Ep. 337 Doctrine & Covenants 89: Eat with Thanksgiving, Live with Revelation

In this episode of MyScripture Streak, Jeffery Downs continues his daily scripture streak by diving into Doctrine and Covenants Section 89—the Word of Wisdom. Building from the counsel in Section 88 about love, charity, rest, and relationships, Jeffery explores how the Lord revealed a law of health “adapted to the capacity of the weak and weakest of all saints.” He reflects on the historical context of Joseph Smith’s inquiry, Emma Smith’s concerns, and the Savior’s pattern of giving both principles and promises.

Jeffery unpacks the Word of Wisdom verse by verse, discussing not just prohibitions on strong drink, tobacco, and hot drinks, but also the positive counsel to use herbs, grains, fruits, and even meat with prudence, thanksgiving, and balance. He connects these revelations to modern science, his own streak of daily running and walking, and the lived promises of health, wisdom, energy, and divine protection.

Listeners are invited to consider how keeping the Lord’s law of health is less about perfection and more about seeking personal revelation—just as Joseph Smith did—on how to live these principles day to day.

• [00:00] Welcome & Scripture Streak Update
  Jeffery explains the streak of reading at least one verse daily and why this podcast has been less consistent in Doctrine and Covenants.

• [01:15] Review of Section 88
  Key verses on the soul, loving one another, ceasing idleness, rising early, and clothing ourselves with charity.

• [03:20] Setting the Stage for Section 89
  How Section 88 flows into the revelation of the Word of Wisdom and the context of Emma Smith’s concern.

• [05:00] Introduction to Section 89
  The background, purpose, and the Lord’s framing of the Word of Wisdom as “not by commandment or constraint.”

• [07:15] Adapted for the Weakest of Saints
  Reflection on why this law is possible for everyone to live and its role in temporal salvation.

• [09:40] Counsel Against Wine, Strong Drink, and Tobacco
  Discussion of early instructions on wine, strong drink, and the revealed health risks of tobacco.

• [12:05] Hot Drinks and Wholesome Herbs
  Understanding “hot drinks,” using herbs in their seasons, and reflections on seasonal eating.

• [14:30] Use of Meat with Prudence and Thanksgiving
  Exploring the command to use meat sparingly and considering personal revelation in diet.

• [16:50] Grains as the Staff of Life
  Why the Lord ordained grains for both man and beast and how this sustains life.

• [23:10] The Promises of the Word of Wisdom
  Health, wisdom, hidden treasures of knowledge, strength, and divine protection.

• [25:30] A Personal Streak of Running and Walking
  Jeffery shares his 10-year streak with Jami, experiencing the Lord’s promises while traveling the world.

• [27:55] Whole vs. Healed
  Referencing Sister Johnson’s talk—living the Word of Wisdom doesn’t mean perfect health, but greater wholeness.

• [29:30] Divine Protection and Final Reflections
  What it means to have the destroying angel pass by and closing encouragement to keep streaking the scriptures.