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

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• Watermelon Burglar 04.06.2026 4min

  Read: Psalm 32:1-5 Asher looked up when he heard a knock at the window. Mom was outside motioning for him to join her. He pressed the pause button for his video game and ran out to the backyard. Mom was standing behind the garage, looking at the ground. “There’s something here I want you to see,” she said, pointing down. “Look at those plants.” There, almost hidden by tall grass, Asher saw a cluster of green vines. “Those are watermelon plants,” Mom said. “The funny thing is, I never planted any watermelons.” “Maybe they got planted accidentally,” Asher said. “Maybe a squirrel dropped some seeds there.” “You think so?” Mom asked, raising an eyebrow. “I was thinking of something else. Remember when someone stole a watermelon from Mr. Smith’s garden last summer? The whole neighborhood was talking about it. He was planning to enter it in a contest.” “Yeah.” Asher shifted uncomfortably. “It was as big around as a basketball, wasn’t it?” “You seem to remember a lot more details than I do,” Mom said. “I don’t remember how big it was, but I was wondering if maybe the person who stole it came here, ate it, and then buried the rinds and seeds so no one would find out.” “I…uh…I guess that could have happened,” Asher said quietly. His face was red. Mom looked at him closely. “Is there something you need to tell me?” Asher refused to look her in the eye. “It was you, wasn’t it, Asher?” Mom said softly. “I wondered about it last summer because of the way you reacted back then.” “I…I…Ward and I did it,” Asher finally said, close to tears. “When we buried everything, I thought that would be the end of it. I didn’t know those little green plants were going to come up and tell on me!” “Sin often pops back up to tell on us when we try to hide it,” said Mom. “The good news is no matter what you’ve done or how you’ve tried to hide it, you can always confess it to Jesus and He’ll forgive you.” Mom wiped a tear from Asher’s cheek. “I’ll walk you over to Mr. Smith’s house so you can tell him what you’ve done and ask him to forgive you too.” –Harry C. Trover How about you? When you do something wrong, do you try to hide it? You may be able to keep parents, teachers, or friends from knowing what happened, but you can’t hide anything from God. Instead of trying to keep the sin a secret, confess what you’ve done to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you. Then ask anyone you’ve hurt for their forgiveness too. Today's key verse: God, you know my faults. I cannot hide my sins from you. Psalm 69:5 (ERV) Today's key thought: You can’t hide sin
• Faith Like a Sprinkler 03.06.2026 4min

  Read: Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 6:26-27; Philippians 4:6-7 “I’m worried I’m not going to pass my math test!” Clara told her dad as they walked barefoot in the grassy yard after dinner. “You’ve been studying and doing math problems for weeks, Clara,” Dad said. “I’m sure you’ll pass.” “But I’m not going to be good enough. I just know it!” Clara looked up and wished she was one of the birds soaring overhead. They didn’t look worried at all. “Hmmm.” Dad pulled open the door to their shed, which let out a metal squawk, and poked his head inside. “I might have something…” His voice trailed off as he stepped inside. He reappeared seconds later holding a rusty sprinkler. Clara crossed her arms. “Is this a joke?” “No,” said Dad. “It’s a quiz. Does this sprinkler have water in it?” Clara shook her head. “It’s not even connected to the hose!” “Passed the first question!” Dad said, smiling. “Is this sprinkler empty?” “Yeah,” Clara said, uncertain how this was supposed to help. “Guess we should just throw it out then, huh? No good anymore.” “Dad, it’s a sprinkler! It’s supposed to be empty until the water’s turned on!” “Exactly.” Dad sank into the sun-dappled grass and handed Clara the sprinkler. “We’re a lot like sprinklers. A sprinkler doesn’t worry it’s not good enough to do its job. It’s not afraid to be empty. When it’s connected to the hose, the water’s power flows through it. It’s the same with us. Because we have faith in Jesus, we’re always connected to Him through the Holy Spirit, and His power flows through us. He’ll give us the strength we need to do the things He wants us to do.” “So He’ll help me pass my math test?” Clara asked. “Well, I can’t promise you that, but you don’t have to worry about it. He wants you to pray about your math test and then do the best you can. Trust Him with the results, no matter what they are.” “I didn’t know He cared about stuff like that,” Clara said. “Absolutely He cares! He even cares about the birds.” Dad pointed to the birds flying above them. “But you’re far more important to Him.” Clara thought about that. “Dad, can we pray?” –Pearl Allard How about you? Are you worried about something right now? Maybe you have a test coming up at school or you’re trying out for a sports team. Whatever it is, have you prayed about it? Jesus loves you and cares about all the details of your life. Instead of worrying, He wants you to pray about what’s bothering you. Then trust Him to give you strength and be with you, and leave the results in His hands. Today's key verse: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Philippians 4:6 (NLT) Today's key thought: Pray instead of worry
• Why Is My Neighbor So Mean? 02.06.2026 4min

