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

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All You Have to Do Is Ask Mar 22, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

Sarah groaned as she hunched over her math textbook. Mom looked up from her computer. “What’s wrong, honey?” she asked. “You seem upset.”

“I have a test tomorrow, and I’ve got to make a B to stay on the honor roll. I’ve tried and tried, but I just can’t get these problems!” She threw down her pencil in frustration. “Plus, I messed up at practice this afternoon. There’s no way Coach will let me start at the game next week. And did I mention that I don’t have many friends?” Sarah pressed her face into her hands. “Nothing is going right!”

“I’m sorry, honey.” Mom stood from the kitchen table. “Do you want a snack?”

“Sure, Mom. Ice cream, maybe? And a soda?”

Mom opened the refrigerator. “Have you talked to God about these problems?”

Sarah shrugged. “I guess. But it’s like He’s not even listening.”

Mom set a glass on the table and unscrewed a bottle of vinegar. She poured vinegar into the glass. Then she cracked a raw egg into a bowl and set it in front of Sarah.

“Mom!” cried Sarah. “What are you doing?”

Mom smiled and took away the dishes. “I’m your mother, and I love you. So I wouldn’t actually give you vinegar and a raw egg when you asked for a snack, right?”

“Right,” said Sarah hesitantly.

“Well, God loves you even more than a parent could. When we ask God for something, we should trust that He will give us what’s best. After all, He’s already given us the best gift there is—Jesus!” Mom placed a glass of milk and a granola bar on the table. “Now, here’s your real snack.”

Sarah looked at the healthy food. “That’s not what I asked for.”

“No, it’s not,” said Mom. “But it’s good for you. And God gives you good things too.”

Sarah picked up the granola bar and grinned. “Even if it’s not exactly what I wanted?”

“That’s right,” said Mom. “He loves to give us good gifts, but sometimes what we ask for isn’t what’s best for us. But He still gives us good things—like when you didn’t have any friends and He brought you Hailey and Mallory, remember? All you have to do is ask.”

–Jennifer Dillard

Penguin Waddle Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

“Look at that cute little penguin!” Abby said to her friend Kayla. “Waddle, waddle! Penguins are my favorite animal at the zoo.”

“Look at this penguin. He’s flying through the water!” Mom called out.

“Wow, they’re fast swimmers,” said Kayla. “Let’s go see the polar bears now!”

“Okay. Bye, penguins,” Abby said. She walked with Kayla over to the polar bear exhibit. “Wow, look at his feet! They’re huge!”

“And his claws!” said Kayla. “God sure did make polar bears way different from penguins.”

Abby giggled. “Yeah, the only thing they have in common is they both love the cold!”

By the end of the day, they had seen animals from North America to Africa. Kayla liked the giraffes best, but Abby still loved the penguins. On the way back through the zoo, Abby and Kayla ran inside the penguin exhibit one more time.

“I could just sit and watch the penguins all day,” Abby said.

Kayla nodded. “Yeah, the penguins are really cool. You know, like awesome-cool. Well, cool-cool too. But I’m freezing!” Kayla and Abby both burst out laughing, then pretended to be penguins and waddled toward the exit.

When Abby got home, she showed her dad a penguin plush toy she’d gotten at the zoo gift shop. Then she waddled around like a penguin all evening, carrying her new plush toy in her arms.

During devotions that evening, Mom said, “You know, every time I visit the zoo, I come home even more amazed at God’s creation. All those different animals, from penguins to giraffes, are so uniquely made.”

“And we’re pretty unique and special too,” Dad added. “Listen to this Bible verse. ‘For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.’ God calls us His masterpiece! Out of all the creatures He’s made, we are the most special to Him—so special that Jesus became one of us and died to save us so we could enjoy eternal life with Him.”

“Wow,” said Abby. “God calls me His masterpiece? That is so cool!”

After they had closed in prayer, Abby held her penguin close and went waddling down the hall to her room.

