I like the NIV myself for my personal bible study...
Ok.....I really need to have a personal bible reading again with no ones ideas but my own. Just me God and the bible!
I do the exact same thing myself.
Here's a good tip that I often use when I study the scriptures...
John 14 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Before I open the Bible, I ask God to send His Holy Spirit to help me learn and understand His word. Since the Bible says...
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is GodÂbreathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
(Whole Chapter: 2 Timothy 3 In context: 2 Timothy 3:15-17)
Greek: Godbreathed means inspired by the Holy Spirit. Since the Holy Spirit authered the Bible, He's the best source to go to when you have trouble understanding His word. It works great for me everytime. You'll see what I mean when you do that, it's amazing. I've learned not to rely on man anymore, but reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Also pick up the Concordance, that will help you alot look up Hebrew and Greek words so you can get a better look from the original translation. I love the Strong's Concordance. Here's one online...
http://www.eliyah.com/lexicon.html
I wish you luck on your studies and endevors.
Yizuman