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

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Amendments and Salvation Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

Tyler walked into the kitchen where his mom was preparing supper. They were going to a special program at church that night, so they would be eating earlier than usual.

Mom looked up and smiled. “Hi, Tyler. What have you been doing?”

“I’ve been reading,” Tyler replied. “I’m learning some pretty cool stuff about the United States.”

“What kind of stuff?” Mom asked as she began mixing up a salad.

Tyler reached for the lettuce and started shredding it. “I found out that once a state approves an amendment to its constitution, it can’t change it. I guess the state has to be pretty sure that it agrees with the amendment!”

“That’s interesting,” Mom said.

“But what’s really interesting is that if a state rejects an amendment, it can change its mind later,” Tyler added. He sighed. Even though he had been reading all afternoon, he’d been thinking about something else too.

“What’s wrong?” Mom asked, glancing at him over the salad bowl.

Tyler sighed again. “I don’t really want to go to church tonight. Speakers at programs like that sometimes make me feel like I’m not saved. I worry that when I sin, I’ve lost my salvation and have to trust Jesus to save me all over again.”

“Tyler, it doesn’t work that way,” Mom said gently. “If you have truly placed your faith in Jesus and believe He died for your sins and rose again, then He has saved you, and you’ll always be saved.”

“Really?” asked Tyler.

“Yes. It’s like what you were talking about with states amending their constitutions. Before a person is saved, they can reject the good news of Jesus over and over again, but God never gives up on them. That person can always change their mind. Once you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, there’s nothing that can change it. You’ll still sin, but Jesus promises to forgive you when you confess your sins to Him.”

Tyler thought about that. “But how can I keep from sinning?”

“Once you’re saved, the Holy Spirit lives in you and helps you follow Jesus,” said Mom. “But you still have to choose to listen and obey what He says. It isn’t always easy, but even when you mess up, God will never let you go.”

– Julia Kicinski

How About You?
Are you ever afraid that you might lose your salvation? Do you ever think God will give up on you because you sin too much? God loves you and promises never to abandon you. He will always forgive you when you sin and help you obey Him. When you trust Jesus to be your Savior, He will hold you so tightly that you will never be lost again.

Today’s Key Verse:
And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. (NKJV) (John 10:28)

Today’s Key Thought:
Salvation is forever

The Right Focus Feb 09, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Colossians 3:1-3, 8-10; Hebrews 12:1-2

Dinner was finished, and Liam was just thinking about teasing his sister when she interrupted his plan. “Why did you have to stay in during recess today?” Naomi asked him. “I heard you and a bunch of other kids got caught cheating on a test.”

Liam swallowed hard, and it suddenly became very quiet in the kitchen. Only Nala, their dog, had anything to say as she yipped for a handout. “Nala, quiet.” Dad said. Nala sat down immediately and waited.

“It wasn’t a big deal,” muttered Liam, but the look on Dad’s face said otherwise. Liam sighed. “Chandler found the answer key and passed it around, and I kept thinking about honor roll, so…well, I snuck a look.”

Dad cut a scrap of meat and showed it to Nala. The dog licked her lips hungrily. “Nala, stay,” Dad said firmly, then placed the meat on the floor in front of the dog. Nala thumped her tail excitedly, but she stayed where she was. “Liam, do you have any idea why Nala is able to resist the temptation to take the meat?”

Liam grinned. “She probably knows Naomi helped make dinner tonight, and…ow!” His sister’s elbow had made a direct hit to his ribs.

“Look at Nala’s eyes,” Dad said. “She’s looking at me, right?” Liam nodded. “If Nala kept staring at the meat, she’d never be able to resist it,” Dad explained. “Instead, she’s focusing on her master.” He turned toward Liam. “Whenever you’re tempted, who should you focus on?”

“Jesus,” Liam replied. “I know that, Dad. But it’s so hard!”

