Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids and families

Read: Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 6:26-27; Philippians 4:6-7

“I’m worried I’m not going to pass my math test!” Clara told her dad as they walked barefoot in the grassy yard after dinner.

“You’ve been studying and doing math problems for weeks, Clara,” Dad said. “I’m sure you’ll pass.”

“But I’m not going to be good enough. I just know it!” Clara looked up and wished she was one of the birds soaring overhead. They didn’t look worried at all.

“Hmmm.” Dad pulled open the door to their shed, which let out a metal squawk, and poked his head inside. “I might have something…” His voice trailed off as he stepped inside. He reappeared seconds later holding a rusty sprinkler.

Clara crossed her arms. “Is this a joke?”

“No,” said Dad. “It’s a quiz. Does this sprinkler have water in it?”

Clara shook her head. “It’s not even connected to the hose!”

“Passed the first question!” Dad said, smiling. “Is this sprinkler empty?”

“Yeah,” Clara said, uncertain how this was supposed to help.

“Guess we should just throw it out then, huh? No good anymore.”

“Dad, it’s a sprinkler! It’s supposed to be empty until the water’s turned on!”

“Exactly.” Dad sank into the sun-dappled grass and handed Clara the sprinkler. “We’re a lot like sprinklers. A sprinkler doesn’t worry it’s not good enough to do its job. It’s not afraid to be empty. When it’s connected to the hose, the water’s power flows through it. It’s the same with us. Because we have faith in Jesus, we’re always connected to Him through the Holy Spirit, and His power flows through us. He’ll give us the strength we need to do the things He wants us to do.”

“So He’ll help me pass my math test?” Clara asked.

“Well, I can’t promise you that, but you don’t have to worry about it. He wants you to pray about your math test and then do the best you can. Trust Him with the results, no matter what they are.”

“I didn’t know He cared about stuff like that,” Clara said.

“Absolutely He cares! He even cares about the birds.” Dad pointed to the birds flying above them. “But you’re far more important to Him.”

Clara thought about that. “Dad, can we pray?”

–Pearl Allard

How about you? Are you worried about something right now? Maybe you have a test coming up at school or you’re trying out for a sports team. Whatever it is, have you prayed about it? Jesus loves you and cares about all the details of your life. Instead of worrying, He wants you to pray about what’s bothering you. Then trust Him to give you strength and be with you, and leave the results in His hands.

Today's key verse: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

Today's key thought: Pray instead of worry

Read: Colossians 3:12-14

“Knock off that noise!” Mrs. Steele yelled in Lila’s direction.

Lila was startled. She’d been curled up with a book, reading quietly on the porch. Surely Mrs. Steele wasn’t talking to her. But she was.

Later, when Lila’s dad came home, he noticed that the small windchimes from the front porch were now on the kitchen table. “Did the chimes fall down?” he asked Lila.

Lila shook her head, clearly upset. “They were bothering Mrs. Steele. She yelled at me because they woke her up. Dad, why is she so cranky?”

Dad sighed. “I’m sorry, honey. Listen, Grandma taught me that when someone is cranky, they might be dealing with hard things, like sickness or loneliness. Let’s try to help Mrs. Steele by being kind to her, even when she’s not kind to us. That’s the kind of love Jesus showed us when He died for our sins, and He’ll help us show His love to Mrs. Steele.”

Lila sighed. “Could you hang the chimes up in my bedroom? They remind me of Mom.”

“Sure,” he said, giving her a hug. “I miss Mom too.”

The next morning before church, Lila saw that Mrs. Steele’s newspaper had landed where it would be hard for the older woman to reach. Lila was tempted to pretend she didn’t notice, but then she remembered what her dad said. So, she took a deep breath, then picked up the newspaper and carried it to her neighbor.

“Good morning, Mrs. Steele. How are you today?”

Mrs. Steele frowned. “I couldn’t sleep again last night. Too much back pain.”

