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

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Towering Fears Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

“Mr. Robinson asked me to give my testimony at our youth group meeting Sunday night,” Olivia told her mother as they walked along a path in the woods. “I’m going to tell him I just can’t do it! I’m too scared!” She pointed toward a nearby hill. “There’s the old fire lookout tower, Mom. Looks like somebody’s on duty there today. Do you think they’ll let us climb it? I’ve never done that.”

“Let’s check it out,” said Mom.

When they walked over to the tower, Olivia hesitated. “I don’t know,” she said as she looked up at flight after flight of stairs leading to the top of the tower. “It looks scary! I don’t really like being up so high.”

“I’ll be behind you to make sure you don’t fall,” Mom assured her. So after they got permission, Olivia and her mother began climbing.

The higher they climbed, the scarier it seemed, but Olivia could feel her mom’s presence right behind her. And when they finally reached the top, Olivia was amazed as she looked out over the forest. Brilliant colors from the setting sun clung to clouds on the horizon. It made a spectacular canopy over the trees and hills below. “Wow, this is awesome!” said Olivia.

“Was it worth being scared?” Mom asked.

“It sure was,” said Olivia. “Besides, even though I was scared, I knew you were with me.”

“You know,” said Mom, “if you let fear keep you from giving your testimony, you might miss something as awesome as this view.”

“What do you mean?” asked Olivia.

“It’s awesome to see what God does when we share how He’s working in our lives with others,” replied Mom.

“But what if I get so scared I can’t even talk?” asked Olivia.

“I’m not saying you’ll breeze right through it, but just like I was with you and ready to help you on these stairs, God will be with you and help you speak about Jesus and how He’s changed your life. Even if you mess up, He’ll be there to support you and use what you say to bless others.”

Olivia hesitated, then nodded. “Okay,” she said. “Even though it’s scary, I’ll trust God to help me.”

–Katherine R. Adams

How about you? Is there something you believe God wants you to do? Someone you should reach out to or talk to about Jesus? If you feel afraid, remember that God will be with you and help you. He is working in your life so that you can point others to Jesus and help them know He loves them and gave His life to save them. Trust Him to help you serve Him and share His love with others in spite of your fear.

Today's Key Verse: For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (NLT) 2 Timothy 1:7

Today's Key Thought: Don’t be afraid to serve God

Storms of Life Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Read: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Javier looked out the window. Rain rattled on the roof, and thunder jolted his eardrums. “Why is it so loud, Mom?” he asked.

“The storm is getting closer,” replied Mom. “The reporter on TV said the basement is the safest place in storms like this, so let’s go.” Mom handed Javier a jug of water and a couple of flashlights. “You can carry these,” she said. “I’ll grab some snacks and our emergency pack.”

They hurried down the stairs and huddled in a corner of the basement as the wind shook the house. “The wind is so strong,” said Javier nervously.

“Yes,” said Mom, “but we’re sheltered from it. And we have snacks and lights and other supplies to keep us comfortable.” She handed him a granola bar.

“Thanks—peanut butter’s my favorite!” Javier bit into the bar and chewed thoughtfully. “It’s good to be prepared for storms like this, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is,” said Mom. “Did you know God wants us to also prepare for storms that may come along in life?”

“So we’ll be ready for whatever happens to us?” asked Javier.

“Exactly. Can you think of ways we can be ready for whatever happens in our lives here on earth?”

“Well, we believed what the weather reporter said and came to the basement, and we also need to believe what God says and trust Jesus to save us from sin,” said Javier.

“Good,” said Mom. “That’s most important. What else?”

"We brought lights,” said Javier. “And the Bible is called a light, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” said Mom. “It shows us our need for Jesus and the sacrifice He made to save us, and it shines on our lives so we can follow the path God wants for us as His children. Any more ideas?”

“Uh…we brought food and water,” said Javier. “Is that like the Bible too?”