“You’re right. It’s not easy,” said Dad. “But God gives us the ability to do it. Because we trust in Jesus, He has set us free from sin and gives us power over temptation–and when we do sin, He offers us forgiveness. When we’re tempted to do wrong things, it’s important to direct our thoughts back toward Jesus and trust Him for the power to resist.”

“I was definitely more focused on my grades than I was on Jesus,” Liam admitted.

Dad picked up the scrap of meat and tossed it into the air. Nala caught and swallowed it, barely taking time to chew. She sat down and licked her lips again. It had been worth the wait.

– A. J. Schut

How About You?
What are some temptations that you’ve experienced? If you’re a Christian, remember that even when you give in to temptation and sin, God has already forgiven all your sins through the death and resurrection of His Son. Because you trust in Jesus, He has freed you from sin and given you the power to resist it. The next time you’re tempted to do something wrong, redirect your attention to Jesus and the power you have in Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. (NIV) (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Today’s Key Thought:
Focus on Jesus

Watch Your Walk Feb 08, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Colossians 1:9-12

“What are these clothes for?” asked Violet. She was at her friend Olivia Johnson’s house, and Mrs. Johnson had the dining room covered with dresses, pants, and some items of clothing Addy didn’t even recognize.

Olivia laughed. “Mom helps the high school drama department with costumes for their plays. She’s going through old costumes to see which ones can be used again.” Olivia picked up a red dress. “You want to try some on? Mom will let us, won’t you, Mom?”

“If you girls are careful,” said Mrs. Johnson.

For the next hour or so, the girls went from being ladies from the 1700s to aliens from outer space. Their favorites were the animal costumes. Violet was a zebra, and Olivia was a lion. The costumes completely covered them except for air holes and a slit for their eyes. “Mrs. Johnson, my dad is out mowing the lawn. Can we walk past my house in our costumes? He won’t know who we are, and I can’t wait to see the look on his face!”

Mrs. Johnson laughed. “Sure.”

The girls giggled as they quietly went out the back door and then behind some trees to the sidewalk. They didn’t want Violet’s dad to see them coming from the Johnson house. They waited until he turned the mower toward the sidewalk, then they hurriedly walked past him.

Violet’s dad turned off the mower. “Oh no! My daughter has turned into a zebra and her friend is a lion! What shall I do?”

Violet removed the zebra head. “Daaad! How did you know it was us?”

He laughed. “Your walk, Violet. I knew who you were by the way you were walking.”

The family had a good laugh about Violet’s costume over supper that night. Then Violet had a thought. “This is kind of like what we were talking about last week, Dad, when I was having problems with some friends at school. You said people should know I’m a Christian by the way I live my life–that I needed to walk the Christian walk.”

“Exactly right,” said Dad. “The Bible tells us that others should know we belong to Jesus by the way we walk. Every step we take should point to Him and His love for us.”

– Linda Weddle

How About You?
Do others know you’re a Christian by the way you walk? That doesn’t mean whether you tiptoe or march, but how you live your life. Could someone tell you know Jesus and have His love in your heart by your kindness, patience, and joy? Or do you walk the same as everyone else? Walk in a way that shows others the love of Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse:
The one who says he remains in him [Jesus] should walk just as he walked. (CSB) (1 John 2:6)

Today’s Key Thought:
Walk like a Christian

The Pizza Party Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Matthew 20:1-16; Ephesians 2:8-9

“How was the pizza party?” Mom asked as Addy climbed into the car and buckled her seatbelt.

Addy wasn’t sure how to answer. She had chosen to give up her lunch recess five days in a row to help pick up litter, pull weeds from the cracked pavement, and spread new wood chips under the monkey bars. Being on the clean-up crew was hard work, but she didn’t mind. The playground was looking so much better, and Ms. Chambers, the custodian, had promised the crew a pizza party as a reward.

“It was good and bad, I guess,” Addy said. “Good because I got my favorite–pepperoni with extra cheese. Bad because Henry was there.”

