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

Read: Proverbs 16:16-20

“Has anyone seen my math book?” asked Aria. “I can’t find it anywhere.” But no one had seen it, and Aria finally remembered she had left it at Zoe’s house. My perfect homework record will be ruined! she thought miserably. She always had her homework done at the beginning of class each day. Maybe if I stayed home sick tomorrow, I could make up the lesson.

So the next morning, she pretended to have a stomachache and went back to bed while her family got ready for school and work—except for Mom, who insisted on staying home with her.

That afternoon, Aria’s sister brought her math book home from school. “Zoe sent this,” she said. “She wondered if you were going to try to come to choir practice tonight. If you can’t, she’ll have to sing that solo part, and she doesn’t know it that well.”

Oh no! I forgot all about choir, Aria thought. I really do want to go, and I’m tired of lying in bed. So Aria announced that she felt better.

Mom wasn’t convinced. “If you were so sick that you had to miss school, you’d better stay home the rest of the day too.”

That evening, Mom found Aria sobbing into her pillow. “What’s wrong, Aria? Do you feel worse?”

Aria shook her head. “I wanted to go to choir practice. I’m not sick. I wasn’t sick this morning either,” she said through a sob. “I just didn’t want to ruin my perfect homework record.”

Mom sat down on the bed. “You may not be sick, but you sure took a fall. You wanted your homework record to be perfect so everyone would think highly of you, right?”

Aria sniffed. “I guess so.”

“That’s pride,” said Mom. “Your pride caused you to fall—to tell a lie rather than let others see you as less than perfect. Pride is harmful because it causes us to hide our flaws and our constant need for Jesus’s grace—from both ourselves and others.”

Aria hung her head. “I’m sorry, Mom.”

Mom gave her a hug. “I forgive you—and Jesus will forgive you too. Trust Him to help you let go of your pride so you can help others see how much we all need Him.”

–Agnes Livezey

How about you? Are you proud? Do you do things just to impress others? It’s okay to want to look your best or do well in school or sports, but when you’re willing to do anything—even something you know is wrong—to keep others from seeing your flaws, that’s pride. Ask Jesus to forgive you and to help you root out pride in your life. Then be honest about your shortcomings and your need for Him.

Today’s key verse: Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Don’t be proud

Read: 1 Peter 5:6-11

The broom swished across the kitchen floor as Mom worked to gather the crumbs and dirt from under the table. Ethan, Evan, and Everett sat nearby watching.

“Wow, Mom,” Everett said. “That’s a lot of crumbs.”

Mom laughed. “That’s what happens when three hungry boys live here.” She swept everything into a little pile, then walked over to the wall. With a whoosh, the hidden vacuum inside the wall sucked every last crumb away.

“Whoa!” Evan’s eyes went wide. “Where did it all go?”

“It’s like a secret vacuum in the wall,” Mom explained. “When we built this house, Dad had it installed. All I have to do is sweep dirt close enough, and it’s gone.”

“That’s awesome,” Ethan said. “So…why do you still use the dustpan?”

Mom smiled. “Because sometimes I forget about the vacuum. I do all the work, scooping up dirt into the dustpan, when the vacuum is right here, ready to help.” Mom leaned on her broom. “You know,” she continued, “that reminds me of Jesus. He’s always with us, ready to take our sin, worries, and junk. But sometimes, I forget. I try to handle everything on my own, like using the dustpan when the vacuum is right there. Jesus is so much better at handling my mess than I am.”

“Do you have to keep asking Him to save you over and over?” Everett asked.

“No,” Mom said gently. “When you put your trust in Jesus, He saves you once and for always. But, like floors that keep getting dirty, our hearts pick up things every day—like bad attitudes, selfishness, or worries. I need to keep bringing those things to Him. Some struggles He takes away for good; others I bring to Him again and again. But He never gets tired of helping me, and He always forgives me when I confess my sins to Him.”

“So, like the vacuum in our wall, Jesus is always here and always ready to help us, and He’s way better at cleaning than we are,” said Ethan.

“Exactly,” Mom said with a grin. “We just have to remember He’s with us and bring Him our mess.”

The boys all nodded. “I like that,” Evan said. “And I really like the vacuum.”

Mom laughed again. “Me too, bub. Me too.”

–LaVerne Vest

How about you? Do you try to clean up life’s messes on your own? Or do you bring them to Jesus? Think about one “mess” you’ve carried this week—maybe you got angry with a sibling, struggled with your homework, or had an argument with a friend. Instead of holding it in or working hard to handle it on your own, talk to Jesus. Tell Him about your worries, struggles, and shortcomings. Then trust Him to forgive any wrongs and to help you with difficulties.

