The Park Forum

July 7, 2026July 5, 2026

Chess Or Checkers

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 7 Read: Isaiah 36 Listen: (4:00) Read: Acts 23 Listen: (5:15)

Scripture Focus: Acts 23.6-11

6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” 7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.) 9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. 11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

Reflection: Chess Or Checkers

By John Tillman

“He’s playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.”

Some variants of this phrase replace checkers with tiddlywinks, tic-tac-toe, or other games. The point is to imply that the person playing “chess” is operating on a higher level than others playing simpler (or even childish) games.

This metaphor has problems. First, checkers is “simpler” because all pieces move identically, yet is incredibly strategic, requiring similar skills as chess. Second, to compete against an opponent, you must play at the same table, with the same pieces, and by the same rules. Competing while playing different games is nonsensical.

Nevertheless, if there is a New Testament person who operated on a higher strategic level, it is Paul. Paul was the most educated, articulate, and strategic of the apostles. Paul would make a superior chess player, however, one would be unlikely to win against him regardless of whether you played chess, checkers, or tiddlywinks.

In his trial before the Sanhedrin, Paul knew exactly where the fault lines were between the theological factions. When he appealed to his belief in the resurrection, he knew it would divide his opponents. But Paul’s higher goal wasn’t starting a fight. He was strategic about winning an audience to testify to the truth of the gospel.

After Paul was rescued from the violent result of his defensive strategy, Jesus affirmed and encouraged him. He told Paul that his testimony in Jerusalem was needed in Rome.

Paul trusted God’s sovereignty and providence, yet did not passively wait around for God to “do something” in difficult circumstances. He thought several moves ahead. He spoke and acted strategically, both before the Sanhedrin and later before Felix, to participate in the work that the Holy Spirit told him was occurring.

You don’t have to be a chess-level strategic genius for God to use you for the sake of the gospel. However, your gifts, whether intellectual, strategic, artistic, or relational, are means through which you participate in the work God calls us to.

God is the chessmaster, not us. But we aren’t unthinking pieces to be moved. Participate in what God is doing in, through, and around you. Following his lead will move you to protect others and make sacrifices, as Paul did. Ultimately, God assures victory for the gospel, no matter what game we find ourselves playing.

When in doubt, Jesus stands beside us as he did Paul, saying, “Take courage.”

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

Yours are the heavens, the earth is also yours; you laid the foundations of the world and all that is in it. — Psalm 89.11

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Superblooms in Death’s Valley

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 6 Read: Isaiah 35 Listen: (1:43) Read: Acts 22 Listen: (4:26)

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 35

1The desert and the parched land will be glad;

the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.

Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;

it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.

The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,

the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;

they will see the glory of the Lord,

the splendor of our God.

3 Strengthen the feeble hands,

steady the knees that give way;

4 say to those with fearful hearts,

“Be strong, do not fear;

your God will come,

he will come with vengeance;

with divine retribution

he will come to save you.”

5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened

and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,

and the mute tongue shout for joy.

Water will gush forth in the wilderness

and streams in the desert.

7 The burning sand will become a pool,

the thirsty ground bubbling springs.

In the haunts where jackals once lay,

grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.

8 And a highway will be there;

it will be called the Way of Holiness;

it will be for those who walk on that Way.

The unclean will not journey on it;

wicked fools will not go about on it.

9 No lion will be there,

nor any ravenous beast;

they will not be found there.

But only the redeemed will walk there,

10 and those the Lord has rescued will return.

They will enter Zion with singing;

everlasting joy will crown their heads.

Gladness and joy will overtake them,

and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Reflection: Superblooms in Death’s Valley

By John Tillman

Death Valley’s name is accurate. The heat and lack of water are deadly.

Death Valley recorded the planet’s highest temperature of 134 degrees. It is the driest place in North America, averaging around two inches of rain per year but frequently getting much less for long periods.

Yet, even Death Valley isn’t lifeless. In 2026, Death Valley had a rare “superbloom” of wildflowers. A “superbloom” is a sudden blooming of wildflowers in otherwise barren and desert environments. Superblooms are triggered by just the right amount of rain at just the right time. When this happens, seeds dormant for up to ten years can burst into life. During a superbloom, new life blankets barren and brown desert landscapes with colorful waves of quickly fading flowers. Even in Death Valley, life finds a way.

Isaiah’s prophetic poem depicts a barren desert, a valley of death. God’s judgments had passed through. Cities had been flattened to dust, covered up in thorns and inhabited by wild desert animals. Streams dried up, turning to pitch. Dust was superheated, turning to burning sulphur.

But that was not the end. Isaiah spoke tenderly to the faithful, redeemed remnant. “Your God will come.” (Isaiah 35.4) Even in deserts of desolation, God’s presence changes everything.

Isaiah declared that God’s presence would bring a superbloom of life. “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.” (Isaiah 35.1-2)

A superbloom can teach us about faithfulness and evangelism.

Faithful believers will, at times, experience drought and feel spiritually dried out, or even deserted. In dry times, you are the dormant seed, protected in a hardened husk of faith. However long the wait, God will come and you will bloom in ways you can’t now imagine.

