Same-Sex Marriage was NOT passed in the UK

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill will now go into Commons Committee Stage and is likely to progress to the House of Lords after the Queen's Speech, expected in early May.
There will be a tough battle in the House of Lords. The size of the Commons majority seen last night was much larger than for most normal Government business – making it very difficult for peers to suggest that the Bill should be rejected.

I lifted this very useful 101 from a Homosexual web site, Corrected a few very minor mistakes and added a bit.

Same-Sex Marriage was NOT passed in the UK; UK legislative procedure 101

The first thing that needs to be mentioned, is that the Bill that came before Parliament is NOT a bill that would affect the whole of the UK. This Bill, if passed will affect only England and Wales; both Scotland and Northern Ireland have devolved legislative bodies that would pass there own legislation on this matter. In Scotland, there are currently plans to bring in same-sex marriage, but there are NO plans to bring any such bill to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Now, here’s where it get a little complicated. In the UK Parliament, there are two houses. The Lower house is the House of Commons, and the Upper house is the House of Lords.

The House of Commons is full of elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and the House of Lords is full of unelected Lords and Ladies ( and bishops from the Church of England).

Due to the fact that they are completely unelected, “Parliament Acts” have been passed. These Acts mean that the House of Lords do not have the power to completely reject a Bill. If a Bill us voted down in the House of Lords, it can be reintroduced in the next Parliamentary session (the next year) and they are forced to approve the Bill.

Now, for a Bill to become a law, there is a pretty strict procedure that it needs to follow. The vast majority of Bills, and the Marriage (same-sex couples) bill is one of them, will firstly be brought to the House of Commons. There are five stages that a Bill must go through in the House of Commons:

1) The First Reading:- this is where the name of the Bill is read out in Parliament. There’s no debate here at all. At most someone will make a 10 minute speech. There is then a vote. The same-sex marriage bill has passed this stage.

2) The Second Reading:- This is what happened yesterday. There is a big debate on the broad principles of the Bill. A vote is then taken. The Same-Sex marriage Bill passed this.

3) The Committee Stage:- This is a detailed look into the technical aspects of the Bill by a committee. The broad morality of the Bill will not be considered but witnesses are brought before the committee to give evidence into the Bill’s technicalities. The committee will then make any amendments necessary.

4) The Report Stage:- The committee reports back to the House of its finishing and any amendments it has made. The house then votes on those amendments. If the amendments are rejected, then the the Bill goes back to committee to reconsider.

5) The Third Reading:- This is normally ceremonial. The name of the bill is read out again and another vote is taken. If a bill has passed all the other stages, it is unlikely to fail here. (But it CAN)

If a Bill passes all the above stages it is then passed to the House of Lords. The Bill goes through the same stages in the House of Lords. However, if the committee in the Lords makes amendments ( and they are approved in the Lords’ report stage) it is passed back to the House of Commons for them to vote on again.

If the Lords add amendments the Government dislikes it may try to force the Bill through by using the "Parliament Act" overruling the House of Lords Amendments.

Once a Bill has passed the Lords, it is then passed to the Queen to receive “royal assent”, which means the Queen’s signature. Although she does technically have the power to reject a Bill, it won’t happen. (Interesting Point; will She?)

As the Same-sex marriage Bill has only got up to the Second Reading in the House of Commons, it still has a very very long way to go. Particularly because, as I’ve mentioned, there are CoE bishops in the Lords who are guaranteed to vote against (pray they will ,no guarantee ).

To conclude, STOP SAYING THE BILL HAS PASSED.

The Convergence of Purim, Iran, and Washington DC

Notes from Joanne first:

If you are able to fast as well as pray, please do.  Sometimes I cannot fast from food, but choose something else such as entertainment, a specific food or favorite drink, reading the newspaper, watching TV news, for instance.  I won’t re-state the suggested prayers for the situation that Rick Ridings laid out.  If you did not receive the original article by him and want those suggestions as a guide, you can e-mail me and I’ll send it to you. 

I realized that I had not prayed as consistently during the meeting times (March 4 -6) in advance or during the times our President and the two statesmen/diplomats from Israel would be in actual conference and felt bad about that.  The Lord, however, emphasized some points to me.  In meetings like this, no matter whom the diplomats and politicians are, there is a certain degree of posturing, saving face for personal and national pride, thus making no real commitment they leave the meeting in seeming impasse.  It is often after the meeting when these men of state are alone that the real decisions of the heart are made from which actions follow that change the course of human events.  In that, this evening through tomorrow are crucial as these men mull over what was said and left unsaid and I believe it is then that the Lord has access to do exactly what He says in Proverbs 21:1 (New American Standard version)  The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.

