FIGHT THE RIGHT FIGHT: Why Winning Arguments Can Still Cost You Souls

Over the last few years, I’ve noticed something troubling in the Church. We seem angry.

Not burdened.

Not brokenhearted.

Not moved with compassion.

Angry.

Scroll through social media for five minutes and you’ll see it. Turn on cable news and you’ll see it. Sit through a family gathering during election season and you’ll definitely see it. Everybody is fighting. Christians are fighting culture. Culture is fighting Christians. Families are fighting families. Friends are fighting friends. Everybody seems to be carrying a sword, and very few people seem to be carrying a towel.

Church, Leadership, Life, PodcastTrevor DeVageJune 16, 2026rescue, fight, church, jesus, leaderComment

The Myth of Being Good: Why Rescue is Essential for Wholeness

The Problem With Being “Good”

One of the most dangerous lies in our culture sounds incredibly harmless. In fact, you’ve probably heard it this week. Maybe you’ve even said it. “He’s a good guy.” “She’s a good person.” We hear it at funerals. We hear it at family gatherings. We hear it when conversations start moving toward faith and someone wants to redirect them toward something more comfortable. “He was a good man.” “She was a good woman.”

Church, Leadership, Life, PodcastTrevor DeVageJune 9, 2026rescue, church, hope, jesus, leaderComment

WHY REAL CHRISTIANS RUN TOWARD THE FIRE

Occasionally, a verse grabs hold of your soul and refuses to let go. For me, that verse is Jude 23: “Rescue others by snatching them from the fire.”

Not encourage them from a distance.

Not observe them from a safe place.

Not post about them online.

Rescue them.

Snatch them.

Pull them back from destruction.

It’s active. It’s urgent. It’s messy. It’s costly.

Honestly, I think we’ve forgotten just how radical that calling really is.

Church, Leadership, Life, PodcastTrevor DeVageJune 3, 2026church, church leaders, faith, jesus, hope, rescue, smoke, bible, leadershipComment

The Cost of Obedience: Counting the Price in Our Rescue Mission

In the ever-evolving journey of leadership, understanding the true cost of obedience is paramount. Today, I want to delve into what it truly means to be committed to a mission, a cause, or a calling—particularly when that mission involves rescuing others from the metaphorical flames of judgment, as inspired by Jude 23, my life verse.

The Smells Like Smoke Journey

Welcome to the Smells Like Smoke podcast blog. My name is Trevor DeVage, your host and guide on this journey of transformation and redemption. We've rebranded from "The Make" to "Smells Like Smoke"—a nod to a deeper, more resonant understanding of our purpose. This voyage that began with sermons and scriptures has now led to my first book titled "Smells Like Smoke," which encapsulates years of reflection.

Church, Life, PodcastTrevor DeVageMay 25, 2026jesus, rescue, podcast, christian, christianity, hope, church, church leadersComment

IS EASTER THE BEAUTIFUL LETDOWN?

My dad, calling Monday to check up on me and our weekend, offered a word of encouragement. “The Monday after Easter is a beautiful letdown,” he said, and I knew what he meant.

After the emotional high of Good Friday and Easter-morning services . . .

After all the weeks and weeks of planning every element to perfectly communicate truth and hope. . .

After the energy spent setting up, tweaking technology, and expending every possible ounce of energy again and again for the several services and every age group in multiple locations . . .

It was good to rest.

I thought about the day after Christmas or the day after our wedding. Such days are often just another normal day, except we’re more tired than usual. But I’m pretty sure we shouldn’t settle for that after Easter.

Actually, Monday was a celebration for me. The tomb was still empty Monday. It will still be empty this Sunday. In fact, the empty tomb of Christ will remain as proof of his power and provision until the day I die. And it seems to me we should see the days after Easter as a beautiful opportunity. The ground has been plowed. Now is the time to nurture growth and hope in the hearts of all those quickened by the message of Jesus.

Church, Leadership, LifeTrevor DeVageApril 7, 2021jesus, easter, notjustanothersunday, lead, leader, church, church leaders, cross, beautiful, opportunityComment

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