Ep. 347 Doctrine & Covenants 96 - 97 Multiplying Blessings Through Consistent Sacrifice

My Scripture Streak

Summary

In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeffery Downs guides listeners through Doctrine & Covenants 96 and 97, exploring themes of unity, consecration, prayer, and the building of the Lord’s house amidst persecution. He reflects on the Saints’ struggles to obey the Lord’s command to build temples during times of trial, showing how obedience to God’s commandments brings both refuge and revelation. Drawing on Alma 34, Elder Holland’s message in The Other Prodigal, and Sherri Dew’s teachings on revelation, Jeffery emphasizes the power of turning to the Lord in every circumstance—whether in conflict, in offering sacrifices, or in striving to overcome envy.

Just like the saints were asked to build temples as physical symbols of devotion, Jeffery relates how we too must continually “build” our spiritual temples through prayer, repentance, and covenant keeping. He ties these lessons to everyday life, reminding us that the Lord accepts our offerings, hears our prayers, and gives promises of eternal life.

And as a reminder—just as consistency builds spiritual strength, the MyStreaks app helps us establish consistency in scripture study, prayer, service, or any aspiration that draws us closer to Christ. Daily, intentional streaks create spiritual protection and growth just as the Kirtland temple did for the early Saints.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Context Setting the stage with reflections on persecution, temple building, and Jami’s insight about protection through the Lord’s house.

02:24 – Section 96: Disputes & Divine Direction The Saints’ disagreement over the French farm and their decision to seek the Lord’s guidance as a model for us when unity seems out of reach.

04:50 – Prayer in All Things (Alma 34) Amulek’s counsel to pray over every aspect of life—temporal and spiritual—and Jeffery’s reflections on seeking the Lord’s confirmation.

07:17 – The United Order & Consecration Exploring the United Order as a way to consecrate resources for building the kingdom, eliminate envy, and bless the poor.

11:14 – Overcoming Envy: Elder Holland’s “The Other Prodigal” How envy diminishes our joy and how the Savior teaches us to rejoice in others’ blessings.

15:48 – John Johnson’s Accepted Offering The Lord accepts Johnson’s offering and prayers, extending promises of eternal life, prompting reflection on how we offer ourselves to God.

18:12 – Sherri Dew on Revelation Learning the “language” of God, hearing His voice, and asking Him to help us understand revelation.

23:42 – Section 97: Saints in Persecution The Lord blesses the humble, warns of judgment, and emphasizes temple building in Zion despite trials.

27:55 – The Axe & Good Fruit A metaphor for judgment: justice as the axe, mercy holding it back, and our responsibility to bear good fruit.

30:23 – Tithing & Temple Building The Lord requires sacrifice through tithing, leading to houses of the Lord where power, joy, and covenants are bestowed.

32:51 – Glory in the Temple The Lord promises His presence in holy temples and warns against defilement, tying to personal purity and continual repentance.

35:13 – Zion as the City of God Imagery of Zion’s future glory, protection, and blessings if commandments are kept.

37:41 – Faith Amidst Trials Jeffery closes with a personal testimony that the Lord’s hand is always present, even if unseen in the moment, and that faith bridges the gap during afflictions.

Conclusion

Section 96 and 97 remind us that the Lord calls us to build, consecrate, and trust—even in the midst of trials. He accepts our offerings, hears our prayers, and strengthens us to overcome envy and division. The Saints’ call to build temples in times of persecution mirrors our own invitation to build faith and consistency through daily actions that bring us closer to Him.

Just as Zion could only be established through obedience and sacrifice, our spiritual lives are strengthened through consistent, intentional actions. That’s why the MyStreaks app was created—to help you start and keep simple, daily streaks in scripture study, prayer, service, and other spiritual practices. It’s your personal tool for building a “house of the Lord” within your own life—one small, consistent action at a time.