VOLUME MAY 2002 a

May 1, 2002

A FAITHFUL GOD

With each passing day I am learning just how faithful God is. He's shown me that I do not have to be afraid or anxious when He tells me to wait upon Him.

I also trust that He will provide for me the right opportunities at the right times to glorify His name and to proclaim His goodness.

Now, fortunately, the word is getting out in the media (little by little) that I am not trying to get out of prison. That I am sorry for the crimes which happened in the past. That I have accepted my prison sentence.

On April 28th the London Sunday Times, (London, England) published an article about my feelings concerning parole. The article was decent and fair.

In addition, a scaled down version of this article also appeared in the New York Post's Sunday edition (4/28). And while I do not care to give media interviews and have, over the years, turned down literally dozens of interview request, I did feel (after much prayer) that it was time to do an interview with the London reporter.

Now my prayers are beinning to get answered. The families of the victims are beginning to see (I hope) that I am not seeking relase from prison.

I think this may quell some of their anxiety, and that there will be some level of closure and healing. I pray, too, that they will all have some peace, expecially after the June 4 hearing is finished.

David Berkowitz

May 2. 2002

GREAT THINGS

Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah 33:3

Even while I sit in my prison cell my life is not stagnant. I am full of life and hope and I have the Holy Spirit dewlling in me giving me daily doses of strength, comfort and peace. And God is doing many great things.

The story of David Berkowitz from the "Son of Sam" to the "Son of Hope" is giving encouragement and inspiration to many people, and I'm thankful.

Within the past several days, I was happy to learn that the FORGIVEN FOR LIFE video was awarded the "Houston International Film Festival Platinum Award in the TV Pilot category". Also that a number of cable stations in the United States have been showing this including the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).

I've also learned that my testimony has now been translated into Dutch for Holland. That a ministry called "Prison in Poland" is now going to be using this story of God's grace in Polish prisons.

In addition, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Chiurch (Pastor Jim Cymbala) will be showing FORGIVEN FOR LIFE as a part of his Sunday evening service on May 5th.

But best of all, today is my father's 92nd birthday. He's a wonderful man and I thank the Lord for all the years God has grandted to him. He has blessed my Dad with health and strength. I am longing for the day he receives Jesus as his Messianh.

David Berkowitz

May 3, 2003

I am insignificant and despised, but I don't forget your commandments.

Psalm 119:141

Today the Lord used another Christian to help me get certain things into better perspective. His words were like a double-edged sword, and they hurt. But the Lord was also quick to give him words of encouragement that came forth at the right time.

This brother knows how much I despise my criminal past, and how pained I am every time the "Son of Sam" moniker is mentioned.

So this morning I was a little downcast. I shared how I felt about certain things concerning those former times of torment.

Then God used this man to remind me that the Lord actually allows these "old things" to come forth in order to glorify Himself. For it is my past that the "world" is really interested in.

Society considers me insignificant. I am despised. Yet it is the dark and evil "Son of Sam" which creates a platform for the testilmony of what Jesus Christ has since done in my life, to go out.

I was lovingly reminded that, as much as I despise my past, it has become a tool in the Lord's hands.

For only God can create light out of darkness.. Only He can create order out of chaos. And it is these very things that God has done in my life which allows others to see His saving and delivering power clearly manifested.

Thus while I long with all my heart for the past to go away--and one day it will--for now the Lord is using the former evil for the present good.

David Berkowitz

May 5, 2002

FORGETTING THE PAST

But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind...

Philippians 3:13

Satan's plan has been to discredit me and destroy everything that God has built in my life. He is tirelessly trying to send up smoke screens to obscure the "new man" in Christ, to keep the public focused on the "old man" and on the past.

One of the main themes of the New Testament is, however, that when a person repents of his sins and places his faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, this individual becomes a "new creation" in Christ. A new life begins. While at the same time, the old life of practicing sin and wongdoing begins to die.

Gradually a new life as a Christian begins to replace one's former life as a sinner. And over time, as one contiues in this Christian walk, he slowly grows into the likeness of Jesus Christ, taking on Christ's character, being honest, doing good and showing love.

Therefore I refuse to be imprisoned by my past. Today I know that the precious blood of the Lord Jesus washed away all my sins. God will never hold the past against me.

Plus, Jesus' blood also took away my guilty conscience. Now I can walk in the "newness of life", knowing I have been completely forgiven and pardoned by a holy God.

It is so wonderful to know these basic Bible truths. And so I must put into practice the words of the apostle Paul It's time to once and for all forget those terrible things which are behind me, as I press forward by God's grace to the good things He has for me.

David Berkowitz

May 7, 2002

NEW ROADS

During my prayer time this morning the Lord spoke the words "new roads" into my spirit.

New roads of ministry are stretched out before me. Some have recently opened while others will open in time. And the Holy Spirit also reminded me that the days of bitter weeping for my past conduct are behind me.

Like an always flowing river travelling onward to glory, so will be my life. And this is what Jesus Chtrist wants to do for every one of His children. His is no respecter of persons.

Through small beginnings right here in this prison, and through the many dark paths I once walked upon in my ignorance, my life is now becoming an ever-increasing light.

"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples (John 15:8). May God thus be glorified in my life.

David Berkowitz