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

Read: Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:1-3

“How about slicing this cheese, Bryson?” Mom said as Bryson helped her prepare sandwiches for lunch.

“Sure,” said Bryson. He got out the cheese cutter and went to work.

As Bryson began slicing cheese, two-year-old Asher ran into the kitchen. “Some!” he said, holding out his hand.

Mom shook her head. “Sorry, Asher. No cheese for you. It makes you sick.”

Asher frowned and ignored her. “Some, pwease!” he begged, tugging on Bryson’s arm.

“I can’t give you any, Asher,” Bryson replied. “Mom said no.” Asher fussed a little more, but then walked away, obviously not happy. “Too bad Asher doesn’t really understand why he can’t have cheese,” said Bryson. “If he knew it was because he’s allergic to it, he might not get upset when you tell him no.”

“Parents often have to make decisions their kids can’t understand,” Mom said, turning to look at Bryson.

“You’re talking about the party last night, aren’t you?” he asked.

Mom nodded. “When you asked if you could go, Dad and I didn’t say no to be mean. Like we told you—based on our experience and knowledge, we felt it wasn’t the kind of party it would be wise for you to go to. That’s why we said no.”

“I think I understand better now,” Bryson said. “Well, at least I understand that you have a reason for not always letting me do what I want, just like you have a reason for not letting Asher have what he wants.”

“Good.” Mom smiled and gave Bryson a hug. “God has placed us over you to teach and protect you. We’re doing our best to teach you about Jesus and how to live in light of everything He’s done to save you. Someday we won’t be able to make decisions for you. As you get older, you’ll have to decide what choices line up with following Jesus for yourself through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking wise advice from other Christians.”

Bryson nodded. “I know, and until then, I’ll try to remember that you have your reasons when you won’t let me do things.” He grinned. “If I forget, you can just tell me, ‘No cheese for you.’ That should help me remember!”

–Hope L. Aderman

How about you? Do you ever think your parents make rules for no reason? God puts parents in our lives so they can use their knowledge and experience to teach us about Jesus and train us in the way He wants us to go. We may not always understand their reasons, but we can trust Jesus to use their guidance to help us grow in our faith and show His love to others. Trust Him to help you show His love to your parents by obeying them.

Today’s key verse: Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Colossians 3:20 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Obey your parents

Read: Matthew 5:44; 1 Peter 2:20-23; 3:15-18

“Maria and I are going to do something about those kids who tease us for going to the after-school Bible club,” Bailey told her mom on the way home from school.

“Do what, exactly?” Mom asked, coming to a stop at a noisy construction zone.

“We’re going to write a letter telling them they’re sinners headed straight for hell and have everyone in our Bible club sign it,” Bailey said. “Then none of us will talk to them until they quit being so mean.”

The jackhammers ripping up the road made too much noise for Mom to answer. Once they pulled into their driveway, she turned to look at Bailey. “Did you see how hard the people back there had to work to get through the asphalt?” Bailey nodded. “Before you go in, I want to show you something,” Mom said, getting out of the car. Bailey followed her to the end of the driveway where Mom pointed to a little green plant poking through the asphalt.

“How can a little stem like that break through the driveway?” Bailey asked.

Mom smiled. “Isn’t it interesting how those workers back there had to use a jackhammer to break the asphalt, but little plants can gently and steadily push their way through?” She looked at Bailey. “It sounds like you’re planning to use a jackhammer approach with those kids at school, but I think slow and steady gentleness would be more effective.”

“What do you mean?” asked Bailey.

“Instead of writing a nasty letter, speak the truth kindly,” said Mom. “After all, you and all the kids at Bible club are sinners too. The only reason you’ve been saved from sin is because Jesus gave His life for you, and you’re gathering together to get to know Him better. And He says to love your enemies, just like He loves you, a sinner. Instead of trying to jackhammer the truth into those kids, why not plant a seed in their hearts by telling them what Jesus has done for you and inviting them to come to Bible club if they want to learn more?”

Bailey was quiet for a moment. “You’re right,” she said. “If we’re at Bible club to learn about Jesus and how much He loves us, we should act like Him.”

–Heather Tekavec

How about you? What kind of approach do you use when others tease you about your faith? A jackhammer approach—or a gentle one? Jesus used a gentle approach when He was treated badly, and He wants you to do the same. Talk to an adult about how you can use a gentle approach when others are mean to you. God may use your kindness and gentleness to break through their hearts.

Today’s key verse: Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. Proverbs 25:15 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Develop a gentle spirit

Read: Psalm 25:8-14; Titus 2:11-14

Madison was sitting at her desk doing math homework when her little sister walked in. “I want to write numbers too,” said four-year-old Ava.