“Henry was on the clean-up crew?” Mom’s face looked surprised in the rearview mirror.

Addy nodded. “But he was late every day and mostly just goofed around. Henry didn’t work nearly as hard as the rest of us. I don’t understand why he got to come to the party.”

“That reminds me of a story Jesus told about some workers who were hired to clear a field,” Mom said. “Some of them started at nine in the morning, some at noon, some at three, and some at five. When the workday was over, the owner of the field paid everyone a full day’s wage.”

“That’s not fair!” Addy burst out. “The people who started later shouldn’t have gotten the same pay as the ones who worked all day.”

“It might not seem fair, but instead of comparing the workers, maybe we can think about how generous the owner of the field was to all of them.”

Addy was quiet for a minute. She thought about how Ms. Chambers was always patient and kind to everyone–even the kids who made the biggest messes in the lunchroom. “Ms. Chambers is kind of like the owner of the field, isn’t she? She kept her promise to all of us–even Henry, who did the least work of all.”

“Yes, Addy, and the owner of the field is like Jesus, who gives grace and keeps His promises to all of us who trust in Him. The way He works is sometimes hard for us to understand, but we can be grateful that He is always good.”

–Susie Crosby

How About You?
Do you sometimes feel frustrated when someone who didn’t work as hard as you gets the same prize or payment? Sometimes things don’t seem fair, but the good news is that God is generous and kind to everyone. None of us could earn the reward of eternal life with Him, but because Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again, we are all invited to the party in heaven forever.

Today’s Key Verse:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (NIV) (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Today’s Key Thought:
God offers grace to everyone

The Perfect Answer Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 66:16-20; Jeremiah 33:3

“I wish my grandpa lived nearby,” said Tariq as he and his friend Mason went to visit Mason’s grandfather. “I wanted Grandpa to move here when Grandma died, but he didn’t.” Tariq had always wondered why God hadn’t answered his prayer.

Mason’s grandpa was working outside when they arrived. He greeted them, then showed them where he was planting watermelon seeds. “You’ll have to come back in the summer to eat some watermelon,” he said.

Just then they heard a door slam. An elderly man who lived next door had come outside. “Get out of here, you nasty critters!” the man hollered at some squirrels in his yard.

“He doesn’t sound very happy,” said Tariq.

Mason’s grandpa shook his head. “That’s Hank Stone. He lives alone and doesn’t have any family nearby. His only grandchild used to visit him, but he died in a car accident last year. I think the only people Hank sees now are a few old timers like me. He misses his relatives–especially his grandson.”

As they walked over to the edge of the lawn, Mr. Stone glared at them. Then his face softened, and he came over and stood in front of Tariq. “I don’t know you,” he said, “but you sure remind me of my grandson.” Tears filled his eyes, and Tariq looked at him uncertainly, not knowing what to say. “My grandson, he–I don’t see him anymore,” the old man said.

Tariq gave him a hesitant smile. “I live a couple blocks away–maybe I could come visit you sometimes. I could bring some of my mom’s cookies.” A smile spread across Mr. Stone’s face.

When Tariq arrived home, he told his mom about Mr. Stone. “Maybe I could adopt him as an extra grandpa since my own grandpa lives so far away.”

Mom smiled at him. “You know, Tariq, I think God may have answered your prayer to have your grandpa live nearby in a special way. Even when He doesn’t give us exactly what we ask for, He still cares for us and provides for us. He cares about Mr. Stone too and knows how hard it is for him not have anybody going to see him.”

Tariq grinned. “But now he has me!”

–Matilda H. Nordtvedt

How About You?
Have you been frustrated when you prayed for something but God didn’t answer the way you wanted? God answers prayer, but He answers the way He knows is best–which may not always be the way you want. Keep praying, knowing that He loves you and listens to your prayers. Trust Him to give you the perfect answer, even if it’s not what you expected.

