A Strong Connection

As training camps and preseason games have taken place over the past month, one of the primary goals for each team is to get its players on the same page. Specifically, the quarterbacks must establish a strong connection with their pass catchers.

In some cases, quarterbacks have new weapons to build a relationship with, while others are attempting to develop chemistry after a change in head coach or offensive coordinator. The coaches are trying to help their quarterbacks establish a rhythm in the offense and strengthen their ability to connect well with the pass catchers.

When we watch a game, it is clear when an offense is clicking and the quarterback and wide receiver are in sync, keeping the ball moving down the field. It's evident when a receiver is running the right routes and experiencing a good rhythm with his quarterback.

There isn't always a ton to take away from the preseason, but even in these games, one thing that jumps off the screen is how well a quarterback connects with his pass catchers.

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears quarterback, was impressive over the weekend as he demonstrated his connection with both tight ends Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland, as well as wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus.

The 49ers took on the Raiders, and on ESPN.com, Nick Wagoner recapped the game by writing, "Quarterback Brock Purdy and receiver Ricky Pearsall carried their training camp connection into this one, connecting three times for 42 yards on the opening drive before Purdy & Co. called it a day."

Down in Atlanta, Michael Penix is trying to become the franchise quarterback for the Falcons, and he's been developing a connection with his teammates by playing golf with them.

In talking about how he's been able to connect with tight end Kyle Pitts, Penix said, "I feel like our connection is great, not just what we've been doing so far on the field, but off the field as well because of that."

Once the regular season begins, the teams that experience a fruitful season will undoubtedly be able to attribute their success to the strong connection the quarterback has with their offense.

What about in our own lives? Do we have strong connections with friends, spouses, family members, neighbors, and co-workers? What are we doing to develop those relationships, and are we working to align with them?

Or do we feel disconnected and out of sync with people? Are we willing to take the necessary steps to cultivate a connection with those we need to?

More importantly, how is our connection with Jesus? Is it evident that we are on the same page with Him? Does our life reflect a deep bond with Him? Are we building a meaningful relationship with Him and walking with Him daily? Are we in sync and "running the right routes" and experiencing a good rhythm with him?

We will experience a strong connection with Jesus when we remain committed to seeking Him, obeying Him, and enjoying Him. He is the source of life and the spiritual fruit we desire.

Jesus says in John 15:4-5 (AMP) "Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the Vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing."

1 John 3:24 (AMP) tells us, "The one who habitually keeps His commandments [obeying His Word and following His precepts, abides and] remains in Him, and He in him. By this we know and have the proof that He [really] abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us [as a gift]."

Today, let's evaluate whether we're truly connecting with God and if there is evidence that we are walking in step with Him. If we sense we haven't been clicking lately and our fellowship with Him has been lacking, then let us return to Him.

Thankfully, He hasn't gone anywhere and desires for us to remain in Him, connected in vital union, and on the same page.

As we continue to build and strengthen our connection with Him, and establish a good rhythm of prayer, worship, and reading God's Word, and rely on the Holy Spirit within us, the fruit of the Spirit in our lives will be evident. Our love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control will "jump off the screen."

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire a deep connection with You and Jesus and want to live a Spirit-filled life. I know I can do nothing apart from Jesus and want to remain connected and in a good rhythm with Him. Help me to walk in obedience to Your Word and continue to build my life with You as the foundation and the relationship I invest the most into. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.