Podcast Summary: followHIM Favorites – October 5–12 • Come, Follow Me

Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Episode Date: October 2, 2025
Scripture Focus: Doctrine and Covenants 111–114

Episode Overview

This short "followHIM Favorites" episode features hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway as they select a key story or principle to help listeners deepen their study of the LDS Come, Follow Me curriculum for the week. In this installment, the spotlight is on a memorable verse from Doctrine & Covenants 111 and its lesson about patience, sequence, and trust in the Lord’s timing.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. A Memorable Verse and Its Message

• John highlights D&C 111:11, citing,

  “Be as wise as serpents and yet without sin. … I will order all things for your good as fast as ye are able to receive them.”
  (00:14–00:28)

• Interpretation:
  John emphasizes the importance of trusting the Lord’s sequence and timing, pointing out that sometimes people get anxious when blessings or answers don’t come as quickly as they would like.

2. The Power of Sequence: Football Analogy

• John tells the story of a Denver Broncos linebacker who intercepted a pass against the Ravens and, in his excitement, dropped the ball just before crossing the end zone:
  • The ball rolled out of bounds, resulting in a touchback instead of a touchdown.
  • The coach’s advice: “You got the sequence wrong.”
    (00:28–01:35)
• Insight:
  “Sequences are so critical.” John compares this to the gospel principle:

  “Come unto Christ and be perfected in him. It’s not 'be perfect so that you can come unto Christ.' Sequence is vital.”
  (01:45–01:58)

• Application:
  The Lord, like a good coach (or quarterback), knows the right order to receive blessings. We have to be ready receivers—prepared and in the right state, both spiritually and mentally, to receive from Him.

3. The Ability to Receive

• Hank’s Perspective:
  Building on the analogy, Hank likens spiritual readiness to a football receiver:

  “I want to give it to you, but you have to be able to receive. … Are you open? Are you able to receive?”
  (02:44–03:00)

• Takeaway:
  Spiritual blessings, revelation, or growth arrive “as fast as ye are able to receive them.” Readiness and willingness to receive are just as important as the Lord’s desire to give.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• John Bytheway:

  “Look, you got the sequence wrong. First you intercept the ball, that’s good. Then you run to the end zone, that’s good. Then you wait for the whistle before you drop the ball.”
  (01:40–01:50)

• John Bytheway:

  “Sequence is vital. And I love that the Lord here says, look, I’ve got this. I will order things for your good as fast as ye are able to receive them.”
  (01:55–02:13)

• Hank Smith:

  “A receiver just doesn’t start running down the field … Are you open? Are you able to receive?”
  (02:45–02:58)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:14: John introduces D&C 111:11 as a favorite scripture and its easily memorable "1-11-11" pattern.
• 00:28: Start of the football analogy that illustrates getting things in the right order.
• 01:45: Reflection on spiritual sequences—“Come unto Christ and be perfected in him.”
• 02:44: Hank likens being ready to receive to a football receiver’s preparedness.
• 03:09: Episode wrap-up and preview for the full podcast interview with Dr. Susan Easton Black.

Summary Takeaway

This episode’s central message is about trusting the Lord’s timing and sequence in bestowing blessings and guidance:

“I will order all things for your good as fast as ye are able to receive them.” (D&C 111:11)

Through accessible analogies and relatable storytelling, Hank and John encourage listeners to be patient, to prepare themselves as ready receivers, and to trust that the Lord knows when and how to bless them—“as fast as ye are able to receive.”

For a deeper dive into the week’s scriptures, check out the full podcast episode featuring Dr. Susan Easton Black.