Jesus' Parables #4 - Mustard Seed/Leaven or Yeast

Jesus' Parables #4 - Mustard Seed/Leaven or Yeast

This is the fourth part in the "Jesus' Parables" series (we previously studied six parables on this blog years ago but that was before I decided to make this into a series).  In this series we will be studying all of Jesus' parables.  

Last month, we learned about a parable that was explained in two different ways and today we will be learning about another parable that Jesus explained in two different ways (both with the same lesson/meaning):   "Mustard Seed" parable in Luke 13:18-19 and "Leaven or Yeast" parable in Luke 13:20-21.

Just as a reminder:

In these parables, Jesus is describing God's kingdom.  Firstly, comparing it to a mustard seed and secondly to yeast or leaven.  Both parables have the same meaning or lesson (see Scripture below):

This mustard seed parable is a little more detailed in the Gospel of Mark, so I included those verses also (see below):

(click HERE to read "TREES#5 - Mustard, Faith & Mulberry")

Let's compare the two versions of this lesson:

- both the mustard seed and yeast are tiny

- they both are alive and grow

- mustard trees are gigantic when full grown and yeast penetrates every grain of flour which causes the dough to double in size

- both are about abundance

- both are for nourishment and health

And then, the mention of the birds finding shelter in the mustard tree shows that God's kingdom is for all of God's creatures. (see passage below):

"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.  For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:15-20

Notice that in the Mustard seed version it says that a man took the seed and planted it.  In the Yeast version it says that a woman took and mixed the yeast into the dough.

It's very significant that both a man and woman are mentioned because: 

"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Galatians 3:28

It is also very important that the word "took" was used.  Yes, salvation is a free gift (John 3:16) but we must open that gift and then use it - "take" that gift and put it into action (repent and follow Jesus' example)

Our Heavenly Father's Kingdom is a spiritual realm that transforms what happens in the physical realm.  In other words, our prayers, thoughts and dreams will become a physical reality IF it is from God.  Also, God's eternal Kingdom is massive and beyond our wildest imagination.

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Here is a list of the parables that we have already studied:

(Please click on each link to read each post)

- The Wicked Husbandmen/Vinedressers (aka Parable of the Tenants)

- The Persistent Widow (or Unjust Judge)

- PARABLE OF THE VINE (part#1) - "The True Vine & the Father Gardener"

- PARABLE OF THE VINE (part#2) - "Be a Fruitful Branch Instead of a Withering Branch"
- PARABLE OF THE VINE (part#3) - "Producing Joyful Fruit - God's Love Remains Forever"
- PARABLE OF THE VINE (part#4) - "Everlasting Fruit & Everlasting Friends"
- The Prodigal Son (Part#1) - The Son Who Ran Away
- The Prodigal Son (Part#2) - The Son Who Stayed Home
- The Good Samaritan (Part#1) - Love God First
- The Good Samaritan (Part#2) - Love Others
- PARABLE of the Sower (Part#1) - Along the Pathway
- PARABLE of the Sower (Part#2) - On Rocky Places
- PARABLE of the Sower (Part#3) - Seeds Among Thorns

- PARABLE of the Sower (Part#4) - Sown on Good Soil

- The Good Shepherd

- PARABLE of the New Cloth or New Wineskin

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Below is a list of the parables that we will be studying in the future: 

- The Lost Sheep

- The Lost Piece of Money

- The Pharisee & the Tax Collector

- The Wedding Banquet

- The Two Sons

- The Friend at Midnight

- The Barren Fig Tree

- The Growing Seed

- The Laborers in the Vineyard

- The Wise and Foolish Builders

- The Two Debtors

- The Ten Virgins

- The Weeds

- The Hidden Treasure

- The Pearl of Great Price

- The Draw-Net

- The Unprofitable Servants

- The Unjust Steward (or Shrewd Manager)

- The Unmerciful Servant

- The Great Feast

- The Rich Man & Lazarus

- The Strait Gate (or Narrow Door)

- Christ The Door

- The Talents (or Bags of Gold)

- The Pounds (or Ten Minas)

- The Sheep and the Goats

- The Tower Builder & the King at War

- The Lamp Under a Basket

- The Doorkeeper

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"The Science of Life & Identity - DNA"

God's Abundant Garden - FRUIT (with Recipes)

 

God's Abundant Garden - FRUIT (with Recipes)

We are only a couple weeks away from the American Thanksgiving Holiday and every year I like to concentrate on being thankful for at least during the month of November.

(In 2014 I did a series called "365 Days of Being Thankful" where I documented what I was thankful for every day for an entire year.  I really recommend taking up the "Thankfulness Challenge" - click HERE to view explanation - write down in a diary what you are thankful for everyday for a year.)

In this post, I am praising my Heavenly Father for His abundant provision and specifically I am thankful for FRUIT.

Not every year has an abundant harvest.  As an example, last year we had a bumper crop of blackberries but this year we barely had any.  However, this year we had an abundance of raspberries and strawberries.

