Markets remain concerned by developments in the Middle East. This morning oil prices were subdued, but still heading for a weekly gain of about 8%. Meanwhile, markets are waiting for Israel’s pending retaliation against Iran and today’s US Employment Report.
Yesterday, the union of East Coast and Gulf Coast dockworkers reached an agreement with port operators, ending three day strike at ports from Maine to Texas. Port operators offered a 62% wage increase over six years, after the White House pressed the shipping lines and cargo terminal operators who employ the longshore workers to raise their earlier offer of 50%. The agreed wage increase is lower than the 77% demanded by the union (International Longshoremen’s Association, ILA), but it is a better deal than the union of the West Coast dockworkers reached last year. The base hourly rate for ILA port workers will be raised from $39 to $63 over six years. Note that many dockworkers currently earn more than $100,000 per year. The agreement lasts until January 15, 2025, while the two sides negotiate on other issues, such as automation on the docks. Obviously, the strike and wage increase have raised the incentives for cargo terminal operators to invest in automation: robots don’t strike! Or will they? Perhaps it depends on how much artificial intelligence you put in them.
While this deal averts shortages and price spikes in the short run, as many forward-looking importers brought in products earlier or diverted cargo to West Coast ports, it will lead to higher costs for shipping lines and cargo terminal operators, who are likely to pass some of it on to manufacturers, farmers and retailers. President Biden released a statement that “collective bargaining works, and it is critical to building a stronger economy from the middle out and the bottom up.” Note that Biden repeatedly made clear to the employers of the dockworkers that he would not use his federal powers to break the strike. We are likely to see a similar position taken by a Harris administration, so if she wins in November, other unions may feel encouraged to follow a similar path as the ILA.
While Biden seems to have been involved in the solution to the domestic port strikes, he seems to have been sidelined by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, who is betting that he can get away with anything now that the Democrats and Republicans are in the final weeks of a close race for the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives. As the Israeli invasion of Lebanon continues, the Middle East is still waiting for Israel’s retaliation against Iran’s ballistic missile attack earlier this week. […]
— Read More: www.zerohedge.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.
