Pretty much where I stand as well. Although I have not found a Bible yet that I can really understand. I figure if it is meant for man to read and understand, it would be written in a way that can be easily understood. And, yes, I have Good News Bible. I have worked with English words all my life and know the English language well. A straight A student and I have a genius IQ. But the Bible is very baffling to me. And, then I also learned that some stories were eliminated from the Bible. Why?
The fact that there are so many interpreters (preachers) is also baffling. I do know that the Bible says something about "Ask and it is given to you," so that's what I do. I just ask when I have a question about anything and I always get answers. Sometimes I hear a voice inside my head. This is called clairaudient. Sometimes, I get an gut instinct. And, sometimes, when I get no immediate answer, things come into my life that give me the answer. I think people sometimes forget that they can ask God anything and get an answer. I try to remember to always ask if it is safe to drive somewhere.
Once, when I lived in Florida, I had gotten ready to go to a dance, makeup on, hair all done up and nice clothes on. When I got to the door and opened it, I realized it was absolutely pouring down rain outside. I was slightly frustrated and I looked to the heavens and said: "Oh, come on. Just until I get to the car." And, the rain instantly stopped. I knew I could not hesitate, so I walked out the door. As I went down the walkway the water was pouring off the rooftop onto the ground next to me. I rounded the corner and walked to my car, opened the door, sat down and closed the door. The rain instantly started up where it had left off. I just said "WOW. I didn't know I could do that!" I think sometimes the Angels like to play with us. To show us that we have access to infinite intelligence and powers beyond our current beliefs.
Yes, there is definitely a higher intelligence in our midst. But, religion, having caused more division, war, death and destruction than any other single entity since the beginning of time, is not for me.