Sheriff: about your point "please do not believe as a result of this miracle" is well taken. But on the other hand, one must not be too rigid and ignore the obvious facts before them. Have you heard the story of Jesus fed thousands with five loaves of bread and two fish ? Is there any logic or "chemical effects" that can explain that ??? This miracle oil event that is unfolding before us now is very similar to that. It is obviously a miracle. As I mentioned I have seen other miracles as well. I think miracles are the only true signature of God the creator in which God proves and reveal/communicate to His creation that He is the boss. But if we choose to ignore this important revelation provided by God, then we ignore God in a way.

I agree that relationship with God is the most important thing rather than the miracles itself. However, the important question is whether that being that you have relationship with is a true God or an imaginary one or worse, the devil himself inside the person. The bible clearly teaches us that one of the BIG sign of a genuine believer is that signs and wonders shall follow them. And their life reflects Jesus' teachings. It's like if you are a close friend with Bill Gates, occasionally Mr. Bill will do something extraordinary through you because he is so powerful and rich.

We are living in the times of miracles right now. It should not be too hard to believe in Jesus. Many spectacular healings and miracles were done through the name of Jesus. God chooses His miracles and He does it by His own free will not because we expect Him to do certain things. One can complain all they want why such miracles are chosen and not others. But the plain fact is they are true miracles that can be only performed by an intelligent being (creator) who is in complete control of the law of nature instead of controlled by it.

Regarding strong belief: well, I rather have the RIGHT belief than the WRONG belief that I hold so tightly. Miracles are not the end but is a means to an end. By believing in miracles of God I was delivered from an acute allergy that caused me to have skin rash all over my body that caused many cuts and open sores for many months in an instant. Thank goodness for miracles.