–Lisa Fuller

Tidal Wave Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

Jayce hung up his jacket and walked into the kitchen. “Hi, Mom,” he said.

“Hey, buddy,” replied Mom. “Need a glass of milk and a few crackers?”

Jayce nodded and plopped down in a chair while his mom poured him some milk. “You’re not going to believe what happened to my project today,” he said, shaking his head. He grabbed a cracker from a plate on the table. “I worked so hard to create that ancient Mayan city.”

“Yes, and you did a great job on the temple and palace and all those other buildings,” said Mom. “So what happened?”

“After you dropped me off at school, Ford came over and started asking questions about the project. He was carrying a bowl of water to use on his own project. Before I had two words out of my mouth, someone bumped into Ford, and my Mayan city was hit by a tidal wave!”

“Oh no!” said Mom.

“It washed the ground right out from under the main temple,” continued Jayce. “When I was working on it a few weeks ago, somebody told me I should use plaster instead of sand for the ground. I should have listened.”

“Well, I’m sorry your project got messed up,” said Mom.

“Me too,” said Jayce. Then he laughed. “But my teacher did say it was the most realistic disaster project she’d ever seen! She told me this should help me remember that things don’t last unless they stand on a strong foundation and that sand doesn’t make a good foundation for building.”

Mom nodded. “It reminds me of the Bible passage about the importance of building our lives on Jesus,” she said. “If we trust in anything or anyone other than Jesus, it’s as though we’re building on sand. We need to make Jesus our foundation by trusting Him to save us from sin. Then He will help us build our lives on His truth in the Bible and share His love with others in all we do.”

Jayce grinned. “So I guess I shouldn’t feel too bad. I may have chosen the wrong foundation for my project, but I trust in Jesus, so I have the right one for my life.”

“Yes,” said Mom. “That’s much more important!”

–Jana Weed

The Doll House Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

“Hi, Grandma!” said Audrey when she arrived at her grandmother’s house. “I’m glad I get to spend the weekend with you.”

“I am too,” said Grandma, giving Audrey a hug. “How is everything at home?”

Audrey frowned. “I thought it was great that Dad got married again, but now Monica and I aren’t getting along.”

“Oh?” said Grandma. “But, Audrey, Monica is a lovely Christian woman. And the Bible says to honor your parents. That means your stepmother too.”

“Well, she doesn’t honor my mother, so I don’t see why I should honor her.”

Grandma raised her eyebrows. “What’s the problem?”

“She’s changing everything,” said Audrey. “Mom had our house just perfect, but Monica moves the furniture and the pictures all around. And she doesn’t cook the same food Mom did, and she’s even changing some of our house rules! And the worst part is Dad doesn’t seem to mind any of this—he agrees with her!” Audrey sighed. “It’s not fair. I feel like I’m losing Mom all over again.”

After dinner, Grandma took Audrey up to the attic. “Before your mother died, she asked me to give you this when you were old enough,” Grandma said, pulling the dust cover off a large object.

“Her doll house! Mom told me how she used to play with it all the time.” Audrey bent over to peer into the tiny rooms. “I love it! Can I paint it, Grandma? I want the bedroom to be blue, and the old-fashioned parlor can be a rec room.”

“Really?” asked Grandma. “But your mother liked it the way it is. Won’t you be dishonoring her by changing everything?”

Audrey looked shocked. “But, I just…I don’t see how…” She paused, then looked at Grandma. “You gave me this doll house today because of Monica, didn’t you?”

Grandma nodded. “God blessed you with a wonderful Christian stepmother. He loves her and put her in your life because He loves you too, and He wants you to honor and obey her. She isn’t dishonoring your mother, even though she doesn’t do things exactly the way your mother did.”

“I know you’re right, Grandma,” said Audrey with a sigh. “I’ll obey Monica and honor her decisions—just like I did with Mom.”

–Ruth McQuilkin

Don’t Scratch the Itch Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

Jack set the soccer ball on the hash mark and readied himself for the penalty shot. It was his favorite part of soccer practice. When Coach Johnson blew the whistle, Jack kicked a rocket into the top right corner of the net. “GOAAAAAL!” he yelled.

