Turning towards God

1. Review Mark 12:41–44 and the institute student manual commentary for Mark 12:41–44, “What Was the Significance of the Widow’s Gift?” (p. 149). Write an explanation of how the widow lived what the Savior taught in Mark 12:28–30. Well the women loved the Lord with all her heart. She showed it through giving all a that she had, and was left with nothing. When we love the Lord we sacrifice all that we have, she showed it through sacrificing all her worldly things.
2. Even though the widow gave less money than wealthier people gave, according to Mark 12:44, how much of what she had did she give? She gave ALL that she had. Write a paragraph describing what this teaches about what constitutes an acceptable offering to the Lord. How does 2 Nephi 25:23 apply to what the widow did? We know that God will save us through his grace only after we have done everything that we can do. In the case of the woman, she has literally done all that she can, she has offered all that she can, with her heart set towards God. The Lords does not care about how much you give or you don’t give, he cares about the intentions behind what you give, you can give one dollar but you were humble and you willingly have it to the Lord.
3. Write two or three sentences describing a way, aside from the donation of money, that you could better follow the widow’s example of sacrifice and obedience.  I would say my time, especially when it comes to visiting teaching. I can show my love for him when I willingly visit teach and see it as an opportunity for growth and being a tool in his hands rather then something to check off on my to do list. Another thing that I can do is to be obedient in my prayers and my scripture reading, not just do a mediocre job, but actually be sincere and humble and offer my whole heart, time and mindset when I do take those minutes every day to dedicate to God. 

The Holy Ghost: The third member of the Godhead

Unit Two

Choice 2: John 14:15–17, 26–27; 15:26–27; 16:7–8, 13–14. The Savior’s Instructions about the Holy Ghost

1. As you study the following verses, make a list of what the Savior taught about (1) what the Holy Ghost does and (2) what disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost:
• John 14:15–17 he will tell us all truth/ we must keep his commandments
• John 14:26–27 he will teach us, and bring things to our remembrance,/ we need to be trusting.
• John 15:26–27 he is a comforter and he testifies of truth.
• John 16:7–8 he will reprove the world of sin.
• John 16:13–14 he will guide us to truth and he will help us receive revelation for things to come.
2. Add to your list above as you study the following resources:
• Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “The Holy Ghost Brings Man to His Fullest Potential” (p. 168) It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling.
• Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members” (p. 168) he instructs and enlights the minds of those who are obedient. He revels the mysteries of God to those who keep their covenants. He is also a messenger from above.
• Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost” (p. 704) it testifies of Jesus Christ, it acts as a cleansing agent which purifies us from sin, he knows all tings and can lead us to know if future events.
3. Review your list of what the Holy Ghost does. Then write responses to the following tasks:
• Describe how the Holy Ghost helped the Apostles fulfill their missions after the Savior’s death and resurrection. There was a scripture that talked about how the holy ghost couldn’t dwell with the apostles till after Christ was gone. He helps them by bearing withness of the truthfulness of their words, even amist temptations and persecution. It was the means by which the father could communicate with them and it was through the Holy Ghost that they were able to share the message and touch the hearts of many Jews. 
• Write a paragraph about a time when the Holy Ghost blessed you in one of the ways you listed above. Give an example of how the Holy Ghost has inspired you. Well the first thing that comes to mind is teaching. I’ve been a teacher in Relief Society and I can testify that if we are worthy and if we ask for his guidance, he will help us, he will inspire us to say the things that Heavenly Father wants his daughters to hear. God uses us as his vessals through which to communicate his message and that message is made known to us through the spirit. In times of trials and hardship, the spirit has helped me keep going through the peace I feel when I pray for help. God lets me know of his love for me through the spirit. He comforts me and he helps me receive personal revelation. When it comes to decisions in my life and when I pray with a sincere heart, he helps me know and he inspires me to make the right decision.

What does the Holy Ghost do? He is known as the comforter, to comfort in times of need, if we want to know something he can manifest truth to us, he helps us remember things, he revels things to us. He is the interceptor between our relationship between God and Christ and us. He is available to all mankind if we get baptized. He is almost like a conscience. He is also a protector. She shared a story about when she was 14 she went to watch a movie at friends house and as soon as she walked in she knew something was wrong. As they were about to put a movie in she had this feeling and the words “look at the cover” came to her mind, she ignored it for a few minutes but she talked about how she felt it literally pushing her towards it so she did and it was a highly inappropriate movie, she called her mom and she left. This just shows how when you are living righteously The holy Ghost will protect you and he will warn you.