Today’s key verse: Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Today’s key thought: Jesus takes your mess

Read: Psalm 139:13-18; Ephesians 2:8-10

After church, Elizabeth and Mom climbed into the car. “I liked my class today,” Elizabeth said. “It was lots of fun.”

“Good,” said Mom. “Tell me about it.”

“We learned about a Bible story, and we sang some songs.” Elizabeth began to hum one of them.

Mom grinned. “I know that song! I think it’s one of the first ones you learned. Let’s sing it.” So together they sang the words: “Jesus loves me, this I know.”

Elizabeth stopped singing and looked at her mom. “Does God really love me?” she asked.

“Of course He does!” Mom said. “God loves you very much.”

“Why?” asked Elizabeth. “Why does He love me?”

“Well, think of it this way.” Mom pointed to a picture Elizabeth held in her hand. “I see you have a picture full of flowers and trees and nice green grass. That picture is special to you, isn’t it? Why do you like it so much?”

Elizabeth looked at her drawing. “I made it in class today,” she said proudly.

Mom smiled and nodded. “It’s something like that with God. He made us, and that’s one reason why we’re very special to Him. It’s one of the reasons He loves us.”

“So God loves me the way I love my picture?” Elizabeth asked.

“Well, I know your picture is special to you, but you know what? You’re more special to God than that. Much more! He loves you even more than I do.”

Elizabeth gazed at her picture. “Whoa,” she said. “That’s a lot, isn’t it, Mom?”

“Yes, it is,” said Mom. “God loves us all so much that He sent Jesus, His very own Son, to die for our sins and make us His children. That’s another reason He loves us—because we belong to Him. When we trust in Jesus, He makes us new people and helps us share His love with others. The Bible calls us His handiwork—His masterpiece or artwork.”

When they got home, Mom helped Elizabeth put her artwork on her bedroom wall where she could see it every morning when she woke up. And every morning it reminded her that God made her and that she was special to Him.

–Karen E. Cogan

How about you? Is there something that’s special to you because you made it? Well, God made you, and you’re very special to Him. In fact, God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die so you could be His child. Do you love Him too? Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior? Don’t wait any longer. Put your trust in the one who made you and loves you. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)

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: God made you and loves you

Read: Luke 6:27-36

“Muffie!” yelled two-year-old Reya as she toddled into the living room. She plunked down on the floor next to Muffin, the family dog. Reya reached out a chubby hand and pulled Muffin’s fluffy brown tail. Muffin didn’t bite or even growl. She just moved away as quickly as she could, lying down by the fireplace. Reya followed. She tugged on Muffin’s ear. “Nice doggie,” she cooed. Muffin still didn’t growl or bite. Instead, she licked Reya’s knee with her rough tongue.

“Careful, Reya,” said Mom. She walked over, gently loosened the little girl’s hand, and helped her stroke the dog’s head. “Be nice to Muffin.”

“Why does Muffin put up with all that torture?” asked Charlotte, who was sitting on the sofa with a book.

“No matter how many times Reya pulls her tail or ears, Muffin puts up with it and doesn’t even growl at her.”

“Muffin loves Reya, just like she loves the rest of our family,” Mom replied.

Charlotte nodded. “Muffin sure is a good dog. I wouldn’t be so nice if I were her!”

“We’re blessed to have a faithful dog who is so loving and patient with Reya,” said Mom. She smiled as Reya laid her head down on Muffin’s back. “Muffin is a good example of how we all should treat other people—even those who don’t treat us well.”

“Like when people are mean to us?” Charlotte asked.

“Yes,” said Mom. “We need to do what the Bible teaches and show them love. Instead of trying to get even, we need to talk with them and resolve our issues in a calm way. Many times, people who hurt us don’t mean to—just like Reya doesn’t mean to hurt Muffin. But even when they’re mean to us on purpose, Jesus wants us to do good to them. He died to save us from sin when we were His enemies, and He wants us to treat others with the same kind of love. It’s not easy, but He promises to help us show His love to everyone.”

Charlotte smiled. “Love like Muffin’s?”

Mom smiled too. “Love even greater than that. Jesus is the only one who can give us humans the kind of love we need to treat others the way we’d like to be treated ourselves.”

–Wanda E. Brunstetter

How about you? Do you treat others the way you’d want to be treated? The key verse for today is called the Golden Rule, and it’s one of Jesus’s greatest commands. It can be hard to follow when someone treats you badly, but remember that Jesus was treated badly too. He died on a cross so He could save you! Trust Him to fill your heart with His love so you can treat others the way He would.

