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

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Pleasing Gifts Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Mark 14:3-9

“Our youth group is helping out at a preschool program at church next week,” Charlotte told her mother as she helped weed the flower beds. “Bria has a great voice, so she’s going to teach the kids songs, and Eduardo’s a lot of fun, so he’s in charge of games.” Charlotte sighed. “I’m just helping with check-in.”

“Well, that’s an important part of the program too,” Mom said. “They need to make sure all the kids are accounted for and direct them where to go.”

Charlotte shrugged. “I really want to help out and serve the Lord–I just wish I had more to offer.”

“Charlotte, that’s not–” Mom was interrupted by a squeal from little Billy, who was hurrying across the lawn toward them.

“I make present for Mommy!” he called. Clutched in his soil-stained little hands was a small pot half-filled with dirt. Billy had stuck a dandelion into the dirt. Charlotte grinned as Billy ran toward them with a huge smile on his face.

Mom turned to Charlotte. “It’s a dumb present, isn’t it?” she asked quietly. “That old pot he used is cracked and dirty. And that’s just a weed! He should have brought me roses from the florist.”

Charlotte looked horrified. “Mom! How would he get them? He’s only three! You’re not going to tell him that, are you?”

When Billy reached them, Mom bent down and took the flower pot he offered. “Thank you, Billy Boy! I’ll put this right in the middle of our dining room table.” She gave him a hug and then turned back to Charlotte as Billy ran off. “Actually, I love Billy’s gift, even if it’s not perfect. I know he brought it to me because he loves me. And when we offer gifts to God, with real love in our hearts, don’t you think He’s pleased and accepts them too–no matter how big or small they seem?”

“You’re talking about me helping with check-in next week, aren’t you?” asked Charlotte.

Mom nodded. “I’m glad Billy brought me the gift he was able to give me. That’s what God wants us to do too. He wants us to do what we can to serve Him out of love and gratitude for all He’s done for us.”

–Tanya Ferdinandusz

How About You?
Do you give gifts of your time, money, or talents to God? Don’t compare what you can do with what others do or spend time wishing you had talents God gave to someone else. He wants you to serve Him with the abilities He gave you. If your heart is filled with love for God and gratitude for everything Jesus has done for you, He accepts your gifts with great joy.

Today’s Key Verse:
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. (NIV) (Romans 12:6 )

Today’s Key Thought:
God loves your gifts to Him

Homeless and Hungry Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Matthew 10:29-31; 25:31-40

The cold winter wind bit at Maryam’s nose and ears as she and her mother were shopping downtown. “Can we stop at the pet store and get some birdseed?” asked Maryam. Mom agreed, and they headed for the store.

As they passed an alley, they saw a man sleeping there, huddled against a wall. He was shivering in a shabby coat, his hands bare and his toes poking out from his shoes. Maryam grabbed her mother by the hand and quickly pulled her past the alley. “What’s wrong?” asked Mom.

“That man made me nervous,” said Maryam. “Why is he dressed like that? And why is he sleeping on the street on such a cold day?”

“He must be homeless,” said Mom.

“We talked about homeless people at school,” Maryam said as they went into the pet store. “But I didn’t think there were any in small towns like ours.”

After buying a bag of birdseed, Maryam and her mother started back to the car. As they passed the alley, they saw that the man was gone. Mom looked sad. “I hope he’s okay.”

When they got home, Maryam filled the family’s backyard feeder with birdseed. Then she went inside and rubbed the cold from her tingling fingers. She joined her mother at the window, and they watched birds swoop down to the feeder. “I’m glad we can put out seeds for them,” Maryam said. “It’s so cold, and it’s hard for them to find food. They might die without us.” Maryam smiled as she watched the birds flutter around the feeder and peck at the seeds. “You know what? Some verses I read in my Bible this morning said God knows about every sparrow that falls. He cares about birds.”

“Yes,” said Mom. “And He cares about people much more than birds. People are so valuable to Him that Jesus became one of us so we could be saved from sin and live with Him forever.”

