Taking the Long View with Pastor Mark Batterson

In 'A Long Obedience in the Same Direction', Eugene H. Peterson explores the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) to provide a framework for Christian discipleship. The book emphasizes the need for patience, persistence, and faithfulness in a world that often seeks quick fixes and immediate results. Peterson argues that true spiritual growth and maturity come from a long-term commitment to following God's path.

Originally published in 1926, 'The Sun Also Rises' is Ernest Hemingway’s first novel and a classic example of his spare but powerful writing style. The novel follows a group of young American and British expatriates as they wander through Europe in the mid-1920s, capturing the moods, feelings, and attitudes of the cynical and disillusioned Lost Generation. The story centers around Jake Barnes, a World War I veteran and journalist, and Lady Brett Ashley, as they journey from the wild nightlife of 1920s Paris to the brutal bullfighting rings of Spain. The novel portrays an age of moral bankruptcy, spiritual dissolution, unrealized love, and vanishing illusions, reflecting the existential disillusionment characteristic of the Lost Generation.

In 'The Circle Maker', Mark Batterson explores the concept of bold and persistent prayer, drawing inspiration from the legend of Honi the Circle Maker. The book emphasizes the importance of aligning prayers with God's will, pursuing God-sized dreams, and developing a lifestyle of daily prayer. Batterson shares personal stories and examples from others to illustrate how bold prayers can lead to miraculous answers and life-changing outcomes. He also highlights the significance of perseverance in prayer and the idea that God accomplishes great things in us through our prayers.