January 1st. The day we all collectively decide to “reinvent” ourselves. The confetti has fallen, and we stand before the fresh, shiny calendar of a new year. It’s the perfect time to shed bad habits, embrace self-improvement, and start a whole new chapter in life—or at least that’s the plan.

But if we’re being honest, those resolutions often look like the half-eaten salad in the fridge—a vague promise of something better that gets lost under leftovers from July.

And yet, there’s something irresistible about the hope January brings. What if, instead of resolutions, we leaned into something deeper? Something that lasts longer than that gym membership we’ll abandon by Valentine’s Day?

Let’s explore how we can approach this year with a fresh perspective by building our lives on Jesus. Joshua 4 gives us three foundational principles to guide the journey.

Joshua 4:6-7
“When your children ask... ‘What do these stones mean?’... you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord... So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”

After crossing the Jordan River on dry ground, the Israelites set up memorial stones as a reminder of God’s faithfulness. These weren’t just “souvenirs.” They were visual anchors of what God had done, sparking conversations for future generations.

We all have our "souvenirs"—photos, keepsakes, T-shirts from beach vacations. But spiritual memorials hold eternal value. They’re reminders of when God showed up in our lives:

• That time He answered a desperate prayer.
• When He provided in an impossible situation.
• The moment His peace carried you through a storm.

This is what you need to do:
Reflect on your own “memorial stones” this year. Write them down. Share them with loved ones. When challenges come, let those memories remind you of God’s faithfulness.

 "When you remember where you've been, you can confidently step into what's ahead."

Joshua 4:9
“And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant had stood, and they are there to this day.”

Joshua placed stones not just on the riverbank but in the riverbed itself. Even though the water had stopped, the location was a place of risk and uncertainty. His boldness declared trust in God’s presence and guidance.

We often find ourselves in the "middle of the Jordan," standing in uncertainty, afraid to take the next step. But just as God led the Israelites, He leads us. Faith doesn’t remove uncertainty; it trusts in God despite it.

Imagine hiking through foggy mountains, unable to see the path. You follow the guide, trusting their expertise even when visibility is limited. God is that guide. He sees the full picture, even when we can’t.

This is what you need to do:
Step forward this year in areas where you feel uncertain. Trust that God is with you, guiding your steps.

"Faith isn’t about knowing the outcome; it’s about trusting the One who does."

Joshua 4:21-22
“When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’”

The memorial stones weren’t just for the Israelites who crossed the Jordan—they were tools for teaching future generations. They sparked stories of God’s power, provision, and promises.
In the same way, we’re called to share our faith stories with others. Whether with children, friends, or younger believers, our testimonies become the "stones" that inspire others to trust in God.

Think of a campfire. Each time someone adds a log, the fire grows, providing warmth and light for everyone around it. Sharing your story is like adding fuel to the faith of others.

This is what you need to do:
Invest in someone this year—share your story, mentor, or simply model faithfulness. Let your life be a legacy of God’s goodness.

 "Faith isn’t meant to be hoarded; it’s meant to be handed down."

The new year is more than an opportunity to reinvent ourselves. It’s a chance to:

• Remember God’s faithfulness.
• Trust Him in the unknown.
• Share His goodness with others.

A "new you" isn’t built on resolutions; it’s built on the foundation of Jesus. May this be the year you live with faith, remembrance, and purpose.

"When we build on Jesus, every year becomes a testimony of God’s unfailing love."

Happy New Year! Let’s make it a year worth remembering.