Family Time With God

By Delphine Kirkland

"Sing!" All it took was playing an imaginary piano on a child's bedroom window sill to stir up memories of her family’s bible study time with God.

"Family Time with God" is a devotional book designed for adults, teenagers and children. This 52-week short devotional covers a wide range of family and life topics such as:

~ What does it mean to accept God's word?
~ How to walk faithfully with God in your everyday life.
~ Why is it important to do the right thing?
How does God’s Word address tough issues?
~ And so much more!

Each chapter weaves in memories and lessons from the author's life. She addresses the importance of cultivating a prayer journey with God as it firms the foundation of one's family. At the end of each week's devotion, questions and activities are provided so everyone can lend insight and wisdom.

This detailed devotional is ideal not only for families, but for small group gatherings and individual studies. Definitely a welcome addition to any biblical resource library.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Delphine Kirkland
• Release date: Oct 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005431501

Delphine Kirkland

Delphine Kirkland wears many spiritual hats: minister, Bible teacher, Christian blogger/vlogger and Woman's Jail Minister. Yet, the one she finds most fitting is Faith Encourager. Her signature sayings from her exuberant "Hello, hello, hello!" to "Be blessed God's people. Be blessed!" are always wrapped around prayers and Godly moves toward confidence and hope.The author has penned two other powerful books -- "Just Jesus and Me: A Three-Year Journey to Divine Healing and Salvation" and "Hiding God's Word in My Heart: Scriptures That Sustained Me During the Time of Covid-19" -- and has contributed to Volumes 1 and 3 of "When Grace Found Me."As she wears the hat of Faith Encourager, Ms. Kirkland loves to inspire women struggling in their faith journey and acts as spiritual mom to one and all in prayer. She resides in Alabama with her prayer warrior and beloved husband, Ben.

Book preview

Introduction

How To Use This Devotional

Week 1: The Blame Game – Genesis 3

Week 2: God Is Faithful – Genesis 12:1-4, Genesis 22

Week 3: Don’t Give Up On Your Child – Matthew15:22-29, Mark 9:22-27

Week 4: Parents, Listen To Your Children. You Don’t Know Everything – Matthew 21:16,

Psalm 8:2

Week 5: Is Anything Too Hard For God? – Genesis 18:14, Jeremiah 32:27

Week 6: Can You Change Your Destiny? – Isaiah 38:1-5, Jonah 3:4-10

Week 7: Don’t Go To Hell Cheap – Mark 8:36, Matthew 16:26

Week 8: Lift God Up And He Will Show Up – Daniel 3:16-18, Isaiah 43:2,1 Samuel 17

Week 9: The Church That Satan Attacks – Ephesians 5:27, Acts 2

Week 10: Jesus, I Have A Question – Genesis 25:22, Psalm 22:1, Mark 15:34

Week 11: Daily Repentance – 1 John 1:9, Acts 3:19

Week 12: Forgive Without An Apology – Luke 23:34, Acts 7:60

Week 13: Read The Bible, Not People – Matthew 5:16, 1 Timothy 4:12

Week 14: Kick The Doubters Out – Mark 5:36-42, Matthew 13:53-58

Week 15: Evil Communication Corrupts – 1 Corinthians 15:33

Week 16: Prayer Teams Rock – James 5:16, Matthew 18:19, Acts 12:5-19

Week 17: Please Tell Somebody – Genesis 34, Judges 19-21

Week 18: Let Every Man Have His Own Wife, Not A Barbie Doll –

1 Corinthians 7:2-5

Week 19: Living By Your Opinion Is Dangerous – Isaiah 55:8-9

Week 20: Stay In His Presence – Psalm 55:16-17

Week 21: Respect God – Ecclesiastes 5:1, Ephesians 5:25-27, Matthew 21:12-13

Week 22: Words That Bear Fruit – Proverbs 18:21, Hebrews 4:12, John 15:6

Week 23: Who Is Ruth? – Book of Ruth

Week 24: Leave Them There – 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 55:22

