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

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Under the Covers May 18, 2025

Show notes

BOOM! Seven-year-old Carter sat up in bed. Rain spattered against the window, and lightning streaks made his room as bright as day. He could see his favorite teddy bear propped in a corner. BOOM! Another loud crash of thunder. Carter burrowed under his covers, a pillow pressed over his ears.

From under the blankets, Carter peeked toward the wall where the rosy glow of a nightlight usually shone, but between flashes of lightning, only blackness filled the room. Cautiously, he poked the button of a little table lamp near his bed, but instead of warm, friendly light, there was nothing. Trembling, he buried himself even deeper in his bed.

Rain poured down harder outside, sounding as if someone were hurling tennis balls against the house. Wide awake now, Carter wondered if he dared make a run for his parents’ room. Just then he felt a soft touch through his blanket. “Mom?” he asked in a muffled voice.

“I’m here, honey.”

Carter looked out from his blanket tent and, as another flash of lightning illuminated the room, saw his mother in her fuzzy green robe standing next to him. Another BOOM shook the house. “Noisy, isn’t it?” said Mom. As she sat down on the edge of Carter’s bed, the power came back on. With Mom there, and with the familiar light filling the room, Carter no longer felt afraid. “Did you remember that Jesus is right here with you, Carter?” asked Mom. “He was watching over you even before I came in. He controls the wind and rain, you know. We don’t have to be afraid because He’s with us.”

Carter began to feel sleepy as he listened to his mother’s comforting voice. Her hands closed around his, and he heard her saying, “Thank You, Jesus, for loving Carter and especially for being here with him during the storm.” Outside, the storm rumbled farther away while rain dripped quietly from the roof. Through almost-closed eyes, Carter saw his mom turn the light off and tiptoe from his room.

“Thank You, Jesus,” whispered Carter. “I’m so glad You’re always here.” He yawned, snuggled under his covers, and soon fell asleep.

–Phyllis I. Klomparens

How about you? Are you afraid of thunderstorms? Or maybe there’s something else that scares you, like meeting new people or being alone in the dark. When you’re in a situation that makes you feel scared, remember that Jesus is with you and trust Him to comfort you and help you not be afraid. He loves you so much that He gave His life to save you, and He is always watching over you. Trust Him to take care of you.

Today's Key Verse: [Jesus] said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (NIV) Mark 4:40

Today's Key Thought: Jesus is always with you

Pretender May 17, 2025

Show notes

Read: Matthew 15:7-9; Titus 1:15-16

"Look,” said Adrian, pointing to an insect he and his sister Eva had caught out in the garden. “Maybe it’s praying!” Sure enough, the bug’s forelegs were folded together as if in prayer. “Let’s see if we can find out what it is.”

The kids searched online and found a picture of the bug they had caught. “It’s a praying mantis,” said Adrian.

“Does it really pray?” asked Eva.

Adrian laughed. “Of course not! Bugs don’t pray. I wonder what we should feed it?” He scrolled down the page. “This says they eat other insects and like to eat their prey alive.”

“Gross!” said Eva, wrinkling up her nose.

“It says here that if you put a small piece of meat on a string and move it in front of a praying mantis, he may think it’s alive and eat it,” said Adrian. “Let’s try it!”

Adrian put a tiny piece of hamburger on the end of a string, and sure enough, the mantis lunged for it.

“So, did your new pet like the food you gave him?” asked Mom.

Adrian nodded. “The website we found said praying mantises are vicious little creatures. It said the female will even eat her husband if she gets hungry enough.”

“You little hypocrite,” said Mom, looking at the bug. “You look so faithful and devoted with your forelegs folded like that, but you’re a pretender—you don’t mean it at all.”

Eva giggled. “That would be a good name for him.” So Pretender he became.

Whenever Adrian looked at Pretender, he felt a bit funny inside. At dinnertime he folded his hands and said “Amen” after his parents, but he never cared to listen to what was being said. I’m just like that bug, he thought. I’m not really praying—I’m just pretending. Adrian knew Jesus loved him, and he pretended he loved Jesus too. But he had never asked Jesus to be his Savior.

