I had a couple of really valuable suggestions from friends/teachers/ministers
early on in regard to bible study.

1) Get away from distractions.

2) Pray for understanding. My pastor used to say that
the Bible is a spiritual book that can only be
viewed with spiritual eyes and an open heart.

3) Read the Bible. That seems rather obvious
but most Bible students at one time or another get caught up
in books about the Bible and spend little time in the Bible itself. Supplements
can be helpful but don't let some author interpret (water down) the
Bible for you. Read it yourself and let the
Holy Spirit guide you.

4) Start with one of the shorter books in the NewTestament.
This was helpful to me in the beginning.
I looked at that seemingly giant book and figured that I would never read it cover to cover.
Reading one of the smaller books was a little more pheasable for me.

5) Keep a notebook. Record your thoughts, key scriptures, related analogies etc...

These are some very basic guidelines. Hope this little list helps...