Bless These Lips: Make over Your Words to Influence Your World

by Sharla Fritz

Bless These Lips is an eight-session womens Bible study that addresses the prevalence of negative speech and encourages participants to choose God-pleasing words. By giving voice to their faith in a forgiving Savior, readers will influence others in their workplaces, homes and communities.

232 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Sharla Fritz has been described as an amazing eye-opening speaker and author. Her books Divine Directions, Measured by Grace, Enough for Now, Distracted, Waiting, and others have given thousands of women the tools to dig into Scripture and experience a transformation of their attitudes and heart. With light-hearted stories and thought-provoking applications, she makes Bible study fun and uplifting.


Sharla makes her home in the Chicago area where she is also a pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother, musician, and confirmed chocoholic. And if she isn’t sitting at her piano or computer, you might find her stalking fabulous fashion finds at the local resale shop.

Reviews

[Ruth Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've worked through other Bible studies by Sharla Fritz and always found them to be insightful and well-done, and this is no exception. It's written specifically for women, and each week focuses on a different "lip product." Following the routine of an actual lip makeover, Sharla creatively applies each step to a biblical principle throughout the chapter. (For example, Week 1 is "Exfoliate: Scrub with Forgiveness.") I especially enjoyed Day 5 of each week, where she walks participants through a "LIP Study" of a particular passage (Look for the facts, Interpret the meaning, Pursue the Application). I also love the technique she teaches on Day 4 of Step 7, “Be Still.” It’s a unique and helpful way to meditate on a verse from Scripture.

Each lesson took me maybe 15-20 minutes, which I found to be a good length. It is written as a small-group Bible study, so some of the questions are a bit trite when you’re working through it without a group. The first question of each day is clearly designed to start discussion amongst a group and get people comfortable talking. (Example: “Tell us about your favorite lip product.”)

My only issue with this book (and this is a common complaint for me) is that the formatting doesn’t allow enough space for writing answers! I had to write down the sides of the page or on the bottom to fit my answers. But formatting aside, the content is fantastic. Ladies, this is a great study to consider!

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Bible Study Book. Recommend to any group of women to consider.

[Elizabeth Knaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading this book, I skimmed through the front and back sections and discovered great content worthy of a second read to participate in greater depth.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you transform your words to have a positive influence in eight weeks? Sharla Fritz has written “Bless These Lips”, a 40-day women’s small group Bible study to help you make over your words to influence your world. Using eight different lip products, Fritz shows us how to exfoliate, soothe, plump, line, color, gloss, seal and smile.

Each of these represents the qualities of forgiveness, encouragement, praise, truth, grace, thankfulness, discretion and joy. Each day offers a short devotion and some cute tips about lips and attitudes. There is a Lipstick Lesson and Meaningful Make-over at the end of each day. Day Five was always my favorite with the addition of the Lip Study where you look for the facts, interpret the meaning and pursue the application of a specific Scripture reading.

I don’t wear lipstick, but the analogy was cute and right on target. God has given us the gift of speech. It is our responsibility not to turn it into a curse. “Bless These Lips” gives us the opportunity to examine our speech in order to transform our words into encouragement, praise and edification.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Concordia Publishing House, as part of Sharla Fritz’s blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[J.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, based solely on the cover, I was expecting a pretty cheesy Bible study guide. However, this book had so much to offer in real wisdom and practical applications that I would highly recommend it.