Ibaadah, Taqwa, Shukr… Mindblowing Relationship

This is a real 'gem' I heard in a khutbah a long time ago from a Shaykh who is very dear to me (may Allah(swt) preserve him), so much of a gem in fact, that it stuck with me after hearing it vividly for a couple of years. It happened that I moved and I was unable to ever track him down and get the references for it until last Ramadan when I was able to meet him and getting the ayaat for what he quoted was one of my top priorities! Check out the relationship

Ibadah of Allah -> Taqwa of Allah

O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious) [2:21]

Taqwa -> Shukr (Thankfulness)

So fear Allah much [abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden and love Allah much, perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained] that you may be grateful. [3:123]

Shukr -> Increase in Blessings

And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: “If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings), but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily! My Punishment is indeed severe.” [14:7]

Blessings -> Back to More Worship

And We made them leaders, guiding (mankind) by Our Command, and We inspired in them the doing of good deeds, performing Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and the giving of Zakat and of Us (Alone) they were worshippers. [21:73]