Ep. 373: Doctrine & Covenants 112 - 114 Back Up Plans
Release Date: 10/13/2025
Ep. 402: Doctrine & Covenants 136:1-28 Follies and Faux Pas
Streaking the Scriptures
Introduction Welcome back to Streaking the Scriptures! Jeff Downs here, grateful to be studying with youâeven if itâs a little later in the day than usual. Itâs the eve of Thanksgiving in the United States, a moment that invites reflection, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for the blessings and freedoms the Lord has given us. Today, we open Doctrine and Covenants section 136âa revelation given through President Brigham Young at Winter Quarters after the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The Saints were crossing the Mississippi, driven from Nauvoo, and preparing for a westward...
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Ep. 401: Doctrine & Covenants 135 Joseph Smith the Prophet
Streaking the Scriptures
Podcast Welcome back to another uplifting morning of Streaking the Scriptures. Even if the sun is a little higher than usual, the spirit of morning study is still alive and well. In todayâs episode, Jeff takes us into Doctrine and Covenants sections 135 and 136âtwo chapters filled with weight, history, testimony, and deep personal application. Before diving into the text, Jeff shares an experience he had while out on a runâan experience involving a podcast, a message that was good, a delivery that wasnât, and a moment of honest wrestling about charity, irritation, and how we respond...
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Ep. 400: Doctrine & Covenants 134 Obey, Honor, and Sustain the Law
Streaking the Scriptures
đď¸ Introduction In todayâs episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeffery reflects on a Sabbath filled with joy, family, and spiritual depth. His daughter recently returned from serving in the Birmingham, Alabama Mission, and her homecoming message stirred heartfelt reminders of the power of discipleship. Surrounded by loved ones and lifted by rich discussions in the scriptures, Jeff transitions into a focused study of Doctrine and Covenants Section 134âa declaration on governments, laws, conscience, and the delicate balance between civil authority and divine agency. As always, this...
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Ep. 399: Doctrine & Covenants 133:53-74 Works and Obedience are Necessary
Streaking the Scriptures
INTRODUCTION In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeffery Downs begins with a joyful milestoneâwelcoming his daughter home from the Birmingham, Alabama Mission. The warmth of that reunion sets a heartfelt backdrop for a deep and thoughtful study of Doctrine and Covenants 133. With personal reflections, scriptural connections, and honest exploration, Jeff guides listeners through powerful themes of obedience, revelation, and preparation for the Lordâs return. CHAPTERS 00:00 â A Missionary Homecoming & Tender Mercies Jeff opens the episode by sharing the joy and gratitude his...
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Ep. 398: Doctrine & Covenants 133:5-53 The Great Grandeur of God
Streaking the Scriptures
Introduction In todayâs episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeff takes us into Doctrine and Covenants 133âoften referred to as âthe appendixâ to the Doctrine and Covenants. After a rare second start to his recording, he dives into themes of preparation, gathering, repentance, and revelation. Along the way, he reflects on Elder Neal A. Maxwellâs penetrating imagery of âkeeping a second residence in Babylon,â considers the parable of the Ten Virgins, and pauses to explore modern prophetic counsel from President Oaksâ recent conference message. The episode becomes a thoughtful...
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Ep. 397: Doctrine & Covenants 133:1-5 Courage, Covenant, and Clean Hands
Streaking the Scriptures
Introduction In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeff shares a heartfelt reflection on a memorable primary program, the power of sacred music, and the spiritual impressions that followed. A moving moment during the song âMy Sacred Groveâ sets the tone for a deep dive into Doctrine & Covenants sections 132 and 133, exploring what it means to engage with the doctrine of Christ with humility, faith, and courage. Synopsis & Timecodes 00:00 â Opening & Primary Program Reflection Jeff describes teaching CTR-5 during the primary program and how the closing song, âMy...
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Ep. 396: Doctrine & Covenants 132:15-66 Local Authority Having Jurisdiction
Streaking the Scriptures
Introduction Section 132 is both glorious and weighty. In this episode, Jeff sets the tone with humility and faith: eternal marriage is a revealed law that lifts, orders, and binds us to Christâand some parts (especially plural marriage) raise real questions. With scripture in hand and application in view, he explores why covenants must be made and sealed by the Lordâs authority, how proxy ordinances fit the Saviorâs doctrine, and what âthen shall they be godsâ actually points us towardâservice, increase, and exaltation through Jesus Christ. Chapters 00:00 â Setting the stage:...
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Ep. 395: Doctrine & Covenants 131 - 132:14 Prepare Your Heart for Understanding
Streaking the Scriptures
Introduction As the Prophet Joseph Smith nears the end of his mortal ministry, the revelations become both intensely doctrinal and deeply personal. In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, we move from Doctrine and Covenants section 130 into sections 131 and 132âsome of the most concentrated teachings on eternal marriage, revelation, knowledge, and the sealing power in all of scripture. We start in section 131, where Joseph teaches about the three degrees within the celestial glory, the necessity of the new and everlasting covenant of marriage for exaltation, the âmore sure word of...
