody knows” which brought their stuff
of a male vocal arrangement. “Ummaley Naan”, a song composed
by Mr. Stephen Dharmaraj, was set to harmony and they did their
best of the song. Finally, a part from Hayden’s “Creation” opened
in C-sharp minor, and soared to the height, when they hit the E-
major for Let there be light made a stunning climax for the Fest.
After the music is over, Prof. Immanuel of Chordiels Music stood
up to introduce our Chief Guest Rev. Dr. Thomas Thangaraj,
followed by the Rev., felicitating the gathering. The selected seven
senior musicians who have contributed their best, their talent, life
and everything for the sake of Church Music and Gospel music
were honored. Rev. Thomas bestowed the Honors to Shri. T.
Samuel, Shri. G. Victor Thangadurai, Shir. D. Prakash, Shri. K.
Stephen Thiagarajan, Shri. J. Jacob Gnanadoss, Shri. K.I.
Packianathan, and Shri. S. Stephen Dharmaraj. The moment
turned to be emotional as we read out their achievements and
activities they have carried in their life-time.
Dr. Justus delivered the vote of thanks to all who have come for
the Fest, and praised the Lord for all His goodness that He
showers on Chordiels Music year after year. Then he called the
PCMV and CQ to render the much loved and the most meaningful
song that describes Jesus’s final commandment, “Loving God and
Loving Each Other”. Mr. Victor was on the piano, as the 21 voices
raised their voices in harmony, making everyone feel the thrill of
the male-vocal harmony. It was as beautiful as it always used to
be.
Rev. Gibson hosted dinner for all of us. We greeted each other
and shared our testimonies and stories as we had our dinner at
the grounds. What a great day? What a memorable day? This day
will go down into the memories of all who took part in the Fest,
and will stand as a milestone in the journey of Chordiels Music.
R
Awarded to the Senior Musicians in who have
committed their lives to keep alive the Church Music
and Gospel Music, and have served the Lord.
Born in 1940, respected Shri. T. Samuel started his music
ministry in 1955 in a small church in Pillaimunai as an
organist. Since then he is serving the Lord in Sunday
worship services and praise gatherings. His obeyed the
Lord’s call for Church ministry and has served many
churches and participated in ecumenical services with huge
enthusiasm, standing and singing along with five
generations of Choristers.
Today in his early 70s he is the first to be in Church at 6am
on a given Sunday. His passion for church music and
harmony singing has driven him to be part of St. James
Church, Tooveypuram, Tuticorin. Today his son, Mr.
Johnson and his grandson are playing the organ in the
Church. He has also trained several musicians, like Mr.
Victor Thangadurai, Ms. Ketch, and taught them to play the
organ.
He is best known for his punctuality and commitment to
the Church worship services and the passion for the Church
Music.
After 58 years of experience in performing as organist and
training the choir, he never plays the organ from memory.
He sticks onto every note on the sheetmusic, and is happy
that he can read them even at this age of 73. He truly is a
symbol of an Organist and a model for many musicians.
His service for the Lord’s Kingdom and music is honored
with love and respect.
To honor their works for Church Music, harmony singing and
Gospel Music, Seven senior musicians from the regions of
Tuticorin, Trinelveli Districts were selected to receive the
Chordiels Honors 2013.
Held at:
Christ Church,
Military lines, Palayamkottai,
TN, India
On:
23rd June 2013, Sunday evening 6pm
Chief Guest:
Rev. Dr. M. Thomas Thangaraj
(Visiting Professor, Boston University, Boston, USA)
Leader:
Rev. Gibson Johndas
(Parish Priest, Christ Church, Palayamkottai)
A 12 year old boy in 1964, Shri. Prakash gave his first debut
violin performance at the Centenary Hall in Palayamkottai,
accompanied by his sister on the piano. Little did he know
what the future held in store for him in music.
As a young man, he got attracted towards classical western
music, which he practiced in his violin, all the time. He is
indebted to Late. Prof. Cleophus Antony for opening doors
to perform in his violin. He joined as a violinist in the
Trinelveli Chamber Orchestra in 1978, and continues to be
part of it. In 1992, he was appointed as Choir Director of St.
