I’ve been pretty much housebound in our little cottage during the summer heat wave here in super-humid Memphis, so I’ve begun playing a computer game called Civilization as a diversion from my various book-writing projects.
It’s the fifth generation of this game, which first launched in 1991. I’ve never played the prior versions, but this one is like the old board game Risk but infinitely more complex and enthralling. And, in God’s unpredictable sense of humor, it is the perfect complement to my recent studies on history and geopolitics. After just a few hours of playing, my understanding of the mindset of the upper elites had been greatly increased and refined. My abstract and academic perspectives on the global realignment taking place relative to the declining Anglo-America NATO powers and the ascending BRICS alliance came to life as I built my own empire and strove for global dominance.
The game puts you in the seat of power to make decisions require long-term planning involving the fate of nations and the timing and trajectory of technology and social policy. Such things as the will of the people far below you are merely considerations to be weighed against other factors they can’t see or appreciate, including the will of competing powers that may be malicious or benign, and the demands of constituent powers and special interests within your empire (think Pfizer and the LGBTs) who may or may not care about people within their sphere of influence or control.
Playing Civilization 5 has been like watching a curtain being drawn back to expose all the major players on the world stage: one gigantic “Game of Thrones” – which consequence (the revelation of this truth, I mean) is so obvious to me now that I think both that game and the film series may actually be social engineering tools in their own right, designed by the elites to heighten appreciation for their challenges and thus lessen hostility to them: to “walk a mile in their shoes,” so to speak.
Heck, playing Civ 5 might very well be mandatory training for the World Economic Forum’s “Young Global Leaders” or perhaps even a secret aptitude assessment tool being monitored by elite recruiters (which concept has been a plot element of at least three science-fiction films/series I can think of.) “Game of Thrones” instills a sense of foreboding (predictive programming) about a rising threat to all of civilization from the frozen north (think Russia).
But here in the real world among the common people, self-determination is not a social privilege granted by benign or pragmatic elites, but a gift of God built into the order of Creation. And the many religions of the world that influence the will of the people are not, as in Civ 5, totally interchangeable tools for population control. When the powers of the world align to impose new levels of control through contrived “climate crises” and “disease epidemics” (things not technically in the game but equivalent to things that are) the people of the real world do not just adjust and get over it (or maybe they do – but they shouldn’t.)
It does help, however, to have insights into how the elites think and see the world, especially regarding the much longer-term planning they do than the common people realize. For example, the Anglo-American elites knew at the end of World War II that the Russian Empire would grow as a threat to their already centuries-long global hegemon, which arose under the British Monarchy (when “the sun never set on the British Empire”). After WWII, the American side of the partnership rose to (real or apparent) dominance.
The planning goes even deeper than that as evidenced by Woodrow Wilson’s role in creating the League of Nations. His globalist influence continues through the work of the Wilson Center offering in 2011 this summary of the American elites’ perspective that persists today:
“Sir Halford Mackinder, the father of geopolitics, argued that the power that controls Eurasia controls the world. How can the West ensure that the struggle for this fundamental theater in world politics is resolved in favor of Western democratic governance – without the autocratic domination of Eurasia?”
That’s why Gen. MacArthur wanted to keep the Allied war machine of WWII rolling to Moscow. But Truman fired him to take that option off the board, and NATO was formed as an alternative, with a strategy of slow encirclement that has taken us incrementally to the Ukrainian/Russian border, which is, of course, the ultimate, existential red line for the Russians whose only choice was submission or war.
The Eurasian “world island” is dominated today by Russia and China who have their own vision for breaking the Anglo-American hegemon by challenging it with a new multi-national economic alliance called BRICS. It’s all about ending exclusive U.S. control of the world “reserve currency,” the dollar. Theoretically, if the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) create their own workable system for international trade without using the dollar, the U.S. will lose the ability to print unlimited sums to cover its massive debts, and our economy will experience an unsurvivable crash. Our loans suddenly will come due with no way to pay them off.
Does that explain the non-stop hard-sell of an economic “Great Reset” that nobody wants? Do the elites know dollar dominance is likely in a death spiral?
Is the self-destructive insanity of the OBiden administration all just cultural sabotage by China (using bribery and extortion of U.S. pols) to weaken American resistance to BRICS and turn us against our own government? (If “our democracy” means sexual anarchy and the grooming and mutilation of children, hatred of “whiteness” and unstoppable election fraud, who would fight to preserve a hegemonic system based on “democracy” instead of embracing the BRICS idea of a new multi-polar order?)
Is fear of BRICS the real reason for the fear of Donald Trump and the “America First” movement? (Doesn’t “America First” implicitly reject the very globalist strategy driving NATO and its necessary system of endless wars and international bullying?)
The Western media are downplaying the fact that BRICS added six new members last week: Iran, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia. The potential negative impact of this for the United States is huge. Here’s a high-quality analysis from the pro-BRICS side.
One surprising result of playing Civ 5 is a renewed love and loyalty for the America I grew up in and a greater hesitancy to view the BRICS alliance favorably. Because whatever short-term benefits the world might reap from a defeat of today’s deeply perverse and corrupt Anglo-American hegemony, the replacement system would soon be just as bad for other reasons – because alliances of strongmen only last as long as it serves their individual interests, and the only interest the BRICS nations really have is ending U.S. bullying. After that it would be a very bloody free-for-all, except in the real world, and not in the safety of a computer game.
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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.