As Adrian snuggled down into his blankets one night, God seemed to be whispering to him, Haven’t you been a pretender long enough? Suddenly, Adrian tossed off the blankets and got up. I’m going to talk to Mom and Dad! he thought. I want to quit pretending and become a real Christian.

–Matilda H. Nordtvedt

How about you? Are you just going through the motions so others think you’re a Christian? Are you more focused on fitting in or pleasing your parents than on God and what He thinks? God loves you so much He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins so you could have eternal life with Him. He wants a real relationship with you, not a pretend one. Become a real Christian by trusting in Jesus today. (To learn more, go to https://new.keysforkids.org/goodnews.)

Today's Key Verse: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. (NIV) Matthew 15:8

Today's Key Thought: Don’t be a pretend Christian

Stop the Squeak May 16, 2025

Show notes

Read: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 45:7; 1 Corinthians 10:10-12

"Hey, Amy! Don’t forget to get the wastebasket from my room,” said Greyson as he opened the door to go out.

Amy scowled at him. “I hate taking out the trash.” She turned to her mother. “Greyson always gets the easy stuff to do while I have to tramp around the house collecting smelly old garbage!”

“You chose that job for this month,” Mom reminded her. “You said you were tired of dusting and folding laundry and that Greyson always got the easy jobs—like emptying the trash.” Amy muttered to herself as she left to start collecting wastebaskets.

A little later, the back door squeaked loudly as Greyson pushed it open and came back in.

“That squeaky door is driving me crazy!” Amy said crossly. “Quit going in and out, Greyson.”

Her brother grinned and turned back toward the door. “I think I left something outside. I’ll be back in a minute.” He swung the door back and forth.

“Mom, make him stop!” Amy whined, covering her ears.

“Enough, Greyson,” said Mom. “Quit teasing.”

Just then Dad opened the squeaky door. “I guess it’s about time for me to oil these hinges,” he said. “They’re complaining pretty loudly.” He let the door squeak shut behind him as he walked in. “Remember the Bible verses we read for devotions last night—the ones about the Israelites after they left Egypt? They complained a lot—just like this screen door. It needs oil, and I think they needed to apply oil to their lives by remembering God was with them and promised to take care of them. Perhaps that would be what the Bible calls the oil of joy.”

“Yeah. Some people around here need some of that oil too,” said Greyson, giving his sister a grin.

Amy sighed. “I guess I have been pretty squeaky lately.”

“Well, you can apply oil to that squeak by remembering the joy you have in Jesus,” said Dad. “He saved us from sin so we could be filled with the joy of knowing Him for all eternity. We can experience that joy by remembering He loves us and is always with us—even when things don’t go our way.”

Amy straightened up. “Okay…sorry for complaining. Now, who has trash they’d like me to get rid of?”

–Maria I. Sellers

How about you? Do you complain a lot? Are you constantly telling those around you about every little thing that isn’t exactly the way you’d like it? If so, you need to apply some oil of joy to your life. Remember how much Jesus loves you and all that He has done for you. Instead of complaining, praise Him and trust Him to help you learn to be content with what He’s given you.

Today's Key Verse: Do everything without complaining or arguing. (ERV) Philippians 2:14

Today's Key Thought: Don’t complain

Goodnight, Ringo May 15, 2025

Show notes

Read: John 14:25-27

Ian and Matilda’s new golden retriever puppy gnawed on an old shoe. “Ringo sure played hard today,” Ian said. “He never rests!”

“Kids!” Mom called. “It’s time to put Ringo to bed.”

Ian and Matilda had promised they would take care of their new puppy. This was Ringo’s first night with the family, and the kids were eager to keep their promise.

“Come on, Ringo,” said Matilda. She lifted the puppy and carried him to the soft doggie bed at the end of the hall.

“Sleep tight,” said Ian, patting Ringo’s head. The puppy looked at the kids for a moment, then hopped out of the bed.

