Royal Reflections 2.0: The Making of a Warrior Princess

By Sherry Eifler

Identify and connect spiritually with your greater purpose in this life while embarking on a biblical treasure hunt intertwined with the author's personal testimony.

Do you ever wrestle with the questions, "How do I measure up in this world?" or "Does God really want to use me?" If so, you are not alone. We live in a world of ever-changing

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Jul 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685561741

Sherry Eifler

Sherry Eifler draws from her wellspring of military experience as a veteran, wife, and mother of three to motivate others to embrace God's love for them. She believes knowing who you are at the heart of you is key to living with kingdom purpose. Why did this self-proclaimed "nonwriter" step out in obedience and write? Because. Sherry is passionate for women to put on and live their royal identity in Christ.

Book preview

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my Savior, who lit the fire in my heart, in loving memory of my parents, Ralph, Jr., and Sandra, who laid the foundation for my faith to grow strong, my loving husband, and all those who supported and encouraged me along the way—you know who you are!

Endorsements

God’s final creation, Woman, was the final touch, the crown of His creation. This value of women is so lost and beaten down today with the reality of true darkness, looking for ways and opportunities to keep her in darkness. Sherry brings God’s heart and perspective of the true value of woman and compares her to a princess. Sherry uses the analogy of God’s Kingdom, His princess, and her journey. As you work through this study, you will see that you are His princess—so valued, precious, and highly honored. Take this eight-week journey and see how God’s word can transform your thinking to see yourself as the princess He created you to be.

—Eileen Marx

Wife, Mother of Five Children, Grandmother

Author, Speaker, and Co-Founder of ATP Ministries

Sherry Eifler’s Bible study, Royal Reflections, takes us on a majestic journey of what it means to live as a Daughter of the King, a true Royal Princess! This eight-week study on living as a princess in God’s royal family is powerful, beautifully written, and filled with scripture. I was captivated by each chapter, drawn into the majestic journey, and loved how Sherry guides us through step by step of being a royal princess and growing in God’s word. Royal Reflections is an ideal study for women who yearn to know their true identity and purpose in God’s kingdom.

—Susan Miller

Founder Just Moved Ministry and

Author of After the Boxes Are Unpacked

A solid Bible study exploring our transformational identity in Christ through a charming Princess story! Sherry’s use of Scripture to cover topics from forgiveness to warfare is exceptional. Any woman serious about living as a true child of the King of Kings will benefit from this Bible study.

—Lisa Nelson

Author of A Woman’s Guide to Fasting

Sherry takes her readers on a journey to and through the Royal Kingdom, emphasizing our true identity as daughters of the King. Royal Reflections is a beautiful, refreshing approach to what faith in Christ is all about.

—Judy Rossi

Author of Naked and Unashamed, Raising Responsive Children, and Enhancing Your Marriage

The Making of a Warrior Princess

Do you ever wrestle with the questions How do I measure up in this world? or Does God really want to use me? You are not alone. In your quest to identify and connect with your greater purpose in this world of ever-changing expectations and norms, Royal Reflections is a place where we will discover answers to these questions with clarity and confidence.

This is a royal invitation to discover the power of living as a child of God. As a woman, something inside each of us yearns for authentic relationships and for direction. Royal Reflections is the tale of the making of a modern-day warrior princess whose yearning became her reality.

Prepare to be escorted through a biblical treasure hunt that is intertwined with personal testimony. Royal Reflections is a place to connect and establish a solid foundation of one’s spiritual identity in Christ, to be inspired, and to be empowered to live an abundant life with clarity in real authentic relationship with the Lord, our King, and His people.

Preface

Welcome to Royal Reflections! I am so thrilled that you will be with me on this majestic journey. We’re going to gracefully explore what it means to live as a true royal, reflecting the majesty of our King. How royal are you feeling? Maybe you grew up thinking the fairy-tale princess life is a dream, an impossible reality. I have news worth celebrating. The Bible reveals each of us can choose a life of royalty and become a child of God, the King of kings, making us His princess. That means we truly have the opportunity to become royalty!

Let’s get started—our chariot awaits! Climb aboard and take a seat in the come as you are royal chariot express. The first stop on our journey is the Royal Theater, now playing A Tale of Three Princesses.