He was about to high-five Coach Johnson on his way to the back of the line when he suddenly stopped and began scratching his arm furiously.

“What’s wrong, Jack?” Coach Johnson asked. “Let me have a look.”

“These bumps won’t stop itching,” Jack groaned. “I got poison ivy last weekend.”

“Don’t scratch it,” Coach Johnson said.

“I can’t help it!” said Jack. “I have to scratch. It feels so good!” He was about to scratch some more but stopped when he saw Coach Johnson’s raised eyebrow.

“It may feel good for the moment, but you’re only making it worse. Look how red it’s getting,” Coach said. “You know, Jack, this reminds me of the sermon my pastor gave at church last week. Your rash is a lot like sin.”

“You mean it’s a sin to scratch?” said Jack.

Coach Johnson chuckled. “No, it’s not a sin to scratch. What I mean is that our sinful nature often urges us to do wrong like your bumps urge you to scratch them. What happened at last Saturday’s game when that kid tripped you after you blocked his goal?”

“I went to push him down from behind, but then I stopped and walked away,” Jack said.

Coach nodded. “It would have felt good for two seconds to get him back, but then what?”

“I would’ve gotten kicked out.” Jack looked at his coach. “I’m glad I didn’t scratch the itch to get even.”

Coach smiled. “Our sinful urges will never fully go away until we get to heaven, but because we trust in Jesus, we don’t have to give in to them. He’s given us the Holy Spirit, who lives inside us and gives us power to follow the desires God puts in our hearts instead—desires to love Him and those around us. We don’t have to scratch the itch to do wrong—and even when we do, Jesus promises to forgive us.”

“Okay,” Jack said. “I won’t scratch the itch—whether it’s sin or poison ivy!”

–Robert A. Gutierrez

True Story Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

“Ow!” yelped Avery. “Quit pinching me, Levi!”

“It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and you’re not wearing green,” said Levi. “That means you get pinched!”

“I am wearing green!” Avery insisted. “My shirt is green. You just can’t see it because my sweater is covering it up.” She turned to her mother. “Mom, why do people wear green on St. Patrick’s Day?”

“It’s because he was from Ireland, the Emerald Isle,” said Levi. “And St. Patrick found a four-leaf clover, which was green, and he drove all the snakes out of Ireland and—”

“Hold on, Levi,” said Mom. “Patrick actually grew up in England but was captured by Irish raiders as a teenager. He was a prisoner for several years and became a Christian during that time. When he finally escaped, he returned to England, but eventually went back to Ireland to tell people about Jesus.”

“But what about the stories of him finding four-leaf clovers and driving snakes out of Ireland?” asked Levi.

“Those are fables, though I’ve read that he used a three-leaf clover to help people understand the Trinity,” said Mom. “Just because you hear people say things doesn’t mean they’re true. The truth often gets covered up by what people want to believe.”

“Like how Avery’s sweater is hiding her green shirt?” asked Levi.

Mom nodded. “It’s not just St. Patrick’s story that people get wrong. A lot of people believe wrong things about Jesus too. They think He was just a good man who was killed for standing up for what He believed, but that’s not true at all. He was and is God, and He died to take the punishment for our sins and then rose again to give us eternal life. That’s what the Bible tells us, and it’s the truth.”

“And that’s what Patrick went to tell the people in Ireland, right?” asked Levi.

“Yes,” said Mom. “He didn’t go back to the land where he was held captive to tell people about a good man. He went back to tell them about the loving God who became human and died so they could be forgiven—and who helped Patrick forgive those who wronged him so they could know the truth. That’s the true story of St. Patrick’s day.”

–Jennifer Quakenbush

A Time to Remember Mar 16, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

Ellie and Keely had been friends for a long time. They lived on the same street and went to the same school. But now Keely’s family was moving away.

