Ep. 343 Doctrine & Covenants 93: Escaping Bittersville - Prayer, Forgiveness, and Deliverance
Release Date: 08/30/2025
Ep. 351 Doctrine & Covenants 100: Meekness A Ferrari at the Speed Limit
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary In this episode, Jeffery studies Doctrine and Covenants section 100, a revelation given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in October 1833. The section addresses their concern for their families while away in service and reassures them that the Lord’s hand is over their loved ones. Jeffery draws connections to Christ’s teaching in Matthew 7 about a father giving good gifts to his children, emphasizing that God’s intent is always good—even in times of trial. The counsel continues with instruction to preach the gospel, rely on the Spirit to guide words, and speak with meekness....
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Ep. 350 Doctrine & Covenants 98:33-48 and Section 99 Charity in Conflict - How the Lord Teaches Peace
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary In this episode, Jeffery studies Doctrine & Covenants sections 98 and 99 against the backdrop of current events, including the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and President Russell M. Nelson’s counsel on peacemaking. The scriptures highlight the Lord’s command to renounce war, lift a standard of peace, and forgive liberally—even seventy times seven—while leaving vengeance in His hands. President Nelson’s words, both in General Conference and his recent Time Magazine op-ed, underscore the same truths: anger never persuades, contention drives away the Spirit, and...
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Ep. 349 Doctrine & Covenants 98:9-33 The Hidden Cost of Anger
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary In today’s study session, we began with Mosiah 29 and the sobering reality that it is exceedingly difficult to dethrone an iniquitous king because such rulers surround themselves with guards, companions in sin, and laws crafted to protect their wickedness. This teaching tied directly into Doctrine and Covenants 98, which reminds us that when the wicked rule, the people mourn—but when righteous leaders are upheld, freedom and peace flourish. Jeff emphasized that our Constitution is a remarkable blessing, allowing for the peaceful transfer of power and granting each of us the civil...
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Ep. 348 Doctrine & Covenants 98:1-9 Befriend the Law
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary In this study of Doctrine and Covenants 98, Jeffery Downs explores the trials of the Saints in Missouri and the Lord’s call to “fear not” even amid persecution. Drawing from the sacrifices of early Saints—like grinding their dinner plates into plaster for the Kirtland Temple—Jeff emphasizes gratitude, patience, and friendship with God through service and continual communication. With stories from scripture, history, and modern life (including lessons from traffic and Corrie Ten Boom’s testimony of gratitude), this episode demonstrates how all things can work together for...
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Ep. 347 Doctrine & Covenants 96 - 97 Multiplying Blessings Through Consistent Sacrifice
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeffery Downs guides listeners through Doctrine & Covenants 96 and 97, exploring themes of unity, consecration, prayer, and the building of the Lord’s house amidst persecution. He reflects on the Saints’ struggles to obey the Lord’s command to build temples during times of trial, showing how obedience to God’s commandments brings both refuge and revelation. Drawing on Alma 34, Elder Holland’s message in The Other Prodigal, and Sherri Dew’s teachings on revelation, Jeffery emphasizes the power of turning to the Lord in every...
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Ep. 346 Doctrine & Covenants 94 - 95 Strange Acts and Holy Desires
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeff takes us through Doctrine and Covenants 95, where the Lord chastens the Saints for neglecting His command to build the Kirtland Temple. Together, we explore what it means to be corrected by a loving God, why the Lord’s “strange act” often feels unusual to the world, and how attending the temple opens us to light that dispels the darkness of noonday. Jeff draws personal connections—from scripture cross-references in Isaiah to everyday experiences like his son’s lost keys—to show that God cares about both the great and the...
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Ep. 345 Doctrine & Covenants 95: Love Feedback
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeffery studies Doctrine and Covenants 94–95, focusing on the Lord’s command to build sacred houses and the deeper meaning of sanctification. He reflects on why the Lord requires buildings for worship and instruction, connecting this to the sanctification process found in weekly sacrament meetings and temple worship. Jeffery also explores the importance of chastisement as an expression of the Lord’s love, illustrating how correction realigns priorities and helps disciples grow spiritually. Through historical context and personal...
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Ep. 344 Doctrine & Covenants 94: What Pattern Guides Your Life?
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary In this episode, Jeffery begins the study of Doctrine and Covenants section 94, exploring the Lord’s instructions for building sacred spaces in Kirtland, Ohio. He reflects on why the Lord is concerned with buildings, the divine significance of patterns, and how those patterns apply to our daily lives. Drawing connections between temples, tabernacles, and our personal routines, Jeffery considers how God reveals structure and order not just for His houses, but also for our lives. The episode closes with questions for reflection: What patterns govern your life? And is there a sacred...
