The Buddhist scriptures are quite vast and multifarious dealing with the physical and meta-physical to the path of the spiritual. On one hand, you can simply take the teachings of the Buddha as a philosophy, i.e. a way of life, and be totally dogmatic. That is an extremely valid path, as these teachings are the central core of Buddhism.
Buddhist texts have plenty of references to gods. Note the use of the word god in small letter, and pluralized. The god concept in Buddhism does not refer to an all-powerful divine Lord, as the Christians and Muslims know it. In Buddhism, god simply refers to a state of being, another form of rebirth, on a higher plane of existence.
Regarding incense sticks and fruits placed before the images of Buddha, just look beyond the physical here, and consider the representation. Another act of representation is bowing; it instils humility.
The image? This is basically a human phenomenon. People need physical representation, for various purposes - could be for focus and concentration, could be for relief. People need representation of their faith and belief.
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