Ep. 382: Doctrine & Covenants 121 - 123 Small Moments, Eternal Meaning
Release Date: 10/27/2025
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 deeply reflective episode, Jeffery Downs continues his study of Doctrine and Covenants 121–123, exploring the divine characteristics of true leadership, the refining power of tribulation, and the saint’s sacred duty to record truth. From the Liberty Jail revelations emerge timeless lessons about persuasion, patience, meekness, and love unfeigned—principles that not only define priesthood leadership but also guide everyday discipleship in homes, workplaces, and communities.
Jeff draws modern parallels between Joseph Smith’s imprisonment and our own “Liberty Jail” experiences, showing how God consecrates even our darkest moments for growth. Through Alma, Amulek, and the Savior’s suffering, he illustrates the power of humility, endurance, and eternal perspective. Finally, he concludes with a passionate reminder that record-keeping is both a spiritual and practical duty—our written witness of faith amid opposition.
đź“– Chapters
(00:01) — Introduction: Studying Anywhere, Anytime
Jeff welcomes listeners from his car—reminding us that scripture study doesn’t need ideal conditions, just intentional consistency.
(02:23) — Purpose of the Podcast: Application Over Analysis
A reflection on the difference between academic study and personal application—this podcast focuses on applying truth rather than dissecting it.
(03:45) — Doctrine & Covenants 121:41–46 — Leadership by Persuasion and Love
Jeff explores what true influence means: persuasion through peace, not contention. He connects Alma 32’s “try the experiment” with persuasion that invites rather than compels.
(07:03) — The Peacemaker’s Paradox
How Christ’s overturning of the tables in the temple exemplifies strength in peacemaking—defending truth without assaulting others.
(09:22) — Long-Suffering, Gentleness, and Meekness
Enduring through time and tension—why patience is vital for both divine timing and personal development.
(11:44) — Love Unfeigned and the Kindness of Truth
A story about Jeff’s grandson and “charity in honesty,” revealing how being kind sometimes means being direct.
(14:08) — Pure Knowledge and Charity in Traffic
Jeff shares insights on charity behind the wheel—asking whether we are the aggressors or peacemakers in our daily journeys.
(16:16) — Without Hypocrisy, Without Guile
A study on integrity—what it means to live congruent with your words and to act without deceit.
(18:23) — Reproving with Sharpness, Then Increasing in Love
How to deliver correction led by the Spirit—clear but compassionate, direct but loving.
(21:20) — Charity Toward All Men and Confidence Before God
The culmination of D&C 121’s leadership formula: as we live virtuously, our confidence before God grows like dew from heaven.
(23:26) — Doctrine & Covenants 122: “Art Thou Greater Than He?”
From the depths of Liberty Jail, God teaches Joseph—and all of us—that our afflictions are “but a small moment.” Jeff explores why perspective transforms pain into power.
(26:36) — The Small Moment Principle
Happiness is not delayed to the next life—it’s found in our focus on Christ now.
(28:00) — The Picture of Revelation
Jeff wonders if Joseph Smith saw visions that he then translated into words, reminding us how revelation often comes in impressions we must interpret.
(31:52) — Art Thou Greater Than He?
A moving meditation on humility, using Alma 7 and Alma 36 to parallel Joseph’s suffering with Christ’s atonement.
(35:43) — Wracked with Torment—Christ in Gethsemane
An intimate depiction of the Savior’s suffering—his amazement, agony, and submission—and the lesson for us to remember Him in our own anguish.
(38:39) — Doctrine & Covenants 123: The Duty to Record
Joseph’s command to the saints: document injustice and truth. Jeff highlights why recording matters to God and history alike.
(40:32) — Standing Against Darkness
The prophet’s poetic call to expose evil, preserve truth, and prepare the nation for God’s justice.
(42:58) — Why Record-Keeping Matters Today
From Missouri’s later apology to our modern journals—Jeff connects prophetic record-keeping to the value of our personal streaks of faith.
(44:40) — Small Rudders in Great Storms
“Cheerfully do all things in our power” and trust God with the rest. Small faithful acts steer our lives through life’s tempests.
(46:32) — Closing Reflections and Invitation
Doctrine and Covenants 121–123 form a masterclass on godly leadership, patient endurance, and the spiritual discipline of remembering.
✨ Conclusion
Every principle from Liberty Jail—persuasion, patience, charity, and cheerful endurance—was built one consistent action at a time. That’s the essence of Streaking the Scriptures. Small, daily devotionals lead to lasting spiritual strength.
If you want to build your own streak of studying, praying, or journaling, download the MyStreaks App. It’s a simple way to record your consistency, see your progress, and stay connected to a community of others striving to follow Christ one day at a time.
Remember: the Lord distills His doctrine upon our souls “as the dews from heaven”—and dew only forms with daily consistency.
📲 Start your spiritual streak today at MyStreaks.com.
Until next time—keep charity in traffic, confidence in God, and as always… keep streaking the scriptures.