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Ep. 394: Doctrine & Covenants 130 Charity in Traffic & Other Eternal Streaks
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary A candid, early-morning study on sleep, uncertainty, and charity leads into Doctrine & Covenants 130 with practical application. You reflect on D&C 88âs counsel to âretire to thy bed earlyâ and âarise early,â then explore how the âsame socialityâ continues beyond the veil, why devices like the Urim and Thummim symbolize ordered, revelatory learning, and how obedience and diligent, daily effort (âstreaksâ) expand intelligence that rises with us. The thread through it all: clothe yourself âwith the bond of charityââyes, even in trafficâand trust the...
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Ep. 393: Doctrine & Covenants 129 Detect the Truth
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary The episode introduces the theme of time passing quickly and anchors the study in Doctrine and Covenants 129. The discussion centers on Joseph Smithâs instruction for discerning ministering beingsâresurrected angels, spirits of just men made perfect, and counterfeit messengers. You connect these keys of discernment to modern challenges, especially the prevalence of deception, misinformation, and misplaced spiritual authority. You explore how true revelation aligns with stewardship, how to verify sources, and how to confirm truth through the Spirit. Drawing from 3 Nephi 11, Moroni...
info_outlineđď¸ Episode Summary: âCleanse the Inner Vesselâ
Jeff reflects on his ongoing streak of daily scripture studyâreminding listeners that streaking isnât about perfection in publishing, but consistency in practice.
Studying Doctrine and Covenants 112â114, he explores the Lordâs counsel to the Twelve Apostles, the cleansing that begins in Godâs house, and the enduring principle of revelation through questions.
Through stories of chastening, revelation, and personal accountability, Jeff draws parallels between ancient apostles and modern disciples, emphasizing that knowing Christ requires serving like Christ.
đ Chapters
00:00 â Staying Consistent Even When You Miss a Few Days
Jeff opens by reaffirming the power of keeping the streak alive even when publishing pauses. He studies daily, even when not recording, keeping the covenant of consistency.
02:25 â Darkness and Anger: The Companions of Sin
Exploring verse 23, Jeff reflects on how âgross darknessâ manifests as anger and contention. Wickedness never brings happiness; sin travels with frustration and unrest.
04:53 â âUpon My House Shall It Beginâ â Judgment and Cleansing
The Lord declares that chastening begins with His house. Jeff connects this to 1 Peter 4:17 and Alma 60, drawing out the âclean the inner vessel firstâ principle.
09:06 â The Story of the Stake Presidentâs Chastening
A modern-day story illustrates divine correction: a manâs love for his wife was questioned when he neglected temple worship. Jeff likens this to the Lordâs call to purify hearts before preaching the gospel.
11:14 â Knowing Christ by Serving Him
Referencing King Benjaminâs words, Jeff asks: How can we know the Master whom we have not served? True discipleship means daily service and faithfulness, not mere profession.
15:22 â Cleansing the Inner Vessel: Jesus, the Pharisees, and Us
Reading Matthew 23:25â26, Jeff highlights that outward appearance means little without inward purity. Like the Phariseesâ cups, we must be clean inside before the outside matters.
16:53 â The Apostolic Call: Power in the Priesthood
The Lord reaffirms the Twelveâs divine authority in the dispensation of the fulness of timesâa charge that continues today as apostles direct global growth of the Church.
18:46 â âI Come Quicklyâ â What Is âQuicklyâ to the Lord?
Jeff muses on divine timing, comparing mortal impatience to the Lordâs eternal perspective of âquickly.â
19:15 â Section 113: Asking Brings Revelation
Joseph Smithâs questions about Isaiah become a model for us: revelation comes when we ask. The Lord invites all to seek interpretation, understanding, and personal application.
26:55 â Nephiâs Lesson to Laman and Lemuel: Ask the Lord
Drawing from 1 Nephi 15, Jeff reminds us that when questions arise, the key is simple: ask the Lord. Hard hearts block revelation; humility opens heaven.
29:56 â Section 114: The Lord Has Backup Plans
The Lord instructs David W. Patten to prepare for a mission and reminds disciples that if one denies His name, âothers shall be planted in their stead.â Godâs work moves forward with or without us.
31:18 â Lessons from Judas and Matthias in Acts 1
Jeff reflects on Judasâ fall and Matthiasâ calling as an example of divine successionâthe Lord always ensures His work continues, yet values every individual eternally.
33:45 â Enduring Chastening to Receive Exaltation
The episode closes on a note of hope: chastening refines, not rejects. Those who endure it faithfully will be exalted on high with the Lord.
đż Key Takeaways
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Cleansing starts at home: Judgment and refinement begin with Godâs covenant people.
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Ask to receive: Revelation follows inquiryâJoseph, Nephi, and we can all ask.
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Consistency brings connection: Even when publishing pauses, streaking sustains spiritual growth.
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The Lordâs work continues: Faithful disciples step forward as others falter; God always has a plan.
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Endure chastening: Correction is love in action, preparing us for eternal life.
Just like the Lord teaches consistency through daily discipleship, the MyStreaks app helps you live it. Track your spiritual streaksâreading, praying, serving, or temple attendanceâand watch how consistency strengthens connection. Every streak, no matter how small, builds spiritual muscle. Download MyStreaks today and keep streaking the scripturesâone day, one verse, one miracle at a time.