Ep. 381: Doctrine & Covenants 121:33-46 Leadership the Lord's Way
Release Date: 10/24/2025
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 you—even if it’s a little later in the day than usual. It’s 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 136—a 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 today’s episode, Jeff takes us into Doctrine and Covenants sections 135 and 136—two 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 run—an experience involving a podcast, a message that was good, a delivery that wasn’t, 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
🎙️ Introduction In today’s 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 134—a 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 milestone—welcoming 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 Lord’s return. CHAPTERS 00:00 — 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 today’s episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeff takes us into Doctrine and Covenants 133—often referred to as “the appendix” 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. Maxwell’s penetrating imagery of “keeping a second residence in Babylon,” considers the parable of the Ten Virgins, and pauses to explore modern prophetic counsel from President Oaks’ 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 “My Sacred Grove” 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 – Opening & Primary Program Reflection Jeff describes teaching CTR-5 during the primary program and how the closing song, “My...
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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 Christ—and 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 Lord’s authority, how proxy ordinances fit the Savior’s doctrine, and what “then shall they be gods” actually points us toward—service, increase, and exaltation through Jesus Christ. Chapters 00:00 – 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 132—some 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 “more 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 88’s counsel to “retire to thy bed early” and “arise early,” then explore how the “same sociality” continues beyond the veil, why devices like the Urim and Thummim symbolize ordered, revelatory learning, and how obedience and diligent, daily effort (“streaks”) expand intelligence that rises with us. The thread through it all: clothe yourself “with the bond of charity”—yes, even in traffic—and 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 Smith’s instruction for discerning ministering beings—resurrected 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_outline🎙️Summary
In this episode, Jeffery studies the latter half of Doctrine and Covenants section 121—some of the most powerful verses on spiritual leadership, personal choice, and the nature of divine authority. From Joseph Smith’s words in Liberty Jail, Jeff explores how knowledge, righteousness, and service connect us to heaven’s power. He reflects on what it means to be “chosen,” drawing insights from Alma 13 and Abraham 3, and how we cultivate the principles of persuasion, meekness, and charity in our daily lives. Using personal stories—including a decision he and Jami made about avoiding debt—Jeff shows how scripture study and consistent spiritual practices guide both temporal and eternal decisions.
⏱️ Chapter Headings & Timecodes
(00:00) — Back in the Home Office
Jeff returns from the East Coast and introduces today’s study: Doctrine & Covenants 121:33–46.
(02:25) — “How long can rolling waters remain impure?”
Reflecting on verse 33, Jeff explores the metaphor of the Missouri River and God’s unstoppable power to pour down knowledge upon the Saints.
(04:35) — Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen
A discussion on leadership and what it means to be chosen by the Lord. The answer lies not in God’s selective will but in our daily choices to follow Him.
(06:22) — Why Some Are Not Chosen
Exploring verses 35–40, Jeff considers how hearts set upon the world or the honors of men lose divine favor—and how the choice to be chosen lies in our agency.
(08:15) — The Call to Serve, Not to Rule
True leadership in the Lord’s kingdom means service, not domination. Jeff reflects on charity as the hallmark of Christlike leadership.
(10:05) — The Six Primary Practices of Righteousness
Prayer, scripture study, sacrament, temple worship, service, and fasting—Jeff walks through each, sharing personal stories that illustrate their power in real life.
(16:32) — Covering Sins and Vain Ambition
Discussing verses 37–38, Jeff shares how self-deception, pride, or hiding weakness can sever connection with heaven. Vulnerability and humility restore it.
(18:19) — Vain vs. Righteous Ambition
Ambition isn’t the problem—vain ambition is. Jeff examines the difference between ambition born of pride and ambition born of purpose.
(19:41) — The Nature of Authority and Dominion
When people “get a little authority as they suppose,” they often misuse it. Jeff ties this warning to leadership at all levels, including personal stewardship.
(21:29) — Chosen Before the World Was
Drawing from Abraham 3, Jeff teaches how we were “rulers” before this life—standard bearers of God’s pattern of righteousness, not dominators.
(22:41) — Faith and Good Works Before the Foundation of the World
Connecting Alma 13 with Abraham 3, Jeff shows that being chosen is rooted in faith and good works—before and during this life.
(26:04) — The Leadership Treaty of Heaven
Verses 41–46 form a divine constitution for leadership: persuasion, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, and pure knowledge.
(28:25) — The Confidence of the Chosen
When virtue garnishes our thoughts, confidence in God waxes strong. The Holy Ghost becomes a constant companion, and influence flows without compulsion.
(30:03) — Captain Moroni and the Pattern of Christlike Leadership
Jeff compares section 121’s attributes to those of Captain Moroni—a leader of “perfect understanding” who led through love and service.
(32:36) — Closing Reflections and Preview
Jeff concludes the study with gratitude for the Prophet’s revelations from Liberty Jail and previews sections 122–123 for the next episode.
✨ Conclusion
The Lord’s leadership pattern in Doctrine and Covenants 121 teaches that lasting influence flows from love, patience, and persuasion—not control.
Every one of those Christlike attributes grows through consistent, deliberate practice.
That’s where streaking comes in.
When you make daily spiritual practices—like prayer, scripture study, or service—a streak, you build the spiritual rhythm that keeps you connected to heaven’s power.
📲 Download the MyStreaks app and start a streak that strengthens your faith.
Track your study, your prayers, your service, and your temple attendance—all in one place.
Because the more consistent you are in small, righteous actions, the more confidence you’ll have in God’s presence.
Until next time—keep charity in traffic, faith in your heart, and as always…
Keep Streaking the Scriptures.