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

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Chocolate Milk Confessions May 08, 2025

Show notes

Lexie twirled around her room in her new dress. She couldn’t wait to wear it to her cousin’s wedding on Saturday!

Mom stood smiling at the door. “That’s a beautiful dress, Lexie, but you need to take it off now before you spill something on it. I’m off to the store—Dad is outside gardening if you need him.”

Once Mom was gone, Lexie rushed downstairs. She swished about in her dress as she got a bottle from the fridge and poured a glass of chocolate milk. I won’t spill it—I’m not a baby! she thought, flicking on the television.

Glued to her favorite TV show, Lexie accidentally tilted her glass. She gasped as a cold trickle of chocolate milk landed in her lap. Frantically, she tried dabbing at the stain with a napkin, but that only seemed to make it spread.

I have to get rid of this stain before Mom sees it! Lexie thought. Then she heard a car. Mom was back! Lexie knew she had a choice—run upstairs and pretend nothing had happened, or tell the horrible truth. A story she’d heard in Sunday school about King David suddenly came to her mind, and how bad he felt when he tried to cover up his sin. Lexie took a deep breath as Mom’s key turned in the lock.

“Mom, I’m so sorry, I didn’t listen!” Lexie blurted out as Mom walked in. “I kept wearing my dress even though you told me not to, and I spilled chocolate milk on it. Now it’s ruined!”

“Oh, Lexie!” Mom sighed. “Let me see.”

Lexie nervously moved her hand away from the soggy stain. Mom tilted the fabric toward the light. “I’m disappointed you didn’t obey me, Lexie, but I’m glad you told me the truth.”

“I almost didn’t tell you,” Lexie confessed. “But then I remembered a story Mrs. Summers told us in church about bringing things into the light.”

Mom smiled. “Mrs. Summers is right. Admitting we’ve messed up is never easy. But if we cover it up, it just makes a bigger mess in the end. That’s why we need to be honest about our wrongs—not just to others, but to Jesus, who forgives our sins and makes us clean. Now, let’s get that dress in the wash!”

–Angela Jelf

How about you? Have you ever been scared to admit when you’ve done something wrong? Have you ever told a lie to cover up a mistake you made? It can be difficult to confess our sins, but the Bible tells us that when we try to hide our mistakes, we only end up causing ourselves and others more pain. The next time you mess up, admit it—Jesus is always ready to forgive your sin and wash you clean.

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

Today's Key Thought: Confess your sins

One Hundred Percent May 07, 2025

Show notes

Read: Romans 3:23-24; Colossians 1:22

Laura sat in bed with math papers strewn all over the place. “Six times eight is forty-eight, seven times eight is fifty-six, eight times eight is—”

“Sixty-four!” Mom answered as she walked in. “Are you still studying, Laura? You should be asleep!”

Laura sighed. “I know. I’m just so nervous about my test tomorrow. What if I fail? I’m so hopeless at multiplication!” Anxious tears welled up in Laura’s eyes. “I don’t want to let Mr. Finch down—or you and Dad.”

Mom sat down and pulled Laura close. “Let us down? No way! You’ve worked so hard for this test. You’ve done your best, and that’s good enough for us.”

Laura smiled. Mom’s reassuring words made her feel slightly better. “Why do we have to take tests, anyway?” she asked.

“Hmm,” said Mom. “Good question. Tests can help measure how much we’ve learned or how far we’ve come. And they show us areas where we still need to improve and grow.”

Laura nodded. “God helps us grow, doesn’t He?”

“He certainly does,” replied Mom. “But the greatest thing of all is that we can come to God just as we are. He doesn’t require us to meet a certain standard before we come to Him, because Jesus has already reached the mark for us!”

“When He died on the cross?” asked Laura.

“Exactly,” said Mom. “Jesus met God’s standard for us because we couldn’t—He lived a perfect life and then died for our sins and rose again.”

Laura grinned. “He took the test so we don’t have to!”

“Yep!” said Mom. “And He passed it—one hundred percent!”

Laura sighed. “I wish I didn’t have to take this math test tomorrow. Studying is hard!”

