Before and After File Cabinet

Here is an old file cabinet that I was allowed to use at work.  It looked to be 15-20 years old with crayon scribbles, dirt, and rust on it.  I spray painted it a bright cheery color called "Marigold."

Before and After Verses

I love a good before and after story!  I like those home makeover shows.  Well, I like just about any makeover show where anything is made over:  a room, a wardrobe, makeup or a hairstyle, a car, old furniture, or a life. I love the idea of taking something and making it better, renewing its purpose, or bringing new life to something.

Isn't the gospel story a before and after story?  God takes our sinful lives, we accept His love and forgiveness, and we are made new!  Maybe that's why I like before and after stories--they resemble the ultimate makeover--of our souls!

Here are some good before and after verses:

2 Corinthians 5:17

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Lamentations 3:22-23

²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

Ezekiel 36:26

²⁶ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
  

^{Ephesians 4: 22-24}

²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

1 Corinthians 15: 51

 ⁵¹ Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—

Psalm 103:5

⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Isaiah 40:31

³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Romans 12:2

² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

John 3:7

⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’

1 Peter 1:23

²³ For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.