Editor's Note: A lot of times, when we ask artists to share about their albums with a song-by-song piece, they'll usually dedicate a few sentences to each song. The boys of Carrollton are so pumped about their new album, Everything or Nothing, and have given us a number of mini-devotionals they wanted to share with you. Enjoy this two-part series, and then make sure you listen to the new record (Spotify / Apple Music). 

Thanks for wanting to hear more about the songs on our new album, Everything or Nothing. We hope these encourage your soul. All four of us write all our songs together, so we decided to each share a bit about these songs. We've also included a short prayer to go along with each song. We hope you find those useful as you walk this road with us.
"Glimpses" (by Michael)
This idea for "Glimpses" came after reading the book Glimpses of God by Scott Walker. In this book he beautifully recounts stories from his personal life where he found God in the most simple, ordinary things. It resonated with us so much because too many times we get hung up on finding/seeing God in pivotal moments of our life, when in reality He is constantly revealing His beauty to us every single day, sometimes in the most common of things. We just want to have open eyes and ears to see and hear our God, the creator and holder of all.

Lord, give us eyes and awareness to not miss you today. May we search for you and find you. Thank you for being a God who reveals yourself, who wants to be known, and who is active in the here and now. May we practice your presence throughout our days, doing everything to the glory of you. Amen.

"Shelter" (by Justin)
The song, "Shelter" is a declaration of one of the promises of God we've found in our faith: those who've walked this sacred path, who've gone before us, have searched for and found a God who is all-powerful, like a mighty fortress, and a God who's near, like a shelter. We see this reality written in Psalm 91:1-2. I've found there's a sacred moment when all my plans fade and crumble, and my eyes begin to see that all the things I'm holding on to actually have no weight at all. That is the moment I rediscover the One who is as strong as a fortress and as close as a true and trustworthy shelter. That's a promise I'm trying to stand on daily.

God Almighty, my fortress and my shelter. Thank you for being present and strong. Your presence and power produce trust and courage in my soul. Whatever I face as the day unfolds, I trust you are with me. I breathe you in as rest for my soul and breathe out praise and joy. Amen.
 
"Stand My Ground" (by Jordan)
"Stand My Ground" is a reminder that no matter what we try to do for the Kingdom, if we don't love the people around us first, the "big" things we try to accomplish are meaningless. Before we do anything else we are called to love each other the way that Christ loves us. (1 Corinthians 13 / 1 John 3:16)
Lord Jesus, teach us to love. May everything I do today be a response to your love. Help me treat everyone I meet today as a beautiful image bearer of yours. Teach me to love. Amen.

"Everything or Nothing" (by Justin)
For us "Everything or Nothing" represents the sacrifice that the best things in life require of us. We're either all in or not in at all. No dream is worth pursuing half-way. No half-hearted adventure is worth taking. We're all four married to amazing wives, so this song represents our continued commitment and awakening to giving everything we have to Christ so that we can also give everything we have to our wives and kids.

Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us what love looks like. Showing us what sacrifice means. Draw me deeper and deeper into the present moment, to give myself fully to what I'm doing and who I'm with. Give me courage to love deeply, risk greatly, pursue passionately, and give myself fully to what you've laid in front of me today. I surrender all I am to you. Amen.

"Giving All to You" (by Justin)
This is an ongoing prayer and confession of ours that harkens back to our older song, "You Are Faithful." It's a very present and honest song for us right now as we continue to learn what it means to trust God - to walk obediently and serve Him faithfully. In this specific season of life, I'm learning what it means to actually wait (with joy and not grumbling or worry - not easy) on God - to allow Him to direct my paths. 

With open hands Lord I release my ways and plans. I'm speechless because of who you are. I sit in this moment to listen not to talk. Patiently waiting for you. I give myself and my attention to this day, placing my full trust in you my King, my Guide. Amen.

(Don't forget to check out Part 2!)