“I know,” said Mom. “Life is full of all kinds of tests—sometimes we’re tested by difficulties or temptations. But even when we fail time and time again, Jesus always forgives us. The point isn’t to do everything perfectly, but to trust Him to help us persevere and grow. He won’t take your math test for you tomorrow, but you can pray that He’ll give you the focus and perseverance you need.”

Laura smiled. “I think I’ll pray about it right now.”

–Angela Jelf

How about you? Have you ever been nervous about failing an important test? The Bible says none of us could ever meet the mark when it comes to God’s holy standard. Only Jesus, God’s Son, can pass that test—and He did! He lived a perfect life and then died to take the punishment for our sins. Because of that great act of love, God sees us as perfect and blameless when we trust Jesus as our Savior. (To learn more, go to https://new.keysforkids.org/goodnews.)

Today's Key Verse: Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could be right with God. (ERV) 2 Corinthians 5:21

Today's Key Thought: Only Jesus meets God’s standards

Teacups and Train Sets May 06, 2025

Show notes

Read: Read: Luke 12:6-7

In the attic’s dim light, Andrew could see many interesting things—boxes of Christmas ornaments, piles of photo albums, and trunks filled with camping equipment. He and Dad were hunting for Dad’s old train set from when he was Andrew’s age.

“What’s this?” asked Andrew, stumbling across a large wooden crate with dozens of items wrapped in newspaper. Wondering what was inside, he began to unravel one. He was disappointed to discover an old-fashioned teacup painted with rambling roses.

“Be careful with that!” said Dad. “That looks like Grandma Joan’s teacup collection. It’s very precious to your mom.”

Andrew was puzzled. “What’s so precious about a box full of teacups?” he asked.

“Didn’t Mom tell you the story? Grandma Joan collected teacups from every place she ever visited. She had teacups from all over the world!”

Andrew’s eyes grew wide. Perhaps the teacups weren’t so boring after all.

“They’re not everybody’s ‘cup of tea,’” continued Dad, obviously pleased with his awful joke, “but this collection was Grandma Joan’s treasured possession!”

“What do you mean?” asked Andrew. “Like, her very favorite thing?”

“Exactly!” said Dad. “Over the years, those teacups became very valuable. She could have sold them at a high price, but she wouldn’t think of it. They held a lot of memories.”

Andrew smiled—now he understood. The teacups reminded her of all the places she’d visited.

“Do you know there’s a verse in the Bible about God’s treasured possession?” asked Dad.

Andrew was intrigued. “God has a treasured possession? What is it?”

“Well,” said Dad, “it’s you and me, and all of God’s people all over the earth. We’re so valuable to Him that He was willing to pay a high price so we could be His. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins so that we could have a relationship with Him.” Dad blew away years of dust from a large rectangular box. “And speaking of favorite things—this was definitely mine when I was your age!” He opened the box. “Here she is! The Red Rocket!”

Andrew hurried over to have a look at the red locomotive. “Wow, it’s so awesome! Can we set it up today, Dad? Please?”

“Okay,” said Dad. “Let’s go!”

–Angela Jelf

How about you? Do you have a treasured possession? Is it valuable? You can tell how valuable something is by the price someone is willing to pay for it. God’s people are His treasured possession. He paid the highest price—the life of His Son, Jesus—to make you one of His children. That’s how much He loves you. You are very valuable to Him!

Today's Key Verse: The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. (NIV) Deuteronomy 7:6

Today's Key Thought: You are valuable to God

A Stinky Situation May 05, 2025

Show notes

Read: Psalm 51:1-2; Romans 5:6-9

Leo watched his ball roll under the shed, then he dropped his bat and crawled in after it. As he scooted under the edge, he spotted a pair of glowing eyes. A cat, thought Leo. He crawled closer. “Here, kitty,” he called. The animal turned. Oh no! thought Leo. A skunk! Before he could scramble out of range, the skunk sprayed, and Leo was covered with an awful smell. “Mom!” he yelled. He hurried to the outdoor faucet, turned on the water, and tried to wash away the dreadful odor with the hose.