Lila said, “When my grandpa’s back hurts, I do chores for him, like emptying the trash and weeding his garden. Maybe I can do chores for you after Dad and I get home from church and grocery shopping.”

Mrs. Steele brightened up. “I could really use a few groceries. I could make a list and give you some money.”

“Of course.” Lila smiled.

Later that afternoon, Lila carried a small bag of groceries next door and put them away for Mrs. Steele. “What else can I do for you?” she asked.

“You could pour us both some juice and tell me what you learned in church today. I used to go, but it’s been ages. I miss it.”

–Teresa Ambord

How about you? Do you know someone who seems difficult for no reason? It might be a neighbor, a relative, or someone at school. It can be tempting to respond to them the same way they treat you, but Jesus says to be kind and patient. They might be going through something difficult, and you could help them by showing them God’s love. Talk it over with an adult, and trust Jesus to help you treat them the way He would.

Today's key verse: Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (CSB)

Today's key thought: Be kind to difficult people

Read: John 10:25-30

Brayan and his parents lived out in the country, right next door to the McNairs’ alpaca ranch. Brayan was fascinated with the alpacas. He would often sit outside and watch them grazing.

“Brayan!” Mom called to him one day. “Mr. McNair invited you to come over at six-thirty this evening to help feed the alpacas.”

“All right!” Brayan rushed through his homework and dinner and arrived at the McNairs’ barn right on time.

“First we’re going to fill the hay bins and pour the feed into the troughs,” Mr. McNair told him. “Then we’ll call the alpacas in.”

After the hay bins and troughs were filled, Brayan followed Mr. and Mrs. McNair toward the pasture. Mr. McNair began to call the alpacas. “Come, pacas, come!” Brayan watched in amazement as the alpacas responded to the sound of Mr. McNair’s voice. They began running toward the barn. Soon all the alpacas were gathered around the feeding troughs.

Once the alpacas were done eating, Mr. McNair put a halter on Loki and led him over to Brayan. “You can gently stroke his fur, if you like.”

Brayan, with a big smile on his face, slowly raised his hand and began to pat Loki. “You’re a good boy!” Brayan said.

Mrs. McNair smiled. “You can come back anytime, Brayan.”

When Brayan returned home, Mom asked, “How did it go?”

“I loved it! The coolest part was watching all the alpacas running toward the barn when they heard Mr. McNair calling them. All he had to say was ‘Come, pacas, come!’ and they all came running.”

“That reminds me of a verse in the Bible,” said Mom. “In the book of John, Jesus says, ‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.’ The alpacas recognize Mr. McNair’s voice because they know him and trust him. As Christians, we trust and follow Jesus because we have a relationship with Him. He speaks to us through His Word, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit helps us hear His voice and know what He says is true.”

“Wow, that’s really cool!” said Brayan. “Can I help feed the alpacas tomorrow? Maybe someday they will trust me too, just like they do Mr. McNair.”

–Lisa Fuller

How about you? Are you a follower of Jesus? Do you listen to His voice? The Bible reminds us that we are like the Lord’s sheep, and just like sheep follow their shepherd, we trust and follow Jesus. As we spend time with God in church, in prayer, and in His Word, we learn to recognize and respond to His voice. Spend time with the Lord today and listen to what He tells you.

Today's key verse: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 (NLT)

Today's key thought: Listen to God’s voice

Read: Philippians 4:11-13

Moooooo.

“Whoa!” Jordan shouted. He’d been so deep in thought that he almost plowed right into a large brown cow standing in the middle of the path.

Uncle Tim appeared in the doorway of the barn. “Oh good, you found Clarice!”

“Well, we kind of found each other,” Jordan said. “She wouldn’t moooove.”

“Good one!” Uncle Tim grinned. “So tell me, how was your first day? I know it had to be tough changing schools in the middle of the year.”

