A different kind of year-end review—one that matters eternally
It’s that time of the year— again.
Back in the day we might have actually pulled out all the receipts. Today, more often than not, we allow some aggregator to tell us how much we spent on various categories of things and, we get to see where we spent the treasures God placed under our stewardship.
This is the time of year for receipts— that which we received and what we spent. You might also think of this as the time of year for accounting. It is also the time of year we consider the return we’ve made on our investments. So, what if we used the fact that the world is considering receipts, accounting and ROI to start spiritual conversations?
Receipts
What have you received this year from the Lord? What deposits has He made? Did you receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2, 8, 10)? Did you receive forgiveness of sins and salvation? Did you receive the right hand of fellowship? Did you receive healing or mercy, provision, opportunity or ability? Where has God shown up and shown off? What are your “Wow, God!” or “But, God” stories from 2025? Show me your receipts.
Here’s a partial list of receipts from God: life, breath, health, other people, His Word and Spirit, Salvation, wisdom, the secret of being content and the peace of Christ which surpasses understanding. You have receipts for the times and ways God was present, provided, answered your prayers, held you close, watched over you. His Word was a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. His Spirit was your counselor, companion, comforter and guide. Never, not once, did God ever leave you nor forsake you. Look at the receipts!
Accounting
There’s a joke in my family that you’ll instantly get: “It’s a good job and all. It’s just not for me.” Maybe I have a bias against accounting because I just really don’t like the examination that’s required.
Spending. Where did you spend your time in 2025? Can you account for every minute? Did you make the most of every opportunity? Giving. Where did you give and did you do so generously with a cheerful spirit? God loves a cheerful giver.
The Bible verse I have in mind here is Romans 14:12, “So then each of us will give an account to God.” Hmmm. I am responsible before God for how I spend my life. Jesus confirms it in Matthew 12:36 where he says people “will have to give account on the day of judgement for every word they have spoken.” Every word? Jesus says so. What’s my word count for 2025 and how shall I stand to give an account for every word? That reflection alone is going to lead me to reconcile the books with some people before year end. There are some things I need to retract and others I need to amend.
Don’t close the book on 2025 without doing some spiritual and relational accounting.
ROI: Return on investment
What does God want from us? What kind of return on investment is God looking for? The Googler tells me that good investments in 2025 yielded a 7-12% return. Is God getting somewhere in the neighborhood of 7-12% from us? Is that what He wants? Is that what He’s due?
God actually wants 100% return on His investment in you. He wants you to love Him with your whole heart and your whole mind and your whole life (Matthew 22:37-39). Having invested His life in you, having invested you with His own Spirit, God wants YOU. Not as a trophy, but as a beloved child.
God wants to manage the investment He’s made giving you new opportunities every day to maximize His investment for the greatest return. And what does that look like? Well, it looks like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control. It looks like a harvest of righteousness that yields greater glory to God year over year. So, what’s God’s ROI for 2025 and what does it look like in your life to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant?”
As I consider the receipts, accounting and ROI here at The Reconnect, I am grateful for those of you who not only receive from this ministry, but give to support it financially. And, as I do the year end accounting, it would be most helpful if each person who has been blessed would in turn make a year end gift. The receipt will promptly follow for your accountant to consider in your tax deductions.
Blessed New Year,
Carmen LaBerge
How to Give:
There is yet much to do and God has poured out the resources necessary to do that work throughout the body of believers I like to call “the Carmenation.” I am thankful that you are part of that. As you are able and feel led by God to give, I am asking for your financial support for this ministry.
The year end need is $73,500 to fully fund the ministry for 2026. Maybe you are in a position to give the $500, one of thirteen friends who will give $1000, or there are six friends here who are able to give $10k each to meet the need. Yes, I know it’s a lot to ask but I also know God’s grace is fully sufficient.
Thank you in advance for doing what you can to give generously, with thanksgiving. It all comes from God, and it’s all going to God, so let’s do all the good we can with all the time we have, making the most of every opportunity.
Link to give: https://actintl.givingfuel.com/carmen