Maryam stared out at the snowy backyard, thinking of the man they’d seen. “We found a way to help the birds through the cold winter. Maybe we could find a way to help homeless people too.”

“I’m sure we can,” Mom said. “Let’s come up with some ideas.”

–Daryl B. Knauer

How About You?
Do you know of someone who’s in need? In today’s Key Verse, Jesus tells Christians that doing something for someone in need is the same as doing it for Him. Think about what you could do. Perhaps you could donate food, money, or even your time to your church or another organization that helps people. Ask God to show you how you can share His love by helping those in need.

Today’s Key Verse:
Truly I [Jesus] tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (NIV) (Matthew 25:40)

Today’s Key Thought:
Help those in need

Standing on the Bible Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:10-17

“What are you doing, Thomas?” William stared at his little brother in shock. “Mom, come quick!”

Mom came running into the room. “Who got hurt?” she asked, then frowned. “Thomas, why in the world are you standing on a Bible?”

Thomas grinned. “We learned about it in Sunday school today. The Bible is God’s Word, and we’re supposed to stand on it!” He thrust his hand into the air.

William began to laugh. “Thomas, you’re not supposed to actually stand on the Bible. That’s just a fancy way to talk.”

Now Mom laughed. “You mean a figure of speech?”

“Yeah, that,” William agreed, eyeing the Bible. “We aren’t supposed to stand on the Bible, we’re supposed to read it.”

“Then why do we sing about standing on it?” Thomas stepped onto the floor, looking confused.

“Standing on the Bible means standing firm in its truth.” Mom picked up the Bible and flipped to Ephesians 6. “Sometimes people explain ideas using things we’re familiar with to help us understand. The armor of God is a good example. Is the armor of God actual armor that you need to buckle and fasten?”

Thomas shook his head. “No, but that would be cool. I could be like a knight!”

“Ephesians 6:10 tells us to be strong in the Lord,” continued Mom. “The devil tries to get us to doubt God’s goodness and His promises in the Bible and give in to sinful temptations. Standing firm means remembering that God is so good that He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins and that Jesus gives us the strength to resist temptation. It means trusting that Jesus’s sacrifice saves us from sin completely and being confident in God’s endless love for us. As we learn what the Bible says about Jesus and embrace its truth, it helps us stand firm against the devil’s tricks.”

“So, instead of standing on the Bible, we want the Bible inside us?” asked Thomas.

William frowned. “What? You don’t eat the Bible either!”

“Memorizing means the verses are stuck inside my brain,” Thomas explained. “So, if the Bible is stuck inside my brain, then I can stand on its truth!” Thomas threw his fist into the air again, making both Mom and William laugh.

–Kimberly Brokish

How About You?
Are you standing firm in the truth of God’s Word? Satan is very tricky, and he wants all of us to sin and doubt God. But the Bible tells us the truth about God’s goodness and His love for us. It tells us how we have the power to resist sin through Jesus. By reading God’s Word, memorizing it, and learning about it with others, we can equip ourselves to stand firm against the devil’s lies by remembering the strength we have in Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse:
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. (NIV) (Ephesians 6:13)

Today’s Key Thought:
Stand firm in God’s Word

Behind Castle Walls Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 31:1-5

“Hurry! Pull up the drawbridge, Winston!” Mitchell hurried into the cardboard castle in their basement. “The enemy is coming!”

Winston pulled up the bridge, and both boys peered through narrow slits in the walls. “Now they won’t be able to cross the moat,” said Winston. “And even if they do, our strong walls will keep us safe.”

Just then Dad came down the stairs, followed by the boys’ sister, Charis. “I think it’s time for a break,” he said, holding out a bowl of popcorn. They all sat in the courtyard of the castle, eating popcorn and admiring the corner towers made by big refrigerator boxes. The towers were connected by cardboard walls.

“This castle is a lot of fun, Dad,” said Mitchell. “Thanks for helping us build it.”