Mom nodded. “As we get to know Jesus through what He says in the Bible, He will nourish us spiritually and remind us to trust Him for strength when life brings hard times.”

Javier sat up straight. “Hey, Mom, it’s not blowing so hard anymore! Shouldn’t we pray and thank God for protecting us?”

“You bet!” said Mom, and together they bowed their heads.

–Jaclyn S. Miller

How about you? Are you prepared for life’s storms? Everyone experiences hard times in their lives, but you can be ready for them before they come. Do you trust in Jesus? That’s most important. Jesus promises to always be with those who trust in Him and give us strength in tough times. Talk to Him and let Him encourage you and guide you through the light of His Word. When you face hard times, trust Him to help you weather the storm.

Today's Key Verse: Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work. (ERV) 2 Timothy 3:17

Today's Key Thought: Prepare for life’s storms

Middle School Blues Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Read: Matthew 6:25-32

"It’s hard to believe you’re already old enough to be in middle school this year, Mateo,” Mom said as they drove home after shopping for school clothes.

“Don’t remind me,” Mateo said miserably. “I wish I could stay at my old school forever.”

“Why?” asked Mom.

“Last year there weren’t any older kids to pick on us,” replied Mateo. “I liked being one of the oldest kids in the school.”

“Sounds like you have the middle school blues before you even get there,” said Mom.

“Well, this year my class will be the youngest, so we’ll have to deal with all the older kids,” said Mateo.

Mom pointed to a little girl on a tricycle crossing the street with her mother. “Remember your tricycle?” she asked. “Why don’t you ride it anymore?”

“Ride my tricycle?” asked Mateo in surprise. “That would look weird!” He grinned at the thought. “I’m too big to ride that thing now.”

“Remember how you prayed every night for weeks that you could take the training wheels off your first two-wheel bike?” Mom asked as the traffic light turned green and they went through the busy intersection.

Mateo laughed. “I remember that. I didn’t want to be a baby forever.”

“It seems like you do now,” said Mom. “At least when it comes to school.”

Mateo frowned. “School is different.”

“Somewhat different,” Mom said as they turned into their driveway. “But in a way, going from your tricycle to a bike with training wheels to a bike without them is a lot like going from elementary to middle school to high school.”

Mateo sighed. “I guess.”

“And whenever you fell off your tricycle or bike, Dad and I were there to help,” Mom reminded him. “We’re still here to help you—we’ll support you and pray for you every day. And you should pray too! Give your worries to Jesus, and trust Him to help you deal with new situations. Even though middle school seems scary, He promises to be with you and use this new phase of your life to help you grow in your relationship with Him. Trust Him to help you one day at a time, and enjoy today!”

–Ruth McQuilkin

How about you? Do you worry about going to a new school or moving to a new place? Do you wonder how things will turn out even further down the road—like finding a job or getting married? It’s good to pray about future events in your life, but don’t worry about them. Trust Jesus to guide you through the years ahead and help you through whatever changes you face. Then enjoy life with Him today!

Today's Key Verse: Do not worry about tomorrow. (NKJV) Matthew 6:34

Today's Key Thought: Give worries to Jesus and enjoy today

Becoming Friends Aug 03, 2025

Show notes

Read: Proverbs 18:24; Philippians 2:3-8

Luke sat in the pew and stared off into space as his parents talked to some friends nearby. His stomach growled loudly, and he hoped his family would leave soon.

“What are you doing sitting here by yourself?”

Luke looked up as Mr. Bryant sat down in the pew in front of him. “Nothing,” Luke said with a smile. He liked talking to Mr. Bryant.

“Why don’t you go talk to someone?” Mr. Bryant asked.

Luke shrugged. “I don’t have any friends here,” he said.

“What do you mean you don’t have friends?” Mr. Bryant looked around the church. “I bet the kids over there are your age.” He pointed to someone up front. “And I know he’s your age!”