“Maybe he needs a blanket,” said Matilda. Ian found an old quilt, and Matilda tucked it around Ringo. The puppy looked at them with sad eyes.

“He’s still not happy,” said Ian.

“I heard a ticking clock helps new puppies sleep,” said Matilda. “It sounds like the mama dog’s heartbeat.” She got an alarm clock and buried it in the quilt.

Ringo lay in the bed, and his eyes began to close. The kids began tiptoeing down the hall when suddenly the puppy jumped out of bed and scampered after them.

“He’s lonely out here,” said Ian.

Matilda nodded. “I think we can fix that.” They picked up Ringo’s doggie bed and took it down the hall to their room.

Ten minutes later, Ringo was sound asleep in his bed, his face nestled in the thick quilt, his ear pressed against the softly ticking clock. Ian looked down from the top bunk. “Ringo’s finally resting. He looks so peaceful.”

Matilda smiled. “It’s kind of like the peace we get from Jesus.”

“What do you mean?” asked Ian.

“Well, Ringo wasn’t able to rest until we moved him in here—he wasn’t at peace until he felt our presence. And when we feel Jesus’s presence, it gives us peace so we can rest too. And just like the blanket and clock helped Ringo feel loved and not alone, things like prayer, reading the Bible, and worshiping with other Christians help us feel at peace by reminding us that Jesus loves us and is with us.”

Ian watched Ringo breathe deeply. “Let’s say our prayers before we go to sleep. I want to feel that peace tonight!”

–Jennifer Dillard

How about you? What helps you feel the peace of God? Singing songs? Reading the Bible? Praying? When you feel anxious or worried, remember Jesus wants you to rest in Him. If you know Him as your Savior, He has given you the Holy Spirit to bring you peace. Find ways to remind yourself that Jesus loves you and is with you, and His comfort and rest will follow.

Today's Key Verse: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. (NKJV) John 14:27

Today's Key Thought: Seek peace and comfort in Jesus

Deep Roots May 14, 2025

Show notes

Read: Psalm 23:4; Romans 5:1-5

"It looks like Dad’s getting ready to mow the lawn,” said Evelyn as she and her mother worked in the flower garden.

Mom nodded as she looked out across the lawn in front of their house. “It will be the first mowing of the year, and it’s time—just look at all those dandelions!”

The yellow flowers had popped up everywhere. Evelyn thought they were pretty, but her parents appreciated their beauty more in the woods behind the house than on the front lawn.

Soon the mower roared to life. Evelyn and Mom watched as the dandelions began to disappear. When Dad was finished, the whole lawn looked green. “That looks much better,” said Mom.

“For a lawn, I guess it does look better without the dandelions,” said Evelyn. “But I still think they’re pretty.”

Mom smiled. “Well, just give them a little time, and they’ll be back again. Dandelions have long, tough roots, and when they’re nourished by sun and rain, the plant simply grows back after the top is cut off.”

“I know,” said Evelyn. “I remember pulling all kinds of weeds in the garden last year. Dad said we had to be sure to get the roots so the weeds wouldn’t grow back. I remember wishing they didn’t have such long roots!”

“You know,” said Mom, looking at Evelyn, “as I watched Dad mow today, it occurred to me that we as Christians can sometimes feel cut down by things that happen in our lives—things that cause disappointment and sadness.”

Evelyn sighed. “You mean like how I feel about Mia moving away?”

“I know it’s hard not to be able to see your best friend every day,” Mom said. “But if our roots are deeply planted in Jesus and the truth of His love for us, we’ll receive nourishment and care from God. We can trust Him to be with us through our troubles and help us come out of them even stronger than we were before.”

“So sometimes long, deep roots are a good thing.” Evelyn grinned. “Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m kinda glad the dandelions have them too!”

–Dorothy R. King

How about you? Do you ever feel cut down by the difficulties in your life? Being a Christian doesn’t mean you won’t ever have any problems, but it does mean you won’t have to face them alone. Root yourself in Jesus. He is always with you, and you can experience His peace when you rest in His presence and love. Praying, reading the Bible, and worshiping Him are a few ways to seek His care when life is difficult. Trust Him to give you strength and help you grow.