  Read: Colossians 3:12-14 “Knock off that noise!” Mrs. Steele yelled in Lila’s direction. Lila was startled. She’d been curled up with a book, reading quietly on the porch. Surely Mrs. Steele wasn’t talking to her. But she was. Later, when Lila’s dad came home, he noticed that the small windchimes from the front porch were now on the kitchen table. “Did the chimes fall down?” he asked Lila. Lila shook her head, clearly upset. “They were bothering Mrs. Steele. She yelled at me because they woke her up. Dad, why is she so cranky?” Dad sighed. “I’m sorry, honey. Listen, Grandma taught me that when someone is cranky, they might be dealing with hard things, like sickness or loneliness. Let’s try to help Mrs. Steele by being kind to her, even when she’s not kind to us. That’s the kind of love Jesus showed us when He died for our sins, and He’ll help us show His love to Mrs. Steele.” Lila sighed. “Could you hang the chimes up in my bedroom? They remind me of Mom.” “Sure,” he said, giving her a hug. “I miss Mom too.” The next morning before church, Lila saw that Mrs. Steele’s newspaper had landed where it would be hard for the older woman to reach. Lila was tempted to pretend she didn’t notice, but then she remembered what her dad said. So, she took a deep breath, then picked up the newspaper and carried it to her neighbor. “Good morning, Mrs. Steele. How are you today?” Mrs. Steele frowned. “I couldn’t sleep again last night. Too much back pain.” Lila said, “When my grandpa’s back hurts, I do chores for him, like emptying the trash and weeding his garden. Maybe I can do chores for you after Dad and I get home from church and grocery shopping.” Mrs. Steele brightened up. “I could really use a few groceries. I could make a list and give you some money.” “Of course.” Lila smiled. Later that afternoon, Lila carried a small bag of groceries next door and put them away for Mrs. Steele. “What else can I do for you?” she asked. “You could pour us both some juice and tell me what you learned in church today. I used to go, but it’s been ages. I miss it.” –Teresa Ambord How about you? Do you know someone who seems difficult for no reason? It might be a neighbor, a relative, or someone at school. It can be tempting to respond to them the same way they treat you, but Jesus says to be kind and patient. They might be going through something difficult, and you could help them by showing them God’s love. Talk it over with an adult, and trust Jesus to help you treat them the way He would. Today's key verse: Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (CSB) Today's key thought: Be kind to difficult people
• Alpaca Parade 01.06.2026 4min

  Read: John 10:25-30 Brayan and his parents lived out in the country, right next door to the McNairs’ alpaca ranch. Brayan was fascinated with the alpacas. He would often sit outside and watch them grazing. “Brayan!” Mom called to him one day. “Mr. McNair invited you to come over at six-thirty this evening to help feed the alpacas.” “All right!” Brayan rushed through his homework and dinner and arrived at the McNairs’ barn right on time. “First we’re going to fill the hay bins and pour the feed into the troughs,” Mr. McNair told him. “Then we’ll call the alpacas in.” After the hay bins and troughs were filled, Brayan followed Mr. and Mrs. McNair toward the pasture. Mr. McNair began to call the alpacas. “Come, pacas, come!” Brayan watched in amazement as the alpacas responded to the sound of Mr. McNair’s voice. They began running toward the barn. Soon all the alpacas were gathered around the feeding troughs. Once the alpacas were done eating, Mr. McNair put a halter on Loki and led him over to Brayan. “You can gently stroke his fur, if you like.” Brayan, with a big smile on his face, slowly raised his hand and began to pat Loki. “You’re a good boy!” Brayan said. Mrs. McNair smiled. “You can come back anytime, Brayan.” When Brayan returned home, Mom asked, “How did it go?” “I loved it! The coolest part was watching all the alpacas running toward the barn when they heard Mr. McNair calling them. All he had to say was ‘Come, pacas, come!’ and they all came running.” “That reminds me of a verse in the Bible,” said Mom. “In the book of John, Jesus says, ‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.’ The alpacas recognize Mr. McNair’s voice because they know him and trust him. As Christians, we trust and follow Jesus because we have a relationship with Him. He speaks to us through His Word, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit helps us hear His voice and know what He says is true.” “Wow, that’s really cool!” said Brayan. “Can I help feed the alpacas tomorrow? Maybe someday they will trust me too, just like they do Mr. McNair.” –Lisa Fuller How about you? Are you a follower of Jesus? Do you listen to His voice? The Bible reminds us that we are like the Lord’s sheep, and just like sheep follow their shepherd, we trust and follow Jesus. As we spend time with God in church, in prayer, and in His Word, we learn to recognize and respond to His voice. Spend time with the Lord today and listen to what He tells you. Today's key verse: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 (NLT) Today's key thought: Listen to God’s voice
• Udderly Content 31.05.2026 4min

  Read: Philippians 4:11-13 Moooooo. “Whoa!” Jordan shouted. He’d been so deep in thought that he almost plowed right into a large brown cow standing in the middle of the path. Uncle Tim appeared in the doorway of the barn. “Oh good, you found Clarice!” “Well, we kind of found each other,” Jordan said. “She wouldn’t moooove.” “Good one!” Uncle Tim grinned. “So tell me, how was your first day? I know it had to be tough changing schools in the middle of the year.” Jordan shrugged. “It was okay. I hope Dad’s job lets him stay here longer. We’ve lived in three different states in four years!” He sighed. “I don’t know, maybe I’ll be happy once we get settled.” Leading Clarice into her milking pen inside the barn, Uncle Tim said, “One thing about feelings, Jordan—you can’t always depend on them to make you happy. There’s feeling happy, and then there’s being content.” “Aren’t they the same thing?” Jordan asked. Instead of answering, Uncle Tim pulled up a milking stool and wiggled his finger in the air. “Come on over here and I’ll show you the fine art of milking a cow!” After a quick demonstration, Jordan was milking Clarice. “You’re a natural,” Uncle Tim said over the ping-ping of milk hitting the metal pail. “And to answer your question, feeling happy and being content are not always the same thing. The apostle Paul learned that as he traveled from place to place.” “Hey, he traveled from place to place like me!” said Jordan. “So how did he learn the difference?” “Paul learned that when you put your faith and hope in Jesus, He’ll help you learn to be content in any situation. That’s different than feeling happy all the time. Contentment is a peaceful feeling that only God can give you.” Uncle Tim patted the side of Clarice, who was slowly chewing her supper. “Kind of like Clarice here. Looking at her, I’d say she looks udderly content.” After laughing together at the silly joke, Uncle Tim prayed out loud that Jesus would help Jordan learn to be content. Even before Uncle Tim said amen, Jordan felt the deep soul-peace that only God can give. –Kelly Hope How about you? Do you find it hard to be content where you are? Do you wish things were different in your life? Even people in the Bible, like the apostle Paul, had to learn to be content when they faced difficult circumstances. When you trust Jesus and remember the hope you have in Him—hope of eternal life because of the sacrifice He made to save you—He’ll help you learn to be content with the life He gave you. Today's Key Verse: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11 (NIV) Today's Key Thought: Jesus brings contentment
• Hiding Something Good 30.05.2026 4min

