​There is a song that was released in 2019 that became popular probably because people can relate so well with it. Here is the chorus:

'Cause I got issues

But you got 'em too

So give 'em all to me

And I'll give mine to you

Bask in the glory

Of all our problems

'Cause we got the kind of love

It takes to solve 'em

This is written between two people in love but it can speak to us as believers that we all have issues, and we need to not judge but support each other, trusting that God will work them all out through His love in time.

We just finished the Advance series from the book of Acts. It was a real charge to move forward, but easier said than done, because of our issues.

This next series is entitled Issues and the journey will take us through the Pauline Epistles in Chronological order. In Paul's missionary journey's he would spend time in a particular city, raise leaders, and then continue on, normally because he was forced out by persecution. With humans follows problems, and since travel was not like it is today, Paul had to rely on writing to address these issues as they arose.

My hope is as we journey with Paul through his epistles we will discover our own issues and gain the wisdom on how to move through them so we can truly advance ahead and take greater ground for the glory of the Kingdom of God.

Here in 1 Thessalonians, Paul, as we will see in all his letters, starts off with encouragement. Focusing on what is good before dealing with what is not so good. This is a wise leadership tool, always start positive, building up first, before dealing with the issues that need to be resolved. A good leader is not just one that can point out problems but one who can lead people towards solving them without feeling discouraged.

Paul spent this first chapter reminding the Thessalonians what the Lord has done and how they have been an example to others through their faithful witness. One of my mentors would turn people's issues into humor so that the listeners would be laughing first and then realize, 'ouch,' he is talking about me, I need to repent and change my way of thinking. It is a highly effective correctional model. Get people to laugh, agree, and then take ownership of their own problems.