Faithful witnesses will, at times, see nothing but barren fields, rocky ground, and wilderness thorns. The gospel seeds you spread may seem dormant and unheeded. Carry on sowing. The seed of the gospel is never hopeless. Though it lies dormant, God will bring others to water it and make it grow.

Superblooms in climes like Death Valley are ephemeral. And in this life, we may experience blooms of God’s presence that fade. But God’s ultimate superbloom is eternal and unfading. That day’s blessings will never dry up and the new life that blooms will never wilt or fade.

Photo Credit: National Park Service, Alan Van Valkenburg. View more Death Valley wildflower pictures on the National Park Service website.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence

Show us the light of your countenance, O God, and come to us. — Psalm 67.1

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Friendly and Unfriendly Fields

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 3 Read: Isaiah 32 Listen: (2:46) Read: Acts 19 Listen: (5:47)

Links for this weekend’s readings:

Jul 4 Read: Isaiah 33 Listen: (3:45) Read: Acts 20 Listen: (5:22)
Jul 5 Read: Isaiah 34 Listen: (2:59) Read: Acts 21 Listen: (5:55)

Scripture Focus: Acts 19.8-20

8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. 11 God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. 17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

Reflection: Friendly and Unfriendly Fields

By John Tillman

Paul took his time in Ephesus. He started in the synagogue, then spoke at a local public space, the hall of Tyrannus. Paul repeated this evangelistic strategy in many cities.

Churches and synagogues today typically have one person speak and everyone else listens. But that doesn’t seem to have been the case in the recorded experiences of Paul and Jesus at New Testament period synagogues.

Synagogues were public spaces where those who worshiped Yahweh gathered. In some places this meant both Jews and “Greeks,” most probably Gentiles (Acts 13.16; 14.1; 17.17). The scriptures would be read, sometimes by a selected visitor, such as when Jesus was asked to read at Capernaum (Luke 4.16-21). Then comment and discussion seem to have been typical, such as when Paul and Barnabas were invited to speak in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13.15) Debates and arguments at synagogues could be intense and occasionally violent. Both Jesus and Paul experienced synagogue crowds attempting to kill them (Luke 4.28-30; Acts 14.1-7, 19-20). Being roasted on Twitter or social media seems mild by comparison.

We don’t know exactly what worship or teaching at synagogues was like. However, New Testament synagogues seem to have been spaces of debate, conversation, and dialogue, in addition to exercising some levels of community/civil authority.

Synagogues were part of Paul’s evangelism strategy. They should have been (and sometimes were) friendly ground. They shared a common language and culture and were predisposed to believe in a Messiah sent by God. Paul just had to convince them that Jesus was that Messiah. But Paul never stopped sharing the gospel just because the ground became unfriendly.

Some Greeks opposed Paul for financial reasons, such as the idol-manufacturing guilds of Ephesus. Some Jews opposed Paul for theological reasons, calling him a blasphemer or heretic. Yet, Paul never became ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1.16) or held back from sharing it in any place he could find an audience.

We have the same responsibility Paul did. We must take the gospel to both friendly and unfriendly audiences. Like Paul, start with those closest to you, with whom you share many common things. Then move to less friendly fields.

The anticipation of opposition should not deter us. The gospel has robust logic, moral reasoning, and explicatory power that can stand the scrutiny of the public square. But do not rely on your own wisdom, but on the power of the Holy Spirit. Even though some will sneer, those with ears will hear.

Resource: Listen to/watch this episode of The Biblical Mind podcast for a deep dive into what scholars know about New Testament era synagogues.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God and worship him upon his holy hill; for the Lord our God is the Holy One. — Psalm 99.9

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Horses of Flesh or Spirit

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 2 Read: Isaiah 31 Listen: (1:49) Read: Acts 18 Listen: (4:06)

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 31.1-3

1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,

who rely on horses,

who trust in the multitude of their chariots

and in the great strength of their horsemen,

but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,

or seek help from the Lord.

2 Yet he too is wise and can bring disaster;

he does not take back his words.

He will rise up against that wicked nation,

against those who help evildoers.

3 But the Egyptians are mere mortals and not God;

their horses are flesh and not spirit.

When the Lord stretches out his hand,

those who help will stumble,

those who are helped will fall;

all will perish together.

Reflection: Horses of Flesh or Spirit

By John Tillman

Egypt is the longest-lasting national superpower in the Bible.

Other nations rose and fell, but Egypt was always there, even if they waxed and waned in power. Egypt was the “arms dealer” of the ancient Near East, producing the finest war horses and chariots. Wealthy nations bought from them and no wise nation wanted to face them in battle. In addition to military aid, many nations found Egypt a reliable source of shelter, food, wisdom, and political support.

When David wrote, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God,” he almost certainly referred to chariots and horses from Egypt. He had faced chariot-outfitted armies and seen that “The Lord gives victory.” (Psalm 20.6-7)

But Israel failed to live up to the lofty, poetic principle David penned. Principles are often sacrificed to practicality in times of crisis or undermined in times of comfort.

