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

Read: 1 Samuel 16:7; Romans 3:23

Isabella’s tummy grumbled as she grabbed the peanut butter from the pantry and the new jar of strawberry jam from the refrigerator. Mom laid bread out on two plates and handed her a butter knife.

“I’m so hungry, I could eat a rhinoceros!” said Isabella, unscrewing the lid from the jam jar. She started to stick her knife deep into the middle, then stopped. “Mom!” she cried. “Something’s wrong with this jam! It’s fuzzy and green in the middle.”

Mom took the jar and looked closer. “You’re right, honey. It’s bad.”

“But isn’t that the new jar you bought yesterday?” Isabella asked.

“Yes,” Mom said, looking the jar over carefully. “But I couldn’t tell from the outside that anything was wrong.”

Isabella looked at the jar too. From the outside, the jam looked fine.

“You know what this makes me think of?” asked Mom.

Isabella shook her head, disappointed she wasn’t going to get any jam on her peanut butter sandwich.

“This jar of jam is just like our hearts without Jesus.” Mom turned the jar slowly. “Everything looks fine on the outside, but when we look inside, the moldy decay of sin is eating away at us.” Mom peered at the moldy jam inside the jar. “God sees inside our hearts and knows about the sin that hides there. That’s why He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us. When we trust in Him, His blood covers our sins and our hearts are made new.”

Mom replaced the lid and screwed it down tight. “I’ll have to take this moldy jar of jam back to the store and exchange it for a new one. And when we put our faith in Jesus, God exchanges our moldy, sinful heart for a new one.”

Isabella thought about how she’d shoved her toys under her bed that morning and then lied when mom asked if she’d put them away. She imagined that lie growing like the green fuzz in the jar and knew she had sin in her heart. “Mom, can I pray and ask Jesus to exchange my heart for a new one? I—I’ve never done that before.”

Mom smiled. “You bet! And we don’t even have to drive to the store to do it!”

–Kelly Hollman

How about you? Do you think you’re a good person? Do you try to do what’s right, like obey your parents and be loving and kind to others? Even if you try your hardest, without Jesus, your heart is like that moldy jar of jam. We all have sin in our hearts, and only Jesus can take it away. Put your faith in Him and He will give you a new, clean heart. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)

Today’s key verse: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Jesus cleanses us from sin

Read: Mark 10:13-16

“Is something wrong with the macaroni, buddy?” Graham’s mom asked as she watched her son push the pasta from one side of his plate to the other.

Graham looked at his uneaten dinner. “No, it’s fine. I’m just not hungry tonight. May I be excused?”

“I guess so,” Mom said quietly.

Graham headed to his bedroom. He sank into his bed and stared at the ceiling. He didn’t want to tell his mom how he felt. It might make her sad again. His thoughts shifted to his best friend, Gideon, but were interrupted by a knock at his door.

“May I come in, honey?” asked Mom.

“Yes,” Graham replied with a sigh.

Mom opened the door. “I was washing the dishes and couldn’t stop wondering if something was wrong.”

Graham hesitated. “Well, uh, tomorrow is the father and son fishing trip at church.” Tears filled his eyes as he continued. “Gideon and his dad are going. Mom, I just miss Dad so much.”

Mom walked to the bed and wrapped Graham in her arms. There had been such a hole in their family since Graham’s dad left, never even saying goodbye.

“I know, my sweet boy.” Tears trickled down both of their cheeks. The world seemed to stand still for a few moments.

“Graham, remember when you asked Jesus to be your Savior a year ago?” Mom asked. Graham nodded.

“You became a child of God that special day,” Mom said. “And God is the perfect Father. He will never walk away or leave you. When you’re sad or lonely, you can talk to your heavenly Father.”

Graham wiped his cheeks. “Can we talk to Him now?”

“Of course we can,” Mom answered.

Mother and son bowed their heads together and spent time talking to God.

“Thanks, Mom. I feel a lot better now,” Graham said when they finished praying.

Mom smiled. “Do you feel better enough to have some ooey-gooey chocolate cake? If you’re still not hungry, I can just eat it myself,” she teased.

“I think I can force some down,” Graham said with a smirk.

–Monica Faith Vernot

How about you? Has someone ever disappointed you? Have you experienced the separation of a friend, a family member, or even a parent? We live in a sinful world, and no one is perfect. Each of us makes mistakes, and those mistakes often hurt others around us. God wants to hear how we feel. You can tell Him your thoughts, your feelings, and your struggles. He is the perfect Father who will never leave you and will always listen.