  Read: Romans 5:6-8; 8:38-39 Cali opened her eyes. “Ready or not, here I come!” Her three-year-old sister, Nora, stood behind a scrawny tree hugging her teddy bear. Cali pretended to look around. “Where could Nora be?” she wondered aloud. Ruff, ruff! Cali’s dog ran out of the house and straight to Nora. Nora laughed. “Cocoa found me!” “Lunchtime!” Mama called from the porch. A wonderful aroma met them inside. “Cookies!” squealed Cali. “Can I have one?” Mama took a pitcher of lemonade from the fridge. “No cookies until after lunch.” Nora peeked around Mama. “Is Teddy in there? I think he’s still playing hide-and-seek.” “No Teddy in the fridge.” Mama shut the door. “Let’s check outside.” As soon as Mama and Nora left the kitchen, Cali slid a cookie from the plate and popped it into her mouth. She scooted the rest of the cookies around to hide what she’d done. A few minutes later, with Teddy still missing, they sat down for lunch. Nora bowed her head. “Thank you, God, for this food. Please show me where Teddy is. I know You can because You see everything.” Cali thought about Nora’s prayer. She hadn’t been hidden when she ate the cookie. God had seen her as easily as Cali had seen Nora hiding behind the scrawny tree. Cali’s stomach felt funny. She no longer wanted a cookie. She gave a piece of hers to Cocoa, who trotted to his bed and nuzzled it under his blanket. Out from the other side of the blanket popped a fuzzy ear. “Look,” cried Nora. “Cocoa hid Teddy in his bed!” She ran to get her bear. Once she had him in her arms, she turned to face Cocoa. “No, no!” she scolded. Cocoa put his tail between his legs. Nora plopped beside him. “Don’t worry, silly dog. Me and Teddy and Jesus still love you!” Cali suddenly felt better. She’d been wrong to eat the cookie and try to hide what she’d done, but Jesus still loved her. She knew this because of something else she’d hidden—the very best thing to hide—God’s Word in her heart. The Bible promised that because she trusted Jesus as her Savior, nothing could ever separate her from His love. –Martha Hynson How about you? Do you ever feel like hiding from God when you’ve done something wrong? Do you worry he might stop loving you? God promises in His Word that nothing can separate us from His love, not even our sin. By memorizing verses like Romans 5:8, you can hide God’s Word in your heart so you will never forget the hugeness of His love for you. Today's Key Verse: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (NKJV) Today's Key Thought: Jesus will always love you
• Grandma’s Trophies 29.05.2026 4min

  Read: Matthew 6:19-21 “Look, Malachi!” Nevaeh said as she pulled a small worn book out of an old trunk that had belonged to their great-grandmother. Her voice echoed a little in the big attic where they were cleaning. “This looks like a journal Grandma Baker wrote in. She gave it the title ‘My Trophies.’” “I wonder what kind of trophies she won,” said Malachi. “Was she an athlete?” “Well, let’s look.” Nevaeh opened the book and read out loud. “May 10. Thank You, Lord, for letting me talk to Abigail today and help her understand how much You love her. I’m so glad she trusted Jesus as her Savior.” Nevaeh turned a few pages. “July 16. Today Graham left to be a missionary in India. He’s changed so much since he got saved, and now he’s serving the Lord.” “I wonder who Abigail and Graham were,” said Malachi. “Let’s ask Dad.” When the kids asked their father, he smiled. “I think they were children Grandma Baker led to the Lord. She worked as a children’s missionary for many years. Those kids became living trophies as they turned to Christ—examples of how God was working through her to bring more people to Him. It was the most important thing to her.” “Yes,” said Mom. “Grandma didn’t have much earthly treasure, but she was rich in heavenly treasures. In the Bible, Jesus talks about how important it is to store our treasure in heaven.” “There’s a good lesson here for all of us,” said Dad. “Each of us should ask ourselves, ‘Where am I storing treasure? On earth, or in heaven?’” “But do I have to lead somebody to Jesus to get treasure in heaven?” asked Nevaeh. “I’m not sure I could do that.” Dad shook his head. “It’s not what we do that stores treasure in heaven, but who we do it for. When we trust in Jesus, everything we do out of love and service to Him builds on the treasure we have in Him. He’s our true treasure, and He helps us store heavenly riches that last forever by making us more like Him so we can show others His love.” Dad smiled at Nevaeh. “Someday you might be surprised how He’ll help you lead someone to the treasure found only in Him.” –Jan L. Hansen How about you? Where do you store your treasure? In the rooms and closets of your home? In good grades or likes on a screen? Or in heaven? Things like money, success, and popularity come and go, and they can only last as long as your life on earth. But the treasure found in Jesus lasts for all eternity! Store treasure in heaven by trusting Him to help you share His love with others and point them to Him. Today's Key Verse: Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 (NLT) Today's Key Thought: Store treasure in heaven
• Trash or Treasure 28.05.2026 4min