Jordan shrugged. “It was okay. I hope Dad’s job lets him stay here longer. We’ve lived in three different states in four years!” He sighed. “I don’t know, maybe I’ll be happy once we get settled.”

Leading Clarice into her milking pen inside the barn, Uncle Tim said, “One thing about feelings, Jordan—you can’t always depend on them to make you happy. There’s feeling happy, and then there’s being content.”

“Aren’t they the same thing?” Jordan asked.

Instead of answering, Uncle Tim pulled up a milking stool and wiggled his finger in the air. “Come on over here and I’ll show you the fine art of milking a cow!”

After a quick demonstration, Jordan was milking Clarice.

“You’re a natural,” Uncle Tim said over the ping-ping of milk hitting the metal pail. “And to answer your question, feeling happy and being content are not always the same thing. The apostle Paul learned that as he traveled from place to place.”

“Hey, he traveled from place to place like me!” said Jordan. “So how did he learn the difference?”

“Paul learned that when you put your faith and hope in Jesus, He’ll help you learn to be content in any situation. That’s different than feeling happy all the time. Contentment is a peaceful feeling that only God can give you.” Uncle Tim patted the side of Clarice, who was slowly chewing her supper. “Kind of like Clarice here. Looking at her, I’d say she looks udderly content.”

After laughing together at the silly joke, Uncle Tim prayed out loud that Jesus would help Jordan learn to be content. Even before Uncle Tim said amen, Jordan felt the deep soul-peace that only God can give.

–Kelly Hope

How about you? Do you find it hard to be content where you are? Do you wish things were different in your life? Even people in the Bible, like the apostle Paul, had to learn to be content when they faced difficult circumstances. When you trust Jesus and remember the hope you have in Him—hope of eternal life because of the sacrifice He made to save you—He’ll help you learn to be content with the life He gave you.

Today's Key Verse: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11 (NIV)

Today's Key Thought: Jesus brings contentment

Read: Romans 5:6-8; 8:38-39

Cali opened her eyes. “Ready or not, here I come!”

Her three-year-old sister, Nora, stood behind a scrawny tree hugging her teddy bear. Cali pretended to look around. “Where could Nora be?” she wondered aloud.

Ruff, ruff! Cali’s dog ran out of the house and straight to Nora.

Nora laughed. “Cocoa found me!”

“Lunchtime!” Mama called from the porch.

A wonderful aroma met them inside. “Cookies!” squealed Cali. “Can I have one?”

Mama took a pitcher of lemonade from the fridge. “No cookies until after lunch.”

Nora peeked around Mama. “Is Teddy in there? I think he’s still playing hide-and-seek.”

“No Teddy in the fridge.” Mama shut the door. “Let’s check outside.”

As soon as Mama and Nora left the kitchen, Cali slid a cookie from the plate and popped it into her mouth. She scooted the rest of the cookies around to hide what she’d done.

A few minutes later, with Teddy still missing, they sat down for lunch. Nora bowed her head. “Thank you, God, for this food. Please show me where Teddy is. I know You can because You see everything.”

Cali thought about Nora’s prayer. She hadn’t been hidden when she ate the cookie. God had seen her as easily as Cali had seen Nora hiding behind the scrawny tree.

Cali’s stomach felt funny. She no longer wanted a cookie. She gave a piece of hers to Cocoa, who trotted to his bed and nuzzled it under his blanket. Out from the other side of the blanket popped a fuzzy ear.

“Look,” cried Nora. “Cocoa hid Teddy in his bed!” She ran to get her bear. Once she had him in her arms, she turned to face Cocoa. “No, no!” she scolded.

Cocoa put his tail between his legs. Nora plopped beside him. “Don’t worry, silly dog. Me and Teddy and Jesus still love you!”

Cali suddenly felt better. She’d been wrong to eat the cookie and try to hide what she’d done, but Jesus still loved her. She knew this because of something else she’d hidden—the very best thing to hide—God’s Word in her heart. The Bible promised that because she trusted Jesus as her Savior, nothing could ever separate her from His love.

