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 a deletion instruction to delete the message if the message is not delivered to the wireless device. The wireless network or gateway attempts to deliver the message to the wireless device over the wireless network or determines whether the wireless device is capable of receiving the message, and carries out the expiration instruction by deleting the message.