The Last Pope Leo Had Some Great Takes on Socialism - By Dominic Pino - May 9, 2025 6:42 AM
The new pope is taking the regnal name Leo XIV. The last Pope Leo was in office from 1878 to 1903. Perhaps his most famous written work is Rerum novarum, an 1891 encyclical “on capital and labor” that is often described as charting a third way between capitalism and socialism for Catholic teaching. This description is incomplete, if not entirely wrong, as Rerum novarum is very clear that socialism is evil, and markets and private property are essential to human flourishing. And Leo XIII composed some of the strongest denunciations of socialism ever written. It was a major theme of his papacy from beginning to end.
Rerum novarum
Let’s start, though, with Rerum novarum, since it has been so much more influential than his other works. Writing in 1891, Leo XIII said:
The socialists, working on the poor man’s envy of the rich, are striving to do away with private property, and contend that individual possessions should become the common property of all, to be administered by the State or by municipal bodies. They hold that by thus transferring property from private individuals to the community, the present mischievous state of things will be set to rights, inasmuch as each citizen will then get his fair share of whatever there is to enjoy. But their contentions are so clearly powerless to end the controversy that were they carried into effect the working man himself would be among the first to suffer. They are, moreover, emphatically unjust, for they would rob the lawful possessor, distort the functions of the State, and create utter confusion in the community.
“Socialists, therefore, by endeavoring to transfer the possessions of individuals to the community at large, strike at the interests of every wage-earner, since they would deprive him of the liberty of disposing of his wages, and thereby of all hope and possibility of increasing his resources and of bettering his condition in life,” the encyclical says. “Every man has by nature the right to possess property as his own.”
“The socialists, therefore, in setting aside the parent and setting up a State supervision, act against natural justice, and destroy the structure of the home,” Leo XIII wrote. He goes on:
And in addition to injustice, it is only too evident what an upset and disturbance there would be in all classes, and to how intolerable and hateful a slavery citizens would be subjected. The door would be thrown open to envy, to mutual invective, and to discord; the sources of wealth themselves would run dry, for no one would have any interest in exerting his talents or his industry; and that ideal equality about which they entertain pleasant dreams would be in reality the levelling down of all to a like condition of misery and degradation. Hence, it is clear that the main tenet of socialism, community of goods, must be utterly rejected, since it only injures those whom it would seem meant to benefit, is directly contrary to the natural rights of mankind, and would introduce confusion and disorder into the commonweal. The first and most fundamental principle, therefore, if one would undertake to alleviate the condition of the masses, must be the inviolability of private property.
No wiggle room there. Private property is God-ordained and fundamental to human life. Leo XIII’s criticism of capitalism is much more nuanced and restrained. He saw a greater role for organized labor than the U.S. has typically had, and the working classes in Europe were genuinely in worse shape in the late 1800s than they are today. Part of the solution, he believed, was not greater government control but rather more private ownership, and he wrote that government policy “should be to induce as many as possible of the people to become owners.”
Unlocking Destiny: The 4 Purposes of Men (Man) with Rick Joyner
I Am in the Waiting! - Jeff and Angie Stolba, Washington, IL May 10, 2025
"For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3 ESV)
Hold On to Hope
Today, I hear the Lord saying, "Hold on to hope, and do not come into agreement with the lies of the enemy! I am with you in the waiting! Surely, you have felt the intensity of the battle increase, but be of good cheer; this intensity truly proves that mountains are being moved and ground is being taken for the advancement of My Kingdom! Choose to magnify Me instead of the circumstances that you are currently in, for surely they are subject to change. I change not! As for Me, I am the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
This Is Not the End, It's the Beginning! - Lorilei Cooley, Scottsdale, AZ - May 9, 2025
Many have been in the biggest transition of their lives. Things from the past have been resurfacing; the agony and pain of what you have walked through has been coming to your remembrance—things that were lost and stolen, and the years it has taken to get to this moment in your life where you are finally at the cusp of stepping into the fullness of your destiny. It seems that many things have come to end, leaving you feeling displaced and asking what's next. What now, Lord?