Today’s key verse: Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: God loves His children so much

Read: Psalm 139:13-18; Ephesians 2:10

Ava walked into her new classroom feeling nervous yet excited. She had lived her whole life in a little town in Taiwan, but was now starting a new adventure in the big city of Taipei.

After everyone scrambled to their seats, the teacher had the students introduce themselves and helped them choose their class leaders. Ava was a class leader at her previous school, and she hoped to be selected again. However, to her disappointment, her more outspoken classmates got the most votes.

During music class, Ava listened as some students took turns playing the piano. Everyone clapped when they finished. My family can’t afford piano lessons for me, Ava thought enviously. It’s not fair.

In art class, some of Ava’s classmates drew beautiful pictures. I wish I could draw like them, she thought.

In PE, everyone cheered for the athletic students. Bitterness grew inside Ava. I’m never good at sports. I wish people would cheer for me. Maybe I should try to be like them.

“Dad, why are all my classmates good at something and I’m not?” Ava burst out after dinner that night. “Did God forget to give me any talent?”

“Oh, sweetheart, God didn’t forget you,” Dad reassured her. “He loves you. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you—that’s how precious you are to Him! You are His amazing work, so you don’t need to compare yourself to others.”

“But I get so mad when I see everyone else doing things I can’t,” Ava said.

“God gives each of us different abilities, and He wants us to praise Him when we’re able to enjoy other people’s talents—not feel jealous and bitter,” Dad replied. “Thank Him for the things others can do, and trust Him to use the gifts He’s given you—whatever they are—to help others and point them to Jesus.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Ava replied. She took the words with her to bed, feeling renewed.

The next day Cherry, one of Ava’s classmates, said, “Hey, Ava, you’re good at math. I’m really struggling. Can you help me?”

Ava was stunned. “Really? I guess I’ve always understood math, but never really thought about it. I’d love to help!”

As Ava took out her math book, she knew she didn’t have to be like anyone else. She was content being herself.

–Hua-Hsin Tsai

How about you? Do you compare yourself to other people? Do you wish you had the talents, looks, friends, or things other people do? Don’t forget whose you are. God created you, and He loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you. When you’re tempted to change to be like others, remember you’re the work of His hands. Be content in Jesus and who He created you to be.

Today’s key verse: We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Be the way God created you

Read: Colossians 3:16-24

Cesar kept his distance as his dad lifted the cover from a beehive. “There sure are lots of bees, aren’t there, Dad? And they all look busy.” He grinned. “They’re as busy as bees!”

Dad smiled. “You’re right. Each of the hives has lots of them—thousands, in fact. But there’s always just one queen bee in each hive.”

“What does she do?” asked Cesar. “Rule the others?”

“Well, she’s the mother of the bees,” Dad said. “And you know how busy mothers are! But all the other bees have a particular job to do too. The forager bees collect the food. The guard bees protect the hive from intruders. There are water collectors who regulate the humidity, and plasterers who repair the hives. The scout bees alert the others of opportunities and dangers in the outside world, and there are undertakers that remove dead bees from the hive.”

“Wow!” said Cesar. “I never knew that.”

“They’re like a family,” said Dad. “In a well-run family, each person has special duties. Everyone needs to do their job to keep things running smoothly for the good of the hive.” He glanced at Cesar. “It works that way in human families too.”

Cesar sighed. He’d gotten in trouble the day before for going to a friend’s house when he was supposed to be raking leaves.

“I know it’s not easy to accept responsibility and do your work when you’d rather be doing something else,” said Dad. “That’s why the Bible reminds us that we’re not working for ourselves—we’re working for Jesus. Because we trust in Him, we’re part of His family, and He uses the work we do to benefit others—even tasks that don’t seem all that important to us.”

Cesar looked at the buzzing bees. “Kind of like how all the bees’ work helps the whole hive?”

“Exactly!” Dad said. “And He uses it to help us too. The work He gives us through parents and teachers helps us learn to be responsible and think of others, and it helps prepare us for more things He wants us to do in the future.” Dad rumpled Cesar’s hair. “Can I count on you to be responsible the next time you’re given a task?”

Cesar grinned and nodded. “I’ll be as busy as a bee!”

–Helen C. Eshleman

How about you? Do you accept responsibility when you’re given a task? Or do you complain and put it off for as long as you can? If you trust in Jesus, you’re part of His family, and He uses the work you do to show others His love—even things that seem small or tedious. Trust Him to help you do your work willingly. He’ll use it for the good of the whole hive of bee-lievers!

Today’s key verse: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Accept responsibility

Read: Psalm 91:1-6

Grandma looked up from making breakfast when Noah came into to the kitchen. “You look tired,” she said.