  Read: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; James 2:1-4, 8-9 “Look what I found!” Juniper called as she ran down the steps of her aunt’s house. She had been looking through a pile of old stuff in the attic that her aunt was going to throw out. “Look! This old fruit jar has 1898 stamped on the bottom!” Juniper said, showing her find to her aunt. “It looks like one I saw that was worth a lot on an antique show my dad watches.” Aunt Claire smiled. “Well, you found this one, so you can keep it. But you’ll have to clean it up.” “Oh, I will!” Juniper beamed with pleasure as she went to clean the jar. When she finished, she brought the jar back and put it on the table. “Wow!” Aunt Claire said. “That looks like a whole new jar! By the way, Juniper, do you remember Becca who lives next door? She’s coming over pretty soon. I thought you’d like to have someone to play with.” Juniper groaned. “What’s the problem?” asked Aunt Claire. Juniper shrugged. “Becca’s family is…well…different, and she acts kind of weird. She’s not a Christian, and I seriously doubt she’ll ever become one. She doesn’t seem like someone who would, if you know what I mean.” Aunt Claire picked up Juniper’s jar. “Juniper, look at this jar—now that it’s cleaned up, it looks beautiful. Just think—it was in the trash pile. Until today, no one realized its value and saved it.” She turned the jar in her hands. “In a way, Becca is like this jar—and you and I are too.” “How are we like that jar?” Juniper asked. “Well, at one time we were in the trash pile of sin,” said Aunt Claire. “But Jesus found us, washed us, and made us new. He saved us from sin and gave us new life. We are valuable to Him, and Becca is valuable too—so valuable that Jesus died for her. He can save her and give her a whole new life, and He wants you to help her see how valuable she is by showing her His love.” Aunt Claire handed Juniper the jar, and she held it in her hands a moment before putting it back on the table. “Okay, Aunt Claire. I will.” –Barbara J. Westberg How about you? Do you see every person as valuable—even those who are different from you? God made everyone, and He values each person. He values them so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die so they could be saved from sin. Spend time with those who are different from you and let them know how valuable they are. Let them see God’s love in the way you treat them and value them. Today's Key Verse: If you are treating one person as more important than another, you are sinning. James 2:9 (ERV) Today's Key Thought: Every person is valuable
• Cookies and Creation 27.05.2026 4min

  Read: Genesis 1:1-3, 26-31; John 3:16 “Good morning, Amelia,” Heidi, Amelia’s stepmom, greeted her. “Good morning.” Amelia rubbed her eyes. “What are you making?” she asked, noticing all the ingredients Heidi had out. “Breakfast cookies!” Heidi smiled and held up a bag of raisins. “Would you like to help? I need some eggs cracked.” “Sure,” Amelia replied, pulling over a stool. “My mom says I’m good at cracking eggs. I love cooking.” “Then you’re the perfect person to help me make these cookies!” Heidi set the eggs on the counter. “You can crack two into that bowl.” Amelia did as she was asked. “Done,” she announced. “Now, let’s add some oats.” Heidi handed a measuring cup to Amelia, then leaned over her phone to say, “Open my Bible app.” Amelia frowned as she measured the oats. “Why do you listen to that book so much?” Heidi smiled. “Because it’s the best book in the world,” she replied as she added some chocolate chips to their mixture. “It’s about God and what He did for us through His Son, Jesus. Jesus saved me and changed my life.” “What did God do in the book?” Amelia asked, turning on the mixer. Heidi waited until the mixer was turned off. “Why do you like cooking?” she asked. “Making things is fun.” Amelia shrugged and eyed the ingredients they were using. “It’s cool to mix things like flour and oats together and get cookies out of it.” Heidi nodded. “One of the coolest things God did was make the world. And He didn’t start with flour or oats—He started with nothing. All He had to do was speak the entire world into existence.” Amelia looked at her skeptically. “The entire world?” “The entire world. He made us too, and He sent Jesus to save us from sin—our wrongs and everything that makes the world a broken place—so we could know and love God and live with Him forever. I enjoy reading the Bible because it teaches me about God and His love for us.” Heidi tapped on her tablet. “Do you want to hear the very first story in the Bible—the one where God created the world?” “I’d like that,” Amelia agreed as the pair began to roll the dough into balls. –Kimberly Brokish How about you? What’s the coolest thing you’ve made? Maybe it was a craft, a sweat treat, or a game you came up with. We can make a lot of things, but we have to start with something. Only God is powerful enough to make something out of nothing. He made everything there is, including you—and He wants to have a relationship with you. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?) Praise God today because He made you and loves you. Today's Key Verse: You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11 (NKJV) Today's Key Thought: God created the entire world
• Construction Project 26.05.2026 4min

  Read: Proverbs 16:19-24 “Milo, listen to me say this verse,” Joel said as he helped his little brother learn a memory verse for Sunday school. He recited each word slowly. “Okay, now see if you can repeat it.” Milo tried to repeat the verse, but he stumbled over the unfamiliar words. Joel tried to help him, but eventually gave up. “You’re hopeless,” he said. “Go practice on your own. I have to finish my homework.” Milo looked forlorn. “I’ll do better,” he said. Joel rolled his eyes. “Yeah, right.” As Milo got up from the table, Joel saw his mom standing in the doorway. She smiled at Milo. “Go work on your verse in your room, and I’ll be in to help you in a few minutes.” After Milo left, Mom turned to Joel. “I’m disappointed in your attitude toward your brother. He struggles to learn things and needs help and encouragement.” “Okay. Sorry,” Joel said, flipping open his math book. Later that day, Joel’s dad put his tablet on the table and scrolled through some pictures. “These were taken before, during, and after the Harrison Hotel construction,” he said. “I need to choose photos to use in my article about the project.” Joel pointed to a picture. “I like this one—it’s a good before shot. You can see the entire old building and the crane.” He looked at the dates in the file names of the pictures. “Wow! They tore the old building down in just a week. Didn’t it take over a year to build the new one?” “Yes, it did,” replied Dad. “Unfortunately, it’s much easier to tear down than to build up—in most areas of life, not just construction.” Mom nodded. “For example, we often find it easier to criticize people for what they do wrong than to praise and encourage them. But none of us is perfect, are we?” She looked at Joel. “That’s why Jesus died to save us. He took the punishment for our sins so we could have freedom and forgiveness in Him, and we need to show His love to others by encouraging them when they’re struggling.” Joel sighed, remembering how impatient he had been with his brother. “I need to go find Milo,” he said, “and help him learn a verse.” –Rose Ross Zediker How about you? Do your words and attitude encourage others? If someone is struggling with something that’s not a problem for you, do you help them? If somebody does something well, do you say so? Trust Jesus to help you be an encourager. Use your words and attitude to show others His love by building them up instead of tearing them down. Today's Key Verse: Encourage each other every day. Hebrews 3:13 (ERV) Today's Key Thought: Use encouraging words
• Peaceful Sleep 25.05.2026 4min