Peter’s Church, Shunmugapuram, Tuticorin.
Since then his active participation in training the choir,
organizing special programs during Christmas and lent, and
every Sunday morning worship, have been his strength in
standing up for the Lord and for the music. He is known for
chord formation on the air for convention songs, and has
written music for more than 175 songs. He is training the
Thoothukudi-Nazareth Women’s Fellowship Choir for the
past 7 years.
“Gospel is the bread of life, and when supplemented with
music spreads God’s love around us”, is his perception.
His service for the Lord’s Kingdom and music is honored
with love and respect.
A sincere student who learnt music at a young age, had
instincts for music that got roots during his engineering
education. Shri. Victor had the privilege to learn classical
music, exposure to A Cappella , Pop, light music, and learnt
to play accordion, piano and guitar. His roles as chorister,
Choir director, music composer, orchestrator and pianist
have excelled him to lead and direct 100-voices choir during
the mid 1990s and in 2007 and 2008. His music composition
for a Passion Cantata and Story of Joseph were acclaimed
for its authenticity and strong deliverance of the Message.
As a professional pianist, Shri. Victor has the passion for
sustaining the spirit of four-part harmony, no matter it is
from a choir, a group or a quartet. The harmony music that
emerges moves people, and Gospel transforms people.
Amidst his profession as Deputy Director(IT) of Tuticorin
Port and a consultant now, he has formed several music
groups, “Joyous singers”, “YMCA choir”, and “Pearlcity
Music Association and Choir”.
His passion for music and his heart for the Master have
brought him through these ways. His submission to the
Lord as “His instrument of love in His hands” is all he wishes
to be forever.
His service for the Lord’s Kingdom and music is honored
with love and respect.
As a little boy he used to sing cinema songs, especially of
MSV’s. One day, while Rev. M. S. Jesudhasan was on house
visit, he heard the young boy Packianathan singing a
famous cine song. The next day the Rev called him to the
Church and appreciated his talent in singing. He then asked
Packinathan to try writing some Choruses for the Children
of the Church. Saheyu Aayakaaran was the first song he
penned.
Later he wrote some of the famous, time tested songs of
our era, Endhan Naavil Pudhu Paatu, Thooyathi
Thooyavarey, which are sung in Churches even to this day.
Since then he wrote more than 100 songs, and sang them
wherever he went to preach the Gospel. He also published
an EP gramophone record in 1976, which became very
famous and a part of every Christian home. He also
published a VCD of 12 tamil keerthanais.
Even today he writes songs, all of them carrying the flavor
of a true Christian experience and message. He has been
the Kadayanodai Church Organist for more than 19 years.
His 38 years job of teaching and song writing has never
been suspended for any cause. He says Holiness in life is the
most important thing. Without holiness we cannot serve the
Lord nor do His ministry.
His service for the Lord’s Kingdom and music is honored
with love and respect.
Mutli-talented is his other name. Shri. Stephen Thiagarajan
is known for his talent as a deep-bass singer, his managerial
skills in organizing and directing an event or a concert, he is
a volleyball player and participates in state and national
events, and above all his loud laughter you could always
feel, comes from his heart.
Joined the st. John’s college choir in 1974 as a bass singer
was the inception of his music journey. He then became
part of the Church Choir in Tuticorin Harbor, and also
travelled with Joyous singers in Tuticorin and Trinelveli
districts. In the late 80s, he was called to direct the St.
Paul’s Church Choir, where he spent the next 12 years
training the choir, organizing three annual events in the
Church, which earned him the ‘first’ to give a different color
to harmony singing.
He knows to bring the best out of an artist. One example is:
he is the one who brought the musicianship in Justus, when
he trusted Justus to write music for his songs.
He then founded a private choir “Harbor Harmonies” in
1998, and still training and travelling with the choir. He has
produced 9 Video DVDs with the choir and has appeared in
television programs.
His service for the Lord’s Kingdom and music is honored
with love and respect.
Singing was his first attraction. Later songwriting became
his passion. Composing and harmony arranging was his
everyday affair.