Smiling, Madison wrote the numbers from one to ten on a piece of paper. Then she took Ava’s hand and helped her begin to write. “One…two…”

Ava pulled her hand away. “I can do it!”

“Okay,” said Madison, going back to her homework. She had just finished her last problem when Ava began to cry. “What’s wrong?” Madison asked. Ava shoved her paper away. Her numbers were jumbled on the paper, many of them unrecognizable. “Let me help you,” Madison said, bending down to take Ava’s hand again.

“No!” Ava pulled away, grabbing the paper. “I want to do it myself.”

“Okay,” said Madison. “But I’m finished with my work, and I’m going to get something to drink. I’ll be back in a little while.”

Madison poured herself a glass of water and went to the family room, where her mother was sorting clothes. “I tried to help Ava write her numbers, Mom, but she wouldn’t let me. She’d rather cry because she can’t do it instead of letting me help her.”

Mom smiled. “Admitting we need help with something isn’t always easy.” She handed Madison some towels to fold. “Sometimes we’re a lot like Ava. Her numbers didn’t turn out right when she didn’t let you guide her, and our decisions often don’t turn out right when we don’t let Jesus guide us.”

“How does He do that?” asked Madison.

“Through what He says to us in the Bible, through the prompting of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds, and even through people He brings into our lives,” Mom replied. “We often think we need to do everything on our own, but that’s impossible. Jesus is the one who saved us from sin, which we could never do ourselves, and He wants us to bring all our problems and struggles to Him in prayer and trust Him to guide us and help us make good decisions.”

“I’m glad Jesus is always there to help us,” Madison said as she finished folding the towels. “Speaking of help, I’ll go see if Ava has changed her mind about trying to write numbers on her own.”

–Karen E. Cogan

How about you? Do you depend on Jesus as you go about your daily life? Or do you think you can do everything by yourself? Problems at home, difficulties at school, struggles with sin—Jesus wants you to bring all those things to Him in prayer instead of trying to tackle them on your own. Trust Him to guide you and help you do His will in every situation.

Today’s key verse: I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths. Proverbs 4:11 (CSB)

Today’s key thought: We need Jesus’s help

Read: Matthew 9:10-13

“Singur invited me to his birthday party next Saturday,” Owen told his mom and older sister, Chloe. “He’s an awesome soccer player.” Owen pretended to headbutt a soccer ball into a goal, then raised his arms in victory.

“You could get him a hat with his favorite team’s logo on it,” Mom said.

Owen shook his head. “Singur always wears a turban. It’s part of his religion. He’s a sick.”

“He means Sikh, Mom.” Chloe slipped off the bandana that had been tied in her hair.

“Singur’s mom said I can spend the night after the party,” Owen said.

“What about church on Sunday?” Mom asked.

“I could go with Singur to his gurdwara. It’s like church.”

“A gurdwara is not a church,” Mom said. “Sikhism is a different religion from Christianity.”

“But that doesn’t mean Owen shouldn’t be friends with Singur, does it?” Chloe asked. “Didn’t Jesus make friends with all kinds of people?”

“He did,” Mom said, “and He shared God’s love with them. But He never participated in things they did that went against who He was. Sikhs don’t worship Jesus, so a gurdwara is not a place of worship for Christians. We need to be careful that the things we do with our friends are in step with our faith in Jesus. He saved us and made us His people, and we need to follow Him.”

“Give me your leg, Owen,” Chloe said. “I want to show you something.” She put her own leg next to Owen’s and tied their ankles together with her bandana. “You go left. I’ll go right.” When Owen tried to walk away from his sister, he fell. “You’re tied to Jesus, and you need to go in the same direction as Him,” Chloe said. “Otherwise you won’t go anywhere.”

Owen got to his feet. “Mom, I think I should go to Singur’s party and spend the night, but I’ll tell him I can’t go to his gurdwara because I have my own church to be part of.”

“Good thinking,” Mom said. “You might even get a chance to tell him about Jesus and what He’s done for you.”

Owen nodded. “And for his gift, I think I’ll get him a bandana with his favorite soccer team. It’ll work great for winning a three-legged race!”

–Holland Webb

How about you? Do you have friends who don’t know Jesus? How can you be a friend to them without going against who you are as a Christian? Jesus was friends with all kinds of people, but that doesn’t mean He went along with everything they did. Trust Him to give you wisdom in knowing how to be a good friend to others while remaining true to Him.

