The Familiar Stranger: (Re)Introducing the Holy Spirit to Those in Search of an Experiential Spirituality

I have silently followed the author in all his media presence for many years, from the beginning. This book was another excellent and well organized deep dive, as everything and every topic the author touches. Yet again, the words spill out uniquely almost like music covering the rich fabric that is actually solid thought and foundation of his analysis.

I am only about 1/4 of the way in the book but I cannot wait to pick it up each day. It is compelling, beautiful and soul changing. The words come alive in my soul as I read. I am drawn deeper to know the Spirit more. Thank you Tyler for your sweet spirit that is evident as you write what the Lord whispers in your ear. I hear it loud and clear and I for one am grateful.

One of the absolute best books on the Holy Spirit that I have ever read. I will recommend it to everyone.

This more clearly lays out the role of the Holy Spirit as well as any other book I’ve read. Amazing insight and practical teaching on the role of the Holy Spirit.

Book Review Rating: 8/10This Book Is:- About the Holy Spirit.- For those seeking deeper and richer experiences of spirituality.- A good balance of information and compelling stories.- A practical guide including sample practices to try.This Book Is Not:- Biased towards overvaluing or undervaluing the gifts of the Spirit.My Takeaways:- Redemptive Suffering: My top takeaway is the idea that the Holy Spirit is just as active in our suffering as in our triumphs. It can be easy to think that healing occurs when the Spirit is active, and healing doesn't occur when the Spirit does not act.Suffering is a part of the human condition. We know that suffering grieves God. It is not how he created the world to be. We have the opportunity to choose what suffering does to us. It is an opportunity to be like Jesus. When we experience suffering, we are able to be compassionate towards others in a deeper way. We have the promise of new life and know that suffering won't have the last word.Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

While I've yet to read my copy of The Familiar Stranger, I've listened to the audio version and loved every minute of it, to include his recent journey with cancer.Tyler is a master storyteller, and his inclusion of relevant, true stories that support the discussion within each chapter makes each topic come alive. I especially appreciate Part Three of the book, as he includes a discussion about each of the topics (i.e. discernment, prophecy, healing, witness, suffering, and redemptive love), a firm biblical foundation for each of the topics, as well as an introduction to some of the practices that we can use for each.Like his book, Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, this book is at the top of my reading list!

Tyler's writings and teachings have been so very helpful for me and my family. I have desired a greater understanding of how the Spirit lives in and with us and continuously guides us into the Kingdom of God. Familiar Stranger provides wonderful stories and insight into experiencing the Holy Spirit and is invitational in pursuing friendship with the same Spirit Jesus is in loving relationship with and accessed during his time on earth.

So thankful for this book and the reminder of the very real presence of the Holy Spirit. There is depth in this book but it reads with a beautiful simplicity. It compels a heart response not to the writer but to the One who is witnessed— the One promised by Jesus to be our comfort and power for living in the Kingdom. Beautiful.