Shri. Stephen joined the St. Paul’s Church Choir, and the
Cathedral Choir to sing and sing only. This is when he met
his friend Mr. Victor Thangadurai who taught Stephen to
play the Guitar and the fundamentals of music. He says “It
was Victor who brought me to the boil and I began to
compose songs”.
Nesarudan Naan Nadapen was his first song, and Victor
harmonized it and trained his choir to sing this song, which
became a familiar to many. In the late 1970s, his songs
Viduthalai, viduthalai petren, and Anaithum Kristhuvukey
became famous when the Satya family records those songs.
Those became a hit, even today.
He joined YMCA choir as a tenor and plays guitar
sometimes. For some years he conducted the YMCA choir.
His songs and his musical arrangements are used by YMCA
and PCMA choirs, and by many groups.
Mr. Stephen says “Music is a gift of God. Freely received,
freely it should be given and should pass on the gift.”
His service for the Lord’s Kingdom and music is honored
with love and respect.
Started in the late 1970s as a harmonium accompanist for
his cousin brother, Shri. Jacob was so passionate about
song writing and singing. In the late 1980s he began to
write new songs and formed his own orchestra in his
hometown, which later became the “Heavenly light
Orchestra”. The team was performing everywhere and
known to everyone in Tuticorin, Trinelveli and Nagercoil
regions. His daughters also joined the team and travelled
with their Dad, singing and making music.
Jacob initiated and formed the youth choirs at St. James
Church and St. Patrick’s Church in Tuticorin, and trains
them to sing during special occasions. Now, he formed the
Church Choir at Kirubhai Nagar and trains the mixed-voice
choir.
He has written more than 200 tamil gospel songs, and more
than 250 choruses for IMS and Baliyar Nesan, a wing of
Trinelveli Diocese. He has performed in more than 3000
stage concerts with his orchestra. Also he was part of the
YMCA choir and YMCA male voices during the 1990s.
Sathirathai Thedi was the famous series of albums among
the 9 albums he published. He longs to the clay in the
Potter’s Hands.
His service for the Lord’s Kingdom and music is honored
with love and respect.
Chordiels Honors 2013
clockwise: Shri. T. Samuel, Shri. G. Victor Thangadurai, Shri. D. Prakash, Shri. K.
Stephen Thiagarajan, Shri. S. Stephen Dharmaraj, Shri. J. Jacob Gnanadoss,
Shri. Kadayanodai Packianathan
In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you, in Christ Jesus
by Justin Arockia Raj
Thanksgiving is essential in every believer’s life. Our living and loving God expects us to be thankful at all times. We find many
instances in the Bible that talk about giving thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ for all the blessings. Why should we thank God? and do we
thank enough? What is our level of thanksgiving? Let us retrospect these things in this article.
Give thanks in everything: (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
God gave his only begotten son for us and has clothed us with invaluable salvation. Nothing can match the sacrifice Jesus has done for
us in the cross. He is king of kings, lord of lords and has written our names in the book of life. For this, we should be thankful, till our
last breathe. Paul says – “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you, in Christ Jesus. Let us be thankful in each and
every circumstance. God knows how to handle our situations - be it good or bad. Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do, whether in
word or deed, do it in the name of our Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him.
Thanksgiving through songs: (Psalm 28:7)
Like David, through songs, we can thank our covenant maker and covenant keeper. Some of the relevant excerpts from bible are given
below: Psalm 28:7 – The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in Him and I am helped. Therefore my heart exults. And
with my song, I shall thank him. Psalm 69:30 – I will praise the name of God with song. And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 95: 1-2 – O Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord. Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His
presence with thanksgiving. In our prayers too, let us give Him a slot for thanksgiving.
Thank Him for His power and strength:(Psalm 107:29-32)
Our God is the creator of heaven and earth. He has laid the foundations of earth. He is
omnipresent and omnipotent. Lord strengthened Noah, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Enoch,
Joseph, Daniel and Nehemiah in their spiritual journey. Jesus strengthened his disciples
and healed the sick people through his words and He has been giving us spiritual and
physical strength. So, let us thank Him from the bottom of our hearts.