  Read: Psalm 139:5-12 Tyler sat up in bed. What’s that noise? he wondered. He and his family had moved to a new house, and now he slept in a strange new room. Somehow he didn’t feel safe the way he had back in his old, familiar home. Tyler heard the noise again. I don’t like this room! I don’t want to sleep here! he thought. He jumped out of bed and bolted down the stairs to find his mom. “Tyler!” Mom said when he rushed into the living room. “What’s wrong?” “What’s that noise, Mom?” Tyler asked. Mom listened for a moment. “There’s a bit of thunder in the distance,” she said. “It won’t hurt you.” Tyler knew his mom was right. The noise did sound like thunder, and it wasn’t even close. There was nothing to be afraid of, but he was still scared. “I don’t like my new room,” he said. Mom put her arm around him. “Sometimes it’s hard to get used to a new house.” She pointed to the little dog sitting at her feet. “I think Sprout still feels a little strange here too. Why don’t you take him to your room? He’ll keep you company.” Tyler looked at the puppy. “Okay,” he said. “Come on, Sprout. I’ll take care of you.” Mom went to tuck Tyler back into his bed. “When you feel afraid, remember that we didn’t move away from God,” she said. “Jesus is right here with you, just like He was at our old house—even when it’s dark and there’s a storm outside. You can trust Him to take care of you.” When Tyler heard the sound of thunder again a little later, he pulled the blanket snugly around himself and Sprout. “You aren’t scared when you know I’m close—you know I’ll take care of you and keep you safe, don’t you?” he asked as he stroked the puppy’s head. “I’m not scared either, because I know Jesus is here with me. He’ll take care of me.” Then Tyler and Sprout closed their eyes and went to sleep. –Karen Cogan How about you? Do you have trouble getting to sleep when things seem scary or new? You may move to a new place, but you can never move away from Jesus. If you know Him as your Savior, He is with you everywhere, all the time. Trust Him to be with you when you need Him and to take care of you. Then close your eyes and enjoy the peaceful sleep and rest He has for you. Today's Key Verse: In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8 (NLT) Today's Key Thought: Sleep well—Jesus is with you
• Disposable Friends 24.05.2026 4min

  Read: John 15:13-15 Cara took her cookie and a glass of milk into the utility room where Mom was folding laundry. “Mom, can I invite Amber over?” she asked. “She’s my new friend.” Cara dunked the cookie into her milk. Mom added a towel to the stack on the dryer. “And you probably want to invite Jasmine too, right?” Cara shook her head. “No, I don’t want her over. We had a fight. Anyway, Amber is much more popular.” “Oh?” Mom frowned slightly as she handed Cara a stack of towels. “Take these to the bathroom, please.” As Cara set her milk on the dryer, Mom asked, “Are Kenzie and Madison still your friends?” Cara shrugged. “They’re okay, I guess, but Amber’s more fun.” She turned to leave. “Hey, Mom, can I—oops!” Cara’s arm bumped the glass of milk, and it poured down the side of the dryer. “Sorry!” Cara set the stack of towels down and picked up the one on top to wipe up the spilled milk. “Don’t use that clean towel!” Mom said. She quickly pulled paper towels from the roll on the wall. “Here, use these.” Cara sopped up the milk and threw the paper towels into the trash. Mom watched thoughtfully. “Paper towels are pretty handy,” she said. “They’re disposable. Just use them and toss them.” Cara nodded. “That’s what’s good about them.” “Yes, but what’s not good is that you’ve been treating your friends like paper towels,” said Mom. “You seem to think it’s okay to use them and throw them away. What if Jesus treated us like we were disposable? If He threw us out whenever we got smudged with sin? But He’ll never do that because we’re valuable to Him. He loves us and promises to clean us when we get dirty. And He wants you to treat your friends like they’re valuable too.” She pointed to the fluffy yellow towel on top of the stack. “When a friendship gets smudged, clean it with love and forgiveness.” Cara thought about that as she picked up the stack of fresh, clean-smelling towels. “Can I invite Amber and Jasmine and Kenzie and Madison over?” she asked. “All of them?” Mom laughed. “All right. Invite all of them. The more the merrier!” –Barbara J. Westberg How about you? Do you spend time repairing and maintaining your friendships? Or if a friendship gets smudged, do you just toss it and move on? Friends are among the many blessings God gives us. Friendships are so important that Jesus calls those who trust and obey Him His friends. So value your friends the way Jesus values His. Care for the friends you have, and make new ones too! Today's Key Verse: Never abandon a friend. Proverbs 27:10 (NLT) Today's Key Thought: Value your friends
• Boot Camp 23.05.2026 4min

