“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you LACKED OPPORTUNITY. [11] Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be CONTENT: [12] I know how to be ABASED, and I know how to ABOUND. Everywhere and in all things I have LEARNED both to be FULL and to be HUNGRY, both to ABOUND and to SUFFER need. [13] I CAN do ALL THINGS through Christ who STRENGTHENS me” Philippians 4:10-13.
Under God, and in the name of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, and by the enabling Holy Spirit of inspiration, revelation and empowerment, I graciously WELCOME you to Month NOVEMBER. The month entitled: “THE SPIRIT OF CONTENTMENT” – TO ABOUND AND TO BE ABASED IN THE GRACE, which is coined from the scriptural context of Philippians 4:10-13 and along with other scriptures that will be used in time to address the theme in course of this month by the grace of God. So, watch out and follow suit to ensure you have full knowledge and understanding in the entire context of the theme in the grace.
For we live in a generation and dispensations of Believer’s who in the name of PROSPERITY eluding to materialism, are almost in the lost of the guardrails and boundaries they ought to do life and live godly in the grace. And our beloved Apostle Paul who have obtained all the abounding disposition of grace upon his life, could eventually find himself to end up in prison, and yet, he still maintains the composition of his ENDUEMENT and ENDOWMENTS in the grace; and from there he was able to write this concise epistle notes out of the place of being humbled, otherwise being abased, for the cause of the Gospel. What an indicator to every Believer’s to know how to balance life with God, in order to live a purposeful, meaningful and fulfilling life in the grace. That’s the essence of the welcome into this trinity experience of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, sphere of the spirit contentment as Jesus was humbled in humanity to enable Him become the author and finisher of our eternal SALVATION in the grace as written:
“Wherefore seeing we also are COMPASSED about with so GREAT A CLOUD OF WITNESSES, let us LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT, and THE SIN which doth so EASILY BESET US, and let us RUN with PATIENCE the race that is set before us, [2] LOOKING unto Jesus the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him ENDURED the cross, DESPISING THE SHAME, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:1-2.
“So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest; but He that said unto him, Thou art my Son, Today have I begotten thee. [6] As He saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchisedec. [7] Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that He feared; [8] though He were a Son, yet learned He OBEDIENCE by the things which He SUFFERED; [9] and being made PERFECT, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him; [10] called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec” Hebrews 5:5-10.
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
[6] who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a Servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] and being found in fashion as a man, He HUMBLED himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. [9] Wherefore God also hath HIGHLY EXALTED Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name: [10] that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” Philippians 2:4-11.
For to be “ABASED” is in the present tense and means in some context to be in a state of degradation. And to “ABOUND” means to be in overflow, and at times it conveys the idea of extreme wealth or abundance, as to say, to be highly successful in whatever context of attribution. However, in the Scriptural context of the Bible, to be “ABASED” means to be humbled, brought low, or degraded, often as a consequence of pride [being proudly] or disobedience to specific scriptural instructions of God; and it’s the opposite of being exalted and being lifted up or uplifted; and the concept by the scriptural context is summarised by the principle that those who exalt themselves will be abased, while those who humble themselves will be exalted. The writ of Philippians 4:13-19 by Apostle Paul is to describe his ability to be content in any situation, including TIMES OF NEED and HUNGER as per his TIMES OF ABUNDANCE AND BEING HIGHLY SUFFICIENT AND SUCCESSFUL.
Knowing now to be “ABASED” and “ABOUND” comes from the biblical verse Philippians 4:12-13, which refers and indicates the concept of learning to LIVE CONTENTEDLY as a Believer in Christ Jesus, in both in times of NEED and PLENTY, what manner of person are you setting yourself to become in the grace. For to be ABASED means to learn to live with less, which involves taming desires, avoiding excess, and appreciating what you have through practicing the spirit of contentment and discipline in the grace. And in the same scenario, to ABOUND in context as mean to have more, involves living with gratitude, practicing wise stewardship, and being disciplined with resources, rather than being wasteful or prideful in the grace.
And the month of NOVEMBER as any other DAWN months in the Julian and Gregorian calendar year, is crucial and important in the cause of the numbering of our days under the Sun. This is in order to fulfil PURPOSE by God, in Christ Jesus stead, as the scriptures but not limited, enjoined in Colossians 4:17 and Romans 8:28 and Ephesians 1: 11… And it thus re-echoes and reminds me as in other DAWN months, of some important matters and thoughts in the year as described in the settings being laid within context as in other writ; and also, with the knowing that it’s God who makes things to be, in each passing days, weeks and months, and He is the one who crowns the year [our year, your year], with His GOODNESS and ABUNDANCE, in all that pertains to doing LIFE and living GODLY by God in Christ Jesus stead as it’s written:
“This is THE DAY [WEEK, MONTH, YEAR] which the Lord hath MADE; we will REJOICE and be GLAD in it” Psalms 118:24/Emphasis Mine.