Today's Key Verse: Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him. Get your strength from Him. Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught. (NLV) Colossians 2:7

Today's Key Thought: Be rooted in Jesus

Jesus Cried May 13, 2025

Show notes

Read: John 11:32-44

Evan held back tears as he sat down on the porch step beside his best friend. “Teddy was the best cat I ever had.” He sniffled. “I’m going to miss him.”

Peter nodded. “He was pretty awesome. I’m sorry he died.” He nudged his friend’s shoulder. “It’s okay to cry.”

“I’m not crying!” Evan quickly said, his face turning red. He didn’t want his friend to think he was being a baby about this.

“It’s okay if you are,” Peter said. “Even Jesus cried.”

Evan’s brows knit together. “What?”

“Jesus cried when his friend Lazarus died,” Peter said. “My uncle told me about it when my grandma passed away last summer. He said it’s okay for everyone to cry when they’re sad, even us guys.”

Evan wasn’t sure he believed his friend, so he asked his dad about it later that evening.

“Peter’s right,” Dad said. “Jesus did cry. Look, it’s here in John eleven.” He pointed to a page in his Bible.

Evan looked over his shoulder, his eyes widening at the two words. “Jesus wept,” he read.

“It’s okay to be sad about your cat, and it’s okay to cry.” Dad got up from his chair and put an arm around Evan. “There are a lot of sad things going on here on earth.”

Evan leaned into his dad. “I miss Teddy.”

“I know. I’m sorry,” Dad said. “But no matter what happens here on earth, we never have to be sad forever. Do you know why?”

“Because of heaven?” Evan asked.

Dad smiled. “Exactly. Jesus cried because He experienced pain and sadness just like we do. But after He wept for Lazarus, He raised him from the dead! That’s the hope He gives everyone who trusts in Him—hope of eternal life. Even though all kinds of sad things happen here on earth, Jesus will one day put an end to sin, sadness, and even death itself.”

Evan blinked back tears. “We won’t have to be sad anymore?”

“Nope.” Dad squeezed his shoulder. “Because everything will be perfect. And I’m sure God will help you feel happy again before then too. But for now, it’s okay to cry about Teddy when you miss him.”

–Bethany Acker

How about you? When you’re sad, do you let yourself cry? It’s okay to cry when sad things happen—Jesus cried when He was sad too. He understands your pain because He experienced the same feelings we do. But we don’t have to be sad forever, because Jesus came to give us hope. He died for us and then rose from the dead so that one day He could wipe all our tears away.

Today's Key Verse: Jesus wept. (NKJV) John 11:35

Today's Key Thought: Jesus cried too

Lost Inheritance May 12, 2025

Show notes

Read: Colossians 1:9-14

When Jack came into the living room, his dad was watching the news. He heard the end of a report about a man trying to collect a large inheritance. “If that man’s parents died, why can’t he get the money that was left?” asked Jack after Dad turned off the TV.

“He ran away from home when he was sixteen years old,” Dad explained. “That was thirty years ago, and he never contacted his family again. They searched and searched for him and found out he’d moved to another state. They wanted to have a relationship with him again and made repeated efforts throughout the years to contact him—including several visits to the city where he lived. But he wouldn’t even speak with them.”

Jack frowned. “But he’s back now, so won’t he get at least some of the money?”

“Apparently not. His parents gave up trying to get a response from him and didn’t include him in their wills.”

“But now, after they’ve both died, he finally shows up and thinks he should have the inheritance?” asked Jack.

“Yes, but now it’s too late,” replied Dad. “He contested the will, but the courts upheld it. They said he’s not entitled to any of the money.”

“Wow!” said Jack. “I bet he’s sorry he didn’t make up with his parents when he had the chance.”

Dad nodded. “He not only lost the inheritance—he missed out on having a relationship with his parents too. He learned a hard lesson—and, sadly, a very common one.”

