[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f-Or4DkN8o5UseAF0axWVemSY1LVEcEZrRUqTobpxJjM":3,"$ffuTwR5uJBbHCe_MX9bJZv78dx6WqjFJt8pXeOxspgRI":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"bio_jsonld":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},19945,"Tessa Afshar","T",43,null,"tessa-afshar",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":77},[14,22,28,34,40,46,52,58,65,71],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":9},3469754,"We promised to love him even if he withheld the desires of our hearts from us. “The Lord spoke a precious promise through the prophet Jeremiah,” Gamaliel said after concluding his prayers. “‘For I will satisfy the weary soul,’ he said, ‘and every languishing soul I will replenish.’ “You are weary, my children. You are languishing. I want you to understand that the Lord’s.",6,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":23,"quote_text":24,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":25,"source":26,"quote_tag":27,"commentary":9},3469747,"I think you have forgotten, my young friend, that the blood of the spotless lambs on Passover cover your own sins, too.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":29,"quote_text":30,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":31,"source":32,"quote_tag":33,"commentary":9},3469741,"Faith is not won by arguments. Faith is won by an experience of love.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":35,"quote_text":36,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":37,"source":38,"quote_tag":39,"commentary":9},3469734,"He can give it through miracles if he so pleases, or he can use physicians as his instruments of grace. Either way, the power belongs to the Lord.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":41,"quote_text":42,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":43,"source":44,"quote_tag":45,"commentary":9},3469729,"Jacob’s ladder could be touching the soil of this very road. Where you are walking, angels might be ascending and descending. The problem is that like Jacob, most of us spend our days not knowing. The Lord is never far. It is our blindness that makes Him seem so. The veil between heaven.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":47,"quote_text":48,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":49,"source":50,"quote_tag":51,"commentary":9},3469722,"Your soul can prepare for the plans God has yet to unfold for your life.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":53,"quote_text":54,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":55,"source":56,"quote_tag":57,"commentary":9},3469718,"A whole nation’s character can be twisted by the actions of a few corrupt men.” I.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":59,"quote_text":60,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":61,"source":62,"quote_tag":63,"commentary":64},3469711,"I am no teacher of the Law. But as I recall, one of our greatest prophets, Samuel, once said that to obey is better than sacrifice. Why do you not pray and ask him for his help? Instead of an offering, you can promise him your heart. Your obedience.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\nThis quote, attributed to Tessa Afshar, likely draws from her biblical fiction novel, which reimagines the story of Esther. The sentiment reflects the era of ancient Jewish history, where the concept of obedience and sacrifice was deeply ingrained in religious and cultural practices. The author's use of the prophet Samuel's quote suggests a connection to the Old Testament, where obedience was often prioritized over external acts of devotion.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThe hidden insight lies in the contrast between obedience and sacrifice. On the surface, the quote appears to suggest that external acts of devotion, like making offerings, are less important than internal obedience to a higher power. However, the true nuance lies in the fact that the author is not advocating for a mindless obedience, but rather a heart-centered approach. The quote highlights the tension between external rituals and internal devotion, suggesting that the latter is more valuable.\n\n**How to Use This**\nIn today's fast-paced, results-driven world, it's easy to get caught up in external measures of success, such as productivity and achievement. To apply this mindset, take a step back and ask yourself: \"What is the true source of my motivation and drive? Am I prioritizing external validation or internal alignment with my values and purpose?\" By shifting focus from external sacrifice to internal obedience, you can cultivate a more authentic and fulfilling sense of purpose.",{"id":66,"quote_text":67,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":68,"source":69,"quote_tag":70,"commentary":9},3469701,"He pronounced them good not because of what they had accomplished, but because of who He had made them to be.” I.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":72,"quote_text":73,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":74,"source":75,"quote_tag":76,"commentary":9},3469690,"You must learn to trust him when there is no earthly evidence why you should.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"currentPage":78,"totalPages":79,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":80},1,5,10]