Today’s key verse: Do for other people what you would like to have them do for you. Luke 6:31 (NLV)

Today’s key thought: Love like Jesus

Read: James 5:16-18

“I wish I had a hundred dollars to put in the offering tomorrow!” Isabella told her mom. “The missionaries we’re collecting money for really need it, and I want to help them care for people and tell them about Jesus.”

“If you’ll clean the cupboards for me this afternoon, I’ll pay you—not a hundred dollars, but a little,” said Mom. “Have you prayed about the money you’d like to give?”

“Prayed for a hundred dollars?” asked Isabella. “No.”

“You should,” Mom said. “Trust God to provide whatever amount He wants you to give.”

Isabella was cleaning the cupboards when her friend Lillian came over. “I can play as soon as I finish cleaning this cupboard,” Isabella told Lillian. She sat down and looked at the cupboard. “I wish I was done.”

“Well, I’ll help you,” said Lillian. “That’ll do more good than wishing.”

“I know.” Isabella stood up. “I’m always wishing for things, and Mom keeps telling me that wishing doesn’t help. Praying does. So guess what I’m praying for now? A hundred dollars for the missionary offering!” She got down on her hands and knees to pull out something that was stuck in a corner of the cabinet. “Look,” she said, holding up an old penny. “This must be the start of the answer to my prayers!” The girls laughed at the joke.

The next morning, the only offering Isabella had was the old penny and the money Mom had paid her. All together, it was far from a hundred dollars.

That afternoon Lillian came over looking excited. “My dad helped count the offering this morning,” she told Isabella, “and he noticed that old penny. He collects coins, and he says it’s valuable—he said it might be worth over a hundred dollars! When I told Dad you were the one who gave it, he said I should tell you and give you a chance to take it back. Otherwise he can sell it and give the money to the missionaries.” She stopped to catch her breath. “So? Do you want it back?”

Isabella stared at her in amazement. “Of course I don’t want it back! I’m giving it to the missionary offering, whatever it’s worth.” She grinned. “I prayed for money to give, and God answered my prayer in a way I never expected!”

–Agnes Livezey

How about you? Are there things you wish were different? It doesn’t help to just wish for things. When you stop wishing and start praying, things happen. God works wonders when His people pray. That doesn’t mean He will always answer your prayers the way you want, but He will use your prayers to help you grow in your faith and show His love to those around you. Pray and trust Him to use your prayers for good.

Today’s key verse: The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Pray and trust God

Read: James 4:4-10

“Hey there, Noah,” Mr. Davis called from his yard as Noah passed by his neighbor’s house. “Problems? You don’t look very happy.”

Noah walked over to talk with him. “My friends are all mad at me,” he said. “Some of my school friends told some of the kids at church that I said bad things about them.”

“And did you?” Mr. Davis asked.

“Well, the kids at school are always gossiping about people they know, so I started doing it too.” Noah wiped a hand across his eyes. “I didn’t want them to tease me for not joining in, so I told a few stories about the kids at church. The thing is, I didn’t even like it—I felt bad because they’re my friends and I knew it was wrong—but now they say I’m two-faced, and no one likes me anymore.”

Mr. Davis sighed. “Noah, you remind me of a chameleon—a lizard that changes colors. When it’s against the bark of a tree, it turns brown. When it’s against a leaf, it turns green. Now, God intended for chameleons to be that way so they could protect themselves from predators, but He didn’t intend for Christians to be like that. He wants us to show our true Christian colors all the time.”

“But it’s hard to be so different from the other kids,” Noah said.

“Well, Jesus never said it would be easy to follow Him. The Bible tells us that being a Christian often means people will make fun of us for loving Jesus and obeying Him. After all, Jesus was mocked by the very people He set out to save, and sometimes we’ll be treated badly too. That’s why we need to depend on Him for the strength to show our true colors instead of trying to blend in. When you refuse to join in your school friends’ gossip, you’re showing them how Jesus is helping you love others and treat them with kindness.”

Noah sighed. “I guess I should apologize to both my school friends and my church friends, huh?”

“I think that would be a good place to start,” Mr. Davis said. “And tell Jesus you’re sorry too. He’ll forgive you and help you show your true colors so others will know you belong to Him.”