Luke looked and saw that Mr. Bryant was pointing to his grandson standing by the piano. “It’s just—it’s hard to know what to say to other kids,” he told Mr. Bryant. “I don’t mind being by myself.”

Mr. Bryant cleared his throat. “Remember when you first started coming to church here with your family? I totally ignored you, and that’s how we became friends, right?”

Luke laughed. “No! You were one of the first people to say hello, and we talk all the time now.”

Mr. Bryant nodded and leaned his arm on top of the pew. “Listen, Luke. You want friends, don’t you?” Luke nodded. “Well,” Mr. Bryant said, “to have friends, you have to be friendly and take an interest in others. You have to go right up and introduce yourself, like I did when I first met you.”

“But it’s hard,” Luke said.

“So’s math,” said Mr. Bryant with a grin. “But you don’t have to do it on your own. Jesus is the greatest Friend there is—He became one of us and died to save us so we could be His friends forever! With His help, I think you’ll make one of those friends the Bible talks about—one that sticks closer than a brother.”

Luke thought about that and smiled. “I guess that’d be cool.”

Mr. Bryant leaned over and gave Luke a friendly slap on the shoulder. “Now you’re talking.” He looked at his watch and got up. “See you later, Luke.” He jerked his thumb toward his grandson. “Now go say hello.”

–Katlyn Traxler

How about you? Do you need a friend? Trying to make friends can be scary, but it gets easier the more you practice. Trust Jesus to help you be the kind of friend He is—one who cares about others and takes an interest in their lives. Ask Him to give you the courage to reach out to those around you and be friendly. Just saying hello to someone new could be the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

Today's Key Verse: A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NKJV) Proverbs 18:24

Today's Key Thought: Be a friend

Waiting Aug 02, 2025

Show notes

Read: Psalm 130:5-7

"It felt like forever before it was Daisy’s turn to ride the swinging ship. She watched the line slowly move forward each time a new group got on the ride. Finally, it was her turn!

“Ready?” Dad grinned.

“More than ready!” Daisy hurried to find a seat.

The ride was just as fun as she expected, and she screamed each time it went down. Her stomach flip-flopped a little, but she still loved it.

“Can we go again?” Daisy asked as soon as they were finished.

Dad pointed toward the line. “It’s still long.”

“I don’t mind,” Daisy said. Now that she knew how fun the ride was, she could wait forever.

“You’re sure you wouldn’t rather ride something else?” Dad asked, pointing toward a shorter line. Daisy quickly shook her head. Dad smiled and led her to the end of the long line. “Some things are worth waiting for, huh?”

“Yeah,” Daisy said.

Dad put his hand on her shoulder. “As you get older, you’ll realize other things are worth waiting for too. Sometimes we have to be patient to get something good.”

“Like a ride on a swinging ship?” Daisy asked.

“And things even better than that,” Dad said as they slowly moved forward in line. “God has good plans for you, Daisy. He loves you so much He sent Jesus to save you from sin and give you eternal life! You can trust Him to bring good things into your life at the right time. Be patient as you wait for Him to show you what they are.”

“What kind of things?” asked Daisy.

“Well, for example, it took a while for me to figure out God was calling me to be a pastor. Waiting for Him to lead me where He wanted me to go wasn’t easy, but it helped me grow in my relationship with Jesus.” Dad smiled. “You can trust God to lead you in what’s best for your life too.”

Daisy nodded. The line didn’t seem so bad when her dad was talking, and she knew how much fun she was going to have at the end. She was glad she could trust God to help her be patient and wait for the good things He had planned for her too.

–Bethany Acker

How about you? Do you ever get impatient? Think of something you know is worth waiting for—like a fun ride or cookies baking in the oven. The good things God has planned for you are worth the wait too. He loves you so much that Jesus died and rose again to save you, and He has good plans for you. Be patient as you wait for Him to show them to you.