Psalm 107:29-32 – He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were
hushed. Then they were glad because they were quiet. So He guided them to their
desired heaven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His loving kindness. And for His
wonders to the sons of men! Let them extol Him also in the congregation of the people.
And praise him at the seat of the elders.
Thank Him for His unconditional Love (1 Chronicles 16:34)
God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son. Jesus so loved us that He shed blood for us. In return, He wants our
hearts with love for him and others and thanksgiving. Shall we respond fully to his will? 1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give thanks to the
Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Jeremiah 33:11 – The sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and the
bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord, saying, “Give thanks to the Lord
Almighty”, for the Lord is good; his love endures forever.”
Psalm 106:1 – Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Let us thank him for He has created us in his image. Thank him for He has anointed us with the Holy Spirit. Thank him for the
church, family and believers’ circle. Thank him for the ministry, job, health and the other worldly blessings. Thank him like the
Samaritan leper who was cleansed by Jesus. Above all, thank him for he is going to give us eternal life and we can see him face to
face.
As we sing and praise God for all the things he showered on us, I remember the few lines of the song:
Thank him in the morning, thank him in the evening and thank him when the sun goes down.
Justus:
My heartfelt thanks to my dad, mom, dear wife
and son, friends (many, includes you too),
brother (Baskar), sisters, music teachers (Sam,
Prakash), teachers, mentors (Stephen
Thiagarajan), role-models (Victor uncle, Moses
uncle, Prof. Lawrence), and of course, everyone
at Chordiels family.
Ashok Peter:
Loving thanks to my parents, sister and all my
friends...
Hepsiba Justus:
Thanks to my loving dad, sweet mom,
ever loving hubby, dear son, all my
friends, my loving sister Beu… and…
my school & college teachers, who not…
all at Chordiels
Vasanth Samson:
I love to thank my Parents, my dear wife Nancy, and my two little
boys. And also to all my dear brothers who have taught me how to
sing, and mentors who led me into pastoral ministry.
Evangeline:
These people were there during my bad times &
encouraged me for which i am today.. so i would
like to thank them, Mr.Daniel, Mum & Dad,
Mrs.Padmaja, Ms.Angel Jeneafer and Dr.Justus
Reuben Rhuphus:
I love to thank my dad, mom, sweet sister, my music
teacher Mr. Andrew John, and many other teachers
who have taught me music and piano
Johnson : (Prof of Physics)
Lots of thanks to Jesus, my dad & mom, loving wife, and my
sweet children. Thank them for their presence in my life. Kirubha Kingston:
I am grateful to grandfather Rev. John Joseph, my
mom Josephine Edward, dear cousin Catherine, thank
God for many loving people, George Beverlyshea for his
songs, and thank God for giving all musicians and
singers, the one like Chordiels.
Remember to
Thank
Everyone
Anisha:
Sincere thanks to my late Dad, George
Lala, my hubby (Anojish), my best
friend (Mrs. Samantha), my choir
master (Justus anna), my team lead
(Sabarinathan).
Manley:
I want to thank my Dad, Mom and my Wife, and
then Justus anna for giving me this wonderful
opportunity. And I thank God for giving
everything I got in this life.
Syntia Bejoy:
I wish to thank my dear mom and dad, my dear
husband Bejoy, thank my professor, Mr. Justin and my
music mentor, Justus anna. Above everything I thank
my Lord Jesus for giving a blessed life to me & my
family.
My Dear Sons and Daughters,
I am so glad to share a few thoughts on “Giving Thanks”.
The Psalmist king David gave thanks to God for all things. You
know why he praised God, because the Lord is good all the time.
As in Psalms 91:11, “He shall give His angels charge over you, to
keep you in all your ways”, and hence it is fitting to thank God, for
it is well pleased unto Him.
We must thank God for He has redeemed us from the bottom
most pit of this sinful world. Unless Jesus is sent into this world
we could never get the redemption from sins. For God granted us
the salvation not free of cost but for the precious blood of His son
Jesus.