Mom came out of the house and put her hand up to her nose. “We need to get those clothes in the washer right away, and you need a shower with lots of strong soap,” she said. “And your hair! Wait here.” She hurried back into the house and returned with a can of tomato juice. “Put your head under the hose,” she said.

Leo looked at the can of tomato juice. “What are you going to do with that?”

“Tomato juice is supposed to help cover the smell,” Mom explained. “I’ll see what else I can find, but for now this is the best I can do.”

When Dad heard the story, the skunk smell still lingered. “I thought it was a cat,” said Leo. “I was going to pet it.” Dad laughed. “Not funny!” said Leo, but he grinned too.

“Skunks leave a bad odor, but do you know what smells even worse?” asked Dad. Leo shook his head. “Sin,” said Dad. “You could say sin stinks.”

Leo nodded. “I tried to wash off the skunk smell, but I needed help. We need help getting rid of the sin smell too, don’t we? Something better than tomato juice!”

“Yes, we do,” said Dad. “The Bible says only the blood of Jesus can get rid of our sin. He died for us and rose again so we could be forgiven and have a relationship with God. When we trust in Him, He removes the stench of our sin and makes us clean.”

“That’s right. Just like that,” Mom said, snapping her fingers. She sighed. “I wish we could do as good a job getting rid of that skunk smell,” she added, wrinkling her nose. “Let’s go wash your hair one more time!”

–Angela Jenkins

How about you? Have you ever smelled a skunk before? It’s awful! But sin is much worse, and no matter what we do, we can’t get rid of the stench ourselves. The Bible says everyone has sinned, and it stinks up our lives with selfishness and hurt and separates us from God. Only Jesus can wash our sins away. Trust in Him and He will make you clean and right with God. (To learn more, go to https://new.keysforkids.org/goodnews.)

Today's Key Verse: Since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. (NLT) Romans 5:9

Today's Key Thought: Jesus removes our sin

Soft-Answer Solution May 04, 2025

Show notes

Read: Proverbs 15:1-4; Ephesians 4:31-32

"You’re always messing up this room,” Hannah said as she pushed her sister’s things off the dresser. “You’re such a pig!”

“You’re the pig. And leave my things alone!” yelled Margo.

“Then keep your stuff off my side of the dresser!” Hannah shot back. The fighting escalated, and soon Mom appeared at the door. “Girls! I’m tired of the constant bickering between you,” she said sternly. “You are sisters, and you should respect each other. Follow me.”

Hannah and Margo glared at each other as they followed their mother into the back hall and watched as she got out some towels and a bottle of cleaning solution. “Now,” said Mom, “you are going to clean the big living room window until it looks like you could walk through it.”

Hannah and Margo got to work. But the more solution they sprayed on the glass and rubbed with the towels, the streakier the window became.

“Mom!” Margo called. “There’s something wrong with the spray you gave us.”

“What’s that?” Mom came in from the kitchen. “The solution I gave you isn’t working?”

“It’s just making it worse!” said Hannah.

“Well, your solution for solving disagreements isn’t working either,” said Mom. She came over and took the bottle she had given them. “This is all-purpose cleaner—it doesn’t work on windows. And shouting and saying nasty things to each other doesn’t work to solve disagreements.”

The girls started to complain, but Mom cut them off.

"God has a much different solution,” she said. “Instead of responding in anger, He says to give a soft answer. That means calmly talking through the problem and caring about the other person and what they have to say. Because you trust in Jesus, you have the Holy Spirit to help you respond to others in a gentle, loving way—even when you don’t agree with them.” Mom went and got another bottle from the back hall. “Here, try this solution on the windows—it will work much better.”

Hannah and Margo went back to their task and thought about what Mom had said. Finally, Hannah said, “I’m sorry I pushed your stuff off the dresser.”

“I’m sorry too,” said Margo. “I’ll try to keep things neater.”

After a few more wipes, the window was as clear as ever.

–Carol Baker

How about you? Do you ever get angry at your friends or family? Do you react with harsh words or a mean attitude? By ourselves, it’s nearly impossible to respond nicely. That’s why Jesus gives us His Spirit to help us respond in a kind, gentle way. The next time you’re upset, take a deep breath and ask Him to show you how to use His solution—a soft answer spoken in love.