Today's Key Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV) Jeremiah 29:11

Today's Key Thought: Wait patiently for God’s plan

A Night Walk Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Read: Proverbs 6:20-23; 1 John 1:6-7

"Whoo, whoo, whoooo!" Kaylee heard the soft hoot of an owl floating through the still night air as she and her dad walked along a narrow path on their way to see the moon rise over the lake. An owl! she thought. She shined her flashlight toward the treetops, hoping to get a glimpse of the bird, but she couldn’t see anything. As she looked straight up and searched the branches, her foot caught on a root sticking up from the path, and she fell down hard.

“Kaylee, are you all right?” Dad hurried to help her up. “What happened?”

“I tripped on a root,” said Kaylee, getting up and brushing herself off. “I was pointing my flashlight up at the trees to see if I could find the owl. I guess I should have kept my light on the path.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” said Dad with a smile. They continued their walk and soon reached the beach. The lake was calm and glassy, and a beautiful silver path led to the moon hanging low over the dark water. They stood and enjoyed the scene in silence for a while. “Well, we’d better head back,” Dad finally said. “Be sure to keep your light on the path this time.”

“I will!” Kaylee assured him. “I’ve learned my lesson. That owl can hoot all he wants—I’m gonna watch where I’m going!”

“I’ve been thinking about a verse in Psalms—one that says God’s Word is a light for our path,” Dad said as they started back. “If we forget to shine the light of God’s Word on our lives, it can cause us to trip and fall in our walk with Jesus.”

“That would be worse than the fall I took, wouldn’t it?” said Kaylee.

Dad nodded. “Jesus is our light in this dark world—He saved us and promises us eternal life with Him. That’s why we need to let His truth light our way and guide us in how we live. And when we trip and fall into sin, the Bible says Jesus will always forgive us when we confess our wrongs.”

Kaylee smiled. “I’ll listen to what God says in the Bible so His light will shine on my path—just like this flashlight!”

–Judith K. Boogaart

How about you? Do you take time to read your Bible? Do you listen when others teach about it and ask them to explain things you don’t understand? As you study God’s Word in your walk with Jesus, it will remind you that you belong to Him and show you how He wants you to turn from sin and love others. Keep reading and listening to what He says in the Bible so His light can shine on the path of your life.

Today's Key Verse Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (NKJV) Psalm 119:105

Today's Key Thought Let God’s truth light your way

Left Behind Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Read: Isaiah 41:8-10; John 14:16-17

Evelyn peeked through the blinds of her bedroom window at the SOLD! sign on her front lawn. She turned back to the sea of boxes surrounding her as a tear slipped from her eye and landed with a wet splat on the cardboard.

I can’t decide if I want my butterfly pillow at Mom’s apartment or Dad’s house, she thought. With a big sigh, she threw it into the box marked Mom along with some other toys and books.

Evelyn’s mom knocked on her door. “Evelyn, is everything okay in there? You need to be finished packing by lunchtime.”

When Evelyn didn’t answer, Mom opened the door and found her silently crying over the open box. “What is it?” Mom asked, wrapping her tightly in a hug.

“I can’t decide if I want my butterfly pillow at your apartment or Dad’s house. I need it to fall asleep,” Evelyn said, wiping her eyes. “Why do we have to sell our house and move into two separate places? I want my pillow with me every night! And I want you and Dad with me every night too.”

“I’m so sorry our divorce has hurt you so badly, Evelyn,” Mom said, rubbing her arm. “We both love you very much, even when we’re not with you. And the good news is you can take your pillow to Dad’s house and then bring it back to my apartment. Your pillow can go everywhere with you. You never have to leave it behind.” Mom picked up Evelyn’s Bible from the open cardboard box. “Just like God promised us in the Bible that He would never leave us. When you trusted in Jesus, God gave you the Holy Spirit to help you, comfort you, and guide you. He is always with you, Evelyn, even when Dad and I are not.”

