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

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The Broken Train Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:5; Philippians 4:4-7

“Oh, Nathan, don’t cry,” Sydney told her little brother when he showed her his broken train. “Let’s go see if Grandpa can fix it.”

They took the train to Grandpa’s workshop, where he checked it over. “No problem,” he said. “I’ll make it as good as new.”

The kids hopped onto the workbench to watch. When Grandpa started bending a wheel on the train, Nathan gasped. “Stop, Grandpa! You’ll make it worse.”

“Don’t be silly, Nathan,” said Sydney. “Grandpa’s fixing your train, not making it worse!” Grandpa nodded and continued his work.

“You’re not doing it right,” Nathan told Grandpa a moment later. “That piece has to go onto the engine–like this.” He reached for the train.

Grandpa set the train down. “Nathan, why don’t you play outside for a while? This is going to take some time.”

“But I want my train now!” Nathan grabbed it and headed for the door.

Sydney turned to Grandpa and shook her head. “Silly kid! He gave you his train to fix and then took it back without letting you fix it.”

“He’ll probably bring it back soon,” Grandpa said. He chuckled. “It makes me think of how we do the same thing with God sometimes.”

“We do?” Sydney asked. “How?”

“By bringing our problems to Him but then continuing to try to fix them our way,” Grandpa replied. “Last week you told me you were worried your parents might not be able to afford camp this summer. You said you prayed and gave it to God, right?”

Sydney looked down. “Yes. But I’ve still been worrying about it.”

“I overheard you pestering your mom about it too,” Grandpa said. “So did you leave it with God, or did you take it back?”

“I–I guess I took it back,” Sydney admitted. “It’s hard not to worry.”

Grandpa nodded. “Worrying means we’re not trusting God to handle things that are out of our control. If you start to worry, why not pause and quietly talk to Jesus? He died on the cross to have a relationship with you, and He cares about your problems. Trust Him to help you and give you His peace.”

Just then the door swung open and Nathan came in and handed Grandpa his train.

–Tanya Ferdinandusz

How About You?
Do you bring your problems, worries, and needs to God in prayer? After you do that, do you start worrying all over again? Once you have brought your problem to God, don’t try to take it back. Ask Him to give you peace and patience as He handles the situation. Trust Him to work things out for His glory and your good–even if it’s in ways you don’t expect.

Today’s Key Verse:
Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need. (ERV) (Philippians 4:6 )

Today’s Key Thought:
Trust God with your problems

Setting Habits Mar 01, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:9-16

“Mom, why is Dad scowling?” asked Jackson as he watched Dad working at the edge of the new concrete patio he had poured. “I think the patio looks great!”

“I think so too. But the concrete is setting faster than Dad expected.”

“Setting?” asked Jackson. “You mean it’s already getting hard?”

“Right,” said Mom. “It’s easy to level and smooth cement when it’s first poured, but once it’s set, you can’t change it. So now he has to work fast to try and get it the way he wants it before it’s too hard.”

“Oh. Well, I wish I could help him, but I guess I can’t.” Jackson picked up his baseball mitt. “Is it okay if I go to the park to practice throwing with José for a while?”

“That’s fine–if you’ve finished the other things you need to do,” said Mom. “Did you pick up your room and take the trash out? And how about your quiet time? Did you do that?”

Jackson nodded. “I knew you’d ask that, so I did all those things right after breakfast.”

“Good for you,” said Mom. “I’m glad you’re making it a habit to do your work and to pray and read your Bible before going out to play. It’s important to practice good habits now so you’ll keep doing them when you’re older–and spending time with Jesus is one of the best habits to practice. When we spend time with Him, He reminds us that He loves us and will always forgive our wrongs and be with us, no matter what we face in life.”

Jackson watched his father frantically try to smooth the quickly hardening concrete of their patio. “Does that mean habits are like concrete and harden in place?”

“That’s a good way to look at it,” said Mom. “Both good and bad habits can become hardened into a person’s life over time.”