On their last day together, the girls played at Ellie’s house while Keely’s parents packed. “I’m already sad,” said Ellie. “I keep thinking about tomorrow and the day after that. Who will I play with then?”

“I wish I didn’t have to go,” said Keely with a sigh.

Just then Ellie’s mom called them to the kitchen for lunch. This is our last lunch together, Ellie thought sadly. Then she had an idea. “I know what we can do,” she said, lifting up her peanut butter and jelly sandwich. “We both eat a lot of these, right? So whenever we do, let’s think of each other and remember all the fun things we did together.”

“Good idea!” said Keely. “We’ll be peanut butter and jelly friends!”

Ellie’s mom smiled at the girls. “Your sandwiches will be reminders of your friendship. Does that make you think of anything you heard at church yesterday?”

“Um…oh, I remember!” said Ellie. “At our Communion service, Pastor Jim read about Jesus eating the Passover supper with His disciples just before He was crucified. Jesus said the bread and wine were reminders of His body and blood.”

“Oh yeah!” Keely said. “He told His disciples that when they got together and ate and drank those things, they should think about Him and what He did. And He said they should remember that He’ll come back again someday.”

“That’s right!” said Mom. “Communion is a special time when the church remembers the sacrifice Jesus made when He died on the cross to save us from sin. It’s a time to remember what He did for us and look forward to the day when we’ll celebrate Communion with Him when He returns.”

Ellie smiled. “So now whenever I have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I’ll remember you, Keely—and look forward to when your family comes back to visit so we can have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches together again!”

“Right,” said Keely. “And even better than that, one day we’ll have Communion together with Jesus!”

–Myrina D. McCullough

Hands and Feet Mar 15, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

Tyler and his dad were enjoying a quick breakfast at the park before Tyler’s baseball game. Dad had picked up a couple extra ham biscuits to save for later.

As Tyler was eating, he noticed a man who appeared to be homeless sitting on a bench on the other side of the park. “Dad, do you see the man sitting over there? I wonder if he’s hungry. Would it be okay if we offered him a biscuit?”

“I think that would be a nice thing to do,” Dad answered, and they walked across the park.

“Good morning!” Tyler said to the man. “My name is Tyler, and this is my dad. We have some extra ham biscuits. Would you like one?”

The man’s eyes lit up. “Thank you!” he said, taking a biscuit. “My name is Chris. Would you like to sit down?” Tyler plopped down next to Chris and Dad sat beside Tyler. “Do you have a game today?” Chris asked, noticing Tyler’s baseball uniform.

“Yep, the game starts in an hour. Dad and I like to get here early so I can practice.”

“What position do you play?” Chris asked.

“Mainly third base.”

They sat and talked for a while longer, and just before they left, Tyler asked Chris if he would like him to pray for him.

Chris smiled. “That would be nice.”

After they finished praying, Chris looked at Tyler, tears streaming down his face, and said, “Thank you for sharing your food with me, and thank you for spending time with me and praying for me.”

Tyler smiled. “I hope we see you again. Come watch the game if you want.”

“I just might do that,” Chris replied.

As they walked away, Dad said, “That was a really thoughtful thing you did. You know, the Bible says that when we do good to others and share with those in need, we’re doing those things for Jesus. They are sacrifices that please Him because they show others the kind of love He showed us when He sacrificed His life to save us. You were the hands and feet of Jesus this morning.” Dad smiled. “Come on, we still have time to practice throwing before the game starts.”

–Lisa Fuller

So Much to Say Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

Maisie had spent most of the evening texting one friend after another. “Can I text Bree real quick?” she asked when Mom told her to get ready for bed. “I want to see if she’s as nervous as I am about tryouts for the play.”

Mom shook her head. “You’ve already texted her tonight—and lots of other friends. It’s bedtime.”

“Okay, but can I please take two seconds to text Alynn—just to be sure she’ll save me a seat on the bus tomorrow?” Maisie begged.

“Bed!” Mom said firmly, holding out her hand for Maisie’s tablet.