Today's Key Verse: A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (NKJV) Proverbs 15:1

Today's Key Thought: Solve disagreements God’s way

Extra Amazing May 03, 2025

Show notes

Read: Psalm 33:4-15, 20-22

"I think I see the scenic lookout we found on the map, Mom!” shouted Orlando. He sighed in relief. The family had been hiking the steep Treetop Trail for two hours, and Orlando was glad to finally collapse on a large, flat rock. As he rested, he gazed at the view below.

Orlando’s sister Ana plopped down beside him. “Wow!” she said. “This is awesome!” Ana pointed to a house in the distance. “Look over there, Dad. I bet we can see for a thousand miles!”

Dad walked over. “I’d say that house is more like twenty miles away—not a thousand,” he said with a smile.

“Well, it’s still awesome!” said Ana.

“I agree. It is awesome,” said Mom. She sat down beside Ana and Orlando. “You kids use that word a lot. Do you know what it means?”

“I guess it’s used to describe something that’s extra amazing,” said Ana.

“That’s a pretty good definition,” said Mom. “I looked it up in the dictionary once, and the original meaning has to do with a feeling of reverence for something majestic or sacred. One definition for awesome is ‘a reverent wonder.’ I like that one.”

“I do too,” said Dad. “I think awesome is a great word to use to describe God. Psalm 33 says to ‘stand in awe of Him.’ That means we should love and respect Him and recognize that He is in control of the entire world—and our lives.” Dad paused and looked around. “Being on this mountain makes a person feel pretty small, doesn’t it?”

“You can say that again!” said Orlando.

“Okay,” said Dad. “Being on this mountain makes a person—”

“Daaad!” Orlando rolled his eyes, and they all laughed.

“Things in nature are awesome,” Dad said. “God made them, and they give us just a glimpse of His greatness. But what’s really awesome is that He loves us so much He sent His Son to save us. Jesus was willing to make Himself one of us and come to earth to die on a cross for our sins—and then He rose from the dead. Now that’s extra amazing!”

The family sipped from their water bottles as they enjoyed the view. “Yes,” Mom said quietly, “Jesus is truly awesome!”

–Dean Fowler

How about you? Do you use the word awesome a lot? It’s a word that’s probably overused, but if you want to see something truly awesome, look around you at the world God created. His great power and glory is displayed in everything He’s made—and in His great love and the sacrifice He made when Jesus gave His life for us. Consider all His wonderful work, and stand in awe of Him!

Today's Key Verse: The LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. (NKJV) Psalm 47:2

Today's Key Thought: Jesus is truly awesome

Harmonious Music May 02, 2025

Show notes

Read: Romans 12:3-10

On their way to the park one Saturday morning, Maisie and her parents decided to stop at an estate sale. Maisie enjoyed seeing all the things the owners of the place were selling. When they walked into a room that looked like a library, Maisie gasped in delight. “Look! A harp! My music teacher at school has one. She said there aren’t many people who know how to play them.” Maisie turned to her dad. “Can we buy it? I’d love to learn how to play.”

Dad pointed to a sign. “See that? It’s not for sale.”

Just then a woman who was supervising the sale walked in. She smiled at Maisie. “I see you like this harp,” she said. “Did you notice the different kinds of strings? Some are really thin and others are thick and strong. Some are spiraled and some are grooved, but others are smooth.”

“They’re not all the same color either,” said Maisie. “Some are bright red, and others are black or silver or gold.”

“That’s right,” said the woman. “This harp belonged to my mother. Now I’m going to take it home so my daughter can learn to play.”

The next day at church, Maisie looked around at all the different people singing in the sanctuary. “Being in church reminded me of the harp we saw yesterday,” she told her parents after the service.

“Really?” asked Dad. “How’s that?”

“Well, I noticed when we were singing how many different people there were—people of all ages and races and personalities—but they all worshiped God in harmony together, just like all the different strings on a harp play one beautiful song.”