–Martha Hynson

How about you? Do you ever feel like hiding from God when you’ve done something wrong?

Today's Key Verse: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

Today's Key Thought: Jesus will always love you

Read: Matthew 6:19-21

“Look, Malachi!” Nevaeh said as she pulled a small worn book out of an old trunk that had belonged to their great-grandmother. Her voice echoed a little in the big attic where they were cleaning. “This looks like a journal Grandma Baker wrote in. She gave it the title ‘My Trophies.’”

“I wonder what kind of trophies she won,” said Malachi. “Was she an athlete?”

“Well, let’s look.” Nevaeh opened the book and read out loud. “May 10. Thank You, Lord, for letting me talk to Abigail today and help her understand how much You love her. I’m so glad she trusted Jesus as her Savior.” Nevaeh turned a few pages. “July 16. Today Graham left to be a missionary in India. He’s changed so much since he got saved, and now he’s serving the Lord.”

“I wonder who Abigail and Graham were,” said Malachi. “Let’s ask Dad.”

When the kids asked their father, he smiled. “I think they were children Grandma Baker led to the Lord. She worked as a children’s missionary for many years. Those kids became living trophies as they turned to Christ—examples of how God was working through her to bring more people to Him. It was the most important thing to her.”

“Yes,” said Mom. “Grandma didn’t have much earthly treasure, but she was rich in heavenly treasures. In the Bible, Jesus talks about how important it is to store our treasure in heaven.”

“There’s a good lesson here for all of us,” said Dad. “Each of us should ask ourselves, ‘Where am I storing treasure? On earth, or in heaven?’”

“But do I have to lead somebody to Jesus to get treasure in heaven?” asked Nevaeh. “I’m not sure I could do that.”

Dad shook his head. “It’s not what we do that stores treasure in heaven, but who we do it for. When we trust in Jesus, everything we do out of love and service to Him builds on the treasure we have in Him. He’s our true treasure, and He helps us store heavenly riches that last forever by making us more like Him so we can show others His love.” Dad smiled at Nevaeh. “Someday you might be surprised how He’ll help you lead someone to the treasure found only in Him.”

–Jan L. Hansen

How about you? Where do you store your treasure? In the rooms and closets of your home? In good grades or likes on a screen? Or in heaven? Things like money, success, and popularity come and go, and they can only last as long as your life on earth. But the treasure found in Jesus lasts for all eternity! Store treasure in heaven by trusting Him to help you share His love with others and point them to Him.

Today's Key Verse: Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 (NLT)

Today's Key Thought: Store treasure in heaven

Read: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; James 2:1-4, 8-9

“Look what I found!” Juniper called as she ran down the steps of her aunt’s house. She had been looking through a pile of old stuff in the attic that her aunt was going to throw out. “Look! This old fruit jar has 1898 stamped on the bottom!” Juniper said, showing her find to her aunt. “It looks like one I saw that was worth a lot on an antique show my dad watches.”

Aunt Claire smiled. “Well, you found this one, so you can keep it. But you’ll have to clean it up.”

“Oh, I will!” Juniper beamed with pleasure as she went to clean the jar.

When she finished, she brought the jar back and put it on the table. “Wow!” Aunt Claire said. “That looks like a whole new jar! By the way, Juniper, do you remember Becca who lives next door? She’s coming over pretty soon. I thought you’d like to have someone to play with.” Juniper groaned. “What’s the problem?” asked Aunt Claire.

Juniper shrugged. “Becca’s family is…well…different, and she acts kind of weird. She’s not a Christian, and I seriously doubt she’ll ever become one. She doesn’t seem like someone who would, if you know what I mean.”

Aunt Claire picked up Juniper’s jar. “Juniper, look at this jar—now that it’s cleaned up, it looks beautiful. Just think—it was in the trash pile. Until today, no one realized its value and saved it.” She turned the jar in her hands. “In a way, Becca is like this jar—and you and I are too.”