For Israel, a recurring temptation popped up in crisis after crisis. They wanted to go back to Egypt. Egypt was often an enemy, but Israel had a long history of trusting them for help. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob sought help and shelter there. The instant Moses led the Israelites out, they wanted to go back. When Solomon secured his throne, he furnished his army with Egyptian horses and chariots. Practicality won out over his father’s poetic wisdom. And multiple times, throughout the history of kings and prophets, the nation wanted to ask Egypt for help while the prophets cried out for God’s people to trust him.

Crises expose what we truly rely on. They turn up the volume on temptations and drown out trusted voices. Comfort dulls our hold on principles and the strength of our convictions. In times of plenty, it’s not that we actively choose not to trust God, we just don’t sense our need for him. Comfort weighs us down, weakens our muscles and joints, and slows our reflexes and capacities. When it comes time to stand or fight, we are slow to respond and hesitant to do so.

What biblical wisdom have you explained away in service of a current crisis?

What comforts dull or delay your reliance or response to God?

What crises send you looking for an Egypt to save you?

What principles have you sacrificed to practicality?

Are you trusting horses of flesh, not spirit?

Divine Hours Prayer: The Morning Psalm — The Lord Beholds All People

Yahweh looks down from heaven, he sees the whole human race; From where he sits he watches all who live on the earth, He who molds every heart and takes note of all that men do. A large army will not keep a king safe, nor does the hero escape by his great strength; It is delusion to rely on the horse for safety, for all its power, it cannot save. But see how the eye of Yahweh is on those who fear him, on those who rely on his love, to rescue their souls from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul awaits Yahweh, he is our help and shield; Our hearts rejoice in him, we trust in his holy name. Yahweh, let your love rest on us as our hope has rested in you. — Psalm 33:13-22

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Worm Theology (a.k.a. Scrupulosity)

Links for today’s readings:

Jul 1 Read: Isaiah 30 Listen: (5:52) Read: Acts 17 Listen: (5:28)

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 30.20-21

20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Reflection: Worm Theology (a.k.a. Scrupulosity)

Erin Newton

I have a theory called “worm theology.” It is the way of thinking, living, believing, or preaching that needs me to always think, “I am a worm.” I use the phrase negatively when I want to emphasize my frustration about how God’s grace is often exchanged for scrupulosity. (Scrupulosity is defined as a psychological disorder primarily characterized by pathological guilt or obsession associated with moral or religious issues.)

What if we are more than worms?

Prophetic texts are used as warnings and correctives. The harsh statements and forecasts of destruction are meant to stir the heart toward change and are often needed.

But I wonder if we place an odometer on our sanctification as a means of always tracking our gaining speed. More repentance. More correction. More introspection. More self-hate. The focus somehow shifts from learning to be Christ-like to trying to outpace other Christians or even our own spiritual state from the day before.

The result can be that we forget God’s love and grace.

Isaiah calls his community an obstinate people. God chides them for seeking help from Egypt and trusting in others. They need the wake-up call. But what is also needed, what interrupts Isaiah’s admonishment in chapter 30, is the reminder that God eagerly listens, responds, and loves. Verse 19 ends with “As soon as he hears, he will answer you.” Not as soon as you get your act together. Not even as soon as you perform some ritual. As soon as the cry of help passes your lips. I dare to say that as we pray so often in our hearts, without

speech, the cry is heard when the innermost part of our souls groan.

God loves you; let us remember that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners.

Isaiah acknowledges that adversity and hardship come—even at the hand of God as a just consequence from our actions. Stopping here would be to adopt the “worm theology.” So Isaiah reminds everyone: You’re not alone. God has heard you. He’s sending rain to nurture your body. He’s sending helpers to guide you.

We are not alone. Jesus reminded his disciples before his crucifixion: “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (John 16.22).

Listen to the Helper—the Spirit who guides us toward Christlikeness—in fullness of joy.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence

Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. Indeed, our heart rejoices in him, for in his holy Name we put our trust. Let your loving-kindness, O LORD, be upon us, as we have put our trust in you. — Psalm 33.20-22

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Posts

Chess Or Checkers

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Acts 23.6-11

Reflection: Chess Or Checkers

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

Read more: The Victorious Path of Weakness

Read more: Anticipated Surprises

Superblooms in Death’s Valley

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 35

Reflection: Superblooms in Death’s Valley

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence

Read more: Two Roads Diverged in Barren Land

Read more: The Ever-Patient Agriculturalist

Friendly and Unfriendly Fields

Links for today’s readings:

Links for this weekend’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Acts 19.8-20

Reflection: Friendly and Unfriendly Fields

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Read more: Dethrone the Fool

Read more: The Gospel Crosses Boundaries and Brings Joy

Horses of Flesh or Spirit

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 31.1-3

Reflection: Horses of Flesh or Spirit

Divine Hours Prayer: The Morning Psalm — The Lord Beholds All People

Read more: Portrait Shaped by Scripture

Read more: Default Settings for Scripture

Worm Theology (a.k.a. Scrupulosity)

Links for today’s readings:

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 30.20-21

Reflection: Worm Theology (a.k.a. Scrupulosity)

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence

Read more: Prophets in Our Path

Read more: Gods in Our Image