We must be thankful to God for His new covenant made through
Jesus Christ. God sent His only begotten son ‘Jesus’ to save us by
sacrificing His life on the cross of Calvary. And whoever believes in
this great love shall be saved by His blood. We must give thanks
and praise God that God chooses His children who are having
faith in the Name of Jesus.
We ought to thank God whether He enriches us with His blessings
or put us into temptation and poverty. We must praise God as Job
did. Job was a very righteous man in the eyes of God and men.
Even though Job has lost all things, his wealth, health, properties,
sons and daughters, he refrained not from praising him. “The Lord
gave, and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the
Lord.” Likewise we should have the heart to thank and praise God
in all our situations – good or bad, high or low, rich or poor, sick or
healthy.
Children, give thank to God for it is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you. Do you remember when we praised God as a
family in all our bad situations, and thanked Him in all our good
times?
If you could turn with to Luke Chapter 17, verses 11 to 19. It is a
wonderful passage that teaches us the duty to the thankful and
what Jesus expects from us.
The incident happens when Jesus passed through the land of
Samaria and Galilee. There He met ten men who were lepers, who
stood far off and they lifted up their voice, and said “Master have
mercy on us” So when Jesus saw them, he said to them “go, show
yourselves to the priests”. And so it was that on the way they went
they were cleansed. Now, one of them, when he saw that he was
healed of his leprosy, he thought to himself, Let me go and thank
the master, and show Him I am clean now. He returned to Jesus,
and with a loud voice He glorified God and fell down on his face at
the feet of Jesus, giving Him thanks.
Jesus appreciated this man who worshipped Him at His feet with
thanksgiving. Jesus was honoring his faith and his heart to return
to give thanks. Jesus expects the same thing from us. We were
filled with sins, sin was in our flesh, in our mind and everywhere in
us. When we called on to Him to heal us, He was gracious enough
to shed His precious blood for us, for our sins, and cleansed us of
the dirty, filthy sins of the world.
While on our way, do we think of Jesus who has cleansed us? Do
we go back to Him to thank Him, worship Him and praise Him? Do
we have that grateful heart? From today, let us practice this in our
lives to thank Him whenever He is merciful to show us His love
and grace, inspite of our sinful nature.
Dear children, me and your mom are happy to share this though
of thanksgiving with you all, as we ourselves thank the Lord for
His goodness and faithfulness that He has shown on us all these
years, and still He is gracious to fill us with His love.
We all Praise you and Thank You Lord!
Give Thanks As told by Shri. N. Jothipandian to his Kids and Grandkids.
He is a retired Southern Railway Engineer, now lives with his family, kids and grandkids,
teaching and guiding them in the light of the Lord.
St. Peter was standing at the Pearly gates and asking a Doctor who just now left his earthly life, “What were you
doing on earth all these days?” The Doctor answered I was sincerely serving the patients. “Ok. But in heaven there
is no job for a Doctor, you stand aside”. Then Peter asked a civil engineer “What about you?” The engineer
answered “I was laying roads and bridges”. Peter replied “Golden roads are already laid in heaven, so no job for you.
Stand aside”. Then came a man and his family. Peter asked “What you guys were doing?” We were just singing and
making music in Churches, Gospel meetings”. “Oh, you are a singer and a musician?” Peter asked. “Yes” the man
replied. “Come on in and your family. We need you. You have got a fulltime job to do. No rest. Keep on singing,
praising and make music. Join the heavenly Choir” Peter welcomed the man and his entire family with joy.
Singers, Musicians, song writers and composers, ye who did for the Glory of God, we have a job in heaven. So get
ready, rehearse and rehearse. We’ll be joining the heavenly Choir
Only ONE Job!
The
While driving home after a Sunday morning worship in our Church, we were asking our son what he learnt in the Sunday School
that morning. He told this story and it’s moral.
One day while God, along with His son Jesus, was going for a walk on the grand golden roads of Heaven. They were just
monitoring what the angels wee doing, and how they were busy with their assigned works. The first room was filled with angels
working on gifts that arrived Heaven this past Easter. The second room’s angels were training the Heaven’s choir for the
forthcoming Christmas celebrations, the third room was filled with works on the Second coming of Jesus, the fourth, the fifth and
so on are occupied with angels, busy doing their works.
