Scripture References---

[jane]

OK,

I was talking to my husband about taking that Pastor to small claims court to get our money back. He felt nervous.

Then I was talking to a friend, he pointed out a scripture;

Psalm 9:7-8
He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself; and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.


Now I find myself fearful to call this man out on what he did.

I don't know what my friend meant by this but I get the impression that he thinks that pastor can retaliate and do more damage to us than it is worth--

and yet I feel like to "give this to God" without doing anything feels devasting to me--- like "how much more should we put up with"


WHat do you guys think? Is this scripture a warning to me? That guy felt like it was from God....makes me want to puke. I am begining to think, if this is what God is about maybe I don't want part of His kingdom. We've been robbed, emotionally, financially, spiritually and the most important to me is robbed of our time.

Jane

[Florence]

OK,

Is this scripture a warning to me? That guy felt like it was from God....makes me want to puke. I am begining to think, if this is what God is about maybe I don't want part of His kingdom. We've been robbed, emotionally, financially, spiritually and the most important to me is robbed of our time.

Jane

If your burden isn't being lifted and your yoke isn't being made easier, it is NOT from God. If God wants you to know something, He's big enough to tell you himself, not through someone else.

Sounds to me like your friend doesn't want you to break the "can't talk" rule. People don't hide what is appropriate. If what this man has done to you is "appropriate," you should be able to bring it into the open. If it isn't "appropriate," then by staying silent, you are saying that what he has done is okay. Either way, he needs to be exposed.

In The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, is says, "Avoid looking to others to see what to do. Don't take a poll. it might come out different than what your heart is telling you."

Listen to your heart, Jane.

Florence

[Doug64]

It seems to me the verse is saying that correcting a scoffer or a wicked (unrepentant) man is a waste of time because they are not going to listen or appreciate what they are told.

That is different from exposing wrongdoing.
I agree with Jane.

Doug

[Doug64]

Actually....I agree with Florence.

Got mixed up.

Doug

[Truthseeker]

Hmmm. I may be wrong but it seems to me that going to small claims court is a different thing that "correcting" someone. You're just making use of the authorities God placed over you to make a judgment -- Moses used to do that.

These people keep using scriptures to hide their sins behind... I'm not sure that's what God intended.

If you've really examined yourself and been fair and now this is the only way to get the money back, I'd do it -- or at the very least let him know that is what you intend to do. Chances are, you'll get your money as soon as the pastor sees he's being taken to court. He really doesn't want that on his record.

He'll throw that verse at you about brother taking brother to court; and you'll have to have a SCRIPTURAL comeback -- such as, then, rather than settle this in court, perhaps it would be better to let the body judge between us? (I bet you get you money back right then!!!)

As for retribution -- I don't know what kind of position he is in to do you harm. If he is, then I would start dealing with the fear, because the threat of harm is really blackmail. You have to realistically decide which is worth more to you - what it could cost you, or what it has cost you. Pray pray pray. Could be that God will protect you from what it COULD cost you. (Until just a few days ago, singing with my incredible "worship partner" and not wanting that relationship possibly destroyed forever was worth staying in a bad place. All of a sudden, it wasn't. I knew I was being blackmailed. I tried really hard to figure out how to leave without unfair consequences - I had to be ready. I will let you know if I ever here from him again :( ) )

HE RANSOMS ME UNHARMED FROM THE BATTLE WAGED AGAINST ME. PS. 55:18

[Willow]

Jane,

One of the things I failed to do before standing up to the pastor and leadership... was to set up a support network for myself. It made it very difficult to stand up under the repercussions of speaking truth and making boundaries. I say this NOT because I think you shouldn't take the pastor to court... but moreso to make sure you have the support system to withstand the repercussions. It's a law of physics... every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Are you ready for it?

HUGSSSSS
Willow

[Kerrin]

In The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, is says, "Avoid looking to others to see what to do. Don't take a poll. it might come out different than what your heart is telling you."

Listen to your heart, Jane.
Florence

I have nothing of use to add, except I agree with all the points made.
I pray that God's will be done,and the truth be revealed!!!!

God Bless,
Kerrin :)

[salome]

he sounds like a street person and on the street they call people like that thieves.he probably has done this to others.
it is hard going to court but probably the only way to get what is yours.
blessings
salome

[Jerry]

Dear Jane,,,
You already know what I think ;) Heres two of my favorite Quotes,,,,,,,,,,,"Thou shalt not put thy hand to thy neighbor,,,,,,,but thou mayest kick his ass !!!",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and "Don't get so Heavenly,,,that your no earthly good"
Jane,,,this man is a "Thief"and not just from you,he lowballed the est. as far as I can tell,steeling work from lagitimate contractors.He probably has work now that he is getting a proper price on,so he is hanging you out to dry.Maybe you wouldn't have done the work if the price was 2-3 thousand,,,but you would now at least have a functioning kitchen.I bet this "Dirtbag" is a real "Schmoozer"...When you get estimates for work in the future get 3,,,,throw out the low price and the high price,,,and go with the middle price(honest price)
Love Jerry