Ep. 376: Doctrine & Covenants 115:13 Debt, Deliverance, and Divine Timing

🎙️Summary

In this heartfelt and financially insightful episode, Jeff shares a deeply personal journey that began in Doctrine and Covenants 115 and led to life-changing lessons about debt, self-reliance, and tithing. Reflecting on President Gordon B. Hinckley’s 1998 talk “To the Boys and to the Men,” Jeff recounts how that message transformed his and Jami’s financial trajectory — from heavy consumer debt to freedom through obedience and faith.

He draws timeless connections between prophetic counsel, scriptural warnings, and modern economic cycles, pointing out the divine timing between Hinckley’s message and the 2008 housing crisis. The discussion culminates in the profound promise of tithing, both from Malachi and its reaffirmation in 3 Nephi 24, showing how God’s laws of finance are as spiritual as they are practical.

The episode concludes with a reflection on unseen blessings, the rebuking of the devourer, and how daily spiritual consistency — like paying tithing and living debt-free — aligns perfectly with the Streaking principle of small, deliberate, faithful acts that invite divine outcomes.

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⏱️ Chapters

(00:00–02:25) – Cold Mornings & Warm Lessons
Jeff sets the scene and revisits the theme of debt from the previous episode, tying it to D&C 115 and the commandment to build the temple in Far West.

(02:26–04:44) – The Command Not to Go into Debt
A review of verse 13 — “Let not my servant Joseph... get in debt anymore” — launches Jeff’s story about personal financial awakening.

(04:45–07:04) – President Hinckley’s Talk That Changed Everything
Jeff recalls the 1998 priesthood session of General Conference and President Hinckley’s counsel to the men — especially regarding debt and financial prudence.

(07:05–14:09) – The Law of Temporal Self-Reliance
Quoting extensively from Hinckley’s address, Jeff outlines the prophet’s warnings about consumer debt, the fragility of the economy, and the peace that comes from living within one’s means.

(14:10–16:25) – The Kitchen Commitment
Jeff and Jami’s defining decision: to become completely free of consumer credit card debt — a covenant that reshaped their financial life and faith.

(16:26–20:38) – Divine Timing and the 7-Year Cycle
A miraculous turn: how moving to Colorado and selling their home allowed them to clear their debts — and how the timing paralleled the seven years between Hinckley’s counsel and the 2008 crash.

(20:39–23:25) – Debt, Discipline, and Prophetic Preparation
Connecting Hinckley’s talk to the global financial crisis, Jeff testifies of prophetic foresight and divine protection through obedience.

(23:26–26:25) – Falling into Business Debt
Despite past lessons, Jeff confesses taking on business credit card debt for the MyStreaks app — and how it reinforced his conviction about financial obedience.

(26:26–29:14) – The Law of Tithing in Malachi
Jeff turns to scripture, exploring the Lord’s invitation to “prove me now” and the promised outpouring of blessings from faithful tithing.

(29:15–33:18) – Stories of Provision & the Rebuking of the Devourer
He shares personal and mission stories illustrating how obedience to tithing brings unseen protection and temporal miracles.

(33:19–34:23) – The Blessing of Preparedness
A reflection on how God withholds or grants blessings in perfect timing — ensuring we are ready for their weight.

(34:24–38:32) – Tithing Reaffirmed in the Book of Mormon
Jeff reads 3 Nephi 24, showing the direct repetition of Malachi’s promise and testifying of its eternal truth.

(38:33–40:22) – The Four Areas of Charitable Living
Jeff summarizes: pay tithes, pay fast offerings, feed the hungry and clothe the naked, and support missionary work — the four pillars of liberating others from bondage.

(40:23–end) – Transition & Testimony
A closing testimony of obedience, charity, and consistency — and a look ahead to Doctrine and Covenants 116–120 in the next study session.

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✨ Conclusion

As Jeff concludes, he bears witness of God’s promises — that living debt-free and paying a full tithe bring peace, protection, and provision. The principle is clear: daily obedience compounds into divine outcomes.

That’s exactly what the MyStreaks app is all about.
Just like paying tithing or staying out of debt, consistency in the small things leads to freedom and power in the big things. With MyStreaks, you can track your daily spiritual and temporal commitments — from scripture study to budgeting discipline — and turn them into living streaks of faith and progress.

Start your streak today.
Because when you stay consistent, you stay free.

👉 Download the MyStreaks App — and start building streaks that strengthen both your spirit and your stewardship.