“And that’s why you want me to set good habits while I’m young,” said Jackson.

Mom nodded. “We can start new habits at any age, but the sooner we let go of bad habits and replace them with good ones, the sooner those good habits will be set in place. The best time to start practicing a good habit is today–no matter how old you are.”

–Pauline Youd

How About You?
Are you forming good habits? There are lots of habits that are important in the Christian life, such as praying, reading the Bible, going to church, thanking God for everything He gives us, and confessing our sins and receiving His forgiveness. But forming habits like these takes practice, so start doing them now. As you practice them, they’ll begin to set and soon become a part of your everyday life.

Today’s Key Verse:
Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come. (NKJV) (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

Today’s Key Thought:
Practice good habits

The Only Ticket Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: John 3:16-18

Seeing the gigantic merry-go-round, Harper and Violet squealed in excitement and ran ahead of Mom and Dad to the entrance. They stood next to the height chart. They were both tall enough.

“Whoo-hoo!” Harper clapped her hands in excitement.

The merry-go-round came to a stop and the riders got off. Harper and Violet were about to dash through the gate when someone’s arm blocked their way. “Hang on, kids. Not so fast.” It was the ride operator.

Harper and Violet gave each other a puzzled look when the operator let other kids go past them and get on the merry-go-round. “Why can’t we ride?” asked Violet. “We’re tall enough!”

Just then Mom and Dad walked over. “Finally caught up with you!” Mom said.

“Mom,” Harper said, her face full of disappointment. “He wouldn’t let us on. Why?”

Dad reached into his pocket and pulled out four small pieces of paper. “Here, you need your tickets.”

Harper and Violet each grabbed one and brought it to the ride operator. He opened the gate and let them in. They each picked a horse to ride on, bouncing up and down on them excitedly. Mom and Dad gave their tickets to the operator and got on too.

“You know,” Mom said thoughtfully, “this reminds me of something Jesus said. There is no other way to heaven except through Him. Tell me, why couldn’t you ride the merry-go-round at first?”

“We didn’t have our tickets,” Violet replied.

“And why was that?” asked Mom.

“We just thought we needed to be tall enough,” said Harper. “We didn’t know we had to have tickets for it.”

“Right,” Dad said. “You couldn’t ride the merry-go-round without a ticket, and you can’t have eternal life without Jesus. It’s a gift you need to receive from Him. There’s nothing you can do to get to heaven on your own. Your only ticket is to trust Jesus as your Savior, who paid your way by dying for your sins and rising from the dead.”

Soon the merry-go-round started moving. “I’m glad I have my ticket for the merry-go-round,” Violet said as their horses moved up and down. “But I’m even happier I have Jesus and that one day He’ll take me to heaven!”

–Goh Su En and Goh Shao En

How About You?
Have you ever thought that you could be or do enough to get to heaven on your own? You can’t. There is only one way to be saved from sin and have eternal life, and that is through Jesus. We all mess up, but Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and rose again so we could have eternal life with Him. Trust in Him today! (To learn more, click the “Good News!” button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.)

Today’s Key Verse:
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (NIV) (John 14:6)

Today’s Key Thought:
Jesus is the only way to heaven

A Strand of Happiness Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Colossians 3:12-17

“Did you see that clunky bracelet Megan is wearing?” Vivian whispered to the girls sitting near her on the bus, but Megan overheard. She looked down at the beaded bracelet she and her grandmother had strung together. Spaced between bright round beads were letters spelling J-O-Y. Megan had been excited to wear her new bracelet, but now it seemed silly. She quickly walked past Vivian and her friends as she got off the bus.

“Hi, sweetheart,” said Grandma as Megan came in the house. “Do you want a snack before we finish your necklace?”

“Grandma, would it be all right if we did something else today?”

“Sure, Megan, but you seemed so excited about beading.”

“I am. It’s just that Vivian said something to some other girls about my bracelet.” Megan sighed. “She’s supposed to be my friend.”

