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

Read: Matthew 6:19-21

Emily burst through the door. “Mom, I’m back! I got paid for walking Bandit. I have enough! Can we go to the store before I go to Mrs. Stevens’ house to pack up the donations for those flood victims? Please?”

“How about some down time instead?” said Mom. “You’ve run yourself ragged all summer earning money for those Bangle Brights. How many do you need?” Mom raised one eyebrow and looked pointedly at the numerous neon-colored bracelets that flashed and sparkled on Emily’s wrists. Each thin bangle fit tightly against another to form thick bands that ran up her forearms.

“But Mom,” Emily protested, “you get four in a package, along with a code that unlocks a treasure on the website! If I can be one of the girls who gets all the sets before school starts, it will be worth it.”

Mom sighed. “Just remember that your worth isn’t determined by stuff, Emily,” she said softly. “You belong to Jesus, who loves you so much He died for you! He makes you shine brighter than all the Bangle Brights in the world, and you can shine that light to others by showing them His love.” She nodded toward the living room. “Why don’t you go rest a while before heading over to Mrs. Stevens’? We’ll go to the store another time.”

Emily went to the living room and turned on the television. But she didn’t watch it. She started thinking about stuff—all the stuff she had and what it would be like to lose it overnight.

Later that day, Emily knocked on Mrs. Stevens’ door. She’d brought her new backpack filled with all her new school supplies. She could use her backpack from last year, and she’d replace the school supplies with the money she’d earned walking Bandit. The newest bangles could wait. These kids had lost everything in the flood.

When Mrs. Stevens let her in, Emily quietly added her backpack to the donations, then got to work sorting donated items. Most were new, others were gently used. She opened a box marked “Girls.” It was full of hair accessories and jewelry. She slid half the bangles off each arm and dropped them into the box. She thought of how excited some girl would be to get them and knew it was worth it.

–Charelle Wilson

How about you? Do you think having the latest and greatest stuff matters? It’s okay to enjoy new gadgets and popular trends, but remember that the things found in the world won’t last forever. It’s just stuff. What really matters is having a relationship with Jesus, who died and rose again to give you eternal life, and shining His light to others. Ask Him to show you how you can share His love with someone today!

Today’s key verse: But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:16 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Share the light of Jesus

Read: Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:1-3

“How about slicing this cheese, Bryson?” Mom said as Bryson helped her prepare sandwiches for lunch.

“Sure,” said Bryson. He got out the cheese cutter and went to work.

As Bryson began slicing cheese, two-year-old Asher ran into the kitchen. “Some!” he said, holding out his hand.

Mom shook her head. “Sorry, Asher. No cheese for you. It makes you sick.”

Asher frowned and ignored her. “Some, pwease!” he begged, tugging on Bryson’s arm.

“I can’t give you any, Asher,” Bryson replied. “Mom said no.” Asher fussed a little more, but then walked away, obviously not happy. “Too bad Asher doesn’t really understand why he can’t have cheese,” said Bryson. “If he knew it was because he’s allergic to it, he might not get upset when you tell him no.”

“Parents often have to make decisions their kids can’t understand,” Mom said, turning to look at Bryson.

“You’re talking about the party last night, aren’t you?” he asked.

Mom nodded. “When you asked if you could go, Dad and I didn’t say no to be mean. Like we told you—based on our experience and knowledge, we felt it wasn’t the kind of party it would be wise for you to go to. That’s why we said no.”

“I think I understand better now,” Bryson said. “Well, at least I understand that you have a reason for not always letting me do what I want, just like you have a reason for not letting Asher have what he wants.”

“Good.” Mom smiled and gave Bryson a hug. “God has placed us over you to teach and protect you. We’re doing our best to teach you about Jesus and how to live in light of everything He’s done to save you. Someday we won’t be able to make decisions for you. As you get older, you’ll have to decide what choices line up with following Jesus for yourself through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking wise advice from other Christians.”

Bryson nodded. “I know, and until then, I’ll try to remember that you have your reasons when you won’t let me do things.” He grinned. “If I forget, you can just tell me, ‘No cheese for you.’ That should help me remember!”

–Hope L. Aderman

How about you? Do you ever think your parents make rules for no reason? God puts parents in our lives so they can use their knowledge and experience to teach us about Jesus and train us in the way He wants us to go. We may not always understand their reasons, but we can trust Jesus to use their guidance to help us grow in our faith and show His love to others. Trust Him to help you show His love to your parents by obeying them.

Today’s key verse: Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Colossians 3:20 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Obey your parents

Read: Matthew 5:44; 1 Peter 2:20-23; 3:15-18

“Maria and I are going to do something about those kids who tease us for going to the after-school Bible club,” Bailey told her mom on the way home from school.

“Do what, exactly?” Mom asked, coming to a stop at a noisy construction zone.

“We’re going to write a letter telling them they’re sinners headed straight for hell and have everyone in our Bible club sign it,” Bailey said. “Then none of us will talk to them until they quit being so mean.”

The jackhammers ripping up the road made too much noise for Mom to answer. Once they pulled into their driveway, she turned to look at Bailey. “Did you see how hard the people back there had to work to get through the asphalt?” Bailey nodded. “Before you go in, I want to show you something,” Mom said, getting out of the car. Bailey followed her to the end of the driveway where Mom pointed to a little green plant poking through the asphalt.

“How can a little stem like that break through the driveway?” Bailey asked.

Mom smiled. “Isn’t it interesting how those workers back there had to use a jackhammer to break the asphalt, but little plants can gently and steadily push their way through?” She looked at Bailey. “It sounds like you’re planning to use a jackhammer approach with those kids at school, but I think slow and steady gentleness would be more effective.”

