Build Treasures In Eternity
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Revelation 18 and Psalm 140 (NIV)
(Angelyn Peh, Mandarin Ministry Committee Member)
READ:
Revelation 18:7-8 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
7Give her as much torment and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself. In her heart she boasts, ‘I sit enthroned as queen. I am not a widow;I will never mourn.
8Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.
APPLY:
This verse reminds me of a moment many years ago, during the Christmas season. It was a time when people had just received their year-end bonuses, and conversations were full of plans—how to spend the money, what to buy, where to travel. Among us was a young woman who received only $800. To our surprise, she said she was going to send the entire amount to her church in the Philippines, to help the poor.
At that time, I could not understand her decision. In my heart, I thought it was foolish. How could she give away all she had? That bonus was precious, and Christmas seemed like the time to enjoy it for herself. I thought, surely she should keep some of it for her own needs or celebration. But now, looking back, I realize her heart was far more aligned with God’s will than mine was.
Her selfless giving reminds me of what Jesus said in Mark 12:42–44, when the poor widow gave two small copper coins—everything she had to live on. While others gave out of their abundance, she gave out of her poverty, and Jesus praised her above all. In the same way, this young woman’s generosity was indeed beautiful in the eyes of the Lord. She did not hold tightly to temporary wealth but chose to invest in eternity.
In contrast, Revelation 18 shows us the end of those who live for their own glory, spending their wealth on luxury while ignoring the suffering of others. Their confidence in their riches will be their downfall.
That incident continues to teach me. It reminds me not to center my Christmas—or any part of my life—on myself, but on others, especially those in need. True celebration honors Christ when it reflects His heart for the poor, the broken, and the forgotten.
DO:
I will take today’s powerful passage from Revelation as a solemn warning—to not live in extravagance, to not boast in riches, and to not seek only my own pleasure. May the Lord guard my heart, turn my eyes toward “BUILD TREASURES IN ETERNITY ”, and help me live in a way that I may one day triumphantly return to my heavenly home.
PRAY:
Dear LORD, have mercy on me for the times I have lived for myself, teach me to live with a generous heart, not just during Christmas, but every day. As in Matthew 6:33 “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” In Jesus Name, Amen.
