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

Read: 1 Peter 5:5-11

Whiskers, Lincoln’s kitten, leaped into the air and batted the shoestring Lincoln was swinging back and forth. “I don’t care how nice Todd is, no one can ever take Dad’s place,” Lincoln told Uncle Shawn. “I don’t want a stepfather.” He sighed. His dad had died a few years before, and now his mom was getting remarried.

“Todd isn’t trying to take your dad’s place, Lincoln,” said Uncle Shawn. “He’s a good man who loves your mom, and he wants to be there for you too.”

“I don’t care,” Lincoln said. “He’s not Dad, so he might as well stop trying to make me like him.”

When Whiskers got tired of the shoelace, he jumped up onto Lincoln’s lap and purred. Lincoln smiled and petted the kitten’s head.

“How long ago did you lose your first cat?” Uncle Shawn asked.

“Snowbunny? A few months ago,” Lincoln replied sadly.

“That’s what I thought, so I’m really surprised to see you treating Whiskers the way you do,” Uncle Shawn said. “You’re just as nice to him as you were to Snowbunny.”

Lincoln frowned. “So? What’s wrong with that?”

“Don’t you miss Snowbunny?” Uncle Shawn asked.

“Of course,” said Lincoln. “But Snowbunny is gone, and now I have Whiskers. He’s a different cat, but he’s special in his own way, and I’m glad I have him.”

Uncle Shawn nodded. “I understand, and I think it’s a bit similar to your situation with Todd. I don’t think Todd is trying to be the same as your dad. He knows you loved your dad and would never try to take his place. But if you give him a chance, I think you’ll be glad to have him as part of your family. More than that, since he knows Jesus, he’s already part of your Christian family. God puts other Christians in our lives because He loves us and wants us to show His love to one another. I’m sure Todd will do that for you and your mom, and you can show Todd God’s love in return by giving him a chance and respecting him as your stepfather.”

Lincoln looked at the kitten purring in his lap. “Okay, Uncle Shawn,” he said. “I guess I can do that.”

–Susan Arcand

How about you? Do you have a stepparent? Most stepparents try very hard to fill a difficult position. They know they can never replace your mom or dad, but they can be a wonderful presence and help in your life, especially if they know Jesus. Remember that Jesus is with you in all the changes you face in life and trust Him to help you show His love to stepparents.

Today’s key verse: Be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Respect stepparents

Read: Matthew 5:43-44; Galatians 6:9-10

Nora let the door bang shut just as her brother reached it. “Well, thanks,” Lloyd said sarcastically.

“You never hold the door open for me,” said Nora.

“You never hold the door open for me,” echoed Lloyd.

Nora scowled. “Don’t copy me.”

“Don’t copy me.”

“Stop it, Lloyd!” yelled Nora.

“Stop it, Lloyd!” came the echo. Nora ran to her room and slammed the door.

As Nora and her friend Zoe walked home from the bus stop the next day, Zoe’s brother Tracen caught up with them. “How’d you do on the spelling test, Zoe?” he asked.

“Great!” Zoe replied. “I got all the words right!”

“Awesome!” Tracen started running to catch up with a friend. “I’ll make popcorn when we get home!” he yelled over his shoulder. Zoe grinned and waved as he left.

Nora looked at Zoe. “Are you and Tracen always so nice to each other?”

“We used to fight a lot,” said Zoe. “But we’ve been learning about Jesus at church and how He loves us so much He died for us and wants us to love others and live in peace. That means caring about other people’s feelings, even when they’re not nice to us. So I tried it, and Tracen did too, and it really made a difference! Sometimes we forget, but we get along a lot better now.”

Maybe I should try that with Lloyd, Nora thought.

Lloyd arrived home just as Nora ran up the steps, so she held the door open for him. “What’s wrong with you?” he asked.

“Nothing,” replied Nora.

“Nothing,” Lloyd repeated. Nora just laughed and went to her room.

