John 14:22-31

John 14:22-31 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  Jesus gives peace differently than the world gives -- that's important.  If you've been following the on-again/off-again trade negotiations with China, there is a good deal of political posturing in order to secure a good deal for each side.  Everyone wants something, and in order to give up anything, they're going to be sure they get a piece of what they want.
  Jesus comes and offers us peace, but rather than demand that we pay a price, Jesus goes ahead and pays the price for us!!  He climbs up on the cross and pays what we cannot pay so that we can have what we cannot obtain for ourselves.  He does not give as the world gives, but gives freely and generously. 
  So let us not grow troubled, especially when things may not be going our way.  In the big, big picture, we have been given peace that the world cannot take away from us.  May that peace reign in your heart today, and take a moment in the middle of the day to take three deep breaths and allow the peace of God to flow through everything you are and do.