Holy Spirit Is Preparing You for What God Is About to Bring Forth
The Lord is restoring your strength, birthing a greater boldness and confidence in you that can only be birthed through Him. There is deep work of the Holy Spirit happening that is making room for what He is about to bring forth. Not only is He bringing forth what He has promised, but there is increase, provision, favor, and promotion coming upon you. READ MORE
Demonic Roots of Lawfare - Karen Hardin - May 7, 2025
Lawfare is a modern term to an ancient tool that was used in biblical days. Its roots are demonic tied to spiritual darkness, jealousy, pride and manipulation.
Lawfare is defined as: “the use of legal proceedings to achieve a goal, such as the use of legal systems to wage war to damage or destroy someone’s reputation. This approach transforms the battlefield from physical combat to the courtroom, where legal maneuvers become the weapons of choice.” (https://wayneaston.com/what-is-the-meaning-of-lawfare/)
Especially over the last ten years, lawfare has increased exponentially where legal avenues are weaponized to hinder or destroy political opponents or righteous actions.
When laws are manipulated to achieve an unrighteous end, it is demonic lawfare. It can be enabled with both unknowing or corrupt judges/leaders, who allow unjust actions to be legalized and promoted.
Ecclesiastes reminds us there is nothing new under the sun. The same spirit of wickedness in our world now has been prevalent throughout time. Let’s take a look:
“If you want to move people to a much lower economic footprint, having complete control is obviously very convenient.” ~ Catherine Austin Fitts on the Tucker Carlson Show
April 30, 2025 - Stay Over the Target! - Karen Hardin
(NOTE: The message that Karen posted for our www.CityByCityPrayer.org email on Monday, was so powerful, we felt to share it with our Destiny Builders Ministries contacts as well. For those that are on both lists, we apologize for this repeated content.)
DON'T BACK DOWN The Bible instructs us not to grow weary in doing what He has called us to do. It is followed by the encouragement that in due season we will reap if we faint not. Many have felt like fainting as the battles you are facing seem unrelenting. If that is you, I encourage you, don’t back down!
If we look back through the Bible, we can see a pattern that the more intense the battle/spiritual warfare, it is an indicator that not only are you right over the target, but breakthrough is near—if you don’t quit.
The Old Testament accounts give us a great first hand view of that principle how God can and does intervene in our lives. Over and over in those accounts, we see that people who put their trust in God, came out on top—against all odds. And it was always because of the God factor.
Elijah vs Jezebel
Nehemiah vs Sanballot
Mordecai vs Hamon
David vs Goliath
David vs King Saul
What did all of those scenarios have in common? The Enemy wanted to destroy them! They weren’t small battles, but intense life and death battles.
Week 17 - The Book of Revelation, Part 27 - Rick Joyner
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea" (Revelation 1:10-11 NKJV).
For John to be “in the Spirit” was for him to be in the spiritual realm. This is also sometimes referred to as the “kingdom of heaven.” This is where spiritual beings and landscapes become more real to us than those in the natural realm. When we start to see angels and other spiritual beings, it is usually because we are entering their realm, rather than them entering ours.
It is possible for all who have been born again by the Spirit to begin to experience this realm, become more comfortable in it, and begin to grow up into their new creation nature. As we do this, we become more spiritual than natural and more at home in the Spirit than we are in the natural.
It was in this realm where I experienced the things I wrote about in The Final Quest Trilogy. When I had these experiences, it was like living in two different worlds. I was caught up in the Spirit for several hours a day, often for several days in a row. Altogether, these took place over years. Then, I would go through a period when I would not have these experiences for several years. READ MORE
A Second Wind: Revive, Restore & Recharge - Elaine Tavolacci, Staten Island, NY - Apr 28, 2025
A Second Wind
One day I saw an elderly woman at the supermarket who was struggling to stay on her feet, as she was overcome with exhaustion and about to pass out. A manager quickly came to her aid and brought her a chair. She may have been experiencing heat stroke or was just physically drained because she was up in years. He offered her a glass of juice, and she gladly received it. Moments later she made a remarkable recovery, regaining her strength and composure within minutes. I thought to myself, "That's amazing how she suddenly got her second wind."