Maisie sighed and handed her tablet over, then went to get ready. She was crawling into bed when Mom appeared in the doorway. “Want me to turn the light out?” Mom asked. “Have you prayed already?”

“Oh, I forgot!” Maisie sat up. “I really don’t have anything to say, except to ask God to take care of everyone, and He already knows that.”

Mom sat on the side of Maisie’s bed. “If I handed you your tablet and gave you permission to text Bree, would you have anything to say to her?”

“Of course! Can I text her?” asked Maisie eagerly.

“Friends tell each other about their interests and feelings, don’t they?” asked Mom. “They share their hopes and dreams and secrets. They talk about what they do for fun and what makes them afraid.”

“Yeah!” said Maisie, hoping to get her tablet back. “Friends need time to talk.”

“Well, is Jesus your friend?” Mom asked. Maisie nodded. “Then why don’t you have anything to tell Him? Don’t you think He wants to hear about what’s going on in your life too?” She kissed Maisie’s forehead. “Think about it,” she said, then turned out the light and left.

Maisie did think about it. She knew Mom was right and decided to talk to a friend she hadn’t been paying much attention to lately. Dear Jesus, she began. Thank You for loving me and for dying on the cross for my sins. Then she shared some of her fears and dreams with the Lord. When I think of You as my friend, Maisie prayed, I really do have lots of things to say. Thanks for listening and caring. Goodnight.

–Nance E. Keyes

The Cost of Courage Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Isaiah 53:3; Matthew 9:10-13; 2 Timothy 1:7

“Great game, Hailey!” said Mom. “Two goals–that’s incredible!”

Hailey kicked off her soccer cleats and sat on the sidelines beside Mom’s folding chair. “Sure, I guess.”

“What’s wrong?” asked Mom. “You did great.”

Hailey’s eyes filled with tears. “It’s Kaylee and Jenna. They said they don’t want to be my friends anymore.”

“What?” asked Mom. “How come?”

“At halftime they were making fun of Sarah. She’s shy, and she’s…well, she’s not the best player on the team. They called her ‘Slow Sarah’ when a ball got past her and said she should go play with those little kids.” Hailey pointed to another field where some four-year-olds were chasing a ball around.

“Oh, that’s terrible!” said Mom.

“They kept looking at me like they expected me to make fun of her too. I said they were being mean, so they called me a goody-goody and said they can’t be friends with someone who’s no fun. I just said, ‘Fine,’ and walked away. I didn’t know what to do.”

Mom hugged Hailey. “I’m proud of you for standing up for Sarah.”

Hailey shrugged. “I thought I was doing what Jesus wanted me to do. Why did He let it turn out so badly?”

Mom squeezed Hailey’s shoulder. “You’re right, Jesus does want you to love people because He loves us, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. The Bible is full of people who were rejected by others when they acted out of faith and obedience to God. Even Jesus was rejected for showing love to people everyone else wanted to stay away from. Through the Holy Spirit, He gives us the courage to love others that way too.”

“But now I don’t have any friends on the team! Doesn’t He care?”

“He cares very much,” Mom assured her. “Your courage may have cost you your friendship with Kaylee and Jenna, but Jesus promises to always be with you.” Mom pointed toward the field where Sarah was waving at them, a shy smile on her face. “Besides, it looks like you may have made a new friend.”

Hailey wiped her eyes and motioned for her teammate to join them.

–Jennifer Dillard

How About You?
Have you experienced rejection for following Jesus’s example of love? You are not alone. God’s people have often faced hardship and rejection for standing up in faith and doing what’s right. Jesus Himself was even rejected for loving sinners like us. He understands how you feel, and He promises to give you courage and strength and help you love others.

Today’s Key Verse:
Listen to me, you who know right from wrong, you who cherish my law in your hearts. Do not be afraid of people’s scorn, nor fear their insults. (NLT) (Isaiah 51:7)

Today’s Key Thought:
Stand up for others

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