“This doesn’t seem much like a castle to me,” said Charis. “I thought castles were big, beautiful palaces with lots of fancy rooms.”

“This castle is really a fortress, not a palace,” Dad said. “Fortresses were used years and years ago to protect people from their enemies.” He took a handful of popcorn from the bowl. “Did you know that God is described as a fortress?”

“He is?” asked Winston. “How can He be a fortress?”

“Well,” said Dad, “remember that school shooting we heard about on the news this morning?”

Charis nodded. “It scared me.”

“Me too,” said Winston. “What if that happened at our school?”

“We live in a sinful world, and bad things happen all around us,” said Dad. “But we can find peace by running to our fortress–Jesus, who sacrificed His life to save us from sin and death. We can draw close to Him and trust Him to take care of us.”

“But we could still get hit by an enemy arrow, even inside our castle,” said Mitchell.

“That’s right,” said Dad. “And sometimes even Christians get hurt. But when we take refuge in the Lord, we can have peace knowing we’re safe with Him. We can be sure that even if an arrow–some bad thing–strikes us, He will be with us. Even death itself cannot separate us from Jesus, because He conquered death when He rose again. No matter what happens, we can have peace knowing we’ve been given eternal life in Him.”

–Jody Hedlund

How About You?
Have you ever been scared by something you heard in the news? We live in a sinful world where lots of bad things happen, but if you’re a Christian, you have a strong fortress where you can run for protection–Jesus! He promises to be with you and give you peace–even if bad things do happen. Tell Him your worries and fears and trust Him to be with you.

Today’s Key Verse:
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. (NKJV) (Psalm 18:2)

Today’s Key Thought:
God gives peace

Slow Cooking Feb 16, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: John 9:1-7

Jana looked out the window as a tear slid down her cheek. She watched as the other kids laughed and played in the snow. Her brother Caleb saw her and threw a snowball. She giggled in spite of herself as it softly hit the window. Sighing, she turned away and wheeled herself into the kitchen. “What are you making, Mom?”

“Supper,” Mom said.

Jana raised her eyebrows and looked at the clock. “At nine in the morning?”

“Yes,” said Mom. “But I think a better question would be what’s causing these tears.” She wiped away a tear from Jana’s cheek.

“Oh, Mom,” Jana said, “I just don’t understand why my illness has lasted so long. Why doesn’t God take away my pain and weakness? I know He could heal me!” The last words came out in a little sob.

Mom carefully lowered the meat into a slow cooker, covered it, and set it on low. Then she spoke. “We don’t always understand God’s ways or thoughts, but He uses the things that happen in our lives.” She paused, then tapped the top of the slow cooker. “It’s like this meat I’m cooking. It’s a special cut that requires careful preparation and cooking that other meats don’t require. If I cooked it faster on a higher heat, it would be tough and hard to eat. But when I cook it all day on a low temperature, it’s tender and delicious.” She grinned. “Even Caleb will be able to eat it with his missing teeth!”

Jana thought about that. “So you’re saying being sick and in this wheelchair for so long may be God’s way of making me tender and more like Him?”

“Yes!” Mom said. “I don’t know why God hasn’t healed you more quickly, but I know He’s patiently working in your life for good. He can use hard things to make you more like Jesus, who understands your suffering and promises to be with you through it. I pray each day that He will use this long illness to help you know Jesus better and let His love be seen in your life.” She poured hot water into a mug. “Now, would you like to come stir Caleb’s hot cocoa?” Jana smiled as she rolled to the table to help.

–Myrical Barton

How About You?
Have you been dealing with something for a long time? Do you wonder if God hears your prayers or even cares about what you’re going through? He does. God often uses difficult things in our lives to make us more like Jesus, and sometimes those things can last a long time. Remember that Jesus loves you and is with you, and trust Him to use your difficult experience for good.

Today’s Key Verse:
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. (NKJV) (Job 23:10)

Today’s Key Thought:
God uses hardships to shape you

Needy River and Needy Us Feb 15, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:7-11

Leighton was excited to spend time with his aunt. Since his new cousin was born, he hadn’t seen her much.