Mom gently placed Evelyn’s butterfly pillow and Bible into her backpack. “How about we keep these two special things in your bag so they’re easy to take back and forth between my apartment and Dad’s house?”

Evelyn glanced out the window again at the sign in her yard. “Okay,” she said. “I guess I can give it a try.”

–Nicole Kraayenbrink

How about you? Have you experienced the pain and feelings of abandonment that divorce brings? Maybe your own parents are divorced, or an aunt and uncle, or perhaps a friend’s mom and dad. Even when it feels like someone in your life has left you behind, remember that God will never leave you. He cares about you and will always be with you wherever you are.

Today's Key Verse The Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. (CSB) Deuteronomy 31:6

Today's Key Thought God will never leave you

Christmas Every Day Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Read: Matthew 2:1-2; Luke 2:1-16

Visit our store and enjoy Christmas every day of the year!” Georgia read the billboard out loud as she and her family traveled home from a weeklong vacation. “Cool!” she said. “That’s in the town at the next exit, isn’t it? Can we stop at that store?”

Dad shrugged. “Why not? We could use a break from driving. Watch for signs so we’ll know where to turn.”

They found the store, and everyone smiled when they heard “Jingle Bells” playing over the loudspeaker as they walked in. The store was filled with all kinds of Christmas decorations—ornaments, trees, twinkling lights, and wreaths. In one corner, a woman was handing out decorated Christmas cookies.

As Georgia and her parents ate their cookies, they wandered over to a large manger scene. The animals looked so real, Georgia could almost imagine she was in Bethlehem. As she thought about the events of that night long ago, she imagined Mary putting baby Jesus in a manger with all the sounds and smells of animals around them. She thought about the angels singing, the shepherds running to the stable to see Jesus, and the wise men traveling from far away to worship the new King.

“Come on, Georgia,” said Mom, interrupting her daydreams. “Time to be on our way.”

Georgia continued thinking about the manger scene on the drive home. “I wish we could celebrate Christmas all year long like they do at that store,” she said.

“We can!” said Dad. “What is Christmas, Georgia?”

“It’s the time when we remember Jesus being born,” Georgia replied.

“Exactly!” said Dad. “The night God sent His Son to earth as one of us so He could save us from sin. Don’t you think that’s something we should celebrate all year long?”

“Well, sure,” said Georgia. “We should thank God every day for sending Jesus, shouldn’t we?” She grinned. “So can we put up the Christmas tree when we get home?”

Mom laughed and shook her head. “We’ll save that for December,” she said. “We can remember God’s gift of Jesus and the meaning of Christmas without the tree.”

–Linda Weddle

How about you? Are you thankful every day for God’s amazing gift? He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth as a human being to take the punishment for your sin so you could have eternal life with Him. There’s no better gift than that! Don’t wait until December to thank God for His great gift. Jesus is the reason to celebrate Christmas all year long!

Today's Key Verse Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 9:15

Today's Key Thought Think of God’s gift all year long

It’s the Law Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Read: Exodus 20:3-17; Galatians 3:19-22

Graham set a large birthday present on his knees and shut the car door. Mom fastened her seat belt and turned to Graham. “You don’t have your seat belt on.”

“I can’t reach it while I’m holding this present,” said Graham. “It’s only two blocks to Cameron’s house, so I don’t need it anyway.”

“Oh yes, you do! A lot of accidents happen close to home, and a seat belt could save your life. Here, let me help you.” Mom reached over and buckled his seat belt. “There. Now we can go.” She started the car. “Seat belts were put in cars to protect us. And don’t forget—the law says we have to use them.”

“The law,” repeated Graham. “That sounds like something we talked about in church—God’s law. God gave us rules like the Ten Commandments to protect us and help us live good lives, but no one could obey them, so that’s why Jesus had to die for us. Or something like that—I didn’t understand all of it.”