“Well,” said Grandma, “I have something I want to show you. Then if you still don’t want to finish your necklace today, we’ll do something else.” Grandma led the way to her craft room. Jars holding beads of many shapes and colors lined the shelves. Grandma reached for a jar hidden behind the others. “I’ve been saving this for a special project.” She pulled out a large red heart-shaped bead. “Why don’t you add this to your necklace?”

Megan looked at the necklace she had begun yesterday. The string was already full–there was only room for the clasp. “Grandma, there’s no more room. I’d have to take off some beads.”

“You know, friendship is a bit like stringing beads,” replied Grandma. “You have to decide what to keep and what to put aside. We have both happy and hurtful moments with our friends. But if we hold on to the hurtful moments, we won’t have room for anything else. Forgiving friends when they hurt us makes room for joy.” Grandma carefully eased some beads off the string. She threaded the heart onto the strand and handed Megan the necklace. “When forgiving is hard, we can go to Jesus,” Grandma said. “He’s the Friend who always forgives us, and He’ll help us forgive others.”

“I need to forgive Vivian,” Megan said as she slid more beads onto the strand. “Then we’ll have room for more happy moments as friends.”

–Heidi J. Schmidt

How About You?
Are you holding on to something someone did or said that hurt you? It hurts when others do or say mean things, especially a friend. But remember that if you’re a Christian, Jesus has forgiven you for all the hurtful things you’ve said and done. Let your friends know when they hurt you, but then forgive them so you’ll have room for more joyful moments together.

Today’s Key Verse:
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV) (Colossians 3:13)

Today’s Key Thought:
Forgive and make room for joy

Pass the Chips Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 42:1-2; Matthew 5:6

“Mommy, can I have some juice? Ivy made me thirsty! She gave me potato chips.”

Ivy grinned at her little brother. “You didn’t have to eat them, Kylan.”

“Yes, I did,” said Kylan. “You made me want them! You said they were so good, and you kept eating them and eating them. That’s why I ate so many, and now I’m thirsty!”

“You can have some water,” said Mom. She poured water into a cup and gave it to Kylan, then reached over and took a potato chip from the bowl in front of Ivy. “Did you know that Christians are supposed to be like potato chips?” she asked, holding up the chip in her hand before popping it into her mouth.

“What? That’s silly.” Ivy took another chip from the bowl and studied it. “How can anybody be like a potato chip?”

Kylan grinned at his big sister. “I’d sure be thirsty if I ate a potato chip as big as you, Ivy. That would be a giant one!”

“Yes, it would,” said Mom. “You’d probably have to drink a whole bucket of water!” She gave Kylan a playful jab. “Well, that’s exactly how you’re supposed to be like a potato chip–you should make people thirsty to know Jesus.”

Ivy frowned. “How are we supposed to do that?” she asked, taking a few more chips.

“Potato chips make you thirsty because they’re so salty, and Jesus calls His followers the salt of the earth,” Mom explained. “If we’re salt, we should make people thirsty for the joy, peace, and hope we have in Jesus.”

“I still don’t get how to make them want that though,” said Ivy.

“Kylan said you made him want the potato chips by telling him how good they were, right?” said Mom. “He also saw you keep eating them and that you enjoyed them.”

“I think I get it!” said Ivy. “We should tell our friends how great it is to know Jesus and let them see how glad we are to have Him in our lives.”

“That’s it,” said Mom. “Jesus is always with us, giving us joy, peace, and hope–even in difficult times. You want to make them thirsty and want what you have.” Mom crunched another chip and smiled.

–Mary L. DeMott

How About You?
Are you a salty Christian? Do your friends see the joy Jesus brings to your life and that He is with you in everything you go through? Have you told them about what He’s done for you? As you show your faith in Jesus each day–even though you have struggles and problems–your friends may become thirsty for the peace and comfort He gives you and want Him in their lives too.