Today’s Key Verse:
As for God, His way is perfect. (NKJV) (Psalm 18:30)

Today’s Key Thought:
God’s answers to prayer are perfect

The Growing House Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 9:7-10; Jude 1:20-22

“Want to come check on a house with me?” Braxton’s dad asked. Braxton didn’t really want to, but he climbed into his dad’s truck. His dad was a building contractor, and Braxton used to love seeing the houses he was building. But after his mom died, he didn’t find it exciting anymore.

They made their way to a messy yard. The ground was muddy with a big hole in it. “This doesn’t look like a house,” Braxton said.

Dad smiled. “Not yet, but it will. Trust me.”

Braxton went with his dad again the next day and there was concrete in the hole. “Is that a basement?” Braxton asked.

“Sure is,” Dad said as he walked around the edge of it to inspect the work.

A few days later, Braxton was surprised to see the wooden outline of a house set up over the basement. After a while, he started to look forward to his visits.

On the day they arrived to see men putting on siding, Braxton grinned. “Every day something new is done, and soon it will be ready to be lived in.”

“Pretty cool, right?” Dad said. “As builders, we get to add to a house a little each day. As Christians, we can see our faith be built up like that.”

Braxton turned from the house and stared at his dad. “Huh?”

“It’s been hard to trust God since your mom passed away, hasn’t it?” Dad asked. “Our lives were messy like this lot before the house was built.”

Braxton hugged himself. “Everything changed.”

“Little by little, though, we have learned to trust Him again,” Dad said. “God has been taking care of us and building up our faith. That basement was like the first sign of us trusting God again when we remembered that Jesus, who died and rose again to save us, is still here with us and promises to make everything right one day. Each time the house had something added to it was similar to how God continued to show His love to us–like when He sent Grandma to help us and when He showed us it’s okay to be happy again.”

“I miss Mom,” Braxton said.

“Me too.” Dad hugged him. “But I still want my faith and trust in God to be built up.”

–Emily Acker

How About You?
Have you ever had to trust God through an especially hard time, such as the loss of a parent, grandparent, or friend? It can be hard to trust Him at times like that and can even feel like you’re falling away from Him. But God still loves you, and His promises are still true. If Jesus has saved you, nothing can separate you from Him. He will continue to care for you and build your faith in Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Build each other up in your most holy faith…and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. (NLT) (Jude 1:20-21)

Today’s Key Thought:
Trust God to build your faith

Remote Control (Part 2) Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Matthew 8:5-13

Ezra and Louie took their remote control truck out to the driveway while Mom sat on the porch. Their little sister, Ophelia, was hopping around on a pogo stick. “Mom,” Ophelia said, “I wish I had a remote control pogo stick. I could ride it, and you could make it to go up and down, up and down, all by itself. That would be fun!”

“Yeah, that would be cool!” Ezra said as he watched his sister.

Mom laughed. “I’ve never heard of such a thing. Maybe you can invent one when you grow up.”

“But I want one now!” said Ophelia.

“I have an idea,” said Mom. “When I give a command, do whatever I say. If I say to go left, you go left. If I say to go right, you go right. It’s kind of like I’m moving you by remote control! How about that?” Ophelia grinned and nodded. “Ready?” asked Mom. “Okay, go straight ahead…turn left…turn left again…now go right…back up…go forward…stop!” Ophelia bounced around, laughing as she followed her mother’s instructions. The boys joined in too, and soon they were taking turns giving and receiving commands.

That night, Mom read a Bible story about a Roman leader who asked Jesus to heal his servant. “The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.'”

“Jesus was pleased with that man’s faith,” Mom explained after she finished reading. “The servant was healed the moment Jesus said, ‘So let it be done for you.'”

“Just like a remote control!” said Louie.

