A Decade of Grace: Breaking Bread in the Kingdom

by Dave Miller

Ten years.

We just reached that marker at our first Oklahoma City location. As I replaced a decade old smoke alarm, an unplanned reminder mounted on the ceiling, I recognized this journey as a testimony to abundant grace. Fewer than 35 percent of businesses in the United States survive a decade, yet the Lord has sustained us.

This moment of celebration brings me to Acts 2:42. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers. Breaking bread carries dual meaning. It anchors us in community as we gather around tables today, and it points us toward the wedding feast at Christ’s return. One day we will drink it anew with Him in the kingdom of God. Our shared meals rehearse that coming abundance.

At the same time, each meal reminds us of present provision. Jesus taught us to pray for daily bread. He supplies what we need for today. The feast has not arrived in fullness, yet grace flows without limit.

Jesus also taught us to fast. When the Bridegroom stood with His disciples, they did not fast. After He departed, they would. Fasting trains our hearts to recognize sufficiency. We do not live by bread alone but by every word from the mouth of God. When Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness, He declared that truth. Later, when His disciples returned with food, He told them His food was to do the will of the One who sent Him. Obedience nourished Him.

All of this came to mind when I heard the chirping this morning.

—

Ten years ago, I installed smoke alarms for safety. Today those alarms announced a decade of stewardship. I replaced the units and set a new ten year clock. Few businesses reach this milestone. Many close long before they taste ten years of work, strain, risk, and responsibility. We have not survived because of superior strategy or flawless execution. We have burned grace.

Dallas Willard once said we can burn the grace of God like a 747 on takeoff. In the kingdom, the Father never runs short. He pours out grace upon grace so we can accomplish the work of our hands in alignment with His will. Over ten years, we have drawn from that supply. We have faced lean seasons and abundant ones. Through both, the Father has provided daily bread.

So we pause.

We give thanks.

We break bread with gratitude, not presumption.

We fast, not from scarcity, but from confidence in His provision.

We remember that our businesses, our tables, and our labor all sit under the rule of a generous King.

We have daily bread. We have sustaining grace. We have the promise of a coming feast. For ten years of provision and for grace that continues to flow, I give thanks.

——

Our Father who is right here with us,

May You be treasured and respected.

May Your good authority gently reign

in us, through us, and all around us.

Give us what we need today,

both seen and unseen.

Show us pity as we try to walk in Your ways,

and help us be just as compassionate to others.

We are weak and trust in You;

please deliver us from trials

that steal our faith.