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

Read: Philippians 4:4-7

“What an awful day!” said Sophia after school. “Why do I have to have Mrs. Hilton for a teacher? She’s a grouch, and nobody likes her!”

“It sounds like this would be a good time to remind you of the verses we read for devotions this morning,” Mom said. “‘In everything give thanks,’ remember? Because Jesus saved us and is always with us, we can have an attitude of praise and thankfulness to God, no matter what situation we find ourselves in.”

“Yes, but…” Sophia looked doubtful. “It’s pretty hard to have an attitude of praise in Mrs. Hilton’s class.”

“It may be hard at times, but Jesus still wants us to thank Him and trust Him in hard situations,” Mom replied. “He often uses them to teach us important lessons.”

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll learn lots of lessons in Mrs. Hilton’s class,” Sophia muttered. “Lessons like sit up straight, no talking during class, stay in your seats, blah, blah, blah!” She sighed. “I really don’t see how I can give thanks for being in Mrs. Hilton’s class. It’s just too much!” She collapsed into a chair with a loud huff.

Mom sat down next to her. “Sophia, I think you’ll do a lot better in Mrs. Hilton’s class if you change your attitude. Instead of complaining and focusing on the negative, remember that Jesus loves Mrs. Hilton and died for her just like He did for you. Trust Him to help you show her His love in your attitude. Treat her with respect, and look for nice things to say about her.”

“Nice things about her? I can’t think of any,” said Sophia.

“Ask Jesus to help you think of some,” said Mom. “Pray for Mrs. Hilton too, and look for ways you can encourage her and show her kindness. I think if you do that instead of complaining, you’ll find it much easier to give thanks for being in her class—and you might even learn something too.”

Sophia sighed. “Okay,” she said after a moment. “Actually, she is pretty good at explaining math. I guess God knows I need help with that. I’ll ask Him to help me remember to be thankful and show Mrs. Hilton His love.”

–Barbara J. Westberg

How about you? Are you dealing with a hard situation right now? Are you struggling to get along with someone? It can be hard to have a thankful attitude in the midst of difficult circumstances, but when you remember that Jesus gave His life to save you, you can give thanks in every situation. Thank Him for always being with you, and trust Him to use the difficulties you’re facing to help you grow and show others His love.

Today’s key verse: In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Develop a thankful attitude

Read: Luke 10:30-35; John 15:12-13

As Victoria stepped off the school bus, she caught a glimpse of her best friend—at least, her best friend in elementary school—staring stonily out the window. Now part of the popular group, Melissa didn’t even look at Victoria. She hadn’t even seemed to notice her the whole first week of middle school.

Inside, Victoria slipped off her backpack and slumped on the couch. She stared around at her house, then at her shoes, still scuffed from last year. If only I had a new wardrobe and lived in one of those big houses like the other kids, she thought.

Just then, the sound of gravel crunching announced that Mom had pulled in. Victoria headed outside to help get Dad out of the van.

As she pushed his wheelchair up the ramp, Victoria looked back at her tired mother, her arms loaded with groceries. Victoria’s throat tightened as she realized how loyal her mother was, choosing to care for a husband who’d never walk or talk again. If only Melissa were as faithful to her friends, she thought.

As they dried dishes that night, Victoria told Mom about her first week back at school.

“How’s Melissa?” Mom asked. “I haven’t heard anything about her yet.”

Victoria’s face fell. “Melissa doesn’t talk to me anymore.”

Mom studied her. “What happened?”

“I don’t know. She hasn’t spoken to me once since school started. She walks past me with her friends like I’m a stranger.”

Mom placed a mug in the cupboard. “I’m so sorry, honey.”

Victoria lowered her voice so Dad wouldn’t hear. “I keep wishing Melissa were as good a person as you are, Mom. You stayed with Dad after the accident, and you’ve never once complained.”

Mom’s eyes grew moist. “I haven’t always been so loyal, honey. In fact, when I was younger, I treated a friend just like Melissa’s treating you now.”

Victoria stared at her. “How’d you change?”

“By realizing that Jesus would never stop loving me. Once I accepted His love—love that made Him willing to die for my sins—I was able to love others the way He did; not for what they offered, but for who they were.” She put an arm around Victoria. “Jesus’s love never fails, and you can share His love with Melissa by showing her you’ll always be her faithful friend.”

–Rebekah Love Dorris

How about you? Have you ever been rejected by a friend? Not much is as painful as wondering why someone who once loved you no longer does. While you can’t force someone to like you again, you can pray for them and help them know the unfailing love of Jesus. He knows how it feels to be rejected, but He never stops loving us. Trust Him to help you be a faithful friend like Him.

Today’s key verse: Love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Love others like Jesus

Read: Luke 18:9-14

“Whoa!” called Uncle Mike when his horse suddenly reared as a snake slithered across the path. “Whoa, boy!” But even though he was an experienced rider, Uncle Mike fell from the horse, and it galloped off toward home.

“Uncle Mike!” exclaimed Beck, pulling his own horse to a stop. He was spending the day on Uncle Mike’s ranch.

“I think my leg is broken,” Uncle Mike said after assessing his injuries. “We’ll have to call for help.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and groaned. “I must have landed on my phone when I fell. The screen is cracked, and it won’t turn on.” He turned to Beck. “You’ll have to ride for help.”

“But I don’t know the way, and it’ll be dark soon!” said Beck.

“Flash knows the way,” Uncle Mike told him. “Just lay the reins over the saddle horn and don’t try to guide him. Even if it gets dark, he’ll find his way. Trust the horse. Tell the ranch hands I’m in Coyote Canyon—they’ll know where to find me.”

Beck started off. It seemed to take a long, long time, and he shivered whenever he heard coyotes howling. But he didn’t touch the reins, even when he felt sure Flash was going the wrong direction. Finally he saw lights in the distance. “You did it! Good boy, Flash!” Soon an ambulance was on its way and some of the ranch hands were riding off to find Uncle Mike.

“You know what?” Beck said to his uncle the next day. “This morning I was reading my Bible, and I came to the story about the Pharisee and tax collector. The Pharisee thought he could get to heaven by doing good things, but the tax collector knew he was a sinner and just prayed and trusted God. I realized that’s what we have to do too—we need to trust Jesus to give us eternal life. It’s kind of like how I had to trust Flash yesterday. I never would have found the way home. I just trusted Flash to bring me here, and he did.”

Uncle Mike smiled. “You completely trusted Flash, and we need to completely trust Jesus. None of us can do anything to get to heaven. Jesus is the only one who can take us there.”

–Harry C. Trover

How about you? Are you trusting Jesus for eternal life? There’s nothing you can do to make your own way to heaven. In today’s Bible reading, the Pharisee mentioned all the good things he did, but it was the humble prayer of the tax collector that God heard. Make his prayer your own and put your trust in Jesus. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)

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.” John 14:6 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Trust Jesus for eternal life

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