“That’s an interesting way to look at it,” Mom said. “God made this world, and He controls everything in it–but not always like a remote control. He wants us to trust Him and follow His commands–just like Ophelia let me direct where her pogo stick went by following my directions. The man in the story believed Jesus was God and submitted to His authority by asking Jesus to do what he could not, knowing Jesus could do anything. That’s the kind of faith we need to have too.”

–Tait E. Powell

How About You?
Have you put your faith in Jesus? Are you listening to Him and following His commands? Or are you living the way you want? We can fool ourselves into thinking we’re in control of our lives, but God is in control of everything. You can’t save yourself or live a good life on your own–you need Jesus. Trust and follow Him. (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:
You, whose name alone is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth. (NKJV) (Psalm 83:18)

Today’s Key Thought:
Trust and obey Jesus

Remote Control (Part 1) Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Luke 17:11-19

“I sure hope we get remote control race cars for our birthday,” Ezra said as he and his twin brother waited to be picked up from school.

“Me too,” said Louie. “But with Dad out of work, you know we won’t get them.” He kicked at a stone on the sidewalk.

“Don’t be so sure,” said Ezra. “When Aunt Elizabeth called last week, she asked what we wanted, and I told her we wanted the cars. Who knows! She might get them for us.”

When the boys arrived home, there was a large package on the table. It was for them–a package from Aunt Elizabeth. Could it be? It was! A remote control car–well, sort of. “A remote control truck?” asked Louie. “Not a race car? And just one?”

Ezra looked at him in disbelief. “You mean we have to share it?”

“Looks like you do,” said Mom.

The boys sighed, but they took turns playing with the truck and learning to use the remote control. “It’s tricky to back up the truck with that trailer attached,” Louie said after a while. “I didn’t expect it to be like this.”

“What did you expect?” asked Mom.

“That each of us would get a car,” said Ezra.

“I didn’t expect to get a remote control car at all,” said Louie. “I suppose we really should be thankful to have this truck, even if we do have to share it.”

“I agree with that,” said Mom. “Tell me–what are some things you like about it?”

“Well,” said Ezra, “it does have turbo speed.”

“And it came with a trailer,” said Louie. “It’s kind of fun figuring out how to make it back up the right way.”

“How about calling Aunt Elizabeth to thank her?” Mom suggested. “Mention all the things you like about the gift and thank her for it.” The boys nodded. “And maybe your new truck can also be a reminder to thank God for everything He’s given you,” Mom added. “He gave you the best gift of all when He sent Jesus to save you, and He always provides and does what’s best for you–even if it’s in ways you don’t expect.”

–Tait E. Powell

How About You?
Do you thank others for the gifts they give you–even when it’s not what you asked for or expected? Don’t be like the nine lepers in today’s Scripture reading who failed to say thank you. Be thankful for the gifts you receive, especially those that come from God. He doesn’t always give us what we ask for, but because He gave us His own Son, we can trust Him to give us exactly what we need.

Today’s Key Verse:
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. (NKJV) (Psalm 100:4)

Today’s Key Thought:
Be thankful

Singing to a Groundhog Feb 02, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: Psalms 95:1-7; 98:1-9

Sam stood silently next to Grandpa and his parents at church. Mom and Dad sang their hearts out. Grandpa tapped his cane to the beat as he sang. But Sam didn’t think he had a good voice, so he didn’t sing.

The next morning Grandpa came over for coffee. While Mom cleaned up breakfast, Sam worked on his homeschool nature study guide. He pointed at a picture of a groundhog peeking out of its burrow. “We have one of these in our yard.”

“I know,” said Grandpa. “I saw it waddling around this morning.”

Sam looked at his book. “Did you know groundhogs dig holes over twenty feet long? They’re also called woodchucks, and their babies are chucklings.”

Grandpa grinned. “That makes me want to chuckle.”

Sam continued, “They come out of hibernation before the snow melts, but they can’t always predict the end of winter on Groundhog Day like everyone always claims. And listen to this! ‘They are fond of singing.’ Wouldn’t our singing scare them off?”