Noah yawned. “I was up a lot last night because of the storm.”

“It sure was noisy!” Grandma remarked as she began mixing pancake batter. “I was up some myself.”

“Did Grandpa go to the barn?” Noah asked. Grandma nodded, and Noah put on his rubber boots and went outside. He found Grandpa milking the cow.

“Good morning, Noah! You look like you could use some more sleep,” Grandpa said. “Did the storm keep you awake last night?”

“Yeah, but I’ll be fine. What can I do to help?”

“You can feed the goats,” Grandpa answered.

When the feeding and milking was done, they both went to gather the eggs. “Hey, Noah, do you see that chicken?” Grandpa asked.

Noah looked at the chicken Grandpa was pointing at and gasped. “What happened? That hen is missing a bunch of feathers, and she’s all scraped up and bruised!”

“Last night this hen’s chicks were bedded down in some tall grass outside,” Grandpa explained. “When the storm came, they were too afraid to move. Now just think, this hen could have gone into the coop and been warm and dry. However, she stayed outside in the bad weather with her wings covering her little ones to protect them. If she hadn’t done that, her chicks wouldn’t have survived!”

Noah listened wide-eyed. “Wow! She really cares for her chicks, doesn’t she?”

Grandpa nodded. “Did you know that God feels the same way about us? This chicken was willing to die to save her chicks, and God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to die for us so we could be saved from sin and have eternal life with Him. The Bible even describes God stretching His wings over us, the same way a mother hen protects her chicks.”

“That’s a lot of protection!” said Noah.

“It sure is! And I’m thankful for every bit of it,” said Grandpa.

“Me too!” Noah grinned. “Do you know what else I’m thankful for?”

“What’s that?” asked Grandpa.

“Grandma’s cooking. I hope we can have breakfast soon. I’m starving!”

Grandpa laughed. “Me too! Let’s go see if it’s ready.”

–Elena Ketner

How about you? Did you know that God protects His children like a mother hen covering her chicks? Those who trust in Jesus take refuge under His wings. If you belong to Jesus, nothing can ever separate you from Him—no matter what life storms come your way. Jesus was willing to die to save you, and He will never leave you. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)

Today’s key verse: He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge. Psalm 91:4 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: God protects His children

Read: Romans 5:3-6; James 1:2-4

“Why are we stopping?” Lucas asked as they came to a stop behind a line of cars.

“Oh no!” said Lucas. “We’ll be late! It’s bad enough being new at school, but being late and having everyone stare at me will be worse!”

“I’m afraid I’ll be late for my job interview too,” Mom said, tapping her phone. “But there’s nothing we can do about it. I’ll give them a call so they know.”

“I wish Dad was still alive,” Olivia said once Mom had finished her call. “Then we’d still be living in our old house and going to our old school with all our old friends. And you wouldn’t have to look for work.”

“I wish that too,” said Mom. “But Jesus promises to be with us through these difficult changes, and we need to trust Him.”

Just then the line of cars began moving, and they followed the car in front of them onto a bumpy gravel path. They passed workers using loud jackhammers and a huge machine digging up large chunks of asphalt.

“Why do they have to wreck a perfectly good road?” Olivia asked.

“It reminds me of our family,” Lucas said glumly. “Everything’s broken and torn up.”

“It does feel like that,” said Mom. “But think about this—the people in charge at city hall have plans for this road. They’re allowing it to be broken up and worked on because they know that after the construction is finished, it will be better. And Jesus has plans for our lives. He’s leading us through a very difficult time, but it’s often during times of sorrow and hardship that we get to know Him better and become more like Him.”

“But I still don’t see why He’d take Dad from us,” Olivia said sadly.

“I don’t either,” said Mom. “But I do know that He understands what we’re going through because He experienced suffering and death when He came to save us. He is always with us, and we can trust Him to help us rebuild our lives.” She smiled in the rearview mirror. “Will you trust Him with me?”

Olivia and Lucas looked back at her and nodded.

–Violet E. Nesdoly

How about you? Is it hard to believe anything good can come from the disappointment or pain you’re going through? Road construction makes a better road. Remodeling results in a better building. And trusting Jesus in difficult times leads to a stronger faith. Remember that He’s always with you and will use hard times in your life to make you stronger, wiser, more patient, and more compassionate—more like Him.

Today’s key verse: You know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:3 (NLT)

Today’s key thought: Trust Jesus in difficulty

If you’re going through a tough time right now, find an adult you can talk to about it.