–Barbara J. Westberg

How about you? Are you like a chameleon—trying to blend in with those around you? Depending on who you’re with, do you sometimes tell mean jokes and make fun of people, and other times act in a kind, loving way? As a Christian, Jesus wants you to show others His love all the time, not just when it’s convenient. Trust Him to help you let your true colors stand out.

Today’s key verse: Do not offer any part of yourself to sin…but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life. Romans 6:13 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Be true to Jesus

Read: Psalm 145:18-19; Romans 8:38-39

“It’s gone!” Abigail exclaimed one morning as she and her older sister walked to the school where they attended day camp. “They just put it up, and now it’s gone!” A huge telescope had recently been installed on a mountain near their town. The girls usually saw it clearly as they walked down their street.

Sophia laughed. “In this fog, lots of things are gone. They’re really just hidden by the fog. I’m sure we’ll be able to see the telescope by the time we walk home this afternoon.”

Sophia was right. As they walked home, the telescope was visible again, but by then Abigail had something else on her mind. “I don’t want to go to camp tomorrow,” she said. “There’s a girl in my craft class who doesn’t like me, and I’m scared of her. She’s mean!”

“Maybe I can stay with you most of the time tomorrow,” Sophia suggested.

“But we’re taking different craft classes—and you’re in a different age group,” Abigail replied. “You can’t stay with me all day.”

Sophia thought for a minute. “No, I can’t—but you know someone who can!”

“I do?” asked Abigail. “Who?”

“Think about the Bible verse we read in our family devotions last week—Jesus is always with us,” Sophia replied.

Abigail rolled her eyes at her sister. “I know that, but I can’t see Jesus!”

Sophia was quiet for a minute. Then she pointed toward the big telescope on the mountain. “We couldn’t see that telescope this morning, but it was there. And even though we can’t see Jesus, He’s there too. He loves us so much that He died for our sins, and He promises to always be with us.”

Abigail sighed. “Okay. You can stay with me until we have to split up for craft classes,” she said. Then she smiled. “And then I’ll remember that Jesus is with me the rest of the time—even though I can’t see Him.”

Sophia smiled at her sister. “Let’s talk to Mom when we get home. She might have more ideas about what to do about this girl who’s been bothering you.”

–Karen R. Locklear

How about you? Do you ever wish you could see Jesus? Perhaps when you have a nightmare or get lost in a store? Even when you face scary things, you can breathe a little easier just by thinking of one thing—the fact that even though you can’t see Him, Jesus is right there with you. He promises to always be with those who trust in Him, and He keeps His promises!

Today’s key verse: I [Jesus] am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Jesus is always with you

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:16; 5:1-5

“Hey, kids, how about a camping trip to the mountains this weekend?” Dad asked enthusiastically at the dinner table one night.

“I’m in!” yelled Rico. He wanted to get his vote in before his older sister said something negative.

Sure enough, Cara frowned. “Dad, remember the last time we went camping? Our tent collapsed in the middle of the night because we didn’t put it up right, and the mosquitos nearly ate us alive.”

Rico giggled. “Don’t forget the night we camped on a beach. When the tide came in, water sloshed into our tent. Everything got soaked!”

“The scariest experience for me,” said Mom, “was lying in the tent listening to some animal making a racket outside. I was sure it was a bear.”

“But it was only a cute little raccoon!” Dad grinned. “Fun memories, huh? Reminds me of something I read in the Bible the other day about tents.” He got up to find his Bible.

“Really? The Bible talks about tents?” Rico asked.

“Yup. Here it is. Second Corinthians 5:1-5.” Dad read the passage aloud.

“You see?” Cara looked triumphant. “Even the Bible says tents are trouble!”

Mom laughed. “Except those verses are really comparing our bodies to tents. It’s saying that as long as we’re in our frail human skin, we’re at risk of experiencing all kinds of sicknesses, temptations, and hardships.”

“Right,” said Dad. “But don’t forget that it also says our weak bodies are temporary. We’ll only have them for as long as we live on this earth. One day, when Jesus returns, He will provide those who trust in Him with a new home—He’s going to get rid of sin, sickness, and death forever and make the whole world new. And there we will have perfect bodies. Invincible!”

“Like Superman!” shouted Rico. “Cool!”

“Well, in the meantime,” said Mom, “what do you say we trade the tent for a mountain lodge this weekend, maybe near a lake?”

Everyone cheered but Dad, who shrugged good-naturedly. “Okay, okay. I hear you! But we’re not through with camping. We’ve got plenty more adventures out there, just waiting for us!”