SO AS A REMINDER, IF YOU ARE ABLE TO FAST FROM SUNDOWN TODAY (MARCH 6) TO SUNDOWN MARCH 7, I’VE COPIED PORTIONS OF A CALL TO PRAYER FOR ISRAEL AND THE USA SENT OUT BY RICK RIDINGS and just as an additional piece of information, I’ve included a reminder about the early crucial link between our two nations that you may not know or remember:

Speaking about the symbols on the back of the USA $1 bill:

If you notice the arrangement of the 13 stars in the right-hand circle you will see that they are arranged as a Star of David. This was ordered by George Washington who, when he asked Haym Solomon, a wealthy Philadelphia Jew, what he would like as a personal reward for his services to the Continental Army, Solomon said he wanted nothing for himself but that he would like something for his people. The Star of David was the result. Few people know that it was Solomon who saved the Army through his financial contributions but died a pauper.  Haym Solomon gave $25 million to the Continental Army, money that was extremely important to our independence from England ..

PORTIONS OF RICK RIDINGS CALL TO FASTING AND PRAYER:

The Convergence of Purim, Iran, and Washington, DC

The days leading up to Purim this year may well bring a convergence of decisions in Israel, Iran, and Washington, DC that will affect the future as dramatically as the biblical account of Esther.

March 6^th on the Gregorian calendar, at sundown, the Hebrew Fast of Esther begins (Ta’anit Esther, the beginning of the 13^th of Adar). March 7^th, at sundown, Jews worldwide will begin to celebrate Purim, and rejoice in the “reversal of decrees” that saved the Jewish people from destruction (the 14^th of Adar).

For the last several months, the Lord has been speaking to me, and to others in Jerusalem, to be very alert to pray concerning shakings that would accelerate during the month of March, 2012.

I would like to call believers worldwide to join our Jewish friends in the fast of Esther from sundown, March 6^th through sundown, March 7^th. Let us pray for the intervention of the Lord of the Armies of Heaven to save Israel from the annihilation being threatened by Iran.

An Urgency Concerning the Month of March and Washington, DC

I had the great privilege of being asked to dedicate a new house of prayer in Washington, DC, on the evening of January 13^th this year. As I was praying in preparation, I felt in my spirit that, as in the time of Nehemiah, there was a great urgency to pray for a shifting in systems and structures, and for a wall of spiritual protection to be built to protect ground that would be gained in intercession. I felt that much of the future of America and Israel would be decided between January – March this year, and it would be too late if intercessors wait to “kick into gear” in the Fall, right before the elections.

(There is) strategic importance of March 3-6 for both Israel and Washington, DC concerning Iran, the following article appeared in an Israeli daily news source noting that it was very unusual that both Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres would be in Washington, DC March 4-6, and were slated to meet with President Obama about Iran. You may read more at this link:
http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=2996]

The 3rd FORGE School of Faith : 5th Oct - 5th Nov 2013

* DATES:
5th - 19th October 2013 (Wales) / £200
20th Oct - 5th November 2013 (the Middle East: Intercessory Mission Exposure) / £300 + airfare (to the Middle East ?) – optional

* WHO: Whoever wants to be part of laying the faith foundation to redeem and restore the inheritance of Rees Howells. (If you are a couple, you may not have your own room. It will depend on availability of accommodation )

* LANGUAGE: mainly in English

* CONTACTS: Qday LEE
(+44) 7870653157 (mobile)
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.theforgewales.org.uk
12 Ropewalk Road, Llanelli, Wales, SA15 2AL, UK

* The second DEADLINE will be 31st August 2013 and there are only 2 places. Also when you send your application form, could you enclose £100 deposit please? (Cheque payable to “The Forge” or transfer as follows: )

- Bank Name: NATIONWIDE Building Society
- Account Holder Name: Mrs C. Mooney
- Sort code: 07-02-46 
- Account number: 30461609
- Branch prefix: 0404
- IBAN: GB52
- NAIA: 0702 4630 4616 09
- BIC: NAIAGB21
- SWIFT INTERMEDIARY BANK: MIDLGB22

* Application Form download (click here)

God has called us to redeem the inheritance of Rees Howells the intercessor. We started this journey January 2009 and the 1^st School of Faith was December 2012 for 2 weeks and the 2^nd School of Faith was April and May 2013 for 4 weeks. God has envisioned, encouraged, challenged, healed and united us as the family of God. We foretasted a little of his full picture of a movement with a lifestyle of community, worship and intercession.

“A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters.” (Genesis 2:10) A few months ago, God really encouraged me through this scripture to extend this school to go out to the nations from Wales. Therefore we are going to hold 'The Forge School of Faith-3' for TWO WEEKS in Wales and for TWO WEEKS in the Middle East; an exciting opportunity!