I am so thankful. 

Below are some previous posts of my favorite fruit crops with some recipe posts also.

(click on each title to view each post):

Raspberries

Prolific Raspberry Growth (with Recipes)

Chocolate Chip & Garden Fresh Raspberry Pancakes

Strawberries

Strawberry Stages:  From Planting to Eating

15 Favorites - STRAWBERRIES (with Recipes)

Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake with Cocoa Whipped Cream

Blackberries

Fruit Grower's Patience - BLACKBERRIES with Recipes

Blackberry Iced Tea

Garden Fresh Blackberry Ice Cream

Blackberry Soda Made From Homegrown Blackberries

Apricots

Apricot Sauce/Syrup

Chocolate Marzipan Eggs with Apricot Jam Yolk

Garden Fresh Homemade Apricot Ice Cream

Other Berries

Goumi Berries & Baby Boxelder Bugs

We also have Sea Buckthorn berry plants that have not yet produced a crop (they are about six years old) - maybe next year will be the year.

ENJOY!

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"Caramel Apple Muffins RECIPE"

Tuesdays with a Twist #707

Welcome to Tuesdays with a Twist #707!

ENJOY!

Before we get to the blog hop today - 

During the month of November, I will be featuring a Thanksgiving or Thankful post from the past:

HARVEST - Thankful for Sweet Potatoes (with Recipes)

 

Checkout wonderful seeds at Mary's Heirloom Seeds 

click HERE to shop for the best seeds

Or click picture below:

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Also, checkout one of my Bags/Purses available at Zazzle:

Evening Sun Mix Sunflower Tote Bag
by GodsGrowingGarden

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Good Morning and Welcome to another No Rules Party!

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

My Features this Week are:

1. "A Little Autumn Glow: DIY Candle Holder" by Steph Creates Things

2. "Passionfruit Cream Sandwiches" by Esme Salon

3. "History of Fashion - Victorian Choker Necklace" by My Little Old World

If you've been featured I'd love for you to grab a button.

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Saturday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own* 

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

 (with proper link backs) in our features.   And now for the party!

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Grow your own!
Many wonderful garden products from
 "Mary's Heirloom Seeds"!!
click to view

You're the STAR - Week#2 CREATIVE (November 2026)

This weekend was so productive (with beautiful weather) - we have the majority of the leaves raked & heaped in our compost pile!

Thank you again for joining us!

There are many ways to follow me:

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

blog  |  TruthSocial  |  facebook  |  pinterest  |  twitter  |  zazzle  |  RUMBLE

NOTE ABOUT DIFFICULTY LINKING UP:  I know that the "linky" service that I use not longer brings you back to the bloghop after linking up, so I thought it might be easier to click the "You're the Star BLOG HOP" tab at the top of the blog.  That way you will not have to scroll through other posts (if you link up on Monday then this will not be an issue for you because the hop will be the top post.  I hope that this tip will help - Thank you for linking your amazing posts!) 

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Before we continue onto the Linky party I wanted to share from my blog:

Reversible Thanksgiving/Christmas Garland

WELCOME to the second week of the November 2026 "You're the Star" Blog Hop!

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WELCOME to CREATIVE feature week of the November 2026 "You're the STAR" blog hop!
Meet your CREATIVE week Hosts 

This week is CREATIVE feature week

Swing by the hosts' blogs:

Colleen @ Butterfly in the Attic

Michelle @ Moms Are Frugal

Lisa @ At Home With Lisa

Kris @ Kris and Larry . com

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

This is a month long Linky party featuring YOU!

There will be 4 different features each week and 4 different feature categories.  Just to be clear - this is NOT a themed party - you may link up ANY family-friendly blog posts any day of each month. 
The "theme" occurs in our weekly features:
WEEK#2 CREATIVE - arts & crafts, music, writing &/or dramatic arts (this can include sewing, yarn work, dance, art history, handmade jewelry, painting, computer art, fashion etc - anything creative while remaining family friendly)

 (These features were chosen from the October 2026 "You're the Star" blog hop)

Free Thanksgiving Place Card Printables by Carol on the Lake

Set Sail for Adventure with a Handmade Nautical Card by Amy's Creative Pursuits

MOD Headphones Crochet Sunflower by Road Gypsies

 Halloween Faves We Love by Our Grand Lives

If you've been featured then please grab a STAR button below:

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All Hosts/CoHosts will post this blog hop on every Monday of each week.
Please link up your family friendly blog posts below!
It wouldn't be a linky party with YOU!
(IMPORTANT NOTE: by linking up you understand that you might be featured next month and if so, we will use some of your photos from your post - rest assured - we will always link back to your lovely blog.  We might also share your fantastic posts on social media.  Also, you may link up as many family-friendly posts as you like & YES - other blog hops &/or giveaways are welcome {giveaways and blog hops will NOT be featured though}  Thank You & ENJOY! )

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BY YOUR FAITH #7 - Noah

By Your FAITH #7 - Noah

This post is the seventh part in a series called: "By Your Faith".  In this series we are going through Hebrews chapter 11; studying the faith of many prophets and other important Old Testament people.  Today is the third of those prophets: Noah.

