The following is a report on the practical applications of Jim Palmer's new book, Divine Nobodies: Shedding Religion to Find God (and the Unlikely People Who Help You), (W Publishing Group, 2006).

You might expect to learn spiritual wisdom from a pastor, a speaker, an author, or a ministry leader – all “somebodies” in the church. But did you know that you’re just as likely to discover profound truths about God from “nobodies” like a disabled girl, a tire salesman, a waitress, and a hip-hop musician?

Here’s how you can look beyond organized religion to let spiritual nobodies teach you more about God:

* Recognize that God works in extraordinary ways through ordinary people. Know that God doesn’t need a person to be brilliant, famous, wealthy, or beautiful to use that person in significant ways. Realize that it’s not necessary to accomplish something spectacular to make a powerful impact for the better. Understand that some of your greatest epiphanies may happen when encountering ordinary people in ordinary places, like a park or grocery store. Be aware that God reveals some of His deepest mysteries off the beaten path of organized religion. Ask God to help you notice Him at work all around you.

* Learn from a jazz drummer: Don’t be afraid of moving beyond the predictable. Know that you can’t control God, predict Him, or reduce Him to Someone who simply makes you feel comfortable. Let go of your planned agendas and make time to listen for God to speak to you however He chooses. Understand that getting to know God is more of an art than a science. Give up the idea of using a formula to approach God. Instead, simply spend time with Him and seek to grow from your encounters. Embrace mysteries and expect surprises. Trust God enough to allow your spiritual journey to go wherever He leads you, even if you don’t know where it is until you get there.