Today’s key verse: “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Be a friend like Jesus

Read: Psalm 141:3; Ephesians 5:1-4

“I can’t believe it! I studied hard for that history test, and I only got a B!” Madelyn said as she and her mother walked Chestnut, their shaggy brown Yorkshire terrier. “But Ella said Jade cheated and got an A. It’s not fair!”

“Ella caught Jade cheating?” Mom asked.

“I don’t think she saw it happen, but Ella hears about everything. It must be true because Jade never gets A’s.”

They stopped to let Chestnut sniff the ground. The dog pulled the leash toward a cluster of white spheres anchored in the grass. They were dandelion seed heads. Madelyn picked a feathery globe and blew the seeds until only a bare stem remained.

“Look how far the seeds are traveling!” she exclaimed.

As Chestnut chased the flying seeds, Mom asked, “Do you know what happens when they land?”

“They’ll grow into yellow dandelions—pretty weeds!”

Mom nodded. “Isn’t it amazing? Those seeds look delicate, but they hold so much power—just like words that start gossip.”

“I know what you’re going to say, Mom—gossip spreads as easily as dandelion seeds. Now that I think about it, Ella told Jason and Hari about Jade. I told Alma, who is best friends with Jill, so she probably knows too.”

“See how words as flimsy as those seeds can take root and grow into gossip?”

Madelyn looked down. “When I was disappointed with my grade, talking about Jade somehow made me feel better. But I don’t feel good about it anymore. If Ella starts talking about Jade again, I’ll say I’d rather not talk about Jade behind her back.”

“That’s wise,” said Mom. “Jesus tells us to love one another the way He loves us, and that means we need to care about how our words affect others—even when it involves things that may be true. How would Jade feel if she knew you were telling people that she struggles to get good grades?”

Madelyn sighed. “She’d probably feel embarrassed and hurt—and she’d be even more hurt if she knew I spread gossip about her cheating because of it.” Madelyn looked at her mom. “I’ll ask Jesus to forgive me for listening to gossip and to help me not spread it myself. Instead of wasting time on gossip, I’ll use it to study and get that A!”

–Elena Dee

How about you? Do you spread gossip about others? A few words of gossip can quickly spread and take root—and hurt many feelings in the process. The next time you’re tempted to repeat something about someone that they’d find hurtful, stop and think about how much Jesus loves you. Then show that same love to others by not wasting time on gossip.

Today’s key verse: [Jesus said,] “You must love each other as I have loved you.” John 13:34 (NLV)

Today’s key thought: Don’t spread gossip

Read: Psalm 19:1-6; Ephesians 2:8-10

“Come here, Mr. Wiggle Worm,” Peter said as he put an earthworm in a can. “Hey, Dad, are worms good for anything besides bird food and fish bait?”

“Yes,” said Dad. “They help the earth breathe.”

Peter laughed. “Like lungs?”

“Not exactly, but as worms burrow through the ground, they let fresh air through the soil. The more they eat and digest the soil, the better it is for growing things. God has a purpose for everything.”

“Well, I’m glad one purpose for worms is to make bait,” said Peter. “We’ll catch more fish that way! This will be enough, won’t it?” Dad nodded, and they headed to the lake.

That evening the family enjoyed fish for supper. “Yum!” Peter said as he took a bite. “Fishing was so much fun! I wish I could skip school and go fishing every day.”

Mom laughed. “Now that would be overdoing it a little.”

“Besides, you like school,” said Peter’s sister, Ann.

“Yeah, except science,” Peter said. “I don’t agree with some of the things Mrs. Moore says. She thinks the universe came about on its own, but the Bible says God created everything, right?”

“That’s right,” said Mom. “The Bible tells us that the beauty and complexity of nature points to God, who planned everything and makes it all work together.”

Dad nodded. “Even though sin has affected creation in deep ways, we can see the goodness of God in everything He made.”

“Like worms and how they help things grow?” Peter asked.

“Right,” said Dad. “The sun is another example of God’s goodness. It’s just the right distance away so we can live comfortably. And seasons follow one another in perfect order. Only God could have planned everything so well.”

“And He has a special plan for people too, right?” asked Ann.

“Yes, He does!” Mom replied. “Jesus came and died for the whole world, and one day He’ll return and make all creation new so it’s no longer affected by sin. And He has a purpose for everyone who trusts in Him—a plan for how He wants each one of us to be part of His kingdom on earth.”

Dad nodded. “Because of Jesus, all of creation—down to the smallest earthworm—has a purpose in the kingdom of God.”