“What do you mean?” asked Bailey.

“Instead of writing a nasty letter, speak the truth kindly,” said Mom. “After all, you and all the kids at Bible club are sinners too. The only reason you’ve been saved from sin is because Jesus gave His life for you, and you’re gathering together to get to know Him better. And He says to love your enemies, just like He loves you, a sinner. Instead of trying to jackhammer the truth into those kids, why not plant a seed in their hearts by telling them what Jesus has done for you and inviting them to come to Bible club if they want to learn more?”

Bailey was quiet for a moment. “You’re right,” she said. “If we’re at Bible club to learn about Jesus and how much He loves us, we should act like Him.”

–Heather Tekavec

How about you? What kind of approach do you use when others tease you about your faith? A jackhammer approach—or a gentle one? Jesus used a gentle approach when He was treated badly, and He wants you to do the same. Talk to an adult about how you can use a gentle approach when others are mean to you. God may use your kindness and gentleness to break through their hearts.

Today’s key verse: Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. Proverbs 25:15 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Develop a gentle spirit

Read: Psalm 25:8-14; Titus 2:11-14

Madison was sitting at her desk doing math homework when her little sister walked in. “I want to write numbers too,” said four-year-old Ava.

Smiling, Madison wrote the numbers from one to ten on a piece of paper. Then she took Ava’s hand and helped her begin to write. “One…two…”

Ava pulled her hand away. “I can do it!”

“Okay,” said Madison, going back to her homework. She had just finished her last problem when Ava began to cry. “What’s wrong?” Madison asked. Ava shoved her paper away. Her numbers were jumbled on the paper, many of them unrecognizable. “Let me help you,” Madison said, bending down to take Ava’s hand again.

“No!” Ava pulled away, grabbing the paper. “I want to do it myself.”

“Okay,” said Madison. “But I’m finished with my work, and I’m going to get something to drink. I’ll be back in a little while.”

Madison poured herself a glass of water and went to the family room, where her mother was sorting clothes. “I tried to help Ava write her numbers, Mom, but she wouldn’t let me. She’d rather cry because she can’t do it instead of letting me help her.”

Mom smiled. “Admitting we need help with something isn’t always easy.” She handed Madison some towels to fold. “Sometimes we’re a lot like Ava. Her numbers didn’t turn out right when she didn’t let you guide her, and our decisions often don’t turn out right when we don’t let Jesus guide us.”

“How does He do that?” asked Madison.

“Through what He says to us in the Bible, through the prompting of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds, and even through people He brings into our lives,” Mom replied. “We often think we need to do everything on our own, but that’s impossible. Jesus is the one who saved us from sin, which we could never do ourselves, and He wants us to bring all our problems and struggles to Him in prayer and trust Him to guide us and help us make good decisions.”

“I’m glad Jesus is always there to help us,” Madison said as she finished folding the towels. “Speaking of help, I’ll go see if Ava has changed her mind about trying to write numbers on her own.”

–Karen E. Cogan

How about you? Do you depend on Jesus as you go about your daily life? Or do you think you can do everything by yourself? Problems at home, difficulties at school, struggles with sin—Jesus wants you to bring all those things to Him in prayer instead of trying to tackle them on your own. Trust Him to guide you and help you do His will in every situation.

Today’s key verse: I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths. Proverbs 4:11 (CSB)

Today’s key thought: We need Jesus’s help

Read: Matthew 9:10-13

“Singur invited me to his birthday party next Saturday,” Owen told his mom and older sister, Chloe. “He’s an awesome soccer player.” Owen pretended to headbutt a soccer ball into a goal, then raised his arms in victory.

“You could get him a hat with his favorite team’s logo on it,” Mom said.

Owen shook his head. “Singur always wears a turban. It’s part of his religion. He’s a sick.”

“He means Sikh, Mom.” Chloe slipped off the bandana that had been tied in her hair.

“Singur’s mom said I can spend the night after the party,” Owen said.

“What about church on Sunday?” Mom asked.

“I could go with Singur to his gurdwara. It’s like church.”

“A gurdwara is not a church,” Mom said. “Sikhism is a different religion from Christianity.”

“But that doesn’t mean Owen shouldn’t be friends with Singur, does it?” Chloe asked. “Didn’t Jesus make friends with all kinds of people?”

“He did,” Mom said, “and He shared God’s love with them. But He never participated in things they did that went against who He was. Sikhs don’t worship Jesus, so a gurdwara is not a place of worship for Christians. We need to be careful that the things we do with our friends are in step with our faith in Jesus. He saved us and made us His people, and we need to follow Him.”

“Give me your leg, Owen,” Chloe said. “I want to show you something.” She put her own leg next to Owen’s and tied their ankles together with her bandana. “You go left. I’ll go right.” When Owen tried to walk away from his sister, he fell. “You’re tied to Jesus, and you need to go in the same direction as Him,” Chloe said. “Otherwise you won’t go anywhere.”

Owen got to his feet. “Mom, I think I should go to Singur’s party and spend the night, but I’ll tell him I can’t go to his gurdwara because I have my own church to be part of.”

“Good thinking,” Mom said. “You might even get a chance to tell him about Jesus and what He’s done for you.”

Owen nodded. “And for his gift, I think I’ll get him a bandana with his favorite soccer team. It’ll work great for winning a three-legged race!”

–Holland Webb

How about you? Do you have friends who don’t know Jesus? How can you be a friend to them without going against who you are as a Christian? Jesus was friends with all kinds of people, but that doesn’t mean He went along with everything they did. Trust Him to give you wisdom in knowing how to be a good friend to others while remaining true to Him.

Today’s key verse: “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Be a friend like Jesus