At dinner, Nora handed the potatoes to Lloyd before taking some herself. “How was school?” she asked.

“Terrible,” said Lloyd. “I don’t get multiplication.”

“I’ll help you tonight if you want,” Nora offered.

Lloyd was startled. “Why?”

“Because I want to,” Nora replied. Lloyd gave her a strange look, and Nora could hardly believe it when he passed the chicken so she could take a piece first. Thank you, Jesus, she prayed silently. Please help us learn to live in peace.

–Janice M. Jones

How about you? Are you kind to your brothers and sisters? Or do you tease them or treat them badly—especially when they treat you the same way? It’s not easy to be kind to someone who’s not being kind to you, but Jesus can help you bring peace to your relationships. Trust Him to help you show His love to your brothers and sisters and bring peace to your home.

Today’s key verse: Turn away from evil and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14 (CSB)

Today’s key thought: Be a peacemaker at home

Read: Psalm 145:17-20; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

On Friday, Noah had an invitation to a birthday party and another to a sleepover—and he couldn’t go to both. It was hard choosing between his friends, and he didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Then on Sunday, Noah tried contacting his friends to see if anyone wanted to hang out, but they were all busy.

“You look bored,” his grandpa said when he came over that evening.

Noah sat back on the couch with a sigh. “I thought my friends might want to hang out today, but they all have other plans.”

“I see.” Grandpa sat down beside him.

“Friends are confusing,” Noah said. “Sometimes everyone wants to hang out with you, and sometimes no one can. Sometimes we all get along, and sometimes we fight.”

“Sounds like most relationships,” Grandpa said. “But I’m glad there’s one constant in my life.”

“Grandma?” Noah asked.

Grandpa smiled. “No. Even we disagree occasionally. But there is someone who never lets me down.”

“It’s not me,” Noah said with a knit brow. “I’m pretty sure Dad has let you down before too.”

“Any more guesses?” Grandpa asked.

Noah shook his head, feeling stumped.

“God,” Grandpa said. “He has never let me down.”

“God?” Noah asked.

Grandpa nodded. “He’s always there for me. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and for the rest of eternity. He is never going to change. Even when your friends aren’t available or things get confusing, you can rely on God to be steady and constant in your life.”

Noah ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m glad God’s with me, but it’s not exactly the same.”

“As having a friend you can play with? Maybe not. But Jesus said that everyone who trusts Him as their Savior is His friend. He is our perfect friend who gave His life to save us and always listens and cares about everything going on in our lives. When you need a friend, you can always talk to Him.”

“Thanks, Grandpa.” Noah gave his grandpa a fist bump. “You’re a pretty good friend too.”

–Bethany Acker

How about you? Are friendships ever confusing for you? Friends are a gift from God, but they can’t always be there when we want them to be and sometimes let us down. But you can have a constant friend who will never fail you. Jesus is available all the time, and He never changes. He loves you and gave His life to be your friend forever. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?) Go to Him and tell Him what’s on your mind.

Today’s key verse: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Jesus is a constant friend

Read: Deuteronomy 8:2-5; 29:2-6

“Where are we going, Grandma?” Daisy asked.

Grandma opened the gate separating her backyard from the woods behind it.

“A place you’ll enjoy,” she replied with a smile.

As they walked through the woods, Daisy noticed little chipmunks scurrying up tree trunks, making her giggle. When the wind whistled through the piney limbs, Daisy clung closer to Grandma. “Are you sure you know where we’re going?” Daisy asked.

“Do you trust me?” Grandma replied, squeezing Daisy’s hand. Daisy nodded. “It’s just a little further,” said Grandma.

The edge of the woods opened onto a farm where sheep and cattle grazed on the grassy hills. A lamb bumbled over and put his hooves against the wooden fence.

“My friend owns this farm,” Grandma said. “I thought you would love seeing the animals.”

Daisy let the lamb tickle her fingers with his nose. “He’s so cute!” she said. “But why didn’t we just drive here? The path through the woods took forever!”