Today’s Key Verse:
You are the salt of the earth. (NKJV) (Matthew 5:13)

Today’s Key Thought:
Make others thirsty to know Jesus

The Son Still Shines Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Romans 8:35-39

Eva zigzagged around mud puddles as she walked home in the rain, but her feet were still getting wet. I know Mom and Dad both had to work late today, but I wish they’d asked someone to give me a ride, she thought gloomily. And they know I don’t like being home alone! But when Eva reached the back porch, she was surprised to see her older sister there. “Hi!” said Kate. “I’m home from college for the weekend.” She grinned. “What a beautiful, sunshiny day, don’t you think?”

“No, I don’t!” said Eva, wiping water off her face.

“Oh, but it is!” insisted Kate. “Even if it doesn’t look like it.”

“I think you’ve been studying too hard, Kate. Your brain must be taking the weekend off too.”

“So you’re saying the sun isn’t there anymore?” Kate asked, peering up at the heavy clouds. “That it totally disappeared?”

“Of course not,” Eva answered. “But it’s sure hidden. I haven’t seen it for days!”

“Well, just because we can’t see the sun doesn’t mean it’s not there. Behind those dark clouds, the sun still shines! It just goes to show that we can’t always trust what we see–we need to trust the truth.” When Eva didn’t reply, Kate smiled and added, “Take Jesus, for example.”

“Jesus?” asked Eva. “What do you mean?”

“Well, when bad things happen, we might feel like we’re all alone, but we’re not,” Kate explained. “Jesus is always with us. The truth is that He’s there, whether we feel like He is or not.”

“So the clouds are like our problems,” said Eva. “The clouds keep us from seeing the sunshine, but the sun is still there–and dealing with hard stuff may keep us from feeling like Jesus is with us, but He really is there.”

“Right!” said Kate. “Because Jesus died and rose again to defeat sin and death, nothing can separate us from God and His love. That’s His promise in the Bible, and we should trust Him. The sun is always shining, and God’s love is always shining too.”

Eva grinned. “Okay. So how about going for a walk?” She laughed when her sister made a face. “Come on, Kate. Don’t let a little rain stop you on this beautiful, sunny day!”

–Diane Strawbridge

How About You?
Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior? If you have, He promises that He will always be with you and never leave you. You may not always feel like He’s there, but don’t depend on your feelings. Trust the truth of God’s Word, which says He will always be with His children. There is nothing that can separate you from God and His love.

Today’s Key Verse:
[God] himself has said, “I will never leave you or abandon you.” (CSB) (Hebrews 13:5)

Today’s Key Thought:
Trust God, not feelings

Hannah’s Prayer Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Hannah looked eagerly at the plates of food the waitress set down on the table. She could hardly wait to eat. “Hannah,” said Dad, “why don’t you lead us in giving thanks today?”

Hannah glanced around the busy restaurant. “Right now?” she asked. “What if the waitress comes back with the ketchup?”

“I’m sure she won’t mind waiting,” said Dad, and they all bowed their heads. Hannah glanced around again, then mumbled a quick prayer.

Luke looked up when she finished. “I couldn’t even understand what you said!”

“Me neither,” said Phoebe. “You talked too fast.”

“I wasn’t praying to you,” said Hannah. “God understood me, and He knows I’m thankful.”

“Hannah’s right,” said Dad. “God does know what she prayed–but, Hannah, Luke and Phoebe are right too.”

Mom’s eyes met Hannah’s. “Do you find it embarrassing to pray?” she asked.

“No, not usually,” said Hannah. “But everybody is watching us here.”

“Who is?” asked Luke, looking around.

“Well, it feels like everybody is watching us when we all close our eyes,” said Hannah. “Why can’t we pray with our eyes open?”

“It isn’t your eyes that God is concerned about–it’s your heart,” said Dad. “We give thanks as a family before each meal because we know God is the one who provides food for us. He provides everything we need–including forgiveness for our sins and eternal life through Jesus. He has given us so much, and we want to thank Him with grateful hearts.”

