Ep. 384: Doctrine & Covenants 124:3-12 Grass, Glory, and the Seasons of Stewardship
Release Date: 10/30/2025
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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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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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...
info_outlineStreaking 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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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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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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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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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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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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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¸ Summary
In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeffery J. Downs continues the study of Doctrine and Covenants section 124, exploring what it means to write, speak, and live âin the spirit of meekness and by the power of the Holy Ghost.â From reflections on missionary life in the Downs home to the power of social media as modern-day âtitles of liberty,â Jeff draws connections between the Saints in Nauvoo and our digital discipleship today.
Youâll hear how fleeting worldly glory contrasts with eternal perspective, what Captain Moroni teaches about standing for truth, and why writing with the Spirit can soften heartsâeven online.
This episode reminds listeners that each season of life brings new stewardship, new visibility, and new ways to testify of Christ with love, courage, and meekness.
âąď¸ Chapters
00:00 â Home MTC and the Spirit of Missionary Life
Jeff opens with reflections on his sonâs final day before entering the MTC and the sacred spirit that fills their home during this transition.
02:24 â Setting the Stage: Doctrine and Covenants 124
The Saints in Nauvoo and the question that prompted the revelationâwhat to do after leaving Missouri.
04:46 â The Glory That Fades: Grass and Flowers of the Field
Jeff reflects on temporal power and eternal perspective, drawing parallels between worldly âgloryâ and fleeting seasons of life.
06:55 â Seasons and Stewardships
Using personal family experiences, Jeff teaches that our visibility and responsibilities change, but our duty to honor the Lord remains constant in every season.
10:10 â Writing with the Spirit of Meekness
What it feels like to be guided by the Holy Ghost in writing and communicationâand how to recognize when the Spirit directs your words.
11:58 â The Power of Meek Communication
Exploring the meaning of meekness as âstrength under controlâ and applying Elder Stevensonâs counsel on peacemaking and Elder Hollandâs invitation to pray more.
13:56 â Responding to Provocation: Modern-Day Amalekiah
Jeff draws a bold connection between ancient and modern influenceâhow Amalekiah used persuasive words like todayâs social media manipulators.
16:00 â Captain Moroniâs âSocial Media Postâ: The Title of Liberty
A deep dive into Alma 46 as Jeff likens Captain Moroniâs written proclamation to modern digital discipleshipâhow righteous content can go viral for good.
20:06 â Standing for Truth in Every Age
Why proclaiming truth meekly and courageously matters today as much as in Moroniâs time.
22:16 â Proclaiming in the Spirit of Meekness
Returning to D&C 124, Jeff ties the Lordâs instructions to our own opportunity to share testimony and truth online.
23:49 â âCome Ye with Your Gold and Silverâ
Jeff reflects on the Lordâs call for allârich and poorâto contribute to Zionâs cause and shares a missionary experience in Washington D.C.
26:05 â Isaiah 60: The Glory of Zion
Reading from Isaiah 60, Jeff celebrates the prophetic vision of nations and kings coming to honor the Lord and beautify His sanctuary.
29:09 â Expanding Our Vision Through Faith
Closing reflections on seeing beyond our narrow perspective and trusting the Lord to expand our vision through faith and prayer.
đď¸ Conclusion
Just like studying the scriptures, streaking is about consistencyânot perfection. Each time you open your scriptures, pray, or share light with others, youâre adding to a spiritual streak that transforms who youâre becoming in Christ.
If youâre looking to build that kind of daily consistency in your spiritual lifeâor in any area that matters mostâdownload the MyStreaks App. Create a streak for scripture study, prayer, or service, and join a growing community of people striving to live intentionally, one day at a time.
You can reach Jeff directly at jeffery@mystreaksapp.com to share your thoughts or insights from todayâs study.
Until next time, rememberâ
Have charity in traffic, and keep streaking the scriptures.