The royal itinerary starts at the theater, where our royal story unfolds as we are introduced to our unique princess identity. Next will be a relaxing stroll to the Royal Princess Academy to begin preparations for a celebration: We need to get the 411 on the latest style, dances, and who’s who in the kingdom. Then it’s off to the Royal Ball to celebrate and receive encouragement to put the royal lifestyle into daily practice—reflecting the majesty of our King.

Enjoy the view during our travels. The study will take us on an exploration through scripture, so have a Bible (hard copy or e-book) close at hand. I believe scripture is the foundation to royal living: All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness; so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Week 1

Day 1: The Princess

A Tale of Three Princesses

How about you, did you grow up wanting to be a princess? Did you live with a fairy tale in your mind or dream of Prince Charming and a happily ever after? Well, even if you didn’t want to be a princess, I’m sure you have dreamed of a happily ever after.

I was a princess dreamer, and I owe it to my mother, who would always say, Sherry, do you know what your name means? I would look at her with wide eyes, wait, and listen (it always sounded so good when she said it): Princess. Awe. So I just knew someday my prince would come and I would live happily ever after! Of course, that motivated me to take on the role of behaving like a fairy-tale princess. I dressed up like a princess; I danced like a princess, ran away from home at age three, and colored on the walls.

Ooops, that’s not at all princess behavior, is it? I guess that is why my mom was always reminding me, Sherry, your name means ‘princess.’ Now let me see you behave like one. It is so valuable to have someone to remind you of your identity. The intent of this study is to remind each of us of our identity and encourage us to live out our purpose in the kingdom. When I was a young girl, my mother was that reminding voice. I know she prayed a lot for me, and at an early age, I became God’s princess. It was an easy choice at a young age. What’s not to like about loving someone who loves you and is going to take care of you your whole life and even promises you an eternity in paradise? Was it possible, my happily ever after all wrapped up in Jesus? So my royal journey began!

I like to relate my royal journey to being a princess, the daughter of the King (Father God, Son, and Spirit—the Creator of the universe who resides in heaven on His throne and in the hearts of His children). For that is what we become when we act on our belief in Jesus—His princess!

Let’s get started with our first of many Jewel Discovery’s, where we will read and record what God’s word has to say.

Jewel Discovery: Look up the following verses. Write what is revealed about your position in God’s royal family.

Ephesians 1:4–5 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ephesians 2:17–20 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 John 3:13 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In order to live as a royal, it is foundational to understand how purposeful the Lord is with His people. When we acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are adopted into His family.

The challenge is to fully embrace how He chose us before the creation of the world. His purpose was to upgrade our citizenship; we are no longer outsiders or foreigners but established as royal citizens and members of God’s household. We are chosen belonging to God, His royal priesthood, and a holy nation.

How does God’s choosing you make you feel? Which aspect of who we are because of God’s deep love and grace speaks to where you currently are in your spiritual journey? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jewel Pursuit (Optional): Get a deeper understanding of our purpose and our role as part of the royal priesthood and holy nation of God as described in 1 Peter 2:9–10.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Royal Priesthood: Read Hebrews, chapters 7 and 8, for further understanding of the priesthood established under Jesus. Read Exodus 19:3–6 for the first mention of God’s priestly intention for His people.

Holy Nation: Read Hebrews 10:8–18 and 1 Peter 1:15 for further understanding of being part of a holy nation.

Personal Reflection:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Princess Reflection One

As I grew in my knowledge of who I am to the Lord, someone challenged me to write out my testimony and come up with a catchy way to share it and make it personal. I love acrostics—a way I capture and share what I’m learning from the Lord. Below is the acrostic for Princess Reflection One.

P—powerful prayer

R—receive Christ’s forgiveness

I—innocent

N—new creation

C—change

E—eternal life

S—sanctified

S—saint

Powerful Prayer

Princess Cynthia’s story starts with powerful prayer. For her, it happened on an ordinary day. She remembers how her Sunday-school teacher, Mrs. Sullivan, talked about Jesus like He was her friend and would love her no matter what she did. Princess Cynthia wanted to be loved like that. So when Mrs. Sullivan asked if anyone wanted to ask Jesus into their heart, Princess Cynthia knew today was her day to accept His love, forgiveness, and salvation. She truly believed that Christ loved her and lived, died, and rose again to save her from all her sin. If you have ever prayed a faith prompted prayer inviting Jesus into your life, you can relate to her royal story. Cynthia’s powerful prayer was as simple as Jesus, please forgive my sins and come into my heart. I love you and want you in my life. Amen. Through that simple prayer, she became God’s daughter—His princess! What amazing power was found in the faith of a child, faith the size of a mustard seed. Scripture assures us of our salvation through Jesus.