Grandma leaned against the fence. “Do you think there were any benefits to taking the scenic path?”

Daisy scrunched up her nose. “Well, we got to spend more time together.”

Grandma nodded. “I love spending time with you. What else?”

“The forest was more interesting than the main road,” Daisy added. “Oh! And I had to trust that you knew where we were going.”

“That’s right,” Grandma said. “Do you remember in the Bible when God led the Israelites in the wilderness for forty years before bringing them to the Promised Land?”

“I remember,” Daisy said. “Didn’t God know a faster route?”

“Yes, but God wanted them to learn to rely on Him,” Grandma said. “Instead of trusting God, the Israelites complained and disobeyed Him, which is why God kept them in the wilderness for so long. And through their waiting, they got to experience more miracles, such as God sending them food from heaven and keeping their clothes and sandals from wearing out.”

“It’s hard for me to wait on God sometimes,” Daisy said.

“I know,” Grandma said. “But He’s helping you learn to rely on Him too. As you follow Jesus along the path He has for you, keep your eyes open for the ways He shows you His love and grace on your journey.”

–Hannah Chung

How about you? Are you waiting for something right now? Do you wonder if God is in control when things don’t happen when you want them to? Remember that God’s timing is perfect, even when you don’t understand it. Look for ways Jesus is showing you His love and grace through waiting periods and trust Him to use scenic routes to help you grow in your faith.

Today’s key verse: In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: God’s path is best

Read: Psalm 103:12; Micah 7:19

Dad closed the trunk of the car. “Okay, everything’s packed. Let’s go!”

“Wait!” Mom called. “Aria and Nolan, please empty the trash in the bedrooms and kitchen before we leave.”

“I’ll get the bedrooms,” Aria said.

Nolan went to the kitchen and glanced at the trash bag. It wasn’t even full. I’ll empty it when we get back, he thought, and ran to claim his spot in the car.

A few hours later, they pulled into the hotel parking lot. “It looks like a windstorm tore through here,” Mom said. “Cans are tipped over with trash scattered everywhere.”

Dad nodded. “Maybe some racoons had a party.”

“Speaking of trash…” Mom looked into the back seat. “Was the garbage emptied?”

“Yup,” Aria proudly announced.

There was a long silence, and Dad looked at Nolan in the rearview mirror. “How about you?”

“It was only half full,” Nolan said. “I thought it could wait.”

“Oh no!” said Mom. “I threw out some spoiled food this morning.” She sighed. “I wish you had done what I asked you to, Nolan. In a couple days, the kitchen is going to smell like a garbage dump!”

“This reminds me of a true story,” Dad said. “Forty years ago, the city of Philadelphia had a huge garbage problem. The trash collectors went on strike, and trash piled up in the whole city and smelled horrible for twenty days!”

“Gross!” Aria wrinkled her nose.

“They decided to burn the garbage, load the ash onto a ship, and sail it away. The ship sailed to several different countries, but no one would take the ash.”

“Well, at least we don’t have that much trash in our kitchen,” Nolan said.

“No, but sin is like garbage we can’t get rid of ourselves,” Dad replied. “But unlike that ship, we know someone who’s always willing to take it away if we ask Him.”

The answer was easy. “Jesus,” Nolan said. “We can confess our sin to Him, and He’ll take out the trash and make us clean.” He sighed. “I’m sorry I messed up and didn’t obey you. I’ll take out the trash the minute we get home.”

Dad grinned. “By then, you’ll need a fly swatter, mask, and gloves!”

–Matt Shoemaker

How about you? Is there a stinky sin weighing on your heart? Do you have trash in your life that needs to be taken out? Ask Jesus to remove it. He died and rose again to save you from sin and is always willing to take out your trash. When you confess your sin to Him, He will gladly forgive you and take it far away!

Today’s key verse: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

Today’s key thought: Jesus takes our trash