. Sharing in community living
. A lifestyle of prayer and intercession
. Bible meditation and listening to God's heartbeat
. Exploring God's divine purpose for Israel and the nations

Faith & Finance for Others : In order to cover expenses, and give everyone an opportunity to exercise our faith and provide not only for our own needs but also for others! We are asking everyone who wants to come, including members of The Forge team, to contribute. (There may be fasting.)

The FORGE Prayer Alert (24th April 2012)

The FORGE Prayer Alert

(London Mayoral Election, North & South Korea, Venezuela : 24th April 2012)

1. Calling for 3 Days Fasting for London's Mayoral Election

Date: 1st (Tue) – 3rd (Thu) May 2012, 7pm - 9pm
Venue: 43 Pemberton Street, Llanelli, SA15 2RB, U.K.
Contact: 07870 653157 (If you want to join with us, could you let us know please, even you are not physically with us? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )

“He also told them this parable: 'Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?'” (Luke 6:39)
"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." (Acts 9:5-6)

A couple of days ago, God prompted me to pray for London's Mayoral Election, especially one of the candidates, Ken Livingstone. I sense that Ken Livingstone doesn't know what he is doing and where he is leading others to. He is spiritually blinded by the spirit of Islam. Paul didn't know what he was doing. He thought he was pleasing God, but he was persecuting Jesus. Ken Livingstone needs our prayers and God's intervention like the apostle Paul. I would like us to pray for him to be found in the truth of God, so that he may be used by God mightily like Paul.

(From the Forge Newsletter in April) London mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone, who was the London mayor from 2000 to 2008, has vowed to make the capital city a ‘beacon of Islam’. In a speech on 16th March at the North London Central Mosque, also known as the Finsbury Park Mosque, the Labour candidate said that he was determined to “educate the mass of Londoners” about Islam. “I want to spend the next four years making sure that every non-muslim in London knows and understands [its] words and message. That will help to cement our city as a beacon that demonstrates the meaning of the words of the Prophet”, he said. (Ken Livingstone's speech video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKNtZTUwrTc) Britain used to be a Christian missionary sending nation but now Islam is trying to make it their fortress. We have to stand like Mordecai and Esther.

2. North Korea: Islamic Connection

“My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.” (1Kings 12:11)

During the time of fasting, from 19^th March, I was stirred up to pray for North Korea while I was praying for Israel and the Middle East. I felt that God was speaking to me about Kim Jungil's son, Kim JungUn, through Solomon's son Rehoboam. I don't know for sure but he might act harshly to try and prove himself, like Rehoboam did. It means that he might be harsh not just towards his own people but to the rest of the world also. We need to pray that the mystery of God would come to North Korea rather than history of man repeating itself under the sun. (The things I wrote in the last news letter are happening now)

Thankfully their rocket launch failed on 13th April but I think they will pursue another attempt in order to restore his (or their) reputation. I sense that this spirit and the spirit of Islam are deeply connected to destroy the people of God and the Kingdom of God.

(I just found this information from Jerusalem Post: http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=266231)
The diplomatic source told South Korean news agency 'Yonhap' that the Iranians from the Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group (SHIG) arrived in North Korea a couple of weeks earlier, "undoubtedly there to observe the missile launch and receive test data," from the country. (Jerusalem Post said this was not confirmed, also South Korea did not confirm or deny the report.)

3. South Korean Presidential Election: Absalom's Deception

“Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:5-6)

This prayer might be relevant just for South Koreans but could you stand with them? The presidential election is taking place on 19th December 2012 in South Korea. I am not sure, but one of the candidates is likely to be AHN Chul Soo. This is out of the blue, I have to say that it is from the Lord. My intention is not to criticise a candidate but to encourage people to pray for the future of South Korea for the Kingdom of God. I sensed that Mr Ahn is like Absalom who was king David's son and stole peoples' heart to cause a revolt in David's kingdom. He has been stealing people's hearts. If Koreans are deceived by him and elect him, he will take South Korea away from God's purpose. I sense that he is not the right one from God for the country at this time. I am sharing this not from any political agenda but spiritual revelation. Mr Ahn himself might be a good man but what I sense is that the spirit of deception is working behind.

4. Pray for Venezuela's Wall

The same day I had these other prayers, God prompted me to pray for Venezuela. In my vision, I saw that a huge wall is rising to block Venezuelans going out to do God's work. I sense that this is to do with the president Hugo Chávez. He has been building this wall around the country and inside the country as well. Please pray for him and the country and the people, so that God's purpose and resources may be released for the Kingdom of God.

 
Shalom!

Qday LEE

on behalf of The FORGE team