Grandpa stood and motioned for Sam to follow. Outside, Grandpa started singing. A moment later, the groundhog appeared and rose to its hind legs. Grandpa nudged Sam, who cleared his throat and sang along. The groundhog relaxed and began to snuffle in the grass.

When they were back inside, Sam said, “It really liked our singing!”

“Do you know who else likes your singing?” Grandpa asked.

“Probably not the neighbors,” Sam answered.

“Think about church yesterday,” Grandpa suggested.

“You mean God?”

Grandpa nodded. “God tells us to sing His praises because we love Him and want to thank Him for all He’s done for us, like creating us and sending His Son to save us.”

Sam looked at Grandpa. “If Jesus could die on the cross to rescue me, I can at least sing a few songs.”

“When you sing to God, you’re showing the love and joy He has put in your heart,” said Grandpa. “No matter what your singing sounds like, He loves it when we sing His praises out of gratitude for who He is and what He’s done for us.”

Sam grinned. “If God enjoys my singing even more than the groundhog did, then I’ll sing for Him.”

–Laura Roesler

How About You?
Do you sing along in church? Or do you think your voice doesn’t matter? It matters to God. He delights in hearing us express our love by singing and praising Him. Next time you’re in church, think about His love for you and all He’s done for you. Then raise your voice to Him in song, knowing He’s pleased with your praise.

Today’s Key Verse:
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (NIV) (Psalm 100:2)

Today’s Key Thought:
Sing praises to God

New Glasses Feb 01, 2025

Show notes

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:9-16

Adelei skipped down the sidewalk toward her grandparents’ house. It felt strange to be wearing glasses, but she was amazed that she could see things so much better–like individual leaves on the trees and even the letters on the stop sign at the far corner. Adelei laughed in delight. She hurried as she got closer to the house and saw Grandpa working in the yard.

A few minutes later, Grandpa led her into the house where Grandma was cooking. “We have one excited girl here,” he said.

“Your glasses look great!” Grandma smiled and gave Adelei a hug. “I still remember when I got my first pair of glasses. They make a wonderful difference, don’t they?”

“And I remember when I got my spiritual glasses,” said Grandpa.

“Spiritual glasses?” Adelei had never heard of such a thing. “What are those?”

“Well,” said Grandpa, “before I knew Jesus, the Bible seemed strange to me when I read it, and I couldn’t understand what it was all about. But the Holy Spirit opened my spiritual eyes–sort of like how those glasses help your eyes. As I continued to read the Bible, He showed me that I needed Jesus to rescue me from sin, and I began to see–to understand–what God says in His Word and realize how it applied to my life.”

“Spiritual glasses are even more important than regular glasses,” said Grandma. “To understand the things of God is to have the best sight of all.”

Grandpa looked at Adelei. “Are you going to leave those glasses on your dresser, or do you plan to wear them every day?”

Adelei laughed at the question. “Of course I’ll wear them. What good would they do in my room?”

“Exactly,” said Grandpa. “And we should make use of our spiritual glasses. The Holy Spirit is always with everyone who trusts in Jesus, giving us wisdom and insight. As we read the Bible and study it with other Christians at church, He helps us understand what it says so we can see Jesus and His love for all people more clearly.”

“Your Grandpa has had that lesson in mind all day,” Grandma said with a wink.

Adelei adjusted her glasses and smiled.

–Pauline Youd

How About You?
Do you wear glasses to help you see better? Even if you don’t, we all need spiritual glasses to understand God’s Word clearly. The Holy Spirit gives us the spiritual sight we need to understand what God says in the Bible. As you read it, study it, and learn more about what it says, He will open your eyes to His truth and love so you can grow in your relationship with Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse:
Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. (NKJV) (Psalm 119:18)

Today’s Key Thought:
God gives spiritual sight

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