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

Read: Ephesians 5:8-20 The girls in Cabin 9 were walking down the path to the campfire at Bible camp when Gabby pointed up at the sky. “Look at the moon tonight! Yesterday there was no moonlight at all in the sky, but today there is a bright sliver of light.” Her counselor, Jami, nodded. “It has started to reflect the sun’s light, and tomorrow it will reflect more light and keep growing until it’s...

Read: Romans 12:6-8 I heard the kids’ choir at church is holding auditions next week,” Mom said as Milo set the table for dinner. “Why don’t you try out? I know how much you love to sing, and they could sure use you.” Milo shrugged. “I’m sure those kids are way better than me, so why bother? I’ll just stick to singing in the shower.” “I found out more about badgers!” Anna announced when they sat d...

Read: Romans 12:9-18 "What are you reading about?” asked Anna as she peered over her brother’s shoulder to see what was on his computer screen. “Oh, look at that little animal! He’s so cute!” “Stop saying everything is cute!” said Milo. “That’s a badger, and badgers are interesting, not cute!” Anna sniffed. “Well, I think that badger is cute. What do you find so interesting about it?” “Well, this...

Read: Matthew 14:13-21; Ephesians 2:1-7 When Emma came into the living room, tears were falling from Mom’s eyes onto her lap. Dad sat next to her with a hand on her shoulder. “It’s Grandma,” he told Emma. “She died in the hospital this morning.” Emma stared out the window. With Grandma gone, who’d come visit every month? Who’d cook her favorite foods, or go on bike rides and picnics with her? A fe...

Read: Matthew 19:26; Luke 6:45; James 3:7-10 "Mom,” said Noah, “Rexy had an accident on the welcome mat again.” Mom made her way to the front door and rubbed her forehead. “I don’t know what to do with that dog. He chews up everything in the house. He barks at the garbage truck. He digs under the fence. He’s out of control. I don’t think anyone can tame that tiny Chihuahua. Would one of you boys p...

Read: Psalm 89:8, 11-13 Journey and Elise ran to the garage where their dad was working. “Mom says we’re going to have a picnic at the park!” said Journey. “Can we go soon?” “We want to have time to play on the swings before we eat!” added Elise. “Okay,” said Dad. “But before we go, I need to wash the car.” “Why bother?” asked Elise. “It’s old.” “You’re right. It is old,” Dad replied. “But it’s th...

Read: Galatians 5:22-26 "Just do it,” coaxed Henry. “She’ll never know it was you.” Henry was trying to get his classmate Niam to put a whoopee cushion on their teacher’s chair. “Come on, it will be hilarious!” “Okay,” said Niam. But when Mrs. Mills sat down and her face turned red, it didn’t seem so funny after all. Later that day, Henry talked some classmates into putting petroleum jelly on all...

Read: Psalms 3:1-6; 42:8; 63:6 Lara ran so hard it hurt. She glanced over her shoulder. The lion was still chasing her and getting closer. Suddenly, she tripped and fell flat on her face! A huge roar echoed, and she could almost feel the lion’s hot breath on her neck. She screamed—then woke up in her own bed. All the covers were kicked off, and her forehead was sweaty. Lara lay still, trying to ca...

Read: Genesis 50:19-20; Romans 5:1-5 Sofia, chore time! Today we’re going to—what’s wrong?” Aunt Lori set down the buckets she was holding and gently put her hands on Sofia’s shoulders. “Aren’t you having a nice time on the farm?” Sofia tried to smile. “I just wish Mom and Dad were here with me.” Her throat felt tight. She buried her face in her aunt’s denim shirt, trying to control her tears. “Oh...

Read: Psalms 27:7-10; 116:1-9 When Maggie stepped into the batter’s box, she already had two strikes. One more would put her on the bench. She glanced at the stands. Her foster mom wasn’t there. Maggie sighed. Her team chanted, “Two-strike hitter, don’t be a quitter!” The pitch came in fast, and Maggie connected, sending the softball past the outfield. Softball took her mind off everything. When s...

Read: Matthew 7:7-12 "Why does she get to ride when I have to walk?” Caden whined. “It’s not fair!” “Your sister is only two; her legs aren’t as long or as strong as yours,” Mom replied, parking the stroller in front of the two-toed sloth exhibit. Caden continued to pout. “Emma gets all the attention too! You treat her better than you treat me. You must love her more!” “Caden, that’s not true!” Mo...

Read: Proverbs 6:16-19; Romans 6:11-18 Be sure you check your arms and legs for ticks!” Jay’s mother called as he ran into the house. It was tick season, and the insects thrived in the woods where Jay played with friends. He obediently rolled up his sleeves, and sure enough, a tiny black bug had attached itself to his skin. “Ugh. Got one, Mom. Can you take it off with your tweezers?” He went into...

Read: Hebrews 11:13-16 Kenzie snapped one last picture of the Eiffel Tower. “It’s so beautiful against the sunset!” She sighed. “I can’t believe this is our last night here.” “I know,” Mom said. “Though I’m actually excited to be going home.” “But this has been the best vacation ever,” said Kenzie’s sister, Aubrey. “I’m going to miss Paris.” “All right, everyone,” Dad said. “It’s getting late. We’...

Read: Romans 6:5-11 Evan and James were hunting for wild edible mushrooms with their family. “Got one!” Evan yelled. “Wow, that one’s a whopper!” James said. “Just make sure you know it’s the right type,” Dad warned. “You know the rule: One hundred percent sure, then take the treasure.” They mushroom-hunted for a couple hours, driven by the hope of mushroom soup. “My mouth is already watering for...

Read: Isaiah 41:8-10 "Oh no! No, no, no! Get me off this thing! Mom, make them stop!” Carrie squirmed nervously as the seat she was strapped into began to rise higher and higher into the air. Mom laughed and grabbed Carrie’s hand. “Sorry, honey, but I think it’s too late to get off now. Believe me, you’re going to love it! It’s just a little scary right now.” Carrie continued to whimper as the rid...