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Creatures of Habit book title

Beloved pastor Steve Poe helps Christians identify and break free from the destructive patterns that are keeping them from the joy-filled, flourishing life Jesus promised.

We all have both good and bad habits in our life. Creatures of Habit reveals how to remove bad habits and replace them with godly ones. But it's not a matter of working hard, of "pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps." That approach simply doesn't work. True transformation is God's work--our job is to listen, obey, and put into practice what he's already directing us to do.

Steve Poe has pastored large, growing churches for more than thirty-four years, and during that time he has counseled hundreds of people. He's seen that poor choices often become bad habits that in turn cause people a lot of problems. Hundreds of things can become a bad habit in our lives, but Poe focuses on the most common, among them:

  • anger,
  • lust,
  • worry,
  • cynicism,
  • pride,
  • self-centeredness, and
  • greed.

Each chapter provides insights, biblical examples, and tangible tools that will help you break the bad habits that can become spiritual strongholds in your life.

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-Immediate access to the first 3 chapters of the book

-Exclusive video interview with Steve Poe and Steve Arterburn

-Two free Creatures of Habit lock screens

Steve Poe Author photo

about steve poe

Steve Poe is lead pastor of Northview Church in central Indiana. Under his leadership, the church has grown in attendance from 500 to over 11,000. Steve has spoken at major events such as the North American Christian Convention, Truth at Work Leadership Conference, Next Level Leadership Conference, Building God's Way church growth conference, and chapel for Taylor University. In 2017 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Taylor University.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

“The topic is relevant. The author is reliable. The material is Bible-based. A perfect recipe for resulting in a great read. The topic? Habits. Those patterns of behavior that direct our days. The author? Steve Poe. One of America’s great pastors; dearly loved by his church and highly regarded by colleagues (like myself) worldwide. The material? God’s word. And, God has a word for you and your habits. This book will help you create life-giving ones.”

-Max Lucado, Best Selling author

“There’s no shortcut to any place that’s worth going. Steve helps us own and tackle the deeper heart issues that fuel our bad habits so we can experience all that God intends for our lives.”

Dave Ramsey, Best Selling Author and Radio Host

“Some preach with conviction, some live with conviction, Steve does both. His desire to help people find the grace of God and live with that grace, break their old habits and become the people God intends can be seen through the pages of this book. I love his line, "most of us are like the rest of us"; Steve paints a picture of who we are and who we can be in Jesus-- don't miss reading Creatures of Habit.”

Rick Rusaw, former lead Pastor, LifeBridge Christian Church, Longmont, Colorado, author and CEO of Spire Network

“I have to be careful endorsing this book because my friend Steve called out flattery and exaggeration as part of the bad habits some people might have.  So I’ll just be honest.  Thankfully he didn’t call me out in any of the chapters, but I was amazed at how much I saw myself in so many of them.  I believe the reason most of us don’t grow deeper in our lives is just a blatant lack of honesty, and this book will help you so much.  Don’t skim through it.  Not only will it help you identify issues, this book is SO PRACTICAL.  I also would like to say that you are reading a book, written by one of the most godly men I know.  I’m not saying he’s an expert at all this, but I am saying that if there one person I’d like to read on the subject -  Steve is the guy.”

Tim Harlow, Senior Pastor of Parkview Christian church, author of What Made Jesus Mad?

“Let’s be honest – our habits will either make us or break us. I once heard that a good golf coach can identify the ten things wrong with your swing; a great golf coach can identify the one that is causing the other nine. My good friend, Steve Poe, is a great coach. Chapter by chapter he helps us to see the one thing that we need to focus on that can set us up to win at life and provides simple, accessible steps to get there. I picked my “one” chapter to focus on…I invite you to do the same.”

Randy Frazee – Pastor and author of His Mighty Strength

“We all know about vices. Sure, I struggle with...you name it. But in Creatures of Habit Steve offers a paradigm most of us haven't considered: what if that thing is more insidious than a "little struggle," but something that is really driving me more than I care to admit. And once I recognize it, what do I do about it? Steve has broken down overcoming dangerous habits into actionable steps. I'm grateful for Steve's voice that's leading so many people towards fruitful, free living.”