While driving home I heard the Holy Spirit say, "I am about to release a second wind to those in the body of Christ who are spiritually lethargic, and have lost their zeal." There are those who had a passion for the Word of God and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but they got worn down by the relentless pressures of life. They will run again and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). Their strength will be restored, and their youth will be renewed. This second wind will bring revival and restoration. READ MORE
Will North Korea's Dictator Lose Power? - Karen Hardin
Today's first article is about North Korea's second in command, Choe Ryong Hae. Since 2017, Choe has been trusted by Kim and has been gaining more and more power across much of the government and military, whose power network seems to be surpassing that of Kim himself.
I wonder if this "ally" will eventually turn against the Kim family and stage a coup. This certainly seems to be the possibility that is being laid out in this article. If he would overthrow Dictator Kim and then open up N. Korea to the outside world and would be a more benevolent leader than the Kims have been then of course that would be great for the people and hopefully for the spread of the Gospel.
If Choe stages a coup and also acts as a cruel dictator similar to Kim, then who knows, but it could even get worse for the N. Korean people.
Pray over the leadership of N. Korea to change for the good of the people.
This is the interview requested by the editorial staff of Fuori dal Coro for yesterday’s episode, April 23. Without any explanation – and without any apology from the editorial staff – my intervention was not broadcast. I make it available here by publishing a post for each question.
1. Your Excellency, what is your evaluation of Pope Bergoglio?
In recent decades, a subversive lobby has taken over the levers of power in governments and institutions, in order to carry out the anti-Christian and Masonic plan of the Revolution. Government agencies – as we know from what is also emerging in the United States of America – have interfered in the life of various nations, organizing and financing the so-called “Agenda 2030” of the Rockefeller Foundation and the World Economic Forum, which consists in the destruction of the family, the commodification of human life, the moral corruption of children and young people, the exploitation of workers, and the privatization of all those services that until the 1990s were guaranteed – without a motive of profit – by the State: health, infrastructure, defense, communications, education. To carry out this global coup, the collaboration (paid, of course) of corrupt government officials, and of corrupt politicians, doctors, judges, and teachers was necessary. READ MORE
An Invitation Into the Innermost Chamber - Brian and Candice Simmons - Apr 23, 2025
Draw Me Into Your Heart
The call of God burning in your heart today is more than just a desire to "do something" for God. It is the uncontainable, unstoppable, passionate longing to meet with the Lover of your soul and hear his heartbeat for your life. Here is the prayer of awakened desire:
"Draw me into your heart. We will run away together into the king's cloud-filled chamber..." (Song of Songs 1:4 TPT)
The Shulamite in the verse is asking to be drawn away in sacred intimacy with the king—drawn out of her comfort zone, drawn away from sin and self, into the loving arms of her beloved.
You are the one who is loved by Jesus in this story. Be careful not to miss that and assume the lyrics of this love song are for someone else, somehow excluding you. You are the Shulamite, while Jesus is the King.
Nothing else can satisfy the thirst she feels for her lover. She is ready to make a break from everything else to follow him alone. In spite of her weakness, she longs to be drawn to him and to be taken away from all that is unclean and impure. She has tasted his spirit-kiss and the fragrance of his anointing, but she longs to be drawn with even greater power and glory. Is this your cry today?
When we ask to be drawn after the Son of God, we are asking that he be exalted to the highest place in our hearts. The maiden recognizes that spiritual growth is a response to God's drawing love as it tugs at her heart. None of us seek God apart from his tender influence on our spirits first drawing us toward him. His touch draws us to his heart, as he longs for us to know him as he truly is.
"The only way people come to me is by the Father who sent me—he pulls on their hearts to embrace me. And those who are drawn to me, I will certainly raise them up in the last day." (John 6:44 TPT) READ MORE
The Book of Revelation, Part 26 - Rick Joyner
“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:9).