“You mean there are lots of people who leave home and refuse to have a relationship with their parents?” asked Jack in surprise.

“That happens often enough,” said Dad. “But I was thinking of the inheritance God offers to everyone through Jesus Christ. Because of our sin, we’re cut off from God, so He sent Jesus to restore our relationship with Him. But if we refuse His offer of reconciliation, then we miss out on having a relationship with God. When life ends, we’re going to want the inheritance—eternal life—given to those who are part of God’s family, but it’s going to be too late. That’s why it’s important to accept God’s offer to have a relationship with Him now, while we still can.”

–Heather M. Tekavec

How about you? Will you be able to claim the inheritance God offers? He’s offering something far better than money—a relationship with Him and life that lasts for all eternity. It’s available to anyone who trusts in Jesus. Someday it will be too late to accept His offer, so don’t put it off. Trust Jesus as your Savior today and become part of God’s family. (To learn more, go to https://new.keysforkids.org/goodnews.)

Today's Key Verse: Because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God. (NLT) Ephesians 1:11

Today's Key Thought: God offers an inheritance—eternal life

The Beautiful Backyard May 11, 2025

Show notes

Read: Ephesians 3:14-21

Mariah was glad to finally be back home. Her mom had wanted to get her and her twin brothers away from the house while a landscaper was working in their backyard, and they had spent the whole day just trying to kill time.

She was helping her little brother out of their van when she heard her mom let out a shriek. She scooped Reggie into her arms and took off for the backyard.

“Are you okay?” Mariah ran to her mom’s side. She was pretty sure she saw tears in her mom’s eyes. “What happened? Did you get stung?” She could hear a bee buzzing.

Mom shook her head. “Nothing bad happened. I’m just…I’m really surprised at what I see. Everything is so beautiful.”

Mariah looked out at the yard as her brother squirmed out of her arms. There were flowers everywhere, and there were tiny stones on the ground, making paths that the twins seemed excited to try out. Everything did look really nice.

“I can’t believe they did all this,” Mom said. “We didn’t have a lot of money to spend, but they seemed to figure out a way to make my dreams come true anyway.”

“You’re crying.” Mariah looked up at her mom.

“I’m happy,” Mom said. “If I have tears, it’s because I didn’t know I could have a yard this beautiful.”

Mariah smiled. “Pastor John was talking about something like this on Sunday. He said God does more than we ask Him to do, surprising us with the way He works and all that He accomplishes.”

Mom nodded. “God did more than we could ever imagine when He sent His own Son to save us by dying for our sins, and He blesses us in other ways that go beyond anything we could even think to ask for. The team we had working out here did a good job of showing us what that can look like.”

“I’m happy the yard is everything you wanted it to be.” Mariah wrapped her arms around her mom. They had been through some tough times together, and she really wanted her mom to be happy. “And I’m glad God loves us and promises to do great things for us too.”

–Emily Acker

How about you? Have you ever been surprised by a gift someone gave you? Has someone ever done something so special for you that you just couldn’t believe it? That’s the way God blesses His children. When He promised us a Savior, He fulfilled that promise by sending us His own Son, Jesus. He is working in your life and promises to do big things for you—more than you could ever imagine.

Today's Key Verse: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. (NIV) Ephesians 3:20

Today's Key Thought: God surprises us with more

Snared! May 10, 2025

Show notes

Read: Hebrews 12:1-3

"Savannah, I’m leaving for work,” Mom said. “Be sure to set the house alarm when your bus gets here.”

When the bus arrived, Savannah set the alarm and started to dash out the door when…WHOOSH! Her favorite sweater, which had sleeves that were too long and too loose, caught on the door handle, holding her captive. When she finally got free and jumped on the bus, the kids laughed and asked, “What took you so long?”

At least I remembered to set the alarm this time, Savannah thought. The alarm had been installed for extra security, and whoever arrived home first had thirty seconds to disable it by entering a secret code, otherwise it would start blaring. It was directly connected to the local police department, and the officers weren’t amused when Savannah accidentally set it off…twice.