“How are we like that jar?” Juniper asked.

“Well, at one time we were in the trash pile of sin,” said Aunt Claire. “But Jesus found us, washed us, and made us new. He saved us from sin and gave us new life. We are valuable to Him, and Becca is valuable too—so valuable that Jesus died for her. He can save her and give her a whole new life, and He wants you to help her see how valuable she is by showing her His love.”

Aunt Claire handed Juniper the jar, and she held it in her hands a moment before putting it back on the table. “Okay, Aunt Claire. I will.”

–Barbara J. Westberg

How about you? Do you see every person as valuable—even those who are different from you? God made everyone, and He values each person. He values them so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die so they could be saved from sin. Spend time with those who are different from you and let them know how valuable they are. Let them see God’s love in the way you treat them and value them.

Today's Key Verse: If you are treating one person as more important than another, you are sinning. James 2:9 (ERV)

Today's Key Thought: Every person is valuable

Read: Genesis 1:1-3, 26-31; John 3:16

“Good morning, Amelia,” Heidi, Amelia’s stepmom, greeted her.

“Good morning.” Amelia rubbed her eyes. “What are you making?” she asked, noticing all the ingredients Heidi had out.

“Breakfast cookies!” Heidi smiled and held up a bag of raisins. “Would you like to help? I need some eggs cracked.”

“Sure,” Amelia replied, pulling over a stool. “My mom says I’m good at cracking eggs. I love cooking.”

“Then you’re the perfect person to help me make these cookies!” Heidi set the eggs on the counter. “You can crack two into that bowl.”

Amelia did as she was asked. “Done,” she announced.

“Now, let’s add some oats.” Heidi handed a measuring cup to Amelia, then leaned over her phone to say, “Open my Bible app.”

Amelia frowned as she measured the oats. “Why do you listen to that book so much?”

Heidi smiled. “Because it’s the best book in the world,” she replied as she added some chocolate chips to their mixture. “It’s about God and what He did for us through His Son, Jesus. Jesus saved me and changed my life.”

“What did God do in the book?” Amelia asked, turning on the mixer.

Heidi waited until the mixer was turned off. “Why do you like cooking?” she asked.

“Making things is fun.” Amelia shrugged and eyed the ingredients they were using. “It’s cool to mix things like flour and oats together and get cookies out of it.”

Heidi nodded. “One of the coolest things God did was make the world. And He didn’t start with flour or oats—He started with nothing. All He had to do was speak the entire world into existence.”

Amelia looked at her skeptically. “The entire world?”

“The entire world. He made us too, and He sent Jesus to save us from sin—our wrongs and everything that makes the world a broken place—so we could know and love God and live with Him forever. I enjoy reading the Bible because it teaches me about God and His love for us.” Heidi tapped on her tablet. “Do you want to hear the very first story in the Bible—the one where God created the world?”

“I’d like that,” Amelia agreed as the pair began to roll the dough into balls.

–Kimberly Brokish

How about you? What’s the coolest thing you’ve made? Maybe it was a craft, a sweat treat, or a game you came up with. We can make a lot of things, but we have to start with something. Only God is powerful enough to make something out of nothing. He made everything there is, including you—and He wants to have a relationship with you. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?) Praise God today because He made you and loves you.

Today's Key Verse: You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11 (NKJV)

Today's Key Thought: God created the entire world

Read: Proverbs 16:19-24

“Milo, listen to me say this verse,” Joel said as he helped his little brother learn a memory verse for Sunday school. He recited each word slowly. “Okay, now see if you can repeat it.”

Milo tried to repeat the verse, but he stumbled over the unfamiliar words. Joel tried to help him, but eventually gave up. “You’re hopeless,” he said. “Go practice on your own. I have to finish my homework.”

Milo looked forlorn. “I’ll do better,” he said.

Joel rolled his eyes. “Yeah, right.”