  Read: Zephaniah 3:14-17; Hebrews 13:5-6 Ding dong, chimed the doorbell. “Wyatt!” Mom called. “You have a package!” Wyatt galloped down the stairs. “Who’s it from?” he asked. Mom squinted at the return address on the package. “It looks like it’s from your Uncle Dale in Texas. I think it’s your birthday present,” she said, handing it to Wyatt. “All right!” Wyatt ripped open the package. A few minutes later his bare feet were hidden in genuine cowboy boots. “Very nice. Now all you need is a horse,” Mom said with a grin. “Why don’t you go show them to your brother?” Wyatt clomped down the hallway and into his older brother’s room where Jared was packing for military boot camp. “Hey, Jared,” Wyatt said, pointing to his new footwear. “Check it out—boot camp.” Jared laughed. “Nice. From Uncle Dale?” Wyatt nodded. “Yep,” he said as he climbed up on Jared’s bed and made himself comfortable. “What kinds of things will you do at boot camp?” he asked. “It’s ten weeks of intense military training. They’ll teach us discipline and a new vocabulary. We’ll take orders without asking questions and learn to take care of our team members. I’ll also learn how to get ready to protect our country and keep its citizens safe—even if it means dying for them.” “Wow. Are you scared, Jared?” Wyatt asked, wide-eyed. “I would be.” “I wouldn’t be telling the truth if I said I wasn’t a little scared,” Jared confessed. “But I’ve been reading about men in the Bible like Joshua and David who depended on God to help them fight battles, and I can depend on God too. I know that because Jesus died to save me, I can trust Him to be with me in every situation—even in death. Remembering that gives me courage, even if my heart is beating like crazy.” Staring at his shiny new boots, Wyatt had an idea. “While you’re gone,” he told Jared, “I’m going to wear my boots every day. And every time I put them on, I’m going to pray for you.” “Thanks, little brother,” Jared said, ruffling Wyatt’s hair. “That means a lot.” He grinned. “Just don’t forget to wash your feet!” –Kelly Hope How about you? Do you ever feel scared or lonely? You may not be leaving home to fight for your country, but there may be something else in your life that’s making you feel alone and afraid—like a new school or a divorce in your family. Remember that Jesus is with you in every situation. Trust Him to give you courage, and pray for others who may be scared and lonely too. Today's Key Verse: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NLT) Today's Key Thought: Don’t be afraid—God is with you
• Pen Pals 22.05.2026 4min

  Read: John 20:24-31; 2 Corinthians 5:7; James 2:23 “We’re going to have pen pals for an English project this semester!” Moriah told her parents. “We each got the name of a kid our age in another state, and we’re supposed to exchange letters—real letters, no texts or emails or anything like that. My pen pal’s name is Ryleigh.” Moriah sat down that evening and wrote her first letter to Ryleigh. She told all about herself, her family, and her church. Soon a reply came from Ryleigh. It contained a picture and told about Ryleigh’s big family and their house in the country. Ryleigh also mentioned that her family didn’t go to church. During the next several months, Moriah and Ryleigh wrote many letters. Then one afternoon, Moriah came running into the kitchen, holding a letter in her hand. “Mom! Mom! Ryleigh’s dad is coming here on a business trip, and he said Ryleigh could come too. Can she stay with us that weekend? Please?” Mom laughed. “Sure, honey. That’s fine if it’s okay with her dad.” Ryleigh’s dad dropped her off at Moriah’s house a couple weeks later, and the girls had a great time together. Each night after supper, Dad read a few verses from the Bible. One night, he read a verse that referred to Abraham as a friend of God. “Mr. Davis,” Ryleigh said, “I don’t know who Abraham was, but how could he be God’s friend? We can’t see God or hear Him, so how can anybody be friends with Him?” “Tell me something, Ryleigh,” said Dad. “Before this weekend, you and Moriah never met. Yet you seem to be good friends. How did that happen?” “Well, Moriah told me all about herself in her letters. So by the time I came here to visit, I felt like I already knew her.” Dad nodded. “Well, God has written us a letter too—the Bible. It tells us who He is and how much He loves all of us. It tells the story of Jesus, God’s Son, who died for us and rose again so we could become God’s friends and know Him personally, even though we can’t see Him.” Ryleigh thought about that, then looked at Moriah. “Well, I’m sure glad I got to know Moriah. I think I’d like to know more about Jesus too.” –Jan L. Hansen How about you? Are you a friend of God? Even though you can’t see Him, you can learn about Him by reading the Bible—His letter to you. You can become His friend by trusting in Jesus. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?) You can have faith that He’s given you eternal life and will always be with you. And you can look forward to one day seeing Him face-to-face and living with Him forever! Today's Key Verse: You have never seen [Jesus] but you love Him. You cannot see Him now but you are putting your trust in Him. 1 Peter 1:8 (NLV) Today's Key Thought: You can know God by faith
• Clearing the Roadblock 21.05.2026 4min

  Read: 1 John 1:5-9 Taya sighed loudly when Mom had to stop because of a roadblock. Workers were repairing the bridge ahead, and traffic was temporarily stopped. “How long will we have to wait?” she asked. “I’m not sure,” Mom replied. “It might be a while.” Taya looked out the window. She saw a red van, a delivery truck, some cars, and a motorcycle. Drivers craned their necks, trying to see if they’d be able to move soon. “Are we going to be late to swim class?” Taya asked. The class at the community pool on the other side of the bridge started at ten. “I don’t know,” Mom said. “But we can’t go anywhere until that roadblock is removed.” Taya sighed impatiently. “I wish they’d work faster!” “Well, it’s out of our control,” said Mom. “We’ll just have to be patient.” They waited another five minutes. Then Taya noticed cars moving ahead. “Look!” she said. “I think the roadblock’s down!” Mom slowly eased the car forward, and soon they were across the bridge. Taya let out a sigh of relief. “I’m so glad we’re going to make it to swim class!” Mom smiled. “Just this morning I was reading about a different kind of roadblock.” “Really?” said Taya. Mom nodded. “The book I was reading referred to sin as a roadblock that keeps us from fully enjoying our relationship with God. But unlike that roadblock on the bridge, we don’t need to wait and wait for Jesus to remove a roadblock of sin in our lives. He does that the moment we confess what we’ve done wrong and trust Him to forgive us.” “Right,” said Taya. “And we never have to wonder if He still loves us or if we’re still saved when we mess up.” Mom nodded. “Jesus died to take the punishment for our sin, and that means He will always forgive us. When we confess our wrongs, He removes those roadblocks so they can’t get in the way of us enjoying our relationship with Him.” Mom swung the car into the pool parking lot and Taya hopped out. “Thanks, Mom,” she said. “If I hurry, I can still make warm-ups.” –Janet Boulter How about you? Is there a roadblock of sin in your life that’s keeping you from fully enjoying your relationship with God? Jesus can remove it! He paid the price of your sin on the cross and forgives the instant you ask Him. Confess your wrong to Him and accept His forgiveness. Then get back to enjoying your relationship with Him! Today's Key Verse: In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV) Today's Key Thought: Confess sin and be forgiven
• Learn from the Birds 20.05.2026 4min