That day after school, Savannah opened the door and heard the thirty-second warning start. Beep, beep, beep! She rushed to disable the alarm when, BAM! She was knocked flat on her back. It was her sweater again, caught on a chair.

Beep, beep, beep! Unable to get free, Savannah wiggled out of the sweater just as the alarm started to blare ferociously. She sheepishly walked out to the porch to wait for the police car.

“Hello, Officer Hamlin. I’m sorry,” she said when the policeman arrived. She explained how her sweater had snared her.

Later that evening, Mom laughed as Savannah told her about the day’s events. “Savannah, do you remember what verse we talked about at church last Sunday?”

“Not really,” Savannah admitted.

“Hebrews 12:1. It’s about laying aside the sins that so easily snare us. In other words, we have to deal with those issues that get us into trouble, like bad habits and unkind attitudes.”

“This sweater sure has gotten me into trouble,” Savannah said.

“Yes, but being snared by your sweater is different from being snared by sin, which holds us back from the life of love and joy that Jesus died to give us. That’s why we need to fix our eyes on Jesus and trust Him to forgive our sins and help us out of their snares.” Mom tugged Savannah’s sleeve. “Now, let’s see if there’s a way to fix this sweater so it doesn’t snare you either!”

–Teresa Ambord

How about you? Are there sinful habits in your life that keep snaring you and getting you into trouble? It might be watching inappropriate TV shows or looking at things online you know you shouldn’t. Or maybe it’s an angry, unkind attitude you have toward someone. When you need help with sinful habits, look to Jesus. He will forgive you and help you eliminate your snares.

Today's Key Verse: Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (NKJV) Hebrews 12:1

Today's Key Thought: Don’t let sin snare you

Behind the Scenes May 09, 2025

Show notes

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:13-18; 1 Peter 4:10-11

"Put the blue block here, Mae,” Atlas said as he helped his four-year-old sister build a tower with blocks. When the structure was almost finished, Mae pulled out a green block near the bottom. The tower wobbled, then toppled over. “Mae, you ruined it!” exclaimed Atlas. “Why did you do that?”

“I want this pretty green one at the top so I can see it,” Mae replied.

Just then Mom’s phone dinged. “Atlas, it’s for you,” Mom said and showed him the text. “Your youth group leader wants you to call him.”

Atlas took her phone and stepped into the hall. A few minutes later, he came back to the family room. “He wants me to come to a rehearsal for that skit they’re doing,” Atlas said. “There aren’t any parts left in the skit, but they need somebody to help move props between scenes.” He frowned. “I’m not good enough to be in the skit, but I’m good enough to move the props! Well, I don’t feel like going just to move stuff around. Anyone can do that!”

“But the production won’t be nearly as effective if the props aren’t in the right place,” said Mom. “Moving them may not seem as glamorous as acting in the play, but it’s a very important job.” She paused, then added, “It’s like the block Mae took out of the tower you were building.”

“What do you mean?” asked Atlas.

“Mae just took out one block that didn’t show very much,” said Mom. “So why did the whole tower tumble down?”

“Because the blocks on the bottom support the rest of the tower,” Atlas replied.

“Well, it’s the same when people work together for the Lord,” Mom said. “Each worker is equally important in God’s eyes. God values everything we do out of love for Him, whether we’re on stage or behind the scenes, and we can trust Him to use our work to point others to Jesus and His love for us.”

“You make it sound like moving furniture for a skit is sharing Jesus with people,” Atlas said.

Mom shrugged. “Jesus says that whatever we do, we do for Him.”

After a moment, Atlas nodded. “Okay,” he said. “I’ll help move the props.”

–Tanya K. Marshall

How about you? Have you ever done something to help out and wondered if it made a difference? What matters most is that you do whatever work God gives you for Him, not for recognition by others. When we do everything out of love for God, He uses our faithful service to point people to Jesus, who came to earth to serve us by dying for our sins. Know that God values your work, even if it’s behind the scenes.

Today's Key Verse: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. (NIV) Colossians 3:23

Today's Key Thought: God values everything you do for Him

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