Jewel Discovery: Read through John 3:16 and Romans 3:21–25, 6:6, and 10:17.

Write down anything that stands out to you about salvation in Christ.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

P—Receive Christ’s Forgiveness

The powerful prayer was just the beginning for Princess Cynthia. Her prayer expressed her belief and understanding that she needed Jesus to forgive her sins. That day she also welcomed and elected to receive Christ’s forgiveness, grace, and mercy through faith. At that moment, with her childlike faith, is when she chose to plant the mustard seed of faith, which the Lord activated to grow into a tree bearing much fruit. When Princess Cynthia received Jesus’ forgiveness, it was like she said to Him, Here You go, I’m turning over my dingy dress, soiled with the guilt from sin, and I accept freely the royal dress of grace, like a robe of righteousness, my garments of salvation (Isaiah 61:10).

How are you at releasing sin and guilt to receive forgiveness? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jewel Discovery: Review the following verses, and record your insight related to forgiveness.

1 John 1:9 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ephesians 1:7–8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Romans 3:21–26 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 Corinthians 5:21 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2: The Princess

P-R-Innocent

The result of receiving Christ’s forgiveness is becoming innocent before God. When Princess Cynthia was first welcomed into the royal family, she innocently accepted the Bible as true. She wasn’t overly inquisitive like some who ask why for everything; rather, she simply walked out her childlike faith, wanting to know God more. Oh, the blissfulness of innocence. To be innocent before the King released her to enjoy the freedom of life, to express and experience pure love, and indulge in her new relationship with the King.

Cynthia was innocent in her attitude but most importantly, like us, found innocent of all her previous and future sins in the eyes of God, through the grace given when she trusted in Jesus as her Savior, each innocent verdict was awarded because of the irreversible gift of justification by Jesus. Similar to when a person is justified by the courts. The accused is found legally innocent of all accusations made against them, or the penalty to make things right between the accuser and the accused has been paid in full, and the record of the accusation is erased. The powerful prayer of salvation also erases the accusation of our sin, and the punishment for all our sins is canceled. Does it mean we will sin no more? No. Does it mean we never need to repent and reconcile with Jesus again? No. We all remain in our sinful flesh nature, so sin will happen. But our innocence and justification remain our verdict through God’s amazing mercy and grace that are new every morning!

Has there been a time in your life when you felt blissful and innocent before God? It is important to not lose sight of God’s plan and purpose; we are innocent in His eyes. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have been justified.

What does being justified before God mean to you? (Write it in your own words.) ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jewel Discovery: Read the following verses and record the importance of receiving Christ’s innocence according to God’s word.

Romans 8:30–33 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Romans 3:22–26 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Galatians 2:16 and 3:24 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

P-R-I-New Creation

One powerful prayer took Cynthia from rags to riches. She became a new creation, a princess in the kingdom of God. Now Princess Cynthia is justified, and her life is renewed through a spiritual rebirth. The deposit of the Holy Spirit is the guarantee for the promises of God in her life and eternity. She was not fully aware of all that her simple prayer had brought into her life. On the outside, she didn’t look any different, yet felt a new sense of peace and joy in her heart. Unfortunately, many years went by before she was fully introduced to all that her belief and acceptance of Jesus’ love had brought into her life.

What does it mean to you to be renewed through a spiritual rebirth? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jewel Discovery: Read through the following scriptures for a deeper understanding of the new creation you are and God’s purpose in your renewal.

Titus 3:4–7 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 Peter 1:23–2:3 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Romans 6:3–4 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Galatians 4:4–7 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ephesians 4:22–25 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 Corinthians 1:21–22 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I love the picture 1 Peter 2:2 provides of us being like a newborn baby when we join the royal family. It gives hope that we can do this one step at a time; that is how we grow in our salvation. What a relief that there is a process and not an expectation for us to immediately change our behavior.

Day 3: The Princess

P-R-I-N-Change

Cynthia became a princess, a new creation in Christ, by exercising her faith through prayer. She grew into her salvation over time with progressive steps of change. Transformation into the image of Christ is a daily process. Basically, transformation is a daily challenge to live like royalty, reflecting Christ’s love.

Jewel Discovery: Be prepared to discuss the following questions with your group.

What do you think it would be like to grow from infancy into a teenage princess within palace walls? _________________________________________________________________________________

As followers