–Harry C. Trover

How about you? Did you know that God is in charge of everything? He’s the one who created the whole universe and makes it all work together. Though the sin we brought into the world causes a lot of problems, it won’t be around forever. Jesus died and rose again to save the world from sin, and He has a purpose for everything—including you! Trust Him and His plan for your life. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)

Today’s key verse: For by [Jesus] all things were created…All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: God created everything with a purpose

Read: Psalm 126:1-6

“I met a new friend today, Daddy. She gave me her peach!” Charity reported gleefully. She grabbed her dad’s hand as they walked to their new apartment from her bus stop.

“Your first day at a new school, and already a new friend? Awesome!” Daddy answered. “Tell me about your friend—and this peach.”

Charity skipped to keep up with Daddy’s long legs. “Slow down, Daddy, and I’ll tell you!” Immediately Daddy shortened his stride. “Her name’s Esther. She gets free lunch in the cafeteria like me! But Esther doesn’t like peaches. When I asked for the one on her tray, she gave it to me. I couldn’t let it go to waste!”

They climbed the steps to their apartment.

Daddy laughed. “I know you like canned peaches. We have a couple of cans from the food bank. That can be today’s snack.” Daddy opened the apartment door. “God answered two prayers for you today, Charity—for a good day at a new school, and for a friend.”

Charity took off her school shoes and exchanged them for soft slippers. “You told me when I gave my life to Jesus last year that I could talk to Him anytime, about anything. He heard me, Daddy!”

Daddy pulled out a can opener. “He also showed us something important with Esther’s peach.”

“He did?”

“Yep. Even though Esther doesn’t like peaches, you didn’t want good food to be wasted. Sometimes we go through hard times, and even though we don’t like those struggles, God isn’t willing to let them go to waste.”

“God wants us to struggle?” Charity sounded confused.

“No, but He brings good out of difficult times. Jesus went through the most difficult thing of all when He died on the cross, and He did that to do the best thing we could ever imagine—save us from sin and make us God’s children. And He promises to use hard things in our lives for good.”

“Like having to say goodbye to old friends and leaving our old neighborhood?” Charity asked.

Daddy nodded. “God understands how hard that is, and we can trust Him to bring something good out of it. Like today when He brought you a new friend.”

Charity smiled. “And something else!”

“What?” Daddy placed a bowl of juicy peaches on the table.

“More peaches!”

–Allison Wilson Lee

How about you? Have you ever gone through tough times and wondered why God let it happen? We don’t always get answers to our “why” questions, but we can trust God in hard situations. God loves His children, and He’s good to us. He won’t let our struggles go to waste. He’ll bring something good out of sad circumstances as we grow in trusting Him.

Today’s key verse: Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Psalm 126:5 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: God brings good from hard times

Read: Psalm 33:13-22

Devin looked at the house plan his mom was studying. “I still think you could remove the mudroom and make my bedroom bigger,” he said.

Mom smiled. “I think we’ll trust the designer’s plan. We’ll find something to do with that space.”

That afternoon, Devin’s shoulders slumped as he walked into the house. “I can’t believe my best friend moved. School’s not the same without Trav.”

Mom put down the flooring samples she was holding and gave Devin a hug. “I know it’s hard, Dev. Jesus knows it too, and He loves you and promises to be with you. We just have to trust that God has a plan and will use hard things in our lives for good.”

Devin didn’t see how any of this could be God’s plan.

At school the next day, Devin was trying to choose a spot to have lunch when he saw a table with just one kid at it. He walked to the table and looked at the girl who sat alone. He didn’t remember seeing her before. “Can I sit here?”

The girl looked up and smiled. “Sure. No one else wants to sit by the new kid.” Her smile went away. “No one even talks to me. It’s like no one sees me.”

Devin grabbed a chair. “I could use a friend too.”

At home, Devin was excited to tell his mom about Ashley. “If Trav was there, we wouldn’t have sat by a girl,” he said. “But she needed a friend. Maybe that was God’s plan, like you said. Maybe Trav had to go away so that Ashley wouldn’t feel lonely.”

Devin looked at the papers his mom was holding. She seemed to be making another tough decision between multiple options for the new house, but what were they?

Mom held up the papers. “Which crate do we want?”

“Crate?” Devin asked.

Mom nodded. “The mudroom in the floor plan got me thinking…what if we finally got that dog you’ve been wanting?”

“For real?” Devin jumped up and down.

“For real.” Mom put her arms around him. “And I’m proud of you for being a friend to Ashley. Once this plan is complete, maybe she can come meet your new pet.”

Devin grinned. Maybe he could trust both floor plans and God’s plans.

–Emily Acker

How about you? Have you ever had something happen in your life that made you wonder if God really cares about you? We all go through difficult things in life, but God can use them to work out His good plan in ways we couldn’t imagine. When life is hard, remember that Jesus understands what you’re going through and promises to be with you. Then trust Him to work out the plan He has for your life.

