Can Anything Good Come Out of Nazareth?

-by Patrice Tsague, NPIM

And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." John 1:46

Where are you from? What family were you born in? Are people surprised by your accomplishments due to your family background, place of birth, race or nationality? Have you limited your scope due to these factors? Have you ever asked the question, "Can anything good come out of....?"


Nathanael asks this question about Jesus when Phillip introduces Him as the prophet from Nazareth, Philip's response is, "Come and see."


Prior to the birth of Christ, Nazareth was not an important part of the national and religious life of Israel. It had a bad reputation in morals and religious life. Even the Galilean language had a crudeness to it. Due to these factors, Nathanael is surprised that the Messiah would come from Nazareth or be identified by it. God has an interesting sense of humor. He chooses to bring greatness out of a place or person who seems unlikely; the less likely the human possibilities, the more likely the divine possibility.


The Lord laid upon our hearts to relocate the Nehemiah Project headquarters to Portland, Oregon in 2010. As we contemplated the move, we asked, "Why Portland?" Even after we moved, many who live in Portland asked us the same question. They are asking, in other words, "If you could move anywhere else in the country, why would you choose a place so liberal, so un-churched, one of the least ethnically diverse in the country, and one of the most hit economically. Can anything good come out of Portland?" The good news is good things can come out of anyplace where God is present and there is a righteous remnant who are committed to His will. I ask all who are curious about "Why Portland?" to take a visit and see a city where, despite its challenges, God is moving in a dynamic way in the marketplace. From weekly small groups, to networking events, to philanthropy, to social transformation, to equipping His people, God is at work in Portland. Prophetically, Portland will serve as one of the model cities of what God can do when people come together across denominational, political and ethnic lines to bring community transformation for His glory.


I come from a well-to-do family in Cameroon, Africa; however, because I was born in Africa, viewed as rebellious and very playful by my family, relocated to America at a young age, did not speak English at all, did not go to seminary or have an MBA, many thought, "Can anything good come out of that boy?" My response is, "Wait and see."


What has held you back? Whom have you allowed to define your destiny? No matter your origin, race, education, or circumstances, if you commit your works to the Lord and trust Him with your life and business, He will do more through you than you can hope or imagine. If it does not happen on this side of glory, wait until you get to heaven. You will be amazed. So the next time you are asked, "Can anything good come out of...?" Just respond, "Wait and see." As you prepare to celebrate this Christmas season, remember where our Savior came from, remember what He did, and remember His words, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father" John 14:12.


Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

The Benefits of Pleasing God

When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7


How would you like to make your worst enemy live at peace with you? Your enemy could be an in law, a competitor, a neighbor; anyone whom you have done your best to be kind to, but for some reason, no matter what you do, he or she seems to get more enraged with you. Your enemy may be determined to undermine you. No matter what you do, the person seems to be unsatisfied; it seems that his or her satisfaction will be to see you hurt or non-existent.

Romans 12:18 states, "if it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." This suggests that unfortunately no matter how hard you try, being at peace with all is in part dependent upon the other person's willingness to cooperate. What do we then do when the other person is not willing to cooperate? In such instances, we should focus our attention on pleasing God and allow Him to fight our battles for us.

Pleasing God has many benefits, which include:

• He will give you the desires of your heart

• He will give you eternal life

• He will provide for you

• He will cause you to live at peace with your enemies

• And much more

Let us focus on the aspect of being at peace with our enemies. Why is this benefit so important for the Biblical Entrepreneur? Our enemies can be a distraction, they can be a temptation, and they can take us off our game. No matter how spiritual you are, an enemy who is persistent may eventually wear on you because he may employ ungodly methods against you while you are limited to only using strategies that honor the Lord in your dealings with him. Unfortunately, when some of us are fed up, we take matters into our own hands so we are not perceived as being a weak Christian. This is unacceptable because when we take matters into our own hands, we fight battles ourselves when the Bible states that "the battle is not ours it is the Lord's". I Samuel 17:47

When we have done all we can to make peace with our enemies to no avail, let us focus our energies on pleasing the Lord with all of our hearts so He may fight our battles. Who have you been trying to make peace with to no avail? Turn your focus on pleasing God and watch Him supernaturally turn their hearts around.


Copyright © 2010 Patrice Tsague ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.