Hi, friends. I'm Annie F. Downs. Let's read the Gospels. The Gospels are the first four books of the New Testament in the Bible, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

These are the stories of Jesus Christ's life on earth, the friendships, the parables, the sacrifices, the meals, the miracles.

Each month, we read all four books. So go ahead, subscribe today, finish up the rest of April with us. Join us for May when we will start over all over again.

You got about a week left here. You can do it. Stick with us. So here's all this works. I'll read three chapters to you. You can listen, or read along in your own Bible.

And then I'll pray. And that's it. Today, we get to continue in this sermon on the Mount, which I loved yesterday. So today is April 23rd, day 23.

And I'll be reading Matthew chapters seven through nine. And this month, I'm reading from the message.

Matthew seven. Don't pick on people. Jump on their failures. Criticize their faults. Unless, of course, you want the same treatment.

That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.

Do you have the nerve to say, let me wash your face for you when your own face is distorted by contempt?

It's this whole traveling roadshow mentality all over again, playing a holier than thou part instead of just living your part.

Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face. And you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

Don't be flip with the sacred banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don't reduce holy mysteries to slogans.

And trying to be relevant, you're only being cute and inviting sacrilege. Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.

This isn't a cat and mouse hide and seek game we're in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust?

If he asked for fish, do you scare him with a life snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing.

You're at least decent to your own children. So don't you think that God who conceived you in love will be even better?

Here's a simple rule of thumb guide for behavior. Ask yourself what you want people to do for you. Then grab the initiative and do it for them.

Add up God's law and profits. And this is what you get. Don't look for a short cuts to God.

The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time.

Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life to God is vigorous and requires total attention.

Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practice sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other.

Don't be impressed with charisma. Look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say.

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