Today’s key verse: Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: You can always trust God’s plan

Read: Matthew 4:1-11

“I’ll probably fail our math test today,” Carter told Lucy as they walked to school. “I’m really bad at multiplication.”

“Yeah, me too,” said Lucy. “But I’m not going to fail. Want to know why?” She slid a card from under the cuff of her sleeve. “See? The multiplication tables are all right here!” She grinned. “I’ve got an extra card. Want it?” She pulled a card from her pocket and offered it to Carter.

“That’s cheating,” Carter said.

“What’s worse, cheating or failing?” asked Lucy.

Carter took the card and looked at it. It would be so easy to cheat! he thought. My desk is near the back of the room, and Mr. Collins hardly ever walks around when we have a test. But… “I’m not going to do it,” he said, handing the card back to Lucy. “I don’t think you should either. It’s not right.”

Lucy rolled her eyes. “You are dumb,” she replied, “and not just in math!”

At the end of the day, Carter hurried home. “How was school today?” his mother asked.

“Okay,” Carter replied. “But I don’t know if I passed my math test. I hope so!”

“Well, if you studied and did your best, don’t worry about it,” said Mom. “Did anything good happen today?”

“Well…” Carter hesitated. “This is gonna sound weird, but I actually felt good about taking the test. I had a chance to cheat, but I didn’t. I knew it’d be wrong and that Jesus wouldn’t want me to do it. So I decided to trust Him with my test and do the right thing.”

“Good for you!” Mom said. “No matter what grade you get on your math test, you definitely passed one test today. You were tempted to do something wrong, but you didn’t. That kind of test is really hard to pass sometimes. Jesus faced tests like that when He was on earth, and He passed every single one in order to save us. We can pass them too when we depend on Him to help us resist temptation—and even when we do give in, He’ll always forgive us since He paid for all our sins on the cross.”

Carter grinned. “I’ll remember that tomorrow when I take my history test!”

–Douglas G. DeVries

How about you? Do people sometimes encourage you to do things that are wrong? It can be hard to resist, especially when others make fun of you for it. But you don’t have to give in. Jesus always passed tests of temptation, and He’ll help you pass them too. And when you do give in, you can always go to Him for forgiveness. Trust Him to give you the wisdom and courage to do what is right.

Today’s key verse: God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Resist temptation

Read: Romans 12:9-15

“What’s wrong, Elijah?” Mom asked as Elijah got in the car.

Elijah sighed. “Mrs. Lewis told our class that Henry won’t be in school for a few days. His dad had a heart attack and died early this morning.”

Mom gasped. “Oh no! That’s awful.”

Elijah nodded. “Principal Brown came and told us he went to Henry’s house this morning. He said Henry and his mom and little brother are very sad. Then he and Mrs. Lewis let us ask questions and talk for a while.” Elijah paused. “Mom, why did this happen? What are they going to do?”

Mom shook her head. “I don’t know. Is there something you want to do for them now?”

“I want to see Henry. He’s my best friend. Can we go to their house?”

“Okay, but first let’s make a meal for them,” Mom said.

Elijah and his mom made a pot of sloppy joes and put the whole meal in a basket. In the car, Elijah said, “Mom, let’s pray for Henry and his family.” Mom stopped the car at the end of the driveway, and they prayed for God to help the family. Elijah also asked Jesus to give him words to comfort his friend.

Henry greeted them at the door.

“We brought you dinner,” Elijah said, and he carried the basket to the kitchen.

Elijah and Henry slipped out to the porch while their moms talked in the house.

“Henry, I’m so sorry. What can I do?”

“I don’t even know. I miss Dad so much already.” Henry covered his face, wiping away tears. “When Mom said something was wrong this morning, I prayed Dad would be okay. Now I don’t know what’s going to happen to us.”

“I don’t know what’s going to happen either, but I do know that Jesus loves you and will be with you through all of this. He understands how hard it is, and you always have hope in Him.” Elijah put a hand on his friend’s shaking shoulder. “I’ll be here for you too. Let me know if there’s anything I can do. I’ll be praying for you and your family.”

Henry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Thanks, Elijah.”

–Lynda Boucher

How about you? Do you have a friend who is hurting? Perhaps someone they love has died or they’re facing a difficult situation. Things like that can really hurt a person’s heart, and they need the love and support of their friends. Help them in whatever ways you can, and let them know you’re praying for them. Even though you won’t have all the answers, you can remind them of the hope they have in Jesus.

Today’s key verse: Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Help friends who are hurting