FIRE! FIRE!! - DAILY DEVOTIONAL

“And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hasted and set the city on fire”. Joshua 8:19

A newspaper report told the story of a family that lost two kids in a fire incident in Nigeria in November, 2009. It was during the FIFA organised under-17 World Cup Championship and the father had gone to watch Nigeria play Honduras. The match was played late in the evening. Because there was no electricity supply and his kids were sleeping, the man lit a candle and left it with the children. Unfortunately before he could return from the football match, the candle had melted and started a fire in the house. “Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (James 3:5)
Fire is a dangerous thing to play with. The elementary lesson we all learnt in our childhood is never to play with lighters like matches. Joshua fought the city of Ai with fire. Samson fought the Philistines by setting fire on their farms. Fire can destroy a lot of good things and we should all learn how to prevent them because playing with fire cause hundreds of deaths and injuries each year. Small children and youths are most likely to play with matches and lighters, and are most likely to die in them.  Below are some safety tips to prevent fire outbreak in your home and school:
•    Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.
•    Never use lighters or matches as a source of amusement for children; they may imitate you.
•    If your younger ones express curiosity about fire or have been playing with fire, calmly but firmly explain that matches and lighters are not toys but are meant for adult's use.
•    Teach young children to tell an adult if they see matches or lighters.
•    Never leave matches or lighters in a bedroom or any place where children may go without supervision.
•    Do not smoke or carry matches on your person.
•    Avoid the use of candlelight in your homes because it is potentially dangerous to do so.

CULLED FROM HIGHER EVERYDAY DEVOTIONAL 2012
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