“Let’s get right to the card tricks,” said Aunt Ellie. “Where did I put my cards?”

There was baby stuff everywhere. Leighton helped his aunt go through it. Finally, they found a deck of cards under a stuffed giraffe.

Aunt Ellie was emptying out the card box when they heard crying coming from down the hallway. She stood. “That’s River.”

Leighton shuffled the cards as he waited for his aunt. His sister had a birthday party coming up, and he wanted to surprise her guests with the tricks that his aunt knew.

“She needs to eat. Sorry.” Aunt Ellie reappeared, sitting down and sticking a bottle into the mouth of the crying bundle in her arms.

Leighton waited as his cousin ate and as his aunt held her and patted her back. He waited as Aunt Ellie changed the baby’s diaper, and he watched her lay her in a bassinet.

“Watch Mommy impress your cousin with card tricks, okay?” Aunt Ellie moved back over to Leighton. She was about to do a card trick when River started to cry again. She dropped the cards. “Maybe she has a burp that’s stuck.”

“She needs help burping?” Leighton watched his aunt pick up the baby and start patting her back again. “I’m never going to learn this trick.”

“Babies need a lot from us,” said Aunt Ellie. “I was talking about that with your grandma. She reminded me that’s how we are with God. First, we need Jesus to save us from sin and give us new life in Him.” Aunt Ellie sat down. “Then we need His forgiveness when we don’t listen to what He says. We need His protection. We need His encouragement. We need His peace and joy and the hope He offers…”

“Do you think He gets tired of all our needs?” Leighton asked.

His aunt shook her head. “Never.” River had quieted in her arms, and she looked at Leighton with a smile. “Know what she needs now? Her cousin.” She reached over and placed the baby in Leighton’s outstretched arms, and he held her carefully.

–Emily Acker

How About You?
Do you know any babies who are always needing something from you and the adults in your life? Babies can’t do anything for themselves–they’re dependent on others to take care of them and give them what they need. And we need God to take care of us. He is always patient and never grows tired of helping you with your needs. Bring your problems and worries to Him in prayer and trust Him to take care of you.

Today’s Key Verse:
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (NIV) (Philippians 4:19)

Today’s Key Thought:
Trust God with your needs

All About Love Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:43-48; 1 John 4:7-13

“I’m not going to Topher’s birthday party,” Declan told his mother as they walked down the grocery aisle. “Not if Walker’s there.”

“That’s not very nice,” said Mom. “For Topher or Walker.”

“Yeah, well, they both deserve it! Walker’s mean and makes fun of people, and Topher just wants to be friends with him so the other kids will think he’s cool.”

They stopped in front of a display filled with bags of heart-shaped candy, and Declan’s younger brother eagerly looked for something to pass out to his kindergarten class with his valentines. “Can I get this kind?” Ben asked, picking up a bag.

“Let’s see,” Mom said, reading the package. “We’ll need two bags of these. There are only twenty pieces in each bag, and there are twenty-one kids in your class.”

“One’s enough,” said Ben. “I’m not giving one to Steven. He’s mean, and he doesn’t deserve candy.”

“Ben,” said Mom, “Valentine’s Day is all about love, remember? It’s not very loving to bring treats for all but one person in your class. As Christians, we need to love others the way Jesus loves us–even those who aren’t nice to us. Either we buy enough to share with Steven or we don’t buy any at all.”

Ben scowled. “No! I’m not getting one for Steven,” he said, crossing his arms.

Mom placed the candy back on the shelf and started walking away. “Wait!” Ben exclaimed, tugging at her coat. “Okay, okay, I’ll get one for Steven!”

Declan smirked at Ben’s sudden change in attitude. “You know,” Mom said, eyeing him, “that goes for friendships as well as candy.”

Declan looked at her and grimaced. “You’re talking about Topher’s party, aren’t you?”