  Read: Isaiah 40:28-31; Matthew 11:28-30 “Finally, something in science I like learning about!” Marissa loosened the binocular cord around her neck. “I wonder what birds we’ll see on our nature walk?” Mom headed down the boardwalk at their local nature preserve. “Or what birds we’ll hear!” “I’m on it.” Troy pulled up the bird call identification app on his phone. The family didn’t have to walk too far over the wetlands before Marissa pointed above them. “Isn’t that a bald eagle?” They watched the elegant bird turn circle after circle, seemingly effortlessly against the blue sky backdrop. “It’s easy to spot with that bright white head and tail feathers,” Troy noted. “How does it turn circles like that without flapping its wings?” “I’ll look it up.” Mom scrolled on her phone. “I didn’t know this! Eagles find a thermal column and ride it—it’s a column of warmer air that allows them to stay aloft.” “So it’s resting, not working,” Marissa mused. “It reminds me of that verse from Isaiah: ‘Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles…’” “You’re right!” said Mom. “God provided this bird with opportunities to rest by creating the thermal columns. Imagine how tired it would get if it just kept using its wings instead of relying on those wind currents?” “Like how you sometimes do too much and forget to rest, Mom?” Troy poked Mom’s arm. “Ouch, but you’re right. You both have seen how much better I manage my time and how much nicer my attitude is when I take time to rest in Jesus and remember that I’m saved because of what He’s done, not anything I do. After all, if the God who created all this thought it was important to rest on the seventh day, who am I to pretend like I can get by without rest?” Mom shrugged sheepishly. “We all do it.” Marissa sighed. “Sometimes I want to read my favorite book series and I’m resting my body, but if I don’t spend time reading my Bible and talking to Jesus, I can get a little snippy.” “Guess we can learn from the birds and rest in Jesus with both our bodies and our souls.” Troy grinned mischievously. “So, Mom, how about a day off school tomorrow?” –Savannah Coleman How about you? Do you ever get tired? We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t! God knows we need time to rest and be refreshed in our bodies and souls. This is so important that He rested after creating the world to show us how we should rest too. Perhaps you can take a walk in God’s creation and practice stillness. Maybe you can read an extra chapter in your Bible and meditate on it. How can you rest in Jesus today? Today's Key Verse: But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) Today's Key Thought: Resting in Jesus will give you strength
• God Isn’t Too Busy 19.05.2026 4min

  Read: Psalm 55:16-18 “Pick up, Dad.” Harlow held her mom’s phone. “I need to talk to you.” She heard her dad’s voice and smiled, then she realized it was just his voicemail. “We’ll try again later,” Mom said. “He must be busy with work.” Harlow sighed. Ever since her dad had gotten remarried, he was always too busy for her and her sister. Either he was working or he was hanging out with his new wife and her kids. He didn’t have time for them anymore. After dinner that evening, Harlow watched as Haven typed a text to their dad. “Call me,” her little sister said, her fingers moving over their mom’s phone. “Tell him I have to talk to him about school,” Harlow said. Haven wrinkled her nose. “I don’t know how to spell that.” Mom looked between them with a sad smile. “Just tell him to call, and if he doesn’t call before bedtime, you can try calling him.” Bedtime came without a response from Dad, and Harlow sank down onto the floor outside the bathroom as Mom combed her sister’s hair after her bath. “Let’s try again.” Mom grabbed her phone after braiding Haven’s hair. Harlow waited as her mom tried to get in touch with Dad. She knew he wouldn’t answer. Mom lowered the phone from her ear. “You know what, girls? This makes me think of something I was reading in my Bible earlier. Your dad has been busy a lot lately, but do you know who’s never too busy for you?” “God?” Haven asked. Mom nodded. “The Bible says we can talk with Him anytime—morning, noon, and night. He’s there when we get up, when we eat lunch, and when we’re lying in bed and can’t sleep. He’s never too busy for us.” “Do you think He knows how much we miss talking to Dad?” Harlow asked. “I do. Jesus became human to save us, which means He understands everything we feel. And I think He hurts for you.” Harlow blinked her eyes, feeling like she might cry. “I’m glad we have God,” she said. “And I’m really glad that He doesn’t get too busy to listen to us.” –Emily Acker How about you? Have you ever wanted to talk to someone only to have them be too busy to pay attention to you? It hurts, doesn’t it? Jesus understands how you feel, and He has all the time in the world for you. He loves you so much that He died for your sins so you could have a relationship with Him. You can talk to Him anytime. He’s never too busy to hear what you have to say. Today's Key Verse: The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 (NIV) Today's Key Thought: God is always listening
• Dead, but Alive 18.05.2026 4min