Read: Philippians 4:4-7

“What an awful day!” said Sophia after school. “Why do I have to have Mrs. Hilton for a teacher? She’s a grouch, and nobody likes her!”

“It sounds like this would be a good time to remind you of the verses we read for devotions this morning,” Mom said. “‘In everything give thanks,’ remember? Because Jesus saved us and is always with us, we can have an attitude of praise and thankfulness to God, no matter what situation we find ourselves in.”

“Yes, but…” Sophia looked doubtful. “It’s pretty hard to have an attitude of praise in Mrs. Hilton’s class.”

“It may be hard at times, but Jesus still wants us to thank Him and trust Him in hard situations,” Mom replied. “He often uses them to teach us important lessons.”

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll learn lots of lessons in Mrs. Hilton’s class,” Sophia muttered. “Lessons like sit up straight, no talking during class, stay in your seats, blah, blah, blah!” She sighed. “I really don’t see how I can give thanks for being in Mrs. Hilton’s class. It’s just too much!” She collapsed into a chair with a loud huff.

Mom sat down next to her. “Sophia, I think you’ll do a lot better in Mrs. Hilton’s class if you change your attitude. Instead of complaining and focusing on the negative, remember that Jesus loves Mrs. Hilton and died for her just like He did for you. Trust Him to help you show her His love in your attitude. Treat her with respect, and look for nice things to say about her.”

“Nice things about her? I can’t think of any,” said Sophia.

“Ask Jesus to help you think of some,” said Mom. “Pray for Mrs. Hilton too, and look for ways you can encourage her and show her kindness. I think if you do that instead of complaining, you’ll find it much easier to give thanks for being in her class—and you might even learn something too.”

Sophia sighed. “Okay,” she said after a moment. “Actually, she is pretty good at explaining math. I guess God knows I need help with that. I’ll ask Him to help me remember to be thankful and show Mrs. Hilton His love.”

–Barbara J. Westberg

How about you? Are you dealing with a hard situation right now? Are you struggling to get along with someone? It can be hard to have a thankful attitude in the midst of difficult circumstances, but when you remember that Jesus gave His life to save you, you can give thanks in every situation. Thank Him for always being with you, and trust Him to use the difficulties you’re facing to help you grow and show others His love.

Today’s key verse: In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Develop a thankful attitude

Read: Luke 10:30-35; John 15:12-13

As Victoria stepped off the school bus, she caught a glimpse of her best friend—at least, her best friend in elementary school—staring stonily out the window. Now part of the popular group, Melissa didn’t even look at Victoria. She hadn’t even seemed to notice her the whole first week of middle school.

Inside, Victoria slipped off her backpack and slumped on the couch. She stared around at her house, then at her shoes, still scuffed from last year. If only I had a new wardrobe and lived in one of those big houses like the other kids, she thought.

Just then, the sound of gravel crunching announced that Mom had pulled in. Victoria headed outside to help get Dad out of the van.

As she pushed his wheelchair up the ramp, Victoria looked back at her tired mother, her arms loaded with groceries. Victoria’s throat tightened as she realized how loyal her mother was, choosing to care for a husband who’d never walk or talk again. If only Melissa were as faithful to her friends, she thought.

As they dried dishes that night, Victoria told Mom about her first week back at school.

“How’s Melissa?” Mom asked. “I haven’t heard anything about her yet.”

Victoria’s face fell. “Melissa doesn’t talk to me anymore.”

Mom studied her. “What happened?”

“I don’t know. She hasn’t spoken to me once since school started. She walks past me with her friends like I’m a stranger.”

Mom placed a mug in the cupboard. “I’m so sorry, honey.”

Victoria lowered her voice so Dad wouldn’t hear. “I keep wishing Melissa were as good a person as you are, Mom. You stayed with Dad after the accident, and you’ve never once complained.”

Mom’s eyes grew moist. “I haven’t always been so loyal, honey. In fact, when I was younger, I treated a friend just like Melissa’s treating you now.”

Victoria stared at her. “How’d you change?”

“By realizing that Jesus would never stop loving me. Once I accepted His love—love that made Him willing to die for my sins—I was able to love others the way He did; not for what they offered, but for who they were.” She put an arm around Victoria. “Jesus’s love never fails, and you can share His love with Melissa by showing her you’ll always be her faithful friend.”

–Rebekah Love Dorris

How about you? Have you ever been rejected by a friend? Not much is as painful as wondering why someone who once loved you no longer does. While you can’t force someone to like you again, you can pray for them and help them know the unfailing love of Jesus. He knows how it feels to be rejected, but He never stops loving us. Trust Him to help you be a faithful friend like Him.

