Writing shortly before President Trump’s return to the White House, Peter Thiel hailed the election as an apokálypsis, an unveiling, of the ancien régime’s secrets. “The new administration’s revelations need not justify vengefulness,” Thiel wrote. “But for reconciliation, there must first be truth.” The early weeks of Trump’s second term have been apocalyptic for some of progressives’ favorite acronyms such as DEI and USAID. So far, arguably the most damaging, ESG — an approach to finance derived from the UN’s Principles for Responsible Investment — and its spawn, stakeholder capitalism — which demotes shareholders to one of many groups (employees, customers, suppliers, and the environment) that companies should prioritize — have evaded their rendezvous with truth. That needs to change, because the last four years saw an unprecedented and sustained attack on America’s system of shareholder capitalism.
A year ago, the Delaware Court of Chancery struck down the ten-year performance-driven compensation package the Tesla board had awarded Elon Musk, a ruling reaffirmed in December despite the package having gained overwhelming shareholder approval a second time. Three years earlier, in May 2021, shareholders in ExxonMobil voted to put three directors on the board from a minuscule activist investor, Engine No.1, with a mandate to drive America’s largest oil company out of the oil and gas business and thereby destroy shareholder value.
The apparent paradox — no, let’s put that more strongly: The perversity of shareholders voting against their own apparent interests, which is what happened at ExxonMobil, has its own well-deserved apokálypsis in Andy Puzder’s new book, A Tyranny for the Good of Its Victims: The Ugly Truth about Stakeholder Capitalism (Encounter Books, January 2025). Central to Puzder’s account of the attempt to destroy shareholder capitalism is the role of the Big Three asset managers — BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street Global Advisors (SSGA), whose enormous size derives from the popularity of index funds among institutional investors and private investors alike.
Fundamental to the success of shareholder capitalism is the alignment of investors’ financial interests with the success of the businesses they’re shareholders in, which in turn drives economic growth and rising living standards. As Robert Rubin, President Clinton’s Treasury secretary for most of his second term, recently wrote in the Wall Street Journal, “While every company functions differently, businesses share the overarching goal of strong profitability over time. That focus is fundamental to our market economy.”
That link between the interest of the investor and the company is broken with index investing. “Don’t look for the needle in the haystack. Just buy the haystack!” John Bogle, the pioneer of index investing and founder of Vanguard, advised. The success of index funds gives rise to the anomalous situation where the Big Three have the most votes in a huge number of American companies but where their financial interest in the individual success of those businesses is so attenuated as to be virtually non-existent. […]
— Read More: wattsupwiththat.com
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