Week 25: Patience – Hebrews 10:36

Week 26: I Sing Because I Get Happy – James 5:13

Week 27: Vulnerability To Redemption – 1 Corinthians 1:26-30

Week 28: Finishing The Race – Hebrews 12:1, Galatians 5:7

Week 29: Say No To The Blow – Proverbs 22:6

Week 30: Mom’s Humble Cry – Colossians 4:2

Week 31: Don’t Abuse God’s Grace – Romans 6:1-2

Week 32: A Glass of Water, Juice, Milk And Bayer Children’s Aspirin – Isaiah 50:4,

James 1:19

Week 33: Joy Is Always Here – Psalm 30:5

Week 34: Your Story Matters

Week 35: The Real Dance – Job 2:1-10

Week 36: A Change Is Going To Come – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Week 37: Jesus Knows Your Pain – 2 Kings 20:5, Isaiah 65:24, Psalm 34:17

Week 38: As Long As You Believe – Joel 2:28

Week 39: They Said

Week 40: Spilled Milk Or The Cow – 2 Corinthians 9:8

Week 41: It’s Not About You, It’s About The Souls –Matthew 18:13-15

Week 42: Your Faith – Matthew 9:27-30

Week 43: Struggles Are Lessons – Romans 7:15-25

My Family Album

Week 44: The Foundation Is There – Proverbs 22:6

Week 45: Root of Bitterness – Hebrews 12:14-15

Week 46: Comfort Zones Hinder Growth – 2 Timothy 1:7

Week 47: It’s Not Quite A Man’s World Anymore – Numbers 26:52-56

Week 48: Hospitality – Matthew 10:9-10, Titus 1:8, 1 Timothy 3:2

Week 49: Pleasant Words – Proverbs 16:24

Week 50: The Church Maid – Psalm 100:2

Week 51: Stop Condemning Yourself – Romans 8:1

Week 52: Sharing My Legacy – Proverbs 13:22

FOREWARD

By Minister Jessica C. Williams

Delphine has a knack for encouraging, praying and delivering the word of God to anyone who will receive it. If you have ever watched one of her videos or live prayers, then you too are familiar with her signature phrase: Hello, Hello, Hello, God’s People! I found myself in need of th0at same prayer and encouragement during the pregnancy of my fourth child, Sydney. Through every prenatal visit, the news seemingly got worse. From being told my child had a high risk for Down Syndrome to not having enough room to grow in the womb and possibly dying before birth, doctors would advise terminating the pregnancy during our weekly visits. All while battling with hyperemesis and not much energy to fend off those attacks from Satan, God whispered in the timing. I reached out to Sister Delphine to help war in prayer and for strength. During that time, she kept my family and me covered in prayer. She reached out constantly making sure I was doing well physically, mentally and spiritually. To God be the glory! My daughter was born healthy and strong!

I share this story with you because the foundation we lay for our children is vital to their growth. The word tells us, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you (and approved of you as my chosen instrument), and  before you were born I consecrated you (to myself as my own), I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations -Jeremiah 1:5 AMP 

I dearly held on to that scripture as it not only made me reflect on my child/ren, but on the lives of all God’s children. We are all chosen by God himself, consecrated and appointed for a purpose. Sister Delphine and her siblings were given a beautiful gift from their parents. A gift which laid down a foundation in the word, which established a personal relationship with Jesus and firmed a testimony of intentional family time with God. At my weakest point, Delphine was there to help me overcome a huge obstacle which came my way. She understood the importance of All God’s People, which also included the unborn child in my womb.

The purity of her prayers, encouragement and love could not deny the presence of God. Those precious moments helped to strengthen me and my family. It was that extra push I needed to keep going and to keep including God, my husband and children in the process. I watched my three older children become more focused and intentional on learning the word of God and praying specific prayers over their sister and mommy. I watched my husband cry out on our behalf. My household became more intentional and focused on the word of God and trusting Him with our whole hearts. Sister Delphine is a reminder from God to our family. We are covered by the blood of Jesus and have the authority to speak life and death.