–Deborah Meroff

How about you? Have you ever thought of your body as a kind of tent? A tent is temporary—it’s meant to be used for a short time while you’re away from home. And this world is not our home—as Christians, our home is with Jesus. One day He will come back and make the world new so it can be our home forever, and He’ll give us perfect bodies that will never wear out! Until then, remember He’s with you in the temporary hardships you face.

Today’s key verse: For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened. 2 Corinthians 5:4 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Our weak bodies are temporary

Read: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Chan walked into the six-inch-deep stream right behind his friend Oliver. The water filled his shoes and stuck his pants to his ankles. The round stones shifted under his feet as he slogged through the water.

Further downstream the rocks became larger and rougher, the ground more uneven, and the water muddy. Chan felt around with one foot before taking each step. Even when he found a good rock, sometimes the surface was slick.

Suddenly his foot slipped. He fought for balance, but he fell with a huge splash.

Oliver hurried back to him. “Chan, are you okay?” he asked, reaching down to help Chan to his feet.

“I’m fine,” Chan said. “I mean, besides being so wet.” He laughed and tried not to cry. His elbow hurt, and he had scraped his knee. He wasn’t sure he wanted to keep walking. He would probably just fall again.

“I have an idea,” said Oliver. “Put your arm around my shoulder, and I’ll put my arm around yours. Now let’s try walking in the creek.”

Chan and Oliver took a step forward at the same time. Then another. And another. Suddenly Chan slipped again, but this time Oliver held him up.

After a couple more steps, Oliver slipped, and Chan caught him. They started walking faster and with more confidence, and whenever one of them slipped, the other caught him so he didn’t fall.

“This is fun,” Chan said. “I was scared I’d fall again, but now I feel safe.”

“Maybe we can help each other out of the water too,” Oliver said. “You know, like Pastor Evans was talking about in church last week. He said Christians need to hold each other up spiritually when we start to fall. That’s why going to church and having Christian friends is so important.”

“How can we hold each other up spiritually?” Chan asked. He thought about it. “I know! We could talk about what we read in the Bible.”

“Yeah, and we can share stuff we’re struggling with or worried about and pray for each other,” added Oliver.

“That sounds like a great idea,” Chan said, holding on to his friend as he walked across another slippery rock. “We’re stronger together!”

–Amy Glendinning

How about you? Do you ever feel like the Christian life is too hard? Do you forget to read your Bible or have trouble praying? Maybe you’re discouraged about struggles in your life. Jesus never meant for you to walk with Him alone. Become friends with other Christians and talk often about Jesus and His promises in the Bible so you can encourage and support each other as you walk with Him.

Today’s key verse: Two are better than one…For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Christians can help each other

Read: Romans 5:6-11

Oh no! Poor little bird! Aelin thought when she noticed a bird fluttering around in the grass. It’s hurt. I think it has a broken wing. Maybe I can help it. She picked up her butterfly net and tried to catch the bird, moving slowly and quietly toward it. But each time she got close, it flapped its wings and wiggled out of her reach. The bird led her to the front of the house. Just when she thought she could catch it, the bird flew up and perched on a power line high above her. Aelin was surprised. That bird can fly! Why was it acting like its wing was hurt? She ran into the house to ask her mom about it.

Mom smiled when she heard Aelin’s story. “There’s a nest with baby birds in the maple tree out back,” she said. “I think that must have been the mother bird, and she wanted to lead you away from her babies.”

“But wasn’t she afraid I’d catch her?” Aelin asked.

“Maybe, but she’d rather have you come after her than get too close to her family.” Mom smiled at Aelin and gave her a hug. “She’s a good mother, isn’t she? Parents who love their children that much would do almost anything to keep them safe.”

“Wow!” Aelin said. “I guess we don’t think about that very often.”

“What’s even better is that someone loves us more than parents do,” said Mom. “Someone actually died for us!”

Aelin smiled. “You mean Jesus, don’t you?”

Mom nodded. “He willingly gave His life for us so we could have our sins forgiven and live with Him forever. We know that, but we don’t often think about how much love it took. It makes me feel good to think someone loves me that much.”

“Me too,” said Aelin.

When Aelin went back outside to play, she heard baby birds chirping way up in the tree. “Your mother loves you,” she called to them, “but Jesus loves me even more!”

–Karen Cogan

How about you? Do you realize how much Jesus loves you? He loves you so much that He came down to earth and suffered and died on the cross so that you could be saved from sin and have eternal life with Him. Have you responded to His great love by trusting Him as your Savior? If not, trust in Him today! (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)

Today’s key verse: We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. 1 John 3:16 (NLT)

Today’s key thought: Jesus loves you