As Milo got up from the table, Joel saw his mom standing in the doorway. She smiled at Milo. “Go work on your verse in your room, and I’ll be in to help you in a few minutes.”

After Milo left, Mom turned to Joel. “I’m disappointed in your attitude toward your brother. He struggles to learn things and needs help and encouragement.”

“Okay. Sorry,” Joel said, flipping open his math book.

Later that day, Joel’s dad put his tablet on the table and scrolled through some pictures. “These were taken before, during, and after the Harrison Hotel construction,” he said. “I need to choose photos to use in my article about the project.”

Joel pointed to a picture. “I like this one—it’s a good before shot. You can see the entire old building and the crane.” He looked at the dates in the file names of the pictures. “Wow! They tore the old building down in just a week. Didn’t it take over a year to build the new one?”

“Yes, it did,” replied Dad. “Unfortunately, it’s much easier to tear down than to build up—in most areas of life, not just construction.”

Mom nodded. “For example, we often find it easier to criticize people for what they do wrong than to praise and encourage them. But none of us is perfect, are we?” She looked at Joel. “That’s why Jesus died to save us. He took the punishment for our sins so we could have freedom and forgiveness in Him, and we need to show His love to others by encouraging them when they’re struggling.”

Joel sighed, remembering how impatient he had been with his brother. “I need to go find Milo,” he said, “and help him learn a verse.”

–Rose Ross Zediker

How about you? Do your words and attitude encourage others? If someone is struggling with something that’s not a problem for you, do you help them? If somebody does something well, do you say so? Trust Jesus to help you be an encourager. Use your words and attitude to show others His love by building them up instead of tearing them down.

Today's Key Verse: Encourage each other every day. Hebrews 3:13 (ERV)

Today's Key Thought: Use encouraging words

Read: Psalm 139:5-12

Tyler sat up in bed. What’s that noise? he wondered. He and his family had moved to a new house, and now he slept in a strange new room. Somehow he didn’t feel safe the way he had back in his old, familiar home. Tyler heard the noise again. I don’t like this room! I don’t want to sleep here! he thought. He jumped out of bed and bolted down the stairs to find his mom.

“Tyler!” Mom said when he rushed into the living room. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s that noise, Mom?” Tyler asked.

Mom listened for a moment. “There’s a bit of thunder in the distance,” she said. “It won’t hurt you.”

Tyler knew his mom was right. The noise did sound like thunder, and it wasn’t even close. There was nothing to be afraid of, but he was still scared. “I don’t like my new room,” he said.

Mom put her arm around him. “Sometimes it’s hard to get used to a new house.” She pointed to the little dog sitting at her feet. “I think Sprout still feels a little strange here too. Why don’t you take him to your room? He’ll keep you company.”

Tyler looked at the puppy. “Okay,” he said. “Come on, Sprout. I’ll take care of you.”

Mom went to tuck Tyler back into his bed. “When you feel afraid, remember that we didn’t move away from God,” she said. “Jesus is right here with you, just like He was at our old house—even when it’s dark and there’s a storm outside. You can trust Him to take care of you.”

When Tyler heard the sound of thunder again a little later, he pulled the blanket snugly around himself and Sprout. “You aren’t scared when you know I’m close—you know I’ll take care of you and keep you safe, don’t you?” he asked as he stroked the puppy’s head. “I’m not scared either, because I know Jesus is here with me. He’ll take care of me.” Then Tyler and Sprout closed their eyes and went to sleep.

–Karen Cogan

How about you? Do you have trouble getting to sleep when things seem scary or new? You may move to a new place, but you can never move away from Jesus. If you know Him as your Savior, He is with you everywhere, all the time. Trust Him to be with you when you need Him and to take care of you. Then close your eyes and enjoy the peaceful sleep and rest He has for you.

Today's Key Verse: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8 (NLT)

Today's Key Thought: Sleep well—Jesus is with you