When the world was hit with a global Covid pandemic, many of us were shocked by the lingering lapse of time this virus took. We thought weeks; it’s been more than a year. So many things impacted our world, our country and even in our individual homes. The pandemic brought about uncertainty, fear, distance, loneliness, extreme poverty and racial inequality. Emotions heightened and the death tolls became too much to bear for most. Yet, there was still light in the midst of all this darkness. Families were now turning to God more than ever. I witnessed more life birthed in the earth. Things of greater importance took precedence over those things of little to no purpose.

As the large total of deaths around the world started to increase, many of us were forced to sit still with God in silence and reflect over our own lives. This devotional was birthed during the pandemic and some of the most trying times of Sister Delphine’s life. Just as she was gifted with praying parents, The LORD laid it upon her heart to give all of us the same opportunity she and her siblings had within this book. Family Time With God was created for such a time as this, when families are forced to draw near to each other in order to fulfill the assembly of the saints. This devotional gives families the tools needed to study and understand the Lord's teachings. This devotional provides 52 weeks of intentional lessons, questions and activities, to guide the family through their journey nearer to God. This book is dear to me as it gives me peace in knowing the foundation my husband and I have been laying for our children is similar to that of Delphine’s parents. I’m thankful for these extra tools and hopeful God will bless your families as you incorporate these weekly devotionals in your lives as well. 

Minister Jessica Williams

Founder, warriorwomenic.com

INTRODUCTION

Sing! But before, my hands glided on those imaginary piano keys, I was determined to play the hymn’s full introduction before our devotion time. Not one note was to be sung until I finished every chord and every extra measure. I made my family wait as I pounded on that window sill and hummed out those notes! I look back and smile because my parents saw something in my worship to God. I was excited to play a part in our devotion time before the Lord and to hear my family sing.

My father taught the Men’s Sunday school class at church and was a fire-and-brimstone kind of Bible teacher. The only problem my mother had with my father’s teachings was he did not know how to teach on a child’s level. My mother was a through love and kindness have I drawn thee kind of woman. If the Bible lesson was too advanced, the next day Mom would explain it to us on a child’s level. Sometimes she had to work at night and when she saw the fear in our eyes the next day, she realized daddy’s teachings came off as too stern.

My brother Andrew shared one of his home Bible study experiences with me. I was far too young to remember, but Daddy was teaching from Philippians 4:8. It included a list of things to think upon. As Dad concluded the lesson, he encouraged us to not only think good thoughts all day but to try not to think on bad thoughts. Andrew said the next day he tried focusing on good things, but once one bad thought came to mind, he felt sad and disappointed. He thought he failed God. Mom always checked on us before she retired for the evening. As she entered into my brothers’ room, she noticed Andrew had been crying and asked him what was the matter. Now for those who have read my book, Just Jesus and Me, you know where this is going. He told Mom about the Bible lesson and how he felt like such a failure for thinking one bad thought.

"Anderson!" Mom called my father out of his sleep. There was some explaining to do! Dad explained to my brother that he wasn’t a failure and he asked for forgiveness. To my surprise, I didn’t know he scared my other brother, Anderson, Jr. as well. They both had been crying! Needless to say, my father had to learn the hard way how to bring the Word of God with empathy so we wouldn’t think we were doomed for hell all the time. And yet, I have fond memories of some awesome Bible lessons.

I praise God for my father introducing us to Jesus and teaching us to love and respect the Word of God. He reminded me of Paul’s gift of persuasion in winning souls to the Lord. I watched him witness to men in our community who he once associated when he was a sinner. Only this time, he persuaded them to follow Christ. Because of Dad’s strong conviction and love of God, my brothers and I were convinced that Jesus was our Savior and we could trust and depend on Him when all hope is gone.

I encourage you to start a home Bible study with your family. Breaking the bread of life with your family should be the first time your children hear about Jesus. More importantly, they should watch you live out God’s word so they become fully convinced to trust and depend on Jesus. Thanks Dad for our training and upbringing. You did well.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and

when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

HOW TO USE THIS DEVOTIONAL

Hello, hello, hello God’s people! First of all, permit me to