An apparatus and method for sending a message to a wireless device over a wireless network includes receiving the message transmitted over an external network in communication with the wireless network or a gateway in the network. The message includes an expiration instruction and expiration information indicating a time after which the message is not to be delivered to the wireless device. The wireless network or gateway attempts to deliver the message to the wireless device over the wireless network, and carries out the expiration instruction by deleting the message at the time indicated by the expiration information.