“That’s a good way to look at it, Maisie,” said Mom. “A harp is made up of many strings, and God’s church is made up of many people.”

Dad nodded. “And every string is different—each is designed to sound its own individual note. Yet when each string is in tune with the others, the harp makes beautiful, harmonious music! It’s that way with God’s church too. The members are all different, but the Holy Spirit unites us through our faith in Jesus. As we show His love to one another and serve and worship God together, we make music that’s sweet to God’s ears.”

–Trudy Vander Veen

How about you? Do you enjoy the fact that each member of God’s church is different? Not everyone will think or act just like you, but that’s okay. The important thing is for all of us to stay in tune with the Holy Spirit. That means relying on Him to help us work together and get along, even when we disagree on things. Stay in harmony with other Christians by following the Master Musician—Jesus—as you show others His love.

Today's Key Verse: How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (NIV) Psalm 133:1

Today's Key Thought: Christians should live in harmony

Time-Out May 01, 2025

Show notes

Read: Psalm 62:5-8

Natalie glanced at her phone. Twenty minutes. Twenty minutes to change and eat something before she had to leave for dance. Gotta move. She grabbed some mac and cheese and popped it into the microwave. As she bounded up the stairs, she passed her little brother Jacob sitting in time-out. Minutes later, the microwave dinged. Natalie tugged her leotard into place and pushed one more bobby pin into her bun. She rushed downstairs and retrieved her food. Stirring her mac and cheese, she glanced at Jacob sitting on the bottom step with his elbows on his knees, fists digging into his chubby cheeks.

“What did you do this time, sport?” Natalie plopped beside her brother.

“Yelled at Mommy.” Jacob sighed. “I hate time-out.”

Natalie patted his back. “Mom doesn’t stick you here just because you’re in trouble. It’s to help you settle down and get under control. Are you still mad?”

“No.” Jacob paused. “Nat? Does sitting help you too?”

Natalie paused mid-chew. Sitting still didn’t happen much. Rushing to school and dance left her feeling anything but in control. “I’m too big for time-outs now,” she said.

“You’re never home.” Jacob’s eyes were sad. “I miss you.”

Natalie licked the cheese from her spoon. She loved dance company, though it meant she practically lived at the studio. What happened to family time? What happened to time with God?

She looked at the shelf in the kitchen where she put her Bible. Maybe I need a time-out too.

Natalie glanced at her phone. Five minutes. She squeezed Jacob, then walked over and picked up her Bible. A highlighted verse caught her attention: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Rest. Sounds great, God. Natalie remembered learning that this verse meant those who trusted in Jesus didn’t have to strive to earn God’s favor, because Jesus earned it for them. I need to stop and remember that more often. Remember He’s in control. She took a deep breath and continued to read.

Soon Mom was calling. Time for dance. Natalie checked her phone. Her five minutes were gone. Somehow God had stretched them, and she sensed His peace. She grinned and grabbed her brother’s hand. “Race you to the car!”

–Gayle Veitenheimer

How about you? Is your life overscheduled and busy? You need a spiritual time-out. Not because you’re in trouble, but to build your relationship with God and get strength and wisdom to navigate the road ahead. Make sure you leave time in your busy schedule to pray, read your Bible, and worship with other Christians. Stop the frenzy for a moment and take a time-out with Jesus.

Today's Key Verse: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (NV) Matthew 11:28

Today's Key Thought: Take a time-out with God

Dirty Sneakers Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

Read: Isaiah 64:6-7; Ephesians 2:8-10

"All right!” Oliver exclaimed as his mom presented him with a pair of bright new sneakers. “They’re just what I wanted!”

“I’m glad you like them,” said Mom. “But let’s try to keep them clean. Save them for school or when you’re out with your friends. You have plenty of old shoes to wear when you’re in the yard or playing basketball at the park.”

“Okay, Mom,” Oliver said as he put on the new shoes.

He did remember to be careful with them for a while, but one day when he came into the house, he left a trail of muddy tracks through the kitchen.

“Stop right there, Oliver! Oh, your new sneakers—they’re a mess!” Mom pointed to his mud-caked shoes.