Our topic today is:  Noah (verse 7 in Hebrews Chapter 11)

During the "TREE" series on this blog, we did a detailed study on Noah building the ark and on what happened during and after the flood.  Please read each part below:

click HERE to read TREES#16(a) NOAH:  Building the Ark

click HERE to read TREES #16(b) NOAH:  The Flood 

click HERE to read TREES #16(c) NOAH: After the Flood

Now onto Noah's faith and the Scripture in Hebrews (see verse below):

 God told Noah to build the ark and Noah obeyed.  Bible scholars believe that it took about 100 years to build the ark!! (The scholars base this belief on the fact that in Genesis it states that Noah was 500 years old when his sons were born and then he was 600 years old when the flood began).

That is quite an amazing faith that endured a century.  In "holy fear' (respect & honor) he built the ark.  Noah did not understand while he was building this boat that one day it would save his life, as well as the lives of his family.

The line in Hebrews 11:7 that talks about Noah condemning the world is clarified in the book of Jasher. (see passage below)

"And the sons of men assembled together, about seven hundred thousand men and women, and they came unto Noah to the ark.

And they called to Noah, saying, Open for us that we may come to thee in the ark--and wherefore shall we die?

And Noah, with a loud voice, answered them from the ark, saying, Have you not all rebelled against the Lord, and said that he does not exist? and therefore the Lord brought upon you this evil, to destroy and cut you off from the face of the earth.

Is not this the thing that I spoke to you of one hundred and twenty years back, and you would not hearken to the voice of the Lord, and now do you desire to live upon earth?

And they said to Noah, We are ready to return to the Lord; only open for us that we may live and not die.

And Noah answered them, saying, Behold now that you see the trouble of your souls, you wish to return to the Lord; why did you not return during these hundred and twenty years, which the Lord granted you as the determined period?

But now you come and tell me this on account of the troubles of your souls, now also the Lord will not listen to you, neither will he give ear to you on this day, so that you will not now succeed in your wishes.

And the sons of men approached in order to break into the ark, to come in on account of the rain, for they could not bear the rain upon them.

And the Lord sent all the beasts and animals that stood round the ark. And the beasts overpowered them and drove them from that place, and every man went his way and they again scattered themselves upon the face of the earth."

Jasher 6:17-25

In the Book of Jasher, we also learn details about what it was like on the ark during the flood. (see passage below):

"And great anxiety seized all the living creatures that were in the ark, and the ark was like to be broken.

And all the living creatures that were in the ark were terrified, and the lions roared, and the oxen lowed, and the wolves howled, and every living creature in the ark spoke and lamented in its own language, so that their voices reached to a great distance, and Noah and his sons cried and wept in their troubles; they were greatly afraid that they had reached the gates of death.

And Noah prayed unto the Lord, and cried unto him on account of this, and he said, O Lord help us, for we have no strength to bear this evil that has encompassed us, for the waves of the waters have surrounded us, mischievous torrents have terrified us, the snares of death have come before us; answer us, O Lord, answer us, light up thy countenance toward us and be gracious to us, redeem us and deliver us.

And the Lord hearkened to the voice of Noah, and the Lord remembered him.

And a wind passed over the earth, and the waters were still and the ark rested.

And the fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained."

Jasher 6:29-34

Let's strive to have a strong faith that will last a lifetime; just like Noah.  A faith that endures even through what might seem like an impossible situation (but with God all things are possible - Matthew 19:26)

 

By Your FAITH (Previous posts in this series)

#1 Jesus' Miracles

#2 Ye of Little Faith

#3 Faith, Deeds & Waiting

#4 Being Sure of What We Do Not See

#5 - Abel

#6 - Enoch

#7 - Noah

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"Prayer Basics & 8 Ways To Find Answers"

Chocolate Mint (Even More Invasive Than Regular Mint)

Chocolate Mint (Even More Invasive Than Regular Mint)

Last year (Spring of 2025), I bought a unique mint plant - it was a "Chocolate Mint" variety and it really does smell and taste like the wonderful flavor combination of mint and chocolate.

 

Click HERE to view "5 Dessert Recipes Combining Mint & Chocolate" 

Have you ever grown mint (any variety)?  It can be quite invasive because it spreads everywhere.

Now, I am not complaining because abundance is not a bad thing.  I praise and thank my Heavenly Father for providing such wonderful herbs with such amazing differences.  However, this mint variety has truly surprised me.

It started with one small plant last Spring (2025) and it has spread into the gigantic patch seen below:

   

Technically, it has had two seasons to grow (summer of 2025 & 2026) but that is still an impressive growth in that amount of time.

I made delicious hot chocolate with this herb, but I am definitely going to have to create more recipes using this delicious plant.

ENJOY!

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"Orange Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Whipped Cream"