Dave Dummitt, Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church

“Any change, even an incremental one, can make a huge difference over the course of your life. It’s never too late to let God help you change the trajectory of your life. Steve Poe will help you see just that.”

Kyle Idleman, senior pastor Southeast Christian, and author of not a fan and Don’t Give Up

“Pastor Poe's book provides simple, understandable explanations and application of complex Biblical standards. He encourages and motivates his readers to engage in self-evaluation and communal confession in order to conquer pernicious habits and launch life giving habits. Your life and your family will benefit from reading Creatures of Habit.”

Dr. Alice Benton, Clinical Psychologist

“Creatures of Habit is a gateway to personal and spiritual breakthrough. The wisdom in this book is second to none and will help any person who is stuck and overwhelmed by life’s greatest temptations.”

Steve Carter pastor + author of “the thing beneath the thing”

“Creatures of Habit is a timely book for today's world. Steve Poe invites you to authentically examine the harmful, unseen places in your heart and life. More importantly, he equips you with practical steps that lead to change. This book will help you begin the process of letting go of what hinders you and fully seize all God has called you to be and do.”

Rob Hoskins, President One Hope, Co-Author of Change Your World: How Anyone, Anywhere Can Make a Difference

“Bad habits can be like magnets that pull you away from God’s best. In Creatures of Habit, Steve gives you some practical steps to break these habits in your life.”

Brian Tome, Senior Pastor Crossroads Church, author of MOVE, The Man Devotional

"This book will make you uncomfortable in all the best ways. Steve Poe has a special gift to peel back the layers that often prevent us from seeing our souls accurately and shows us how to access the power to be the people deep down we all want to be consistently."

Gene Appel, Senior Pastor Eastside Christian Church Anaheim, CA

“All of us have a few pesky habits that always seem to hold us back.  Old habits never change until we have a new approach to conquering them. This book is your guide to do just that!”

Ashley Woolridge, Senior Pastor Christ’s Church of the Valley, Phoenix AZ

Creatures of Habit unlocks the habit power that God has already built into you, turning your innate wiring into a spiritual strength that leads to a better life. Steve Poe has given us a real gift in this book, the best Christian book on habit formation I’ve ever read. If you want more freedom, success, joy and spiritual impact in your life, I highly recommend Creatures of Habit.”

John S. Dickerson, nationally-awarded journalist, best-selling author of Jesus Skeptic, Lead Pastor of Connection Pointe Christian Church

“When I first glanced at the table of contents, I never dreamed that every single chapter would convict, challenge and inspire me—and yet, each one did.  Healthy habits are life giving and bad habits become increasingly destructive.  So don’t read this book unless you are willing to look inward and get to the root of your problems.  But if you do put into practice Steve’s suggestions I promise it will positively transform the trajectory of your life.”

Dave Stone, former senior Pastor, Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY

“It is always a series of small habits done over a long period of time that transforms a good athlete into a great one or makes an ordinary leader into an outstanding one. If you want more of God’s best in your life, Creatures of Habit by Steve Poe gives you a handbook for discovering the spiritual power of consistent incremental change in your life. I highly recommend it!”

Dave Ferguson, Lead Pastor - Community Christian Church Author - B.L.E.S.S. 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World

“No matter how good a book, I can’t recommend it unless I can personally recommend the author. Because Steve Poe is the real deal, I jumped at the chance to recommend his book Creatures of Habit. It’s an important, valuable, and relevant book.

Brad Powell, lead pastor of Northridge Church and author of Change Your Church for Good

"Has your world felt uncertain in the last year or so? Whose hasn't? If you're like me, you're probably looking for ways to form habits that can bring normalcy and positive direction to your life. Pastor Steve Poe has given the world a gift in Creatures of Habit. It's not just a book to give you discipline, but is a book about forming habits that are grounded in a Jesus centered life. Find a copy. Read it today. And you will find direction and blessing."

William Vanderbloemen, Founder and CEO Vanderbloemen Search Group