Just then a ball bounced into the street in front of them. Mom hit the brakes and the car screeched to a stop—inches away from a little boy who had dashed after the ball. Graham lurched forward, but his seat belt tightened, holding him back. The little boy grabbed the ball and ran back into his yard.

“If you hadn’t made me wear my seat belt, I would have smashed right into the dashboard!” said Graham.

Mom nodded and started driving again. “Good thing you obeyed the law and had your seat belt on. But were you able to buckle it yourself?”

“No,” said Graham. “I was holding Cameron’s present, so you had to buckle it for me.”

“And that’s what Jesus does for us,” said Mom. “Sin is like that present you’re holding—it makes us unable to obey God’s law. None of us is good enough to have eternal life with God. That’s why Jesus had to pay for our sin on the cross. When we trust in Him, He buckles His goodness around us like a seat belt and saves us!”

“Oh—I get it now!” Graham smiled. “Thanks for buckling my seat belt, Mom—you saved me! And I’m thankful Jesus saved me too.”

–Eunice C. Matchett

How about you? Do you always wear your seat belt? Seat belts save lives—that’s why a lot of places have laws that require you to use them. Jesus saves lives too. Because of sin, none of us can obey God’s law, so Jesus lived a perfect life and died to take our punishment. Trust Him to save you and give you His goodness so you can live with Him forever. (To learn more, go to https://new.keysforkids.org/goodnews.)

Today's Key Verse Adam did not obey God, and many people become sinners through him. Christ obeyed God and makes many people right with Himself. (NLV) Romans 5:19

Today's Key Thought Jesus saves lives

In God’s Hands Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Read: Psalm 56:3-4, 8-11

Nico grinned as his sister lay back on her inflatable raft. “I’m going to pop your float,” he told her. “You’ll sink.”

Maya smiled, unfazed. “My life jacket will hold me up.”

“What if I take the life jacket?” Nico asked.

Maya shrugged. “It still won’t matter. This is the shallow end, and the water only reaches up to my waist.”

“Well then, maybe I’ll just pick you up and dunk you under,” said Nico.

Maya grinned and pointed to Mom sitting at the side of the pool. “With Mom there, I’ll be just fine.”

A while later, Mom’s phone rang. “Time to go inside, kids,” she said after she hung up. “I need to go pick Dad up from work. He just called to say he feels really sick, so I’m going to take him to the emergency room.”

Maya and Nico gave each other worried looks. “Okay, Mom,” Nico said.

Mom was gone quite a while, and when she returned home, Dad wasn’t with her. “What’s wrong with Dad?” asked Maya anxiously.

“We don’t know for sure yet, but they admitted him as a patient at the hospital,” replied Mom. “Hopefully it’s nothing serious.”

Nico felt nervous too. “What if it is really serious?” he asked. “Aren’t you scared, Mom?”

“Of course I am,” said Mom. “But I’m thankful to know that God is in control and no matter what happens, Dad—and each of us—will be okay because we’re in God’s hands. We’ll pray for Dad, and we need to trust God to take care of him.”

“But what if something’s really wrong with Dad?” asked Nico. “How could that ever be okay?”

“Earlier today I heard you teasing your sister in the pool,” Mom told him. “But Maya knew that no matter what you did, she’d be okay because I was there and would take care of her. Well, we can have absolute confidence that no matter what happens, we’ll be okay because Jesus died and rose again to save us and give us eternal life. He will always be with us and take care of us—even if the worst were to happen. We’re safe in His hands.”

–Nance E. Keyes

How about you? Has something happened that makes you feel sad or scared? Is someone you love sick? Has a parent lost a job? Did your parents get divorced? Whatever your troubles are, Jesus knows all about them. He loves you so much that He gave His life to save you, and He’s right there with you. Trust Him to watch over you, no matter what happens.

Today's Key Verse Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. (NKJV) Psalm 56:3

Today's Key Thought Trust Jesus to care for you

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