One of the biggest rooms they crossed was over-crowded with lots of angels working in it. God asked Jesus, “Why is that they are
so crowded and overloaded?” Jesus answered; “these angels are working on the prayers and petitions, requests and tears from
human beings to us, and they are in plenty, so we have deputed additional angels to work on bringing all those prayers to you and
me to answer them promptly”. God was so happy that people in the world are praying so sincerely, everyday. And they walked
past.
A few steps away God found a room with only two angels working so reluctant, and the room was so free, it seems no significant
work is carried out in it. God stopped and asked Jesus “Why is this room so empty? Why these angels are left free? And what they
are supposed to do?” Jesus grew so sad, and replied “Father, this is the room meant to receive Thanks and Gratitude from
human beings. But this room receives only less thanks offerings each day, and that’s why these angels are not as occupied as the
others”. God and Son became sad on this issue.
Moral: Let’s make the Father and the Son happy by singing praises and prayers of Thanks giving to them. Let our thanks reach
that room every day and every moment.
We reached home, and thanked the Father and the Son for giving us such a great life’s lesson.
by Dr. S. Justus
by Dr. J. Nancy Samson
Why to give thanks?
To this well known Christian question, many would answer, it is good to thank God, only then God will bless,
thanksgiving pleases God, for something good to happen in life, "Give thanks" and it is the will of God, so give
thanks. Moreover our elders have even taught us how to offer thousand praise offerings daily to work out miracles.
Somehow we all know the importance of "Why to give thanks" and the surpassing value of Thanksgiving.
My caption is not "why to give Thanks" or "How to give Thanks". Although we give thanks in our prayers like a
parrot (sthothiram, sthothiram, sthothiram) and stand as a testimony in church, but still we often query, why? why?
why? about so many things that roll upon our lives time and again.
Why should I suffer pain? Why this disease? Why a Jordan or a Red sea before me? Why a desert of loneliness?
Why a Jericho? Why a fiery furnace? Why God asks me to sacrifice my only beloved and why this valley of
death?
The very good news is that, all these ‘Why’ we question, is only to give thanks and that is my caption.
Because, only when you come across such circumstances, you will know who your God is. Unless He heals you,
you will not say that "He is my Healer". Unless you go through the path of lacking, you will not know your
Provider.
So, God will heal your disease, He will part the Jordan and the Red sea for you, God will bring down Jericho, He
will make a way in the desert and the desert will spring forth water for you.
God Himself will walk with you in the fiery furnace and in the valley of death, and you will say, "Lord! You are
with me and thy rod and thy staff they comfort me" (Psalms 23:4).
God will shut the mouth of the lions who roar against you. Though He wants you to sacrifice your beloved or the
best thing in life, He will raise the Savior through your sacrifice (remember through the seed of Isaac came our
Lord Jesus Christ).
If you can trust this Almighty God, who is marvelous in work (Job 5:9) and continue to hold on to your faith in
Him who will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy :31:6) then, you will end up in thanksgiving for all
the - "why it happened to me?" . Job 23:10 says "when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold".
Christian life is not free of problems. Book of II Timothy 3:12 says "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus
will suffer persecution".
Never give up and be patient. Patience is a sign that you still trust Him. Endure the life threatening situation for the
glory of God. Because there is no doubt that the Lord of impossibilities shall turn your mourning into joy of
thanksgiving for His glory.
Thanksgiving must arise only after waiting patiently to experience the goodness and the help of God in every trial
that we may have to face. Then this "Thank You" would not come out from your lips but will flow voluntarily
from your grateful heart which will be a sweet smelling aroma to God.
Real Thanksgiving comes forth from a real brokenness of heart.
Are you going through a rugged path where you are left alone?
Then, your Glorious Thanksgiving is most awaited!
Dr. J. Nancy Samson, is a dental physician,
working with a reputed corporate and
practicing medicine independently. She is the
wife of CQ’s Vasanth Samson.
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