“Exactly,” said Mom. “Whether our eyes are open or closed or our prayer is silent or spoken out loud, the important thing is to remember that God provides us with everything we need and thank Him for it.”

Hannah stared down at her plate, thinking about her parents’ words. Then she put down her fork. “Can I pray again?” Mom and Dad nodded.

“Dear God,” Hannah began, and from her heart she thanked God for the food. She finished with a hearty “amen,” which was repeated by another “amen” next to the table. Hannah looked up as the waitress smiled and handed her the ketchup.

–Heather Tekavec

How About You?
Do you give thanks before each meal? Even when you’re in public and other people can see you? If you feel embarrassed to close your eyes and pray out loud, remember that’s not what God is concerned about. What matters to Him is your heart. Do you have a thankful heart? If so, pray and thank Him! Before a meal is often a good time to do that, whether silently or out loud, but don’t stop there–give thanks for all the ways God provides for you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NLT) (Ephesians 5:20)

Today’s Key Thought:
Thank God for what He provides

Pruning Muscadines Feb 23, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: John 15:1-5; Galatians 5:22-23

It was a sunny, warmer-than-normal February afternoon. “It’s a perfect day to prune the muscadines!” Dad announced.

Cole and Ella threw on their warm clothes and met Mom and Dad outside. Dad hooked the trailer up to the tractor while Mom got the pruning tools. Then she and the kids climbed into the trailer while Dad took the wheel.

As they rode down to the vineyard, Cole asked, “Why do we prune the muscadines every year?”

“Yeah,” Ella agreed. “We’re cutting back the vines. Won’t that mean fewer grapes?”

“Actually, the old shoots just take food away from the main vine,” Mom explained. “They cause the vines to produce less fruit.”

“So we prune them so they’ll produce more muscadines,” said Cole.

Dad pulled the tractor up to the first row. He and Mom began snipping away at the old vines while Ella and Cole collected the cuttings to make wreathes later.

After a successful day of work, everyone gathered in the living room for devotions. Ella paused her wreath-making as Cole handed Dad the Bible.

Dad flipped to a page and read John 15:2. “He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”

“That’s what we did today!” said Ella. “We pruned the muscadines so they’ll bear more fruit.”

Mom nodded. “But the Lord has to prune us sometimes too.”

“What do you mean?” Cole asked.

“Well, sometimes there are things in our lives that the Lord has to cut away, such as sinful patterns or unhealthy attitudes. This process can be painful, but if we allow the Lord to prune us, we can be certain that it will help us grow in our relationship with Jesus, our Vine. We can’t grow spiritual fruit by ourselves, which is why we need the Holy Spirit to prune us. Then our lives will overflow with spiritual fruit as we shine the love of Jesus to others.”

“I want to be like a well-pruned muscadine vine,” said Cole.

“Me too!” Ella exclaimed.

–Lisa Fuller

How About You?
Have you ever seen a plant being pruned? Maybe you’ve seen your parents trim bushes or workers cut dead branches off trees. This is what the Holy Spirit does to us. When we trust Jesus as our Savior, God gives us the Holy Spirit to transform our lives and give us the ability to produce spiritual fruit. As He prunes us by helping us turn away from sin, we produce fruit such as love, peace, kindness, gentleness, and other character traits that demonstrate God’s love to others.

Today’s Key Verse:
He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. (NLT) (John 15:2)

Today’s Key Thought:
Let God prune you

A Special Event Feb 22, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:23-25

“My class is going on a field trip to see Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home,” Anissa told her parents. “We’ve been learning about him, and I need to get books from the library and write a report on his life.”

“That’s great,” said Mom. “I’m sure learning about him before the trip will make it more enjoyable.” So Anissa got to work, reading books about George Washington and writing her report.

When Anissa arrived home after the field trip, she told her parents about the good time she’d had. “It was so much fun to see the things and places I’d read about. I even knew some things the guide didn’t mention.”

After eating breakfast on Sunday, Dad stood up to help Anissa clear the table. “Okay, Anissa. Let’s hear your memory verse before we leave for church,” he said.