  Read: John 5:28-29; 2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10 Stretching sleepily, Camden wondered why he had a strange, empty feeling in his stomach. Then it all came back to him. He glanced over at the empty bed on the other side of the room. It really was true—his brother Aaron was gone. It had been almost a month since Aaron had left for school in the morning and had not come back. Tears rolled down Camden’s cheeks as he remembered. There was an accident, and Aaron had been killed. The door to Camden’s room opened and Mom came in. “Morning, honey. I see you’re already awake.” Noticing his tears, she sat beside him on the bed. “You’re thinking of Aaron, aren’t you? Dad and I miss him too.” Mom sniffed and wiped her eyes. “Death is a sad thing, and it hurts to lose someone we love. But we know we’ll see Aaron again someday.” “But Mom, how do you know?” asked Camden. “I know because Aaron trusted Jesus as his Savior,” Mom answered. “The Bible says that those who trust in Jesus go to be with Him when they die.” “But…” Camden stifled a sob. “But he was right there in the casket! And then he was put in the ground at the cemetery.” Camden covered his face with his hands. Mom leaned over and gave Camden a hug. “Aaron’s body is in the grave, but his soul is with Jesus,” she said. “His soul?” Camden looked at his hands. “So my hands and feet, and my head and ears and eyes—they’re not really me?” “Of course they’re you!” said Mom. “Just like your soul is. But because we live in a sinful world, our bodies die. When that happens, our souls go to be with Jesus. But one day, when He returns to earth and makes everything new, He will bring our bodies back to life. Then our souls will be reunited with our resurrected bodies—and they’ll be free of sin and won’t ever get sick or die again!” Camden wiped his eyes. “I still wish I could see Aaron every day.” Mom squeezed Camden’s shoulder. “I know. And you will. Because we know Jesus, we can look forward to seeing Aaron again someday. Then we’ll all be together forever with Jesus!” –A. W. Smith How about you? Did you know that, if you’re a Christian, your soul will go to be with Jesus after your body dies? Nothing can separate Him from those He’s saved—not even death. But it doesn’t end there! One day He’ll bring your body back to life, and you and every other Christian will live with Him forever! If you’re not a Christian, trust in Jesus today so you can look forward to eternal life with Him. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?) Today's Key Verse: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25 (NIV) Today's Key Thought: Bodies die, but souls don’t
• Graduation and the Gospel 17.05.2026 4min

  Read: Psalm 27:4; Luke 24:44-49 “And now, I would like to present the class of 2026!” Kendis squinted to see her sister, Derica, in the crowd of high school graduates donned in robes of black and maroon. She stood next to her mom, dad, aunt, uncle, and grandma, all of whom were cheering and clapping and stomping in response to her sister’s graduation. At dinner, Derica talked excitedly about all the things she was looking forward to. “I can’t wait to find a church and other students at college who also love Jesus. We could start a Bible study. We could learn and grow together!” Grandma put her hand over her heart and squeezed Derica’s shoulder, brushing her coily hair to the side. “Does that mean you’re going to move on from the things you learned at church here?” Kendis asked. Her family looked at her, trying to determine what she meant. “Well,” Kendis went on, “we’ve learned about the gospel—how Jesus died for our sins, rose from the dead, and promises to be with us forever.” “And how the Holy Spirit lives in us,” Derica added. “But people always say there’s so much to learn about God and you can never understand it all. I guess I just meant you’ll be done learning about Jesus and His life and move onto other things…like the Old Testament.” At Kendis’s comment, both Derica and Grandma laughed. “Well, it’s true!” said Kendis. “There’s so much of the Bible left to read!” “Yes, yes, Kendis,” Grandma said. “But the whole Bible is about Jesus. It’s one story of how God always loves His people, even when we mess up, and how He fulfills His promise of a Savior. The whole Bible tells the story of the gospel, the good news that Jesus came to save us.” “I always thought of the Old and New Testaments as two separate things,” Kendis said thoughtfully. “Think about it this way,” Derica said. “I took math and English classes in high school, and I’ll still keep taking them in college. But they’ll be more advanced, building on what I already know. I want my faith to be like that. I still need to learn about Jesus because without Him, nothing else matters. Everything else I hope to learn simply points to Him.” Kendis grinned. “I guess you’ll never graduate from the gospel!” –Zoe Sherman How about you? Have you ever thought about how much there is to learn about God and the Bible? Does that overwhelm you—or make you excited? You can learn new things about God and experience His presence every single day of your life, and you’ll still never know everything. Isn’t that amazing? But no matter what you learn or how old you get, never forget how much Jesus loves you. Today's Key Verse: Just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith. Colossians 2:6-7 (CSB) Today's Key Thought: You never graduate from the gospel
• Weed or Flower? 16.05.2026 4min

  Read: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 “I hate weeding,” Lynnie huffed, yanking another scraggly weed away from the green beans and throwing it into a pile. Jayson sat on the soft grass, picking blades and throwing them into the air. Lynnie watched the wind blow the grass away. “I don’t want to weed anymore, Mom. I want to go play. Weeding is boring.” Mom knelt in the dirt. “Look at all these weeds. Do you know why we pull them?” “Punishment,” Lynnie muttered. “See these tiny pea shoots? They’re so little. They need water and sunlight to grow. See these weeds? They’re called wisteria.” Jayson poked at the climbing vines and white flowers with a stick. “That doesn’t look like a weed. It has flowers.” Lynnie held one of the white flowers in her hand. “Yeah, these are pretty. They’re not really weeds, are they, Mom?” “They are pretty. But this plant grows long vines that strangle, crush, and ruin any other plants. It will destroy every pea plant in our garden, and then it will move to the green beans until the whole garden is nothing but weeds.” Lynnie dropped the flower on the ground. “Jesus talked about weeds,” said Mom. “He told a story that described people as different kinds of soil. Each group heard the truth of God’s Word, but one group’s soil had thorns, or weeds. A weed can be any anything that distracts us from God and makes it harder for us to hear and obey Him.” “Like how these weeds make it harder for veggies to grow?” Jayson held up a thistle weed by the roots, the spiny leaves dangling from his hand. Mom nodded. “When we get overwhelmed by worries or believe lies that tell us something other than Jesus will give us peace, hope, or joy, it’s like letting this wisteria grow in our garden—it may look like a flower, but it’s a weed. That’s why we need Jesus to weed our hearts. He gives His followers the Holy Spirit to help us focus on Him and understand the truth of His Word. Then good things can grow in our hearts and lives.” “Like these vegetables in our garden.” Lynnie grinned at her brother. “Bet I can pull more weeds than you!” And the race was on. –Nicole Monroe How about you? Do you like to pull weeds? Probably not, but if weeds aren’t pulled, they’ll take over the garden so that nothing can grow. Because we live in a world filled with worries and distractions, our hearts need to be weeded too, and God does that through the Holy Spirit. Trust Him to make your faith grow by reminding you that peace, hope, and joy come only from Jesus. Today's Key Verse: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV) Todays Key Thought: Trust Jesus to weed your heart