“I’m sorry, Mom,” said Oliver. “I forgot I had them on. Mrs. Alberts needed help in her garden, and I guess I went a little bonkers with the garden hose.”

Mom sighed, shaking her head. “It was nice of you to help her, Oliver, but in spite of your good deed, your shoes are still dirty.”

“Yeah.” Oliver looked down at his feet and sighed. “They look pretty bad.” Then he smiled. “It’s kinda like the verse we learned at church last week. My teacher said it’s easy to think that the good things we do can cover up the wrong things we’ve done. But the verse we learned says our good deeds are like dirty rags—or in this case, dirty sneakers. They can’t make us clean.”

“That’s right,” Mom said. “Nothing we do can ever clean up the sin in our lives. That’s why we need Jesus.” She bent over to help Oliver pull off his dirty shoes. “Jesus promises that when we confess our sins to Him, He will forgive us and wash us white as snow.”

“Can you forgive me too, Mom?”

Mom smiled. “Of course I’ll forgive you, Oliver.”

“I’ll try to be more careful.” Oliver looked at his muddy shoes. “Will you make my sneakers clean again?”

“Not as clean as Jesus can make your heart,” said Mom. “But I’ll do my best. Bring them over to the sink and I’ll check the cleaning supply cabinet.”

–Nathan Runyon

How about you? Do you ever feel like your life resembles a pair of dirty sneakers? Do you think if you do enough good things you can make up for the stuff you do wrong? The Bible says that good deeds are never enough. Only Jesus can cleanse your heart and replace your wrongs with His right. Confess your sin to Him today and be forgiven. (To learn more, go to https://new.keysforkids.org/goodnews.)

Today's Key Verse: We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. (NLT) Isaiah 64:6

Today's Key Thought: Good deeds won’t cover up sin

A Curious Incident (Part 2) Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Read: Luke 6:27-37

After their bikes were stolen, Ryder and Zach asked all their friends and neighbors to be on the lookout. They prayed about it too—and Dad even prayed for the person who had taken the bikes.

As they were praying together a few days later, Ryder’s thoughts wandered. I wish I could get my hands on whoever took my bike, he thought. He’d have a black eye and a bloody nose and—

Ryder opened his eyes just then and noticed the words on a plaque hanging on the wall: “Forgive one another as the Lord forgave you.” He struggled with his thoughts and feelings. He felt like getting back at the person who had taken his bike, but he knew Jesus wanted him to forgive.

Later that week, Ryder looked out the window to see Bryn, a girl from his class at school, standing outside with a man next to her. What’s Bryn doing here? he thought. Then he noticed she was holding on to a red bicycle.

“My daughter has something to say to you,” the man said when Dad and Ryder came to the door.

“I think this is your bike,” said Bryn. “I saw a man putting a blue bike in his truck in front of your house. This one was standing there too, but when I came along, he took off. I meant to just borrow it and bring it right back, but then I scratched it and was worried you’d call the police. I’m sorry. I’ll pay for it.”

“You’re the person who stole my bike?” Ryder felt a rush of anger as he looked at the long scratch on his new bike, but then he remembered how he’d once made fun of Bryn at school and made her cry. He’d later apologized, and she’d forgiven him. I need to forgive her, he thought, because she forgave me—and because Jesus forgave me too.

“It’s okay, Bryn,” Ryder said. “I forgive you.”

As Bryn and her dad walked away, Ryder happily pushed his bike into the garage. As he did, the long scratch caught his eye once more—but this time it didn’t make him angry. Thank you, Jesus, for forgiving me for all the wrong things I’ve done, he prayed, and for helping me forgive Bryn.

–Evelyn J. Behrens

How about you? Do you find it difficult to forgive someone who has wronged you? It isn’t easy, but it’s so much better to let go of your anger instead of letting it take over your thoughts. Jesus tells us to forgive others for the wrong things they’ve done to us because He’s forgiven us for all the wrong we’ve ever done. Trust Him to help you let go of your anger and forgive.

Today's Key Verse: Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (NLT) Ephesians 4:32

Today's Key Thought: Forgive others

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