“Thou CROWNEST THE YEAR with thy GOODNESS; and thy paths DROP FATNESS (ABUNDANCE). 12 They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. 13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing” Psalms 65:11-13/Emphasis Mine.
Therefore, my acronyms to month November, can be summed in these context as done in many other times:
- FIRSTLY, that the month NOVEMBER is the eleventh and penultimate month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars, the fourth and last of four months to have a length of 30 days and the fifth and last of five months to have a length of fewer than 31 days. And it is the last month of fall in the Northern Hemisphere of the world while in the southern half, it is the last month of spring in count.
- SECONDLY, that the month of NOVEMBER is the third of the four months with the “BER” endings – SeptemBER, OctoBER, NovemBER, and DecemBER. This signifies the eleventh hour month to the closing month of the year that will usher in another DAWN year; and for me as an example, it helps me as matter of principle in diligence, prudence and productivity toward ensuring a meaningful and purposeful fulfilment in the closure of the dawn year by the eleventh hour month; and to evaluate what the year has been and what I need to make up that’s lacking within and without, in order to end up strong, stronger and strongly in the current dawn year; and to take stock of the outstanding testimonies in God’s graciousness, gracefulness and blessedness toward me and family, ministry and all I care about which includes you that’s reading this writ right now, in the course of doing life and living godly, in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.
- And THIRDLY, the Month NOVEMBER been the ELEVEN months of the year; it assured my thoughts toward engaging with the benefits of a TEAM spirit, when you consider the ELEVEN PERSONS in the making of a FOOTBALL TEAM. Thus, indicating the needs to work together with others, in a common purpose with a team spirit in order to achieve common results as a team knowing the implications of being a lone life person, being exposed to dangers and helplessness, and being vulnerable to be preyed upon by the enemy and cohorts of faith in the grace. This is important, irrespective of the quality of the personality of the individual player’s terms that are involved. The aim is to see the need to achieve results together and collectively, as a team rather than as an individual lone person with innumerable opportunity of engaging with others for massive creativity, exploring, innovation and such like.
Therefore, I WELCOME you specially and specifically to NOVEMBER 2025, which is entitled for you and I to ensure the – “THE SPIRIT OF CONTENTMENT” – TO ABOUND AND TO BE ABASED IN THE GRACE; Knowing and understanding this concept and context, will keep you steady in the faith, because it assures that you are God’s and Christ Ambassador in the grace, and whatever you are abounded with, should be measured to ensure when you are humbled to Abased dispositions, you remain steadily and steadfastly in the faith which unfortunately, many can’t handle.
And through the month, by God’s inspiring, revealing, and empowering grace, I will hopefully be measuring up the various segments to the Month theme.
Blessed regards in God’s BLESSEDNESS in Christ Jesus stead. Amen.
SCRIPTURAL THOUGHT WORTH PONDERING IN CONTEXT:
“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that now at last you have renewed your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned about me before, but you had no opportunity to show it. [11] Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. [12] I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. [13] I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
[19] And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:10-14, 19/Amplified.
“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. [6] But GODLINESS with CONTENTMENT is great gain. [8] And having FOOD and RAIMENT let us be therewith CONTENT” 1 Timothy 6:3-8.
“Let your CONVERSATION [CONDUCT, BEHAVIOUR] be without covetousness; and be CONTENT with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. [6] So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear What man shall do unto me” Hebrews 13:5-6.
“Although the fig tree shall NOT BLOSSOM, Neither shall fruit be in the vines; The labour of the olive shall fail, And the fields shall yield no meat; The flock shall be cut off from the fold, And there shall be no herd in the stalls: [18] Yet I will REJOICE in the LORD, I will JOY in the God of my salvation. [19] The LORD God is my STRENGTH, And he will make my FEET like HINDS’ FEET, And He will make me to walk upon mine HIGH PLACES. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments” Habakkuk 3:17-19.
“HUMBLE yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may EXALT you in due time: [7] casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. [8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [9] whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. [10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have SUFFERED a while, make you PERFECT, STABLISH, STRENGTHEN, SETTLE you. [11] To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” 1 Peter 5:6-11.
“So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest; but He that said unto him, Thou art my Son, Today have I begotten thee. [6] As He saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchisedec. [7] Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that He feared; [8] though He were a Son, yet learned He OBEDIENCE by the things which He SUFFERED; [9] and being made PERFECT, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him; [10] called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec” Hebrews 5:5-10.
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
[6] who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a Servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] and being found in fashion as a man, He HUMBLED himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. [9] Wherefore God also hath HIGHLY EXALTED Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name: [10] that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” Philippians 2:4-11.
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. [25] Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? [26] Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? [27] Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? [28] And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: [29] and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? [31] Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat?” or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. [33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [34] Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” Matthew 6:24-34.
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