Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Henry & Melvin Blackaby's new book, Experiencing the Resurrection: The Everyday Encounter that Changes Your Life, (Multnomah Books, 2007).

The resurrection is more than just an event that happened once in history. It’s the source of the power you can experience in your own life, every day. The same power that resurrected Jesus from death to life is available to you, and if you tap into it, you’ll see amazing transformation in your own life, too.

Here’s how you can experience resurrection power every day:

Use the power now, not just in heaven. Your hope of the resurrection isn’t just for the future when you physically die and go to heaven; it’s also for now, while you’re living on earth and struggling with sin. Make use of that God-given power to help you overcome sin right now, and every day you’re alive. Regularly confess your sins, repent of them, and embrace the forgiveness and grace God offers you to keep growing.

Trade religion for relationship. Instead of pursuing hope through performing religious rituals, believing right doctrines, or doing good deeds, realize that those things are valuable yet can’t produce hope. Place your hope in a dynamic relationship with Jesus. As you live for Him, relying on His resurrection power at work in your life, you’ll experience the fulfillment of all God’s good purposes for you. Instead of focusing on what you can do for God, focus on what God can do through you.

Set eternal priorities. Ask God to help you see your life from His perspective. Look beyond the world’s values (which are only temporary) to what has eternal value. Base your decisions – for all aspects of your life – on what matters most in eternity. Make the most of your time here on earth, keeping in mind that it will soon be over and you’ll be accountable to God for how you used your time here.

Die to self. Remember that death must always precede resurrection. Be willing to sacrifice whatever selfish desires and agendas you have that conflict with God’s purposes for your life. Decide to crucify your selfish attitudes and behaviors, so God will raise you to new life by transforming your attitudes and behaviors into healthy ones that will help you grow to be more like Jesus. Understand that, physically, you’re born and live until you die, progressing toward physical death. But spiritually, you’re dead until you’re made alive through a relationship with Jesus, progressing toward eternal life.