Mom nodded. “The truth is, we don’t get to decide whether someone deserves to have us show them God’s love, because none of us deserve it. Yet God showed His love for us all by sending Jesus to take the punishment for our sins on the cross. As His followers, He calls us to love others–even those we don’t get along with.”

“Like Walker,” Declan said. He sighed, then nodded. “I’ll tell Topher that I’ll go to his party. Maybe I can get some candy to share too.”

–LeAnn Campbell

How About You?
Do you find it hard to love people who aren’t nice to you? Some people aren’t easy to love, but God wants us to love them anyway. He loves us so much that Jesus came to earth, suffered a painful death, and raised Himself back to life to save us from sin. We don’t deserve His love, but He gives it to us freely, and He will help us love others–even those who aren’t easy to love.

Today’s Key Verse:
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (NKJV) (1 John 4:7 )

Today’s Key Thought:
Show love to everyone

The Master’s Call Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: John 6:37-40; Romans 6:23

“Mom, Sheba won’t come when I call her!” said Adam. “Sometimes she comes toward me, but if I try to touch her, she runs away again. Watch!” Adam called to Sheba, his new puppy. Sure enough, Sheba looked at Adam, and when he kept calling, she ran in circles. Each time, she came close to Adam but always dodged away at the last moment. When she was finally exhausted, Sheba lay down, panting. Adam walked over to her. “You need to learn to obey,” he said.

“You’re right,” said Mom. “I know! Try offering her a reward to encourage her to come to you. Try a dog biscuit–and when you call her, ignore her silly antics. When she comes, praise her, pet her, and give her the biscuit. Eventually, she’ll get tired of wearing herself out for nothing. She’ll learn that she needs to come to you so she can have her reward.”

“Okay,” said Adam. “It’s worth a try.”

Several days later, Adam called to Mom as she walked outside. “Look, Mom! Watch Sheba now!” Mom turned to watch as Adam called to his puppy. “Sheba, come!” The puppy stopped chewing on her dog toy, looked at Adam, and cocked her head. Adam repeated the command. “Come, Sheba!” He held up a dog biscuit. Sheba quickly trotted over to Adam. She stood silently beside him, stared at the biscuit, and remained still. “Good girl, Sheba!” Adam patted her and gave her the biscuit, which she ate eagerly.

Adam beamed. “Sheba’s really smart!” He knelt down and hugged the happy puppy.

Mom smiled. “Yes. She is smart to come to her master.” Mom came over and scratched behind Sheba’s ears. “Sheba reminds me of the way we must come to our Master.”

“Come to our Master?” asked Adam. “I guess you mean Jesus, right?”

“Right,” Mom said, “and Jesus offers a reward too. He offers the greatest reward of all–eternal life with Him. Running in circles trying to make life work on our own doesn’t get us anywhere–it just tires us out. But Jesus is patient with us, and He calls us to come to Him for forgiveness, peace, and eternal life. When we answer His call, the reward is ours.”

–Susanna B. Chenoweth

How About You?
Have you come to Jesus? Do you hear Him calling? He’s offering a great reward–the gift of eternal life with Him. It’s wonderful and it’s free–but you must come. He promises that when you do, He will accept you; He will never turn anyone away. Will you come to Jesus 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:
All that the Father gives Me [Jesus] will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. (NKJV) (John 6:37)

Today’s Key Thought:
Come to Jesus

Four Meals a Day Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Colossians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13

“I’ve tried to get into the habit of reading my Bible every day,” Alanna said as she reached for a piece of pizza, “but I never seem to be able to.” Several others in the room nodded in agreement. They were having a pizza party for their Bible study group, and their leader was encouraging them to set aside time for daily devotions.

“Bible reading is a bit like eating,” said Mr. McRay. “First you take a bite, then you chew it, then you swallow it, and finally you digest it.”

“How do you take a bite of the Bible?” asked Chloe.