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Ep. 343 Doctrine & Covenants 93: Escaping Bittersville - Prayer, Forgiveness, and Deliverance
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary In this episode, Jeffery Downs concludes his study of Doctrine and Covenants Section 93, focusing on verses 49–53. He emphasizes the Lord’s instruction to “pray always,” explores the Lord’s Prayer in both the New Testament and Book of Mormon, and reflects on personal experiences of prayer, forgiveness, and overcoming bitterness. Jeffery also discusses the Lord’s command to Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith, Frederick G. Williams, and Newel K. Whitney, highlighting the urgency of “making haste” in spreading the gospel and gaining knowledge. The episode closes with thoughts on...
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Ep. 342 Doctrine & Covenants 93: Parenting Isn’t Control, It’s Charity
Streaking the Scriptures
Episode Summary In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeff explores Doctrine and Covenants 93 with a focus on the Lord’s rebuke of Frederick G. Williams, Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith. He examines why Frederick G. Williams in particular was chastised for not teaching his children light and truth, connecting it to his busy life as a physician, community leader, and member of the First Presidency. Jeff then parallels this with biblical accounts—especially Eli and his sons in 1 Samuel—showing how neglecting to guide children spiritually can have lasting consequences. The study...
info_outlineSummary
In this episode, Jeffery Downs concludes his study of Doctrine and Covenants Section 93, focusing on verses 49–53. He emphasizes the Lord’s instruction to “pray always,” explores the Lord’s Prayer in both the New Testament and Book of Mormon, and reflects on personal experiences of prayer, forgiveness, and overcoming bitterness. Jeffery also discusses the Lord’s command to Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith, Frederick G. Williams, and Newel K. Whitney, highlighting the urgency of “making haste” in spreading the gospel and gaining knowledge. The episode closes with thoughts on how modern tools like AI can complement spiritual learning when anchored in scripture and truth.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and Context
Jeff welcomes listeners back to Streaking the Scriptures and recaps the study of Section 93, noting Newel K. Whitney’s inclusion in the Lord’s rebuke and counsel.
02:26 – The Call to Pray Always
Reflection on verse 49, “What I say unto one, I say unto all,” and the meaning of continual prayer—drawing parallels to 3 Nephi where the Savior taught prayer in the heart.
04:38 – How Much Should We Pray?
Insights from President Jeffrey R. Holland on the power of prayer, with reminders that God never wearies of hearing His children. Prayer is framed as spiritual work, not vain repetition.
06:37 – The Order of Prayer (Matthew 6)
Study of the Lord’s Prayer, including reverence for God, seeking His will, asking for daily bread (both physical and spiritual), forgiveness, and protection from temptation and evil.
10:49 – Forgiveness and Charity in Daily Life
Application of forgiving spiritual debts in everyday settings—even in traffic. Discussion on not allowing bitterness to take root, with personal reflections on leaving “Bittersville.”
13:17 – Delivered from Evil: Lessons from the Furnace
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as an example of deliverance. Jeff applies the story to personal trials and the choice to forgive and seek deliverance from evil.
15:11 – Parallel Teachings in the Book of Mormon
Comparison of the Lord’s Prayer as taught to the Nephites in 3 Nephi, with emphasis on differences and similarities to the New Testament text.
18:16 – Personal Story: Escaping Bittersville
A candid reflection on a period of bitterness after church service and business challenges, and the transformative choice to move forward through prayer and change of heart.
20:43 – Chastening of Newel K. Whitney and Counsel to Leaders
Examination of the Lord’s rebuke and promises to Whitney, Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith, and Frederick G. Williams. Key takeaway: the Lord upholds His servants when they act in faith.
23:09 – Education, Knowledge, and Preparation
The Lord’s command to obtain knowledge of history, laws, and kingdoms (D&C 93:53; D&C 88:78) and how education prepares disciples for service in Zion.
25:17 – Using AI as a Modern Study Aid
Thoughts on AI as a tool for gathering and organizing information—useful when carefully compared against scripture and taken to the Lord for confirmation of truth.
27:40 – “Make Haste” in Bearing Testimony
Exploration of the phrase “make haste” (verse 52) and its application for Sidney Rigdon and all disciples—urgency in testifying of truth. Jeff ties this to President Holland’s reminder to testify more.
29:33 – Closing Reflections
Encouragement to act with urgency in sharing what we learn, to testify boldly, and to continue forward in scripture study.
Conclusion
As Section 93 closes, the Lord reminds us of the urgency of prayer, testimony, knowledge, and obedience. Jeff shares that just as Sidney Rigdon was called to “make haste,” we too are urged to act quickly in testifying of truth and living faithfully. Through prayer, forgiveness, education, and reliance on God’s Spirit, we can avoid the snares of bitterness and be upheld by the Lord.
Jeff invites listeners to share their insights by emailing [email protected] and to keep track of their own scripture streaks with the MyStreaks app. Next time, the study will move into Section 94. Until then—keep streaking the scriptures!