John adds his perspective to this narrative by saying he was our brother and companion “in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus.” In this age, these are always found together with the true companions of the Lord. As we’re told in 2 Timothy 3:12, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Being persecuted is actually the normal state for Christians and churches that are seeking to live godly in Christ throughout the world. Why is it that so many in the West think when they are being persecuted, which is mostly by being falsely accused and slandered, that they have somehow displeased God? It is because this important element of walking with God is left out of the messages of many who preach the gospel today.
Our brethren throughout the world are imprisoned, have their properties and belongings confiscated, and are tortured and killed for their faith. To suffer for His name’s sake is not a sign of God’s disfavor but of His favor. It is one of the greatest honors we can have in this life, even if the suffering is just slander and false accusations. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:11-12: "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." READ MORE
Be Encouraged! God Has Not Passed You By - Dr. Sandie Freed, Bedford, TX - Apr 21, 2025
"I Have Not Passed You By"
A few weeks ago, I heard the Lord say, "Tell my children I have not passed them by. Many believe they have missed my blessings. They have been praying and waiting for a breakthrough but are becoming discouraged. Tell them to remain patient. I have not forgotten about them."
Dear ones, I know what it feels like to wait on God. Sometimes we are so weary in waiting on God that unbelief attempts to cloud our vision and hijack our faith. I have been one of those Christians who has had God remind me of many blessings coming my way, as I've prayed, fasted, and stood firm... only to have nothing happen. Sometimes it has felt like God has forgotten about me or passed me by! Many times I thought I had missed my blessing somehow.
There have also been days when I have gotten out of bed with high expectations for the day—believing for miracles and breakthroughs—only to experience disappointment at the end of the day. I still loved God and knew he loved me, yet this lingering disappointment would remain that I could not shake.
What do you do when your heart is broken and all hope seems lost? How do you battle the dark whispers from the enemy who says, "God doesn't care about your needs. You're not good enough. You've messed up and God isn't going to heal you. You don't measure up. You don't pray enough. God has turned his back on you because of your sin. You're a loser."?
A thousand fiery darts are hurled toward you, and soon you are convinced that God has passed you by!
Satan Is a Liar! Who Are You Choosing to Listen to Right Now? READ MORE
One of the greatest cruelties—happened to Mary Magdalene. You will soon understand why her story means more now than ever before.
For starters, Jesus rescued her from what so many women faced in those days. Now she is redeemed and planted into a family of indescribable love. Things would never be the same. Her nights of remorse, her days of futility, her emptiness, were now all distant memories.
The next three years were a life she could never have imagined. Crisscrossing Judea. Hanging on Jesus’ every word. Weeping gloriously over every miracle. Everyday, she woke up a more powerful and joyous woman of God than the day before. She thought it would go on forever.
Everyday, she woke up a more powerful and joyous woman of God than the day before. She thought it would go on forever.
People use the phrase “nothing could be worse…” I will use it this way: Nothing could be worse than to be in hell, and then taste heaven, only to return to hell.
On that fateful Friday, it all went horribly, horribly wrong. How could the One Who called the dead back to life and silenced a storm at sea, be arrested? Can the One who gave words of exquisite beauty, love and wisdom, be tortured and killed? No one wanted to save Jesus more than Mary. She felt horror and helplessness.
That night, profound hope with threatened by bitterness and disappointment. Evil said, “it would have been better if you had never met Him!” Sleep came when exhaustion became more powerful than sorrow. She was too wounded and drained to even think about what she should do with her life.
Mary is of special importance to me today, because her testimony is the best one I can think of this Easter. Mary’s miracle is the miracle the American church needs now! READ MORE
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. "—C. S. Lewis
Today's first article is about North Korea's second in command, Choe Ryong Hae. Since 2017, Choe has been trusted by Kim and has been gaining more and more power across much of the government and military, whose power network seems to be surpassing that of Kim himself.