“Well, look at this pizza,” said Mr. McRay. “It’s cut into sections, and the Bible is also divided into sections. You choose one section of pizza, and you can choose one section of the Bible–a book or chapter or even just a verse or two.”

“So if that’s like taking a bite, how do you chew?” asked Marc. “My grandma’s always telling me not to bite off more than I can chew!”

Mr. McRay laughed. “She says that so you won’t choke on your food, but don’t worry, you won’t choke from reading your Bible. Chewing your bite of Bible just means thinking and praying about the verses you’ve read.”

“Okay, but then how do we swallow what we’ve read?” asked Alanna.

“Have you ever heard someone say, ‘That story is hard to swallow’? That means it’s hard to believe. So swallowing means believing God’s Word is true.”

“So we read a little, think about it, and believe it,” said Chloe. “Then what?”

“We digest it, remember? And we just studied that in school,” said Marc. “Food is changed into something the blood can take to the rest of the body.”

Mr. McRay nodded. “When we digest food, its nutrients become part of our bodies. And when we digest what we’ve read in the Bible, its truth becomes part of our lives. We let it make a difference as we listen to what it teaches us about Jesus and who we are as God’s children who have been saved from sin.” Mr. McRay picked up a piece of pizza. “I think it would be a good idea to eat four meals a day–breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a slice of your Bible.”

–Sheri Shaw

How About You?
Are you getting four meals a day? Just like eating is important for a healthy body, reading God’s Word is important for a healthy life. If you find it hard to read the Bible, start with small bites. Try reading just a verse or two and think about what God is saying. Then let it make a difference in your life by believing it and doing what it says. Have a bite of Bible every day!

Today’s Key Verse:
People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. (NLT) (Matthew 4:4)

Today’s Key Thought:
Feed on God’s Word

Redhead Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:13-16

Everyone in Daphne’s family had blond hair except for her. Her hair was bright red. She stood out in every family picture and too often heard comments about being her parents’ “red-headed girl.” Some people told Daphne her hair was pretty, and others just looked at her strangely, like she didn’t belong.

Daphne sat on a camp chair at her little brother’s soccer game and tried to cover as much of her hair as possible with her bucket hat. She heard someone sit down beside her and glanced over at her grandpa. “How’s my little redhead?” he asked.

Daphne sighed. “Do you have to call me that?”

Grandpa’s gray brow lifted. “No, I don’t have to. But what’s wrong with it?”

“I’m tired of having red hair.” Daphne frowned and sat forward, watching as her brother kicked the ball to his teammate. “I don’t like being different from everyone in my family. I wish I had blond hair too.”

“But then you wouldn’t stand out,” Grandpa said.

“Exactly!” Daphne turned to him. “I want to fit in. I want to have blond hair and look like them instead of being the redhead of the family.”

Grandpa tapped his chin. “I think your grandma felt that way too sometimes.”

“Grandma?” Daphne asked.

“She had red hair like yours before it went gray,” Grandpa said. “She’s where you get it from.”

Daphne couldn’t remember her grandma well because she had passed away when she was young, and she’d never realized she had red hair.

“I think it’s a special thing that God passed on to you,” Grandpa said. “I love seeing your red hair. And I know God makes no mistakes. If He wanted you to be just like the rest of your family, He would have made you that way.” Grandpa smiled at her. “Sometimes it’s hard to be different, but it’s also good. God made each of us unique in many ways, not just in our looks. It’s good to enjoy and embrace that rather than fight it, knowing God created each of us with care because He loves us.”

“Okay, I’ll try,” Daphne said. It felt better knowing her grandma had been a redhead too and to be reminded that God had made her that way.

–Bethany Acker

How About You?
Do you embrace the unique qualities God has given you? Or do you feel frustrated because you don’t look or act the same way as your family or friends? God made you just as you are, and He loves you so much that Jesus gave His life to save you. Instead of wishing you were different, let Him help you enjoy being the unique person He created you to be.

Today’s Key Verse:
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (NIV) (Psalm 139:14 )

Today’s Key Thought:
God made you just right

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