“Um, well, I don’t know it yet,” Anissa confessed. “I was too busy this week. I’ll go study it right now.” She hurried off before Dad could reply.

Learning the verse took longer than Anissa expected, and she had to hurry to get ready for church. When it was time to leave, her hair wasn’t quite dry and she couldn’t find her Bible. After hunting a few minutes, she finally shrugged and ran out to the car without it.

After church, Anissa sighed as she got into the car. “I haven’t been getting much out of church lately,” she said.

“Anissa,” said Mom, “why did you do a lot of reading and write a report about Mount Vernon before going on your trip there?”

“My teacher said I had to. But I’m glad, because learning about it ahead of time made it more special!”

“Why don’t you do the same for church?” suggested Mom. “Prepare for it by setting aside some time the night or morning before to read your Bible, learn your verse for Sunday school, and ask God to prepare your heart to worship Him and listen to what He has to say to you.”

“Good idea,” said Dad. “But don’t forget that we go to church to worship Jesus and learn more about Him with other believers. He is present there with us, helping us grow in our relationship with Him–whether we feel it or not.”

–Mary Rose Pearson

How About You?
Do you enjoy going to church? Have you tried preparing for it ahead of time? You can do that by giving yourself time beforehand to read your Bible and pray that God will use the church service to speak to you and others. Church is a special event where we get to be in God’s presence with other believers. Prepare your heart so you’ll be ready to worship and hear what He has to say to you.

Today’s Key Verse:
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” (NKJV) (Psalm 122:1)

Today’s Key Thought:
Prepare for church

A Listening Ear Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:7-13

Emery looked at the tall buildings surrounding her new home. A big lump formed in her throat as she thought about the stormy divorce that had taken her father away from her. She tried to tell her mother how lonely she was, but she felt like Mom didn’t really listen. I know Mom’s nervous about starting her new job today, thought Emery. But I wish she’d think a little more about me and how I’m feeling on my first day at a new school!

Emery felt nervous as she walked into her new school, but the principal was kind and led Emery to her classroom to introduce her to the class. When the bell rang for lunch, Sara, the girl sitting in front of Emery, turned around. “Want to eat lunch with me?” she asked. Emery breathed a huge sigh of relief as she went with her new friend to the cafeteria.

“What do your parents do?” asked Sara as she and Emery ate.

“My mom is starting a new job at the hospital today, and my dad…” Emery had hoped no one would ask about her dad. “He’s a salesman,” she said vaguely. “How about your parents? What do they do?”

“My mom’s an engineer, and I never knew my dad.”

Emery didn’t answer right away. “My parents are divorced,” she finally said in a small voice. She felt tears rising to her eyes and fought them back. “And Mom just thinks about her own problems and doesn’t even listen when I talk about mine.”

“I know what you mean,” said Sara. “I was really lonely until I met my heavenly Father.”

“Your what?” asked Emery.

Sara smiled. “My heavenly Father–God. He always listens. I can talk to Him about anything, and He helps me not feel so lonely.”

“Must be nice,” said Emery wistfully.

Sara leaned forward in her chair. “Why don’t you come to church with me and learn about Him? He can be your heavenly Father too!”

“You mean He’ll listen to me too?” asked Emery. “And help me not feel lonely?”

“Definitely,” said Sara. “He loves us and sent us His Son, Jesus, because He wants us to be His children.” She got up. “Ready to go outside?”

“Yes,” Emery said, “but tell me more about your heavenly Father!”

–Matilda H. Nordtvedt

How About You?
Do you know God as your heavenly Father? Even if you have a dad in your life, you need a relationship with God. You can know Him because of what Jesus did for you when He died on the cross for your sins and rose again. (To learn more, click the “Good News!” button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.) He loves you and is always ready to listen to what you have to say. Why not go to Him right now?

Today’s Key Verse:
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. (NKJV) (Psalm 34:15)

Today’s Key Thought:
God always listens

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