Last week, I went to one of our local dollar stores to pick up a few things that I needed. I had all four kids with me, and didn't want to go to one of the large discount stores, because I always wind up spending way more than I should when they're with me. I needed some dishwasher detergent, and was pleased to find that they carried a liquid detergent that was a fraction of the cost of my regular brand. Much to my chagrin, I find that this brand doesn't work as well as my regular brand. I have had to re-wash my dishes a few times now, which defeats the point of spending less on detergent--not to mention the additional water that I've had to use.

Sometimes, things cost more because they are worth more. I am reminded of the movie The Apostle starring Robert Duvall. In this movie, Mr. Duvall plays a wayward Christian, the Apostle E.F. My favorite line in the movie is when E.F. says that "grace is free, but it ain't cheap." To me, this is so true and profound. God's grace--though free--is not cheap. We may attempt to substitute God's gift of grace with other things that seem less costly, but in the end are a poor substitute. No other thing on this earth will fill our hungry souls the way that Christ does. All other things are cheap substitutes that don't last.

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Ephesians 5:18

Blessings and peace,

Jennifer