Today’s key verse: Love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Love others like Jesus

Read: Luke 18:9-14

“Whoa!” called Uncle Mike when his horse suddenly reared as a snake slithered across the path. “Whoa, boy!” But even though he was an experienced rider, Uncle Mike fell from the horse, and it galloped off toward home.

“Uncle Mike!” exclaimed Beck, pulling his own horse to a stop. He was spending the day on Uncle Mike’s ranch.

“I think my leg is broken,” Uncle Mike said after assessing his injuries. “We’ll have to call for help.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and groaned. “I must have landed on my phone when I fell. The screen is cracked, and it won’t turn on.” He turned to Beck. “You’ll have to ride for help.”

“But I don’t know the way, and it’ll be dark soon!” said Beck.

“Flash knows the way,” Uncle Mike told him. “Just lay the reins over the saddle horn and don’t try to guide him. Even if it gets dark, he’ll find his way. Trust the horse. Tell the ranch hands I’m in Coyote Canyon—they’ll know where to find me.”

Beck started off. It seemed to take a long, long time, and he shivered whenever he heard coyotes howling. But he didn’t touch the reins, even when he felt sure Flash was going the wrong direction. Finally he saw lights in the distance. “You did it! Good boy, Flash!” Soon an ambulance was on its way and some of the ranch hands were riding off to find Uncle Mike.

“You know what?” Beck said to his uncle the next day. “This morning I was reading my Bible, and I came to the story about the Pharisee and tax collector. The Pharisee thought he could get to heaven by doing good things, but the tax collector knew he was a sinner and just prayed and trusted God. I realized that’s what we have to do too—we need to trust Jesus to give us eternal life. It’s kind of like how I had to trust Flash yesterday. I never would have found the way home. I just trusted Flash to bring me here, and he did.”

Uncle Mike smiled. “You completely trusted Flash, and we need to completely trust Jesus. None of us can do anything to get to heaven. Jesus is the only one who can take us there.”

–Harry C. Trover

How about you? Are you trusting Jesus for eternal life? There’s nothing you can do to make your own way to heaven. In today’s Bible reading, the Pharisee mentioned all the good things he did, but it was the humble prayer of the tax collector that God heard. Make his prayer your own and put your trust in Jesus. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)

Today’s key verse: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Trust Jesus for eternal life

Read: Matthew 6:19-21

Emily burst through the door. “Mom, I’m back! I got paid for walking Bandit. I have enough! Can we go to the store before I go to Mrs. Stevens’ house to pack up the donations for those flood victims? Please?”

“How about some down time instead?” said Mom. “You’ve run yourself ragged all summer earning money for those Bangle Brights. How many do you need?” Mom raised one eyebrow and looked pointedly at the numerous neon-colored bracelets that flashed and sparkled on Emily’s wrists. Each thin bangle fit tightly against another to form thick bands that ran up her forearms.

“But Mom,” Emily protested, “you get four in a package, along with a code that unlocks a treasure on the website! If I can be one of the girls who gets all the sets before school starts, it will be worth it.”

Mom sighed. “Just remember that your worth isn’t determined by stuff, Emily,” she said softly. “You belong to Jesus, who loves you so much He died for you! He makes you shine brighter than all the Bangle Brights in the world, and you can shine that light to others by showing them His love.” She nodded toward the living room. “Why don’t you go rest a while before heading over to Mrs. Stevens’? We’ll go to the store another time.”

Emily went to the living room and turned on the television. But she didn’t watch it. She started thinking about stuff—all the stuff she had and what it would be like to lose it overnight.

Later that day, Emily knocked on Mrs. Stevens’ door. She’d brought her new backpack filled with all her new school supplies. She could use her backpack from last year, and she’d replace the school supplies with the money she’d earned walking Bandit. The newest bangles could wait. These kids had lost everything in the flood.

When Mrs. Stevens let her in, Emily quietly added her backpack to the donations, then got to work sorting donated items. Most were new, others were gently used. She opened a box marked “Girls.” It was full of hair accessories and jewelry. She slid half the bangles off each arm and dropped them into the box. She thought of how excited some girl would be to get them and knew it was worth it.

–Charelle Wilson

How about you? Do you think having the latest and greatest stuff matters? It’s okay to enjoy new gadgets and popular trends, but remember that the things found in the world won’t last forever. It’s just stuff. What really matters is having a relationship with Jesus, who died and rose again to give you eternal life, and shining His light to others. Ask Him to show you how